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Social Security Lawyers in Lewisville, Texas | Lewisville, TX Social Security Attorneys | Denton County, Texas SSI SSDI Law Firms
Lewisville Texas Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help
Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from being able to support yourself? Social Security disability income (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI),were created for individuals who are not able to work due to a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system is complicated and not easy to understand. Whether you are a first time applicant or you have been previously rejected for SSI and/or SSDI, an experienced Lewisville Social Security lawyer can help you. Help is around the corner. Contact an experienced Lewisville social security lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire in this site. This will start the process to get you the Social Security disability benefits you need to survive.
Am I Entitled to Social Security Benefits? The SSI and SSDI Programs At a Glance
If you have already applied for Social Security benefits and your claim was denied, you are among the majority. Roughly 65% - 75% of Social Security applications are not approved annually. Increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful by contacting an experienced Lewisville Social Security attorney. Your Social Security lawyer should have the necessary experience to know how to argue your case effectively. This may include working with your doctors, or other methods that can help you make out your case to the Social Security review board. Successful claimants receive critical monthly payments from the federal government. SSI recipients can receive a monthly payment, food stamps, and potentially Medicaid to cover health care costs. SSDI recipients receive monthly payments based on the amount they paid into the system, among other factors. Also, SSDI recipients sometimes qualify for Medicare.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Qualified Lewisville Social Security Attorney?
You may be surprised to learn that hiring a Social Security attorney is quite affordable, even without a source of income. Most Social Security attorneys work on a "contingency" basis: meaning that they only get paid if your claim is successful. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a Social Security lawyer. The US government limits how much a Social Security lawyer can charge you. They are limited to charging the lesser of: 25% of the back pay awarded to you, or a maximum of $6,000. Thus, if you are awarded $50,000 in back pay, the maximum your attorney can charge is $6,000, even though 25% of $50,000 is $12,500. Don't let another day go by without the help you need. Contact an experienced Lewisville Social Security lawyer today. All you need to do is fill out the questionnaire on this webpage today.
Do I qualify for SSI and/or SSDI?
The Social Security system was created to provide disability payments to some of our most vulnerable citizens: Americans who are not able to work due to an injury. In order to qualify for Social Security the injury must keep you from working for at least a year or more. Under the Social Security system, there are two disability programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both are explained below.
1. How is disability defined in Lewisville, Texas? - In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration's
standard for disability.
a. The term disability is defined as being unable to engage in "substantial gainful activity" [SGA] due to a of a physical or mental impairment which has lasted
- or is expected to last - for a minimum of 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
2. Is working in Lewisville, Texas a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Lewisville and the work meets the definition of
substantial gainful activity, you are considered able to work and, therefore, you are not disabled and would not qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
In 2012, if you earn more than $1010 per month (after taxes), you are probably not eligible for Social Security, unless there special circumstances exist.
3. Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - In order to be considered severely impaired, you must have a medical problem that significantly limits your physical or
mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or result in death.
4. Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA's Listed Impairments? - The Social Security Administration (SSA) has promulgated a list of medical conditions
["Listing of Impairments."] of such great severity that the SSA considers people who with the conditions disabled;
1. If your condition is not included in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, you have to ask yourself the following question in regard to obtaining Social Security
Disability Benefits:
1. Am I able to do the same type of work I was able to do before the onset of the disability? - If the SSA determines that you are able to continue doing the same
work as you did before your medical condition you may have difficulty proving eligibility. The measure of how capable you are at doing your job after the
onset of your disability as opposed to before the onset of the disability is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). In determining your eligibility for
benefits, the SSA compares your current RFC with the physical and mental demands of your past jobs. If you are physically and mentally able to do a job that
you have held within the last fifteen years, then SSA considers you "not disabled." If you are not able to perform any of your past jobs,
then ask yourself:
5. Despite Your Medical Condition, Can You Do Other Work? - If you are unable to perform work similar to what you have done in the past, then the SSA will
determine whether you are able to perform other types of work rather than collect benefits.
Can Children in Lewisville Qualify for Disability Benefits? Yes, but What is the Criteria?
Financially, needy children under age 18 who have serious medical conditions may be eligible for Children's SSI. A child is disabled for SSI if the child is not working and earning more than the SGA level and has a medical condition or combination of conditions that cause "marked and severe functional limitations." Medical evidence documenting the child's medical condition is essential.
Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? Work with an Experienced Lewisville Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately
If an American is disabled and has previously paid into the social security system through their taxes, he or she may qualify for SSDI. In addition, the government also requires you to have worked a percentage of the previous years, depending on your age. Some SSDI claimants also qualify for Medicare if they are disabled under the SSDI program for 2 years. Learn more about how the law applies to your case by contacting an experienced Lewisville SSDI lawyer.
Do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)program was designed to provide a minimum threshold of income to those who are not able to earn a living because they are disabled, blind, or 65 years of age and older. Those who qualify receive a monthly check (usually for much less money than SSDI benefits). If you receive SSI, you may also receive additional benefits from your state. Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income claims are paid from general tax revenues. Thus, you do not need to have paid into the social security system to qualify for SSI payments. Those who qualify for SSI may also qualify for Medicaid. To learn more, please fill out the form on this webpage to contact an experienced Lewisville SSI attorney.
How do I Apply for Social Security and What Can I Expect? - Lewisville Social Security Disability Application and Appeals Attorneys
You can begin the application process for Social Security benefits online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer before you will receive a decision on your eligibility for Social Security. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits. Having an attorney to represent you in the appeal is very preferable. Contact an Lewisville Social Security attorney today to discuss your appeal.
Below is a list of some of the illnesses and injuries that have qualified for a disability under Social Security:
Personality Disorders
Ischemic Heart Disease
Parkinsonian syndrome
Anterior poliomyelitis
Aneurysm of aorta or major branches
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Immune deficiency disorders
Sjogren's syndrome
Lung Transplant
Coagulation defects
Non-mosaic Down syndrome
Cancer of the Pancreas
Local SSA Office in Lewisville, TX
Social Security Office
2201 Colorado Boulevard
Denton, Texas 76205
(888) 717-1530
Low Cost Hospitals
HSNT Medical Center
4310 Mesa Drive
Denton, Texas 76207
(940) 387-5788
The Nelson Center
4601 N Interstate 35
Denton, Texas 76207
(940) 381-1501
Pharmacies in and near Lewisville, TX
Community Care Compounding Pharmacy
1301 Justin Road 212
Lewisville, Texas 75077
(972) 317-5599
Lewisville Medical Pharmacy
560 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75057
(972) 906-0800
CVS Pharmacy
1116 W Main Street
Lewisville, Texas 75067
(972) 436-3553
Family Pharmacy
502 S Old Orchard Lane, Suite 128
Lewisville, Texas 75067
(972) 906-0067
Lewisville Weather (Monthly Averages)
|Avg. High (F)
|Avg. Low (F)
|Avg. Precipitation (in)
Lewisville social security attorneys serve clients throughout Central Texas, including Argyle, Allen, Aubrey, Bartonville, Bolivar, Carrollton, Celina, Colleyville, Copper Canyon, Corinth, Corral City, Cross Roads, Decatur, Denton, Dish, Double Oak, Era, Flower Mound, Frisco, Grapevine, Hackberry, Haslet, Hebron, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Justin, Keller, Krugerville, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lakewood Village, Lewisville, Lincoln Park, Little Elm, McKinney, New Fairview, Northlake, Oak Point, Pilot Point, Plano, Ponder, Prosper, Roanoke, Rosston, Sanger, Shady Shores, Southlake, The Colony, Trophy Club, Valley View and other communities in Denton County.


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|Ribbon Falls (1,612 feet) just west of El Capitan. The colorful red trees aren't fall colors; they're conifers killed by California's extended drought.
Which brings us to Yosemite Valley. I've been up to the park twice in the last month, but Mrs. Geotripper wasn't able to come along, so I didn't argue at all on Sunday when she said "Let's go". I wrote a recent blog showing off some of the beautiful waterfalls that made the valley famous ("Yosemite's Dance of the Seven Veils"), but this trip I was realizing that Yosemite's junior varsity waterfalls are as good as any other valley around. You might miss them if you visit in the summer, but they are stunning when you get a chance to see them.
|Ribbon Fall
|Lehamite Falls (1,180 feet/360 m)
|Cascade Falls
|Upper Wildcat Falls
Silver Strand was almost completely obscured by the low cloud deck on Sunday, so I've included a picture from our trip a week ago when the skies were clear.
|Silver Strand falls in the sunlight (sort of)
Yosemite's waterfalls are without compare. There are many more that I didn't get pictures of last week, including the Widow's Tears (1,170 feet/360 m), Horsetail Falls (2,130 feet/650 m), Illilouette Fall (370 feet/110 m), Snow Creek Falls (2,140 feet/653 m), Nevada Fall (594-foot/181 m), Vernal Fall (317-foot/96.6 m), and the many unnamed falls and cascades that occur at this time of year. It's like they say, "when it rains (or snows), they pour"!

subset: commoncrawl


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Takasago Singapore Organization
Takasago Singapore has an experienced in-house staff of cleanroom engineers and construction specialists. The staff is extremely knowledgeable in cleanroom design and have vast experience in various types of cleanroom construction.
Our total staff strength stands at 60 technical and 20 support staff. Turnover is low, with more than 50% of the staff having been with Takasago Singapore for more than 10 years. Customers can expect the same level of commitment and dedication from the staff, with the confidence of engineering experience that has evolved and continued since 1974, when Takasago first started business in Singapore.


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Behind the Book Cover Part 1: Design on a Budget
Designing the cover for The Unburned Island has been a ride. It's taking me over a month. It's one of the hardest designs I've worked on. I'm close to being finished but I'm having trouble getting the right font color.
I started this process with some rough sketches to get an idea of what I wanted to design. The first time I tried this. I used to draw when I was a kid but I stopped for some reason. While sketching, I researched paranormal fantasy covers to get some inspiration and to check out trends in images, type and color.
Here's what I found:
- Most have people, females, on the cover
- The type varies but they usually have a magical or dark feel
- The color scheme is usually black, white, blue or purple or some combination of those color
- The covers have an illustration/otherworldly feel
At first, I was leaning towards a cover with a person on it because it matches other paranormal books. The problem: this is going to be a series. I had to think about how I would recreate the design. If the first cover in a series has a person on it, that same model should be on the cover of every book in the series, usually in different poses or colors.
I thought about using this design, which I actually created as premade book cover to sell.
If I used this cover, I'd have to take is off the market. Had to think about it. Also, I couldn't find stock images of this model in different poses. I could use the same image but then I run the risk of the series covers all looking too similar. I searched for other images but couldn't find any that I liked. In any case, my funds are dry so can't afford to buy images.
In the end, I decided to go with a typography heavy design. I always wanted to create something like that anyway. Many sites have some nice free royalty free fonts.
My favorites are:
Font Squirrel
1001 Fonts
Adobe Typekit
This is a design on a small budget, sort of. Adobe Creative Suite isn't cheap. This design took the longest but, compared to my other covers, this one was cheaper.
Since I want to have some fun with type, it was time for more sketching. I found this kinda relaxing.
I did this to brainstorm how I could arrange the fonts. I created a Pinterest board for book covers with nice fonts to get some ideas. In the end, I decided to go with a simple arrangement.
This was my first idea:
Combining one of my initial ideas with some dramatic typography.
Too much horror and not enough fantasy. The Unburned Island is set in a fantasy world. I don't want people looking at the cover and assuming it's a straight horror story.
I've actually been having trouble categorizing this story. The characters are paranormal investigators. Each story in the series will be a new case. These investigators have powers, some are even shifters. The closest genre I thought of was paranormal fantasy:
Fantasy that often includes elements of the occult, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beasties from modern folklore. Usually (but not always) takes place in an urban setting. May also include Fantastical Romance elements or incorporate the detective genre. - See more at: http://bestfantasybooks.com/fantasy-genre.php#paranormal-fantasyThe story doesn't quite fit into this category, though. It has mythical beasties from modern folklore but I didn't rely on the lore. I made up my own. I don't want people coming into my story thinking they'll read about vampires, witches and werewolves. The Unburned Island has non-shifter magic users but they don't call themselves wizards or witches.
Come to think it, my main genre, dark fantasy would be good too:
A fantasy subgenre that combines elements of fantasy with horror. Dark fantasy is often used to refer to horror fantasy and include stories about demonic creatures, mummies, vampires, and the like. - See more at: http://bestfantasybooks.com/fantasy-genre.php#dark-fantasy#Paranormal gets more engagement on Instagram and Twitter. Dark fantasy is more buzzwordy than paranormal fantasy- it was easier to research the former. I'll use both. The cover trends are similar anyway. Genre is important because it helps you determine how you'd market/position your books.
I'm ready to be done with this cover. Maybe I need to take a short break from it to get some perspective.
Tune in next week to see the final version of this cover.
If you're on Pinterest, check out The Unburned Island board to visit the world and the characters from my story.


text: Subscribe to our newsletter This thingy has to be empti pwieshh Aug 20, 2017 Here's One Way Therapy's Helped My Career - Just Rolling with It Weekly (copy) Revue Ideas on balancing entrepreneurial drive with wellness, bringing to life new ideas while living well Just Rolling with It August 20 · Issue #14 · View online Pursuing our dreams, not theirs. Ideas on balancing entrepreneurial drive with wellness, bringing to life new ideas while living well ourselves and making space for what matters in a well balanced life. Hi,I see a therapist once a week. I've been doing this for almost four years now. Here's my old view of therapy - Who, me? I don't need to see a therapist. There's nothing WRONG with me!Today I talk about going to therapy openly, freely and without shame. My therapist's become an essential resource on this Just Rolling with It journey.I still don't "get" how the process works. I'm convinced it does though!A concrete example's emerged. I thought it would be beneficial to share it with you. I started exploring blockchain technologies about a year ago. My therapist asked me about it during a session. My response was filled with excitement and optimism.Then she asked me about the other work I was doing at the time. That response wasn't filled with the same emotions.Before Just Rolling with It, I would have ignored this contrast. I used to think work had to make me miserable, after all. That therapy session happened about the same time I reset my expectations about work and happiness. I was starting to believe the work I do could make me happy.Happiness and work didn't have to be separate things anymore.Last week I attended the Ethereum Name Service Workshop. If you don't know, Ethereum is a blockchain technology. I'm starting to do more and more work in the blockchain space. This work is making me feel happy. That moment in therapy, where I realized my enthusiasm for blockchain work, played a big part in this evolution.This is one concrete example I give when people ask me why I go to therapy. I feel grateful for it.What are your views on therapy? Do you see going as a sign of weakness or strength? Drop me a line by replying to this email, if you're comfortable sharing them!Catch you next week,Chris Image of the Week Feeling Grateful for a Beach Day with the Family in Brooklyn and Queens Current Reading List The Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion (The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma #2) by Chögyam Trungpa www.goodreads.com – Share The Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion has 68 ratings and 6 reviews. Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity by David Whyte www.goodreads.com – Share Crossing the Unknown Sea has 590 ratings and 81 reviews. Music of the Week CLASSIC! STONE LOVE 1990 FEAT. DENNIS BROWN, SANCHEZ, COCO TEA, SINGING MELODY & TRISTAN PALMER by soundtape.com soundcloud.com – Share Stream CLASSIC! STONE LOVE 1990 FEAT. DENNIS BROWN, SANCHEZ, COCO TEA, SINGING MELODY & TRISTAN PALMER by soundtape.com from desktop or your mobile device. Podcast of the Week #65 - What You Choose to Become - with Derek Flanzraich - Reboot www.reboot.io – Share The Reboot podcast showcases the heart and soul, the wins and losses, the ups and downs of startup leadership. On the show, Entrepreneurs, CEO's, and Startup Leaders discuss with Jerry Colonna the emotional and psychological challenges they face daily as leaders. Did you enjoy this issue? If you don't want these updates anymore, please unsubscribe here. If you were forwarded this newsletter and you like it, you can subscribe here. Powered by Revue Share Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter This thingy has to be empti pwieshh


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Okay kids, life is messy and a paper towel won't always clean it up.
In the past thirty days I have moved to Chattanooga, TN. I can't even put into words the complicated mess that required in the actual details of the move. The challenge of transitioning from a "professional" job. The trauma of moving my mom into assisted living in Tenn. Make a note that this was the best decision I have ever made.
The past year has almost destroyed me in making my way through the stress and drama required to close one chapter of my life and begin a new one. It has been difficult to impossible to write at times yet somehow I have clawed my way through continuing to make baby steps forward.
Each moment I think I am turning a bend only to find white water and more drama to deal with ahead. I am looking forward and not back. I have goals and plans for a future I am determined to build for myself and my loved ones. I am relentless if nothing else and a survivor.
A new week begins. I am on the search for hotties to put on Fantasy Man Monday again. Words tease my mind with a lure to write. Life is good.


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Greece to present reforms package by Monday: government spokesman
[ATHENS] Greece will present its proposed package of reforms to its euro zone partners by next Monday in hopes they will release much needed cash, its government spokesman said on Tuesday.
"It will be done at the latest by Monday," government spokesman told Mega TV.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday but it was unclear if they had narrowed differences on economic reforms Athens must implement to win urgently to get fresh aid from its creditors.
Mr Sakellaridis said the package of reforms Athens will propose will not contain recessionary measures but structural changes.
He said Mr Tsipras and Dr Merkel on Monday discussed the outline of the reforms but did not go into depth. "I believe points of convergence were found," Mr Sakellaridis said.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), says it is still waiting for another meeting proposed by the Federal Government, to discuss the way forward concerning the ongoing lecturers' strike.
The ASUU National President, Dr Nasir Fagge, said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Lagos.
ASUU had on July 1, embarked on what it described as a "comprehensive, total and indefinite" nationwide strike.
The lecturers are protesting the non-implementation of an aspect of the agreement they entered into with the federal government since 2009.
According to Fagge, the Minister of Education and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), after the last meeting they held with ASUU, promised to convene another one.
He said that they were waiting to hear from the government officials.
"We shall continue to wait for them until they are ready to putin place a lasting solution to the current issue, so that our children and the lecturers alike can go back to school."
Fagge said that plans by other labour unions in the academic community to also embark on strike over non-implementation of agreements by the federal government would further jeopardise the sector.
"This is an indication that government is not doing what is right and until government starts looking at agreement as a product of collective bargaining, we shall keep having problems." (NAN)
Stay updated with all Nigeria University news, Polytechnic news, Post-Utme and more; Join/Like Us now on Facebook and twitter
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Temperatures across North Texas continue to climb to dangerous levels. The first Excessive Heat Warning of the summer was issued Sunday and lasts until Thursday.
Twelve heat-related deaths have been reported in Dallas County this year. Victims were between the ages of 40 and 90.
County officials are urging residents to check on the elderly during the heat wave. "This is a personal responsibility, that I'm challenging during this extreme heat conditions, that we need churches, civic groups and neighbors to check on their neighbors," said Zach Thompson with Dallas County Health and Human Services.
The latest news from around North Texas.
Dallas County health officials have donated and installed more than 400 window air-conditioning units for people in need, and the county's hotline receives about 300 calls a day asking for air-conditioners or assistance with electric bills.
"It's important to remember, in this heat especially, that fans are not protective against heat-related illness once the temperature exceeds 90 degrees and the humidity is over 35 percent," said DCHHS medical director Dr. Steven Harris.
People should only call 214-819-6001 if they are in dire need and their homes do not have working A/C units. Officials said they've been bombarded with calls from people wanting a second or third A/C unit, instead of hearing from people in crisis.
Water and electricity usage is soaring as a result, prompting the state's electricity grid manager to ask Texans to conserve energy during the hottest part of the day.
Nighttime temperatures aren't bringing much relief because of the miles of heat-absorbing concrete. Early Tuesday morning, it was 83 in Dallas. A daytime high of 109 was expected Thursday.
Cooling Centers Open Across North Texas
Dallas County is activating its "Beat the Heat Centers," offering cold water, snacks and most importantly air conditioning. The facilities are sponsored by Reliant Energy and are open through Sept. 30.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
West Dallas Multipurpose Center
2828 Fish Trap Rd.
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Salvation Army has also opened 15 cooling stations across the Metroplex to help people beat the heat. Each location offers a cool place to stay during the day and ice cold water to keep people hydrated.
These locations are open seven days a week:
Carr P. Collins Social Services Center
(Parkland Hospital Area)
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 424-7000
Mabee Social Services Center
(Fort Worth)
1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76103
(817) 344-1811
All of the following location are open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday:
Dallas Temple
(Love Field Area)
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 956-6025
Oak Cliff
1617 W. Jefferson
Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 941-5911 or 5914
Cedar Crest
(East Oak Cliff)
1007 Hutchins Road
Dallas, TX 75203
(214) 941-7404
Pleasant Grove
8341 Elam Road
Dallas, Texas 75217
1508 East McKinney St.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 566-3800
451 W. Ave D
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 272-4531
250 East Grauwyler Road
Irving, TX 75061
(972) 438-6553
207 Elm Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 353-9400
600 Wilson Creek Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 542-6694
3528 E. 14th
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 423-8254
712 W. Abram
Arlington, TX 76013
(817) 860-1836
Northside Corps
(N. Fort Worth)
3023 NW 24th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 624-3111 or 1637
620 Farley St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 937-7727
NBC 5's Susy Solis contributed to this report.


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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
confessions of a recovering perfectionist
For as long as I can remember, I have been a serious perfectionist. This translates into everything I do- my work, household, relationships and even hobbies. During my final year of High School I gave myself a mild case of lockjaw. As in, I was so stressed out, that for several weeks I couldn't open and close my jaw properly.
For real.
When I look back on this now, I actually find it a little bit funny. I was stressed, of course because I wanted to get the grades I needed to get into college. No matter that I eventually dropped out of college (to move halfway around the world) and in the end, it wasn't even so important what grades I got in High School.
Today, all these years later, I've got to say that not much has changed. These days my perfectionism shows up in slightly altered forms- the anxiety I feel when knitting a gift or custom request for a family member (that the item won't fit, or they'll be somehow disappointed with it), the fact that most nights I cannot fall asleep before going through the house and putting everything back in it's rightful place, the truth that a carelessly-stated criticism can quite literally crush me.
This all translates into a large amount of anxiety that sits in my gut most days, churning over and over itself and refusing to go away.
I remember back in the early days of Waldi and I, shortly after we got together. I think he was surprised by the amount of worry and stress I put myself through everyday over the smallest things, that in the end, aren't even that important. I remember, towards the end of yet another conversation where I was in tears because I couldn't hold up under the pressure, he said to me: "Ruth, you do know you don't have to live like this, don't you?"
you do know you don't have to live like this, don't you?
There are moments and days when this question still follows me- you know, the days where I'm obsessing about some small detail relating to something or other than I can't remember anymore. Because the truth is (and now I'm being completely honest) sometimes the answer to that question is no. Or at least, sometimes I live like the answer is no.
Why exactly am I talking about all this today? I don't have any answers, haven't found any tricks to magically make my inner perfectionist disappear, or at least be quiet for an hour or two. But I have come far enough to admit that perfectionism is a mean boss to give control of your life and happiness to. And I don't want to live by his impossible idealism anymore.
So. I am slowly trying to take my life back. To wrestle it from his clutched-fisted grip and claim the truth that I (yes, even me) am enough.
And there are small victories. Like when I speak up in German, knowing my sentences are full of big, fat mistakes that the person I'm speaking to will need to sift through and put to order for me. Or, like recently, when I'm learning a new craft (spinning) that I am so unbelievably bad at, but I keep going anyways. Making the ugliest, most uneven and imperfect yarn AND even daring to enjoy the process.
It's not the perfect answer- but I guess that's kind of the point.
7 comments:
I'm a fellow sufferer of perfectionism so I can commiserate with you. While I, too, try to overcome my perfectionist ways, I have also come to realize that my need to put things away, make something as beautiful as possible, or have order in my life keeps me happy and balanced so there's something valuable in that, too!ReplyDeleteReplies
Absolutely! I agree, there is value in having order and creating beauty. For me, the problem comes when I loose that balance and my perfectionism leads to unhealthy pressure and stress. Thanks for the reminder that these tendencies can be used for good!Delete
This post spoke a lot to me!ReplyDelete
I'm not sure I was born a perfectionist. But six years as an undergraduate studying French language and literature and then two years working self employed as a language teacher and translator certainly turned me into one! Although (thankfully) those perfectionist tendencies don't really rear their head in daily life, in my studies and then especially in my work life it found ample room to cause chaos!
I've found learning to spin a wonderful way to learn to quieten my "inner critic". Through experience, I've learnt that I simply cannot produce yarn when I'm stressed or tired or pushing myself in anyway. The wheel and spindle only seem to respond when my muscles are relaxed and in turn I can only reach that place of calm when I completely unplug my head and just "go with it". My first yarns turned out far from "perfect" (you can see them here: http://www.la-lainiere.com/?p=556)
But I was incredibly satisfied with them in all their nobbly-bobblyness, because I had made them from scratch! And the really funny thing is (and a lot of other experienced spinners will say the same) once you've "mastered' how to make perfect, even, smooth, fine yarn, there will come a time when you will wish with all your heart to be able to reproduce the more interesting (and often thicker) first yarns that you made without thinking when you started out!
Wishing you very happy experiments in spinning and can't wait to see how you get on! And just remember - little and often is the best way to progress at the start! Fran xxReplies
thanks for your comment Fran, and for sharing your own experiences with perfectionism. Good to know that I'm not alone, although others struggle with it in different ways. I can see how being self employed could bring out your inner perfectionist. And learning a new language can be such a difficult (though empowering) experience. So encouraging to hear from an experienced spinner that it gets easier. I'm trying to love my imperfectly spun and uneven yarn, but it's a challenge for sure. It's also wonderful advice about spinning when you're calm that I'm going to try to take to heart.Delete
You're first yarns are beautiful- so neat to see how you progressed with each one.
- AnonymousMarch 9, 2015 at 7:05 AM
I can so relate, but I have learned in the past years how important it is to accept imperfection and let go and tell yourself again and again 'it's good enough, you're good enough'.ReplyDelete
I think living in a foreign country and having to learn and speak the language is one of the hardest lessons there is. You feel so helpless knowing you can't get the words out the way you like them and that everyone will hear your mistakes.
The thing is - in your own ears it sounds much more jarring than in everyone elses. Everyone else is much more lenient than we ourselves are. So why not try to let go and be as kind to ourselves in that regard as everyone else is. Does that makes sense? It does in my head but putting it down in writing sounds confusing :)Replies
I used to have the words "I am enough" written on a little piece of paper hanging in my bathroom mirror- you're so right that it's important to tell ourselves this over and over again until we believe it. And that totally makes sense about speaking a new language! That's why learning German was such a helpful experience in embracing imperfection for me. I just had to get over my own fear of making mistakes because no one else minded at all!Delete
- AnonymousMarch 16, 2015 at 6:55 AM
I love that idea of having a little reminder on the bathroom mirror! There was a little film going round a year or two ago where people put post-its with things like "You are so beautiful" on mirrors in public toilet etc. Such a lovely way to make someone smile :)Delete


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The "Welcome:" series from adidas Snowboarding is a perfect example of what good filmmaking is all about, honesty. From the first piece featuring Jake Blauvelt I knew this was going to be an exercise in truth, not just an extended commercial for adidas. It's no surprise seeing as adidas has always had top notch skateboard content and a carefully cultivated team. I'm just happy that eye for special talent and individuality crossed over to their snowboard program.
It's been nearly 11 years since I first met Kazu and having watched him transition from a quiet contest kid to one of the truly elite riders in snowboarding has been something very special indeed. I knew the stories of Jake, Eric, Forest and Keegan before watching their pieces and while that didn't make them any less enjoyable, it did in some ways spoil "the moment".
Though Kazu is a friend, I've never quizzed him on what makes him tick or the details of his childhood. Perhaps it is for that reason that Kazu's piece is my favorite of the series. He grew up on the other side of the world but for some reason I've always felt a certain kinship with the guy and now I know why. If you think about it, a small town in Japan is not so different than a small town in Vermont. People work hard, value nature and a-lot of them drive Subarus. Hokkaido may as well be Japan's New England, how's that for an incredibly bold statement with no academic reinforcement?
All the cultural differences, the language barrier, they're of little consequence when it comes to snowboarding because in snowboarding style speaks louder than words and Kazu has always had it in spades. Flipping of judges, straight-lining the pipe, refusing to conform to a clothing standard, that's Kazu's style, real, honest style and it's something snowboarding can't get enough of.


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|Fail position
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There are many factors that affect exchange rates of currencies. However some are more important in currency trading than others. These are; Interest and Inflation rates, Trade balance, Currency market speculation, Foreign investment and Central bank market intervention. Learn how to use these factors in your forex tra ...


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The UCSB brown-bag forum on spatial thinking presents
Stephanie Malia Hom
Presidential Professor of Italian
Modern Languages, University of Oklahoma
The Drowned and the Defeated: On the Limits of the Camp in Italian Colonial Libya
Phelps Hall 3512 (map)
12:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Abstract. This talk explores a genealogy of camps in modern Italy, focusing attention on the present-day migrant detention center at Ponte Galeria and its historical predecessor, the Italian-built concentration camp in eastern Libya (1929-1934), or what I identify as the alpha and the omega of the camp in the modern Italian context. It tracks the ways in which mobility and state power operate at both and explores the via negativa lived by the people within them. Both the Libyan camps and Ponte Galeria were spatial responses to "threats" of unsanctioned mobilities – nomadism and illegal immigration – the former belonging to the age of European colonial imperialism, the latter tied to the neoliberal empire of globalization. These spaces brought mobility into play as a relation of force. Finally, my talk situates Giorgio Agamben's foundational theories of the camp within the Italian cultural context in which he was writing, that is, the collective amnesia that has long marked Italy's colonial experience.
Stephanie Malia Hom is Presidential Professor of Italian at the University of Oklahoma and is currently the 2014-2015 Marta Sutton Weeks Fellow at the Stanford Humanities Center. She is the author of The Beautiful Country: Tourism and the Impossible State of Destination Italy (U of Toronto Press, 2015) and the co-editor with Ruth Ben-Ghiat of the volume, Italian Mobilities (Routledge, in press), in addition to a wide array of journal articles and contributions. Her work has been supported by fellowships and grants from the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Academy in Rome, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Harvard University, Stanford Humanities Center, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, among others. She is currently working on her second book, The Empire Between: Mobility, Colonialism, and Space in Italy and Libya.
The objectives of the ThinkSpatial brown-bag presentations are to exchange ideas about spatial perspectives in research and teaching, to broaden communication and cooperation across disciplines among faculty and graduate students, and to encourage the sharing of tools and concepts.
Please contact Andrea Ballatore (893-5267, aballator
Follow spatial@ucsb on Facebook | Twitter | Google+


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Leader-Links™ are back!
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We've all heard the phrase, "bored to death". All of us need to feel purposeful in life, and seniors are no exception. While boredom makes most people lethargic, it can have even greater consequences for seniors. Even to the point of being life-threatening.
Seniors often struggle with depression and anxiety, and boredom is a big culprit in this. They can feel lonely and isolated as they age, and boredom just compounds this problem. Everyone needs self-worth, but we probably don't realize just how dangerous it can be for seniors to cope with the effects of loss of purpose that comes from just being bored.
Just What are the Effects of Boredom in Seniors?
Back in the 80s, research was conducted on more than 7000 people who were between the ages of 35-55. They were asked about their daily lives and if it included boredom. 25 years have passed, and these same people have been followed up on to determine the conclusion of the impact of boredom on their lives and how it affected their health. The study showed that people who are chronically bored were far more likely to die much younger from conditions such as heart attack and stroke. These study results confirm how powerful the link is between mental and physical health.
Just Why is Boredom So Common in Seniors?
Many seniors struggle with feelings of worthlessness that stem from being bored after they have retired. While this may come as a surprise to many, it's more common than you think. Our retirement years are supposed to be our time of well-deserved rest and relaxation after decades of being in the workforce. However, many seniors are surprised to find that retirement isn't what they hoped it would be. The loss of their normal routine, contributing to society, losing friends or family, and health issues can bring about depression and loneliness in seniors after they've retired.
Alarming new statistics reveal that men in their senior years are suffering more than anyone from being bored. These numbers suggest that one of the highest rates of suicide is now in men over the age of 85. While senior women have much lower numbers of suicide deaths, there is plenty of evidence that points to overall attempts of suicide being higher in women.
How Do We Prevent Boredom in Seniors?
• Keep active. Staying active keeps the mind sharp and the body healthy. Getting exercise is just as important in your senior years as it is when you are younger!
• Stay Creative. Take up a new hobby or return to an old one. You never know what new skills you may discover, and brain function is always improved when we have a creative outlet.
• Keep Up Your Social Life. The biggest enemy of boredom is social activity. Keeping up with friends and family, going on outings, talking on the phone, and community activities allow seniors to stay happy and connected.
• Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things. Volunteer for a worthy cause or charity, join a book club or even sign up to take a class to learn something new. Stepping out of our comfort zone will go a long way in preventing boredom.
Seniors deserve the best life possible. They are often forgotten and fear dying bored and alone. Don't let this happen to the senior loved one in your life! For more information on preventing boredom in seniors, contact us today!
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La Nadalenca: Beer Fest
From now until 6 January, enjoy a complete fun-packed programme of events for the whole family at this Christmas venue in Valencia's Plaza de Toros.
'La Nadalenca' activities include a beer festival, circus shows, a gastronomic fair, children's musicals, monologues, concerts, a huge New Year's Eve party and a traditional Spanish 'three kings' market.
All activities take place inside a heated circus tent set up for the occasion.
- From December 4 to 9. Beer fest with many types of 'exclusive' beers availabe to enjoy along concerts and a variety of food.
December 7
12:00 — 01:55
Plaza de Toros (Valencia)


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Despite the backing of the Kingitanga the latest polls show Rahui Papa lagging in the race for the Hauraki-Waikato seat.
Tag: Rahui Papa. Showing results 11 - 20 of 34
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Carvings restored as a symbol of Waikato chiefs mana
Four pou were rededicated today at the Auckland Domain. A symbol of Waikato Chief Pōtatau Te Wherowhero's power in Tāmaki Makau Rau.
Competition for Hauraki Waikato seat underway
Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says she isn't fazed with comments made by the electorates Maori Party candidate Rahui Papa who says Labour leader Andrew little is the boss and what he says goes so she will have to tow the party line.
Mahuta focused on elections following Rahui Papa's campaign launch
Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says she isn't fazed with comments made by the electorates Māori Party candidate Rahui Papa who says Labour leader Andrew little is the boss and what he says goes so she will have to tow the party line.
Waikato Tainui and Electoral Commission unite to increase rangatahi vote
Waikato-Tainui and the Electoral Commission have joined forces to encourage more youth to enrol and vote. The Commission has established a Youth Advocates programme to motivate young people to participate in this year's General Election.
First Turongo, Maahina-a-rangi summit ignites thinking in rangatahi
Eighty young people from Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Kahungunu attended the inaugural Turongo, Maahina-a-rangi - Leaders by Design Summit held in Ngāruawāhia this weekend. It's the first collaboration of its kind between the tribes, aimed at developing future tribal leaders.
Opinions divided in Hauraki Waikato seat
There are mixed reactions by Hauraki-Waikato voters in the heart of the Kiingitanga to King Tuheitia's public endorsement of Rahui Papa for the Māori Party.
King Tuheitia endorses Rahui Papa for Hauraki Waikato candidacy
Te Ara Taura Chair Rahui Papa has confirmed he will put his name forward to contest the Māori Party candidacy in the Hauraki-Waikato electorate and the Māori King endorsed the move at Waikato's Paraawera Marae poukai, the first of the poukai round.
Iwi leader challenges Collins to visit impoverished communities
Iwi leader Rahui Papa and a South Auckland Whānau Ora provider are challenging National MP Judith Collins to visit impoverished communities following her comments blaming parents for child poverty.
Times have changed, the King spoke from the heart – Rahui Papa
Kingitanga Advisor Rahui Papa says the days of the Kingitanga being apolitical are over. It follows criticism of remarks King Tuheitia's made after his speech at the Coronation celebrations in Ngaruawahia where he criticised Labour and NZ First.


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More than 200 soldiers from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command participated in Artemis Strike 2017, a German-led multinational tactical live fire exercise Nov. 2-9, 2017 at the NATO Missile Firing Installation in Chania, Greece.
Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment worked with more than 650 German airmen from the Surface Air and Missile Defense Wing 1 to create an integrated air and missile defense system construct as part of a NATO tactical evaluation.
Col. David Shank, commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said this year's exercise gave soldiers a chance to work with partners and allies in an environment that replicates real world conditions.
"This is a great opportunity for soldiers to do what they came in the Army to do and that's put steel on targets," Shank said. "We consistently train not only with our German allies but across the continent of Europe."
For Soldiers in the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Artemis Strike 2017 has been a year in the making.
"The planning for this event began well over a year ago, during the last live fire exercise here in Crete," Shank said. "There is quite a bit of planning and execution."
The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment out of Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany deployed with two Patriot battery minimum engagement packages, known as MEPs, along with soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery to support the German allies during the multinational event.
"It's about integration and it's about having an integrated air and missile defense capability," Shank said. "This is what soldiers train for and this is how we improve our craft. Our number one priority is to get better every day. We'll continue to support our allies and our partners."
For the soldiers participating in the exercise, rehearsals and training have played a key role in the success of the mission.
Spc. Nathaniel Murray, a Patriot launcher crewmember with Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said one of the most significant things about the exercise is being able to operate with NATO partners and allies.
"They have the same weapon platform that we do, but theirs varies a little bit," Murray said. "One of the best things about being out here is actually being able to see the missiles fire off. We train every day with simulations, but it's great actually being able to finish the crew drill, unlock and connect the missiles and see the product of all of our hard training."
Artemis Strike has provided soldiers like Murray with valuable training that help strengthen NATO bonds. Sgt. Zach Nacarato, an assistant section chief with Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said working with allies and partners has been mutually beneficial to both the U.S. and German forces participating in this year's exercise.
"It's a really great opportunity for Soldiers to do this," Nacarato said. "It's the best training I think anyone could ever receive and especially working with our brothers in Patriot."
Participating in multinational live fire exercises is not something every soldier like Nacarato has the opportunity to do. This is something he said wishes he could do more often because it helps build future leaders.
"I think that when the younger Soldiers become NCOs and go to different units, they're going to enrich our ranks with knowledge," Nacarato said. "They are just going to become great leaders when they get out of here and train their troops."
Col. Arnt Kuebart, commander of the Surface Air and Missile Defense Wing 1, German Air Force, said working with U.S. forces is an essential part in the success of Artemis Strike.
"Integration in terms of air defense and air missile defense is absolutely key. No single nation is capable and able to perform air missile defense alone," Kuebart said. "This is a truly joined and combined endeavor where different services and different nations have to come together and intertwine their services and their capabilities. This exercise, where we can work with the U.S. and the Germans closely together, is absolutely necessary and one of the key elements to achieve a workable and successful air missile defense."
As U.S. Army Europe transitions into the Year of Integration, training with allies and partners during exercises like Artemis Strike continue.
"I'm quite confident that with the increasing capabilities and the increasing knowledge, that our individual soldiers and services gained," Kuebart said. "The very big benefit of this exercise is that you are working in a tactical scenario therefore also proving your capability through a live firing with missiles."
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, 7th Army Training Command, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 16th Sustainment Brigade and the 30th Medical Brigade also participated in the exercise alongside their German counterparts.


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Werner Weitschies is an expert in pharmaceutical technologies, gastro-intestinal models, formulation development and testing.
From 1990 to 1995 Werner Weitschies worked in the research laboratories of Schering AG in Berlin in the field of contrast agents. From 1996 to 1998 he was project manager of a research project in the field of medical applications of single domain magnetic nanoparticles at the Institute for Diagnostic Research of the Free University of Berlin.
In December 1998, he was nominated as Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology (C3) at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University of Greifswald, Germany. In 2003 he was nominated as Professor of Biopharmaceutics (C4) at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University of Greifswald, Germany.
His main research areas are the investigation of the behavior of drugs and dosage forms in the gastrointestinal tract, the development of biorelevant in vitro dissolution test systems, new formulation concepts for oral drug delivery and the investigation of novel nanoparticle-based techniques for molecular imaging and physical therapy.
Werner Weitschies has published more than 200 peer reviewed articles and 30 patents.


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йога в парке
Are you ready to enjoy a unique moment at the Chianti Sculpture Park with Yes Yoga e Shiatsu in Chianti? 3 Yoga lessons in the wonderful Amphitheater of the Park.
We wait for you on Saturday 7, 14, 21 September 2019 at 10 A.M.!
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See on Scoop.it – Semantic Gnosis Web
The Oxford Center for Hindu Studies has a lecture by Richard Gombrich very much worth listening to for those interested in early Buddhism. Gombrich is, for those who do not know, perhaps the greatest expert on early Buddhism in the world today. I highly recommend all of his books, lectures, and articles, many of which are available on the web for free. As I have on my 'books' page:
See on www.patheos.com


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A Community Discussing Buses and Bus Operations Worldwide!
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Mr. Linsky
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 5071
Location: BRENTWOOD, CA. - WOODMERE, N.Y.
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:01 pm
Post subject: 'CURBSIDE CHARTER CRACKDOWN'
'FMCSA Shuts Down 26 Bus Companies In Agency's Largest Safety Sweep'
By Clarissa Kell-Holland, Land Line staff writer - June 1st. 2012
A deadly bus crash killed four people and injured 54 passengers May 31, 2011, on Interstate 95 in Virginia. On the one-year anniversary of the Sky Express bus crash, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it has shut down 26 bus companies in its single largest safety crackdown.
Three of the primary companies that were shut down were Apex Bus, Inc. and I-95 Coach, Inc., both from New York City, and New Century Travel Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The FMCSA investigation found that these three companies ?oversaw a broad network of other bus companies? that were shut down as well.
?Today, we?re announcing that we have shut down 26 curbside bus operators that broke our safety rules and put passengers and others in danger,? U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told reporters on a conference call on Thursday about the agency?s safety sweep.
He said the three primary companies ?blatantly and repeatedly violated safety rules.?
The 26 bus operations that were shut down transport more than 1,800 passengers per day from New York to Florida along the I-95 corridor.
?They used drivers who did not hold commercial licenses, and they drove buses that did not meet our safety standards,? LaHood said. ?By ignoring safety rules, these operators put both passengers and other motorists at serious risk and shutting them down could save lives.?
According to the FMCSA release, the agency is ?taking further steps to ensure the bus companies they shut down today cannot continue to operate under other names.?
FMCSA?s reincarnated carriers? rule was published in April and expands the agency?s authority to ?take action against unsafe motor carriers that attempt to evade enforcement by ?reincarnating? into other forms or by illegally continuing their operations through affiliate companies.
According to FMCSA investigators, they uncovered numerous safety violations. Besides drivers not having CDLs, the companies did not have alcohol and drug testing programs and did not regular vehicle inspections.
FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro said on the conference call that at this time no fines have been assessed to the 26 bus companies that were shut down. However, Ferro said that if the companies continue to operate after receiving the imminent hazard orders, they will be assessed a $2,200 fine per day. She said there is a provision in the Senate version of the highway bill that would allow the agency to increase its fines to $25,000 per day for companies that violate the orders and continue operating.
LaHood said that all bus companies should be on notice to follow the FMCSA safety rules.
?Follow the rules and keep people safe or we will shut you down,? he said.
Copyright ? OOIDA
Poster's Note; Fung Wah, a major New York curbside operator, was not implicated.
Note; the bus depicted in the photo below by Emily Ann Epstein for
is used for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily involved in the action.
Mr. Linsky -
Green Bus Lines, Inc.,
Jamaica, New York
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Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 1381
Location: South Florida
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:36 pm
Post subject:
Very welcome news!
Let's hope they keep up the pressure, and permanently eradicate these operations.....
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Age: 77
Joined: 19 Apr 2011
Posts: 516
Location: Lebanon, PA
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:33 pm
Post subject:
What I don't understand is how they've been allowed to operate this long.
When I managed a small charter company I had to go to Harrisburg with proof of insurance everytime a coach needed it's registration renewed. If you didn't have proper insurance, you were shut down. I'm certain that New York has the same requirement.
Our insurance carrier required regular updates on our drivers, including copies of their licenses and physical cards. They (and the PA PUC) insisted on the rules requiring random drug tests and reports on post-accident drug and alcohol testing.
Maybe they were self-insured and simply ignored everything they should be doing, or the state and feds weren't doing their jobs.
Anyhow, it's good to see them shut down.
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Joined: 16 Dec 2007
Posts: 932
Location: Harford County, MD
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:45 am
Post subject:
JimmiB -
Appreciate your own "hands on" experience with all of it. In Bad, Old Days in Maryland, when "heavy" (truck or bus) needed some
required paperwork and certificates, it mandated a trip over to Glen Burnie MVA...
What is not plain in the News item, above, extends to other commentary out there about all this. An admission there are very few
FED safety people to keep on top of all of it. Those of us in the business have been very much aware of it for decades.
It has been apparent that, given a small operator with ten to a dozen vehicles, it quite rare to see much of any FED enforcement.
In fact, odds favored visits from STATE FUEL TAX people, rather than any Safety types...
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Age: 77
Joined: 19 Apr 2011
Posts: 516
Location: Lebanon, PA
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:31 pm
Post subject:
Very true Vern. While the PA PUC would check us occasionally, the only time I even met an ICC inspector was at Hershey Park. I was parked behind a Greyhound on the lot, taking a nap. Heard a tap on the window and opened the door to find a guy with an ICC ID hanging around his neck. He asked what happend to the Greyhound that was in front of me. I told him I guess he left while I was sleeping. The agent said that he wasn't interested in me since I was local but he really wanted to inspect the Greyhound.
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Joined: 16 Dec 2007
Posts: 932
Location: Harford County, MD
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 9:08 am
Post subject:
JimmiB -
Though I have not received Counsel from our esteemed "Mr L" about this, I think the Statute of Limitations has passed on near all of these past recollections.
In the Bad, Old Days of ICC Regulation, it was all an elaborate fun and games exercise. 'Enforcement' would beat on GREYHOUND, and selected TRAILWAYS lines, as all knew (like Dillinger), "...that's where the money is!...". So, beating The Dog went on all the time.
Fast Forward to today's instant insanity. Yes, yes, some flagrant operators shut down, for the moment. Didja' notice it was against but three major players, who ran under twenty-six (26) different entities.
As a practical matter, 'Enforcement' these days wants it all like a computer game. That is, GPS gadgets in the truck or bus, "calling home" with instant replays of what the driver did. That works with a GREYHOUND, J. B. HUNT, et. al.
MORAL: It well nigh impossible to impose strict regulation on all. To this day, a smaller operator can slip thru the cracks, as long as the logs look right! (I have stories - as I am sure you do, too - of the endless games with enforcement.)
So many recollections. Like that time I went to Frederick, MD for a Court Trial on one of my men. I was on the record as an expert witness, and a character reference. I explained to His Honorable Judge that: The 'Log' rules full of ambiguities. I could provide ten different men, all with differing ideas on how to log a particular set of circumstances.
(Yes, yes! The Frederick episode. If you haven't guessed by now, I will defend my people to death! When day is done, 'my people' are all we have in the business! Some found it extraordinary that I would appear in Court with 'my driver'! Got him off of it, too!)
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Age: 77
Joined: 19 Apr 2011
Posts: 516
Location: Lebanon, PA
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:42 pm
Post subject:
We could probably write a book on "Log Book Games".
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Mr. Linsky
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 5071
Location: BRENTWOOD, CA. - WOODMERE, N.Y.
Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 1:30 pm
Post subject:
'After Shutdown, Tour Buses Vie For Local Riders'
Huge buses have begun to compete with smaller ones to ferry passengers between Chinatown in Manhattan and Chinatown in Flushing Queens.
By JEFFREY E. SINGER and COREY KILGANNON New York Times June 29th. 2012.
Six large, white tour buses rolled up last Sunday morning looking as if they were bound for a casino, and, in fact, some of them bore the faded logos of Atlantic City casinos. But the buses that appeared on this particular block in Queens for the first time were not picking up gamblers - they were loading passengers in Chinatown in Flushing who were traveling to Chinatown in Manhattan (the large buses charge $1 for a one-way ride; the smaller buses have traditionally charged $2.75).
The sudden arrival of the coaches has set off an upheaval in a popular transportation network stitching together some of New York?s largest Chinese neighborhoods that, after the public system, may be the second-busiest in the city but remains largely unknown. There have been heated arguments between rival operators and a price war as the buses try to steal customers from the smaller buses, or large vans, that have been plying the routes for years.
Some of those working for the larger buses trying to elbow their way in are refugees from another shadowy transportation system ? the fleets of inexpensive buses that pick up passengers in Manhattan?s Chinatown and ferry them up and down the East Coast.
In May, federal officials shut down 26 such bus companies, citing serious safety concerns. Now, it seems, some of those operators are looking for new business.
On Sunday in Flushing, the more veteran operators reacted with alarm to the large buses. ?The big bus is here, the big bus is here? were the words transmitted in Mandarin over the networked phones that the driver-owners keep on their dashboards.
?I absolutely couldn?t believe it; how could that be possible?? one driver, Zhang Peng, said. ?It was completely illegal.?
The smaller vehicles that travel between Chinese communities in the city are typically owned individually by their drivers who collect the fares for themselves but often pay fleet owners to deal with city agencies and to handle licensing and other bureaucratic matters.
Competition has been cutthroat for years, characterized by fistfights, screaming matches in traffic jams and underhanded tactics between fleet owners to gain an edge. But now it has been ratcheted up higher than ever by the large buses, with their 57-passenger capacity and rock-bottom prices ? they were charging $1 for a one-way ride between the Chinatowns in Queens and Manhattan, compared with $2.75 to ride the smaller vehicles.
Some of the new workers, including Chen Yuying, 40, said they had recently been laid off from the interstate lines as a result of the federal crackdown. She and other hawkers who arrived with the big buses were promoting the new low fare near Confucius Plaza in Manhattan?s Chinatown this week, pulling in passengers happy to pay it. Feeling muscled out, the other drivers tried desperately to lure passengers, even resorting to jumping out of their smaller buses and doing their own barking at customers that they too would offer the dollar fare. One driver, Yu Nianxi, 59, made the offer grudgingly because it would cause him to ?lose money with every trip.?
?Government closed the big buses because they were not safe,? he said. ?Now they?re here? What kind of safety is this??
Van drivers said that despite the intense competitive climate, they had usually managed to maintain a working relationship, and some sort of order, by agreeing to take turns and following a numbering system to share passengers. The big buses? arrival has upended that gentlemen?s agreement, they said.
The ownership of the big buses was hard to determine ? their drivers refused to answer questions. Many van drivers said the big buses were brought in by Tony Luo, the longtime king of the commuter van industry. Mr. Luo, who runs his business out of an office opposite from a van stop on 41st Avenue, just off Main Street in Flushing, did not respond to messages.
The large buses had no visible city licensing stickers of the sort displayed by the vans. Rather, they displayed federal licensing numbers, typically used by interstate buses, and the name New Oriental Tour. According to New York State records, New Oriental Tour is based at the same address on 41st Avenue that Mr. Luo uses for his livery car service, Yes Car Service.
Under New York City law, commuter van services are permitted only to operate vehicles of up to 19 passengers, a spokesman for the New York City Transportation Department said, adding that the agency would investigate the situation involving the buses.
Councilman Peter Koo, who represents Flushing, said the size of the buses and the length of time it took to fill them could aggravate local traffic. ?Big buses are for interstate travel,? he said. ?They?re not good for traffic, especially in Flushing.?
One driver, Zhang Wenjun, 42, who began driving the smaller buses a year ago, said that he paid $50,000 for his van and that even before the big buses arrived, he was lucky to clear $100 a day after expenses. Now his ridership had largely been siphoned off by the large buses, he said. Some longtime passengers offered to pay him $2 a ride, as a show of loyalty, he said.
?I have to pay for maintenance, insurance, pay rent ? still owe $30,000 for the minibus,? he said. ?Now the big buses are here, and there?s nothing I can do about it.?
Mr. Linsky -
Green Bus Lines, Inc.,
Jamaica, New York
Photo by Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
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Age: 77
Joined: 19 Apr 2011
Posts: 516
Location: Lebanon, PA
Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:54 pm
Post subject:
Sounds like the only way to stop this bunch would be to impound the buses.
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Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 1381
Location: South Florida
Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:20 am
Post subject:
JimmiB wrote:
Sounds like the only way to stop this bunch would be to impound the buses.
I agree.
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text:
The Whig Party in Pennsylvania - Vol. 1
The Whig Party in Pennsylvania - Vol. 1
The study was undertaken as the result of a suggestion from Professor William A. Dunning of Columbia University. The original intention of the author was to confine the investigation to the last decade of the existence of the Whig party in Pennsylvania. As the work proceeded, it became necessary to examine portions of the early period of the party. It was soon evident that for the sake of unity and continuity the history of the Whig party in Pennsylvania should be presented from the time of its formation until its disappearance. The late Charles McCarthy in his excellent The Anti-Masonic Party and Miss Marguerite G. Bartlett in The Chief Phases of Pennsylvania Politics in the Jacksonian Period have covered the period in which the Whig party was formed but not with the Whig party as the main interest. Consequently, despite the previous work in the field, the author felt justified in including this material.
Pennsylvania during the period of the Whig party was undergoing an extensive expansion in manufacturing and mining, which tended to draw her to the policy desired by the New England states. On the other hand, conditions similar to those existing on the frontier persisted in the mountain districts of the state until the close of the period. The relation of certain sections of the state to the South through the mercantile interest was close, causing the adoption of a kindly attitude toward the slave holder. As a result of these conditions, the state, in a measure at least, reflected the sentiments of the different sections of the . . .


text:
Network sniffing in VMware ESXi
VMWare ESXi is perfect for a self contained lab, but as I'm used to having full access to a 'real' network there are a few things I miss not having control over for testing and other things. The biggest of these is a spanf port (or mirror port depending on your hardware). If you're not familiar, the basic premise is to configure one (or more ports) to reproduce any traffic flowing through any port(s). This provides packet level access for debugging network problems, passing to an I[D/P]S, etc.
ESXi doesn't provide this functionality, but does allow you to set a vSwitch to be 'promiscuous'. Unfortunately this isn't as controllable as a span/mirror port as (from the quick tests I've run) essentially turns the vSwitch into a vHub. Not a problem in my lab environment but you probably want to give it some serious thought before enabling in a production environment; do you really want every server on the network to be able to see all traffic on the (virtual) wire?
To make the change in ESXi you need host -> Configuration -> Networking and set the properties as shown below:
Once this change is made, any guests connected to the vSwitch can all see any of the network traffic on that switch.
For testing you can build a quick lab scenario with 3 live boot BackTrack systems. Each machine has a different role; server, client and 'sniffer'. The sniffing machine is now able to view direct communication between the other two systems. Using wireshark's Follow TCP stream functionality shows the conversation:
–Andrew Waite
Vyatta: First Impressions
I've known about Vyatta for a while, but whilst the premise has always seemed appealing I've not had a reason to dig deeper. Vyatta propose to be 'The open source alternative to Cisco', which appeals as a nice fit into a low-cost training and development lab so tonight I decided to take a closer look.
I started by downloading Vyatta's prebuilt VMware image, which can be downloaded here along with a Xen image and an ISO file for physical install. The VMware image is designed for workstation applications, but a quick run through my new friend in VMware Converter I quickly had the image transfered across to my ESXi based environment and booting without issue.
Vyatta provide a wealth of information in the documentation section (which requires registration, although it did not require the usual 'activation' email so dummy values may be enough). I haven't had a chance to delve fully into the documentation and functionality but starting out has so far been simple enough: Logging onto the Vyatta device at the command-line requires the default user credentials of vyatta/vyatta. Once logged in you can start the configuration by entering 'configure'
Once in configuration mode setting up interfaces is simple enough:
vyatta@vyatta# set interfaces ethernet eth0 description "WAN"
vyatta@vyatta# set interfaces ethernet eth0 address 192.168.1.254/24
vyatta@vyatta# save
vyatta@vyatta# commit
vyatta@vyatta# exit
Configuring different parts of the system are similarly simple, and with a bit of experience theVyatta systems seems intuitive enough and from basic testing performance is more that adequate, at least for my requirements. The time I've spent getting to grips with a new system has paid of so far, and for the time being I have a nice new addition to my lab environment. I'm hoping this system can provide some seperation between between between target/test systems and provide additional realism t my lab.
Machine migration with vmware converter
For anyone that has had to migrate machines to a virtual environment VMware's Converter will likely be nothing new. It allows a straight forward way to migrate an existing server (both physical and most common virtual environments) to VMware's Infrastracture, Server or Workstation product suites.
Whilst this is hugely useful in a real-world environment for p2v or v2v migration strategies it doesn't have too much use in a lab environment as you would typically build your environment and servers once and then test away. But I've recently found another use, with a few simple clicks I can now easily transfer a virtual server/servers from my ESXi lab environment to my laptop to continue working away from the office, and without the need for maintaining parallel victim machines within each of my virtual environments.
The transfer process does take some time, image below shows the start of the transfer of a 20GB machine from my laptop to ESXi server of local 100Mbps network. However don't be too put off initially, original estimated run time is nearly four hours, when in actuality it completed in a little over one. Good for fire and forget transfers whilst you make dinner.
Some people I've discussed the tool with have anecdotal stories of having issues and failures with VMware Converter, I haven't encountered any problems with my usage but your mileage may vary depending on scenario. At the very least is should be simpler than my previous method utilising DD.
Review: Professional Penetration Testing (for EH-net)
I was recently asked by Don over at EH-Net if I would be interested in reviewing a new book by Thomas Wilhelm of Heorot.net: 'Professional Penetration Testing: Creating and operating a formal hacking lab'. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity.
I don't want to discuss the book in too much detail here, as you can read the full review at Ethical Hacker here, but the book is a great addition to my home library. Don also worked his magic to convince the publisher to release a chapter from the book free of charge, chapter four covers the initial setup and configuration of hack lab environment, and can be downloaded from the review.
Hope the review is of use to someone out there, thanks to Thomas for writing the book in the first place and to Don for hooking me up with the review.
Screen Capture and Editing
As part of an upcoming project I've been playing with some screen capture and editing software. As I've never been one for for the graphical/fluffy side of IT it's a new area for me, and I was shocked with how simple it can be.
For screen capture I used the free CamStudio application, at first try it seems small, lightweight and most importantly simple and intuitive to use.
Finding decent editing software for free was difficult, @usedtire suggested Cinelerra for Linux. From the site it looks to be an impressive application, but I'll admit I found no easy way to get this running under Debian/Ubuntu and ended up in dependency hell, so I installed Windows Movie Maker thanks to the links/instructions I found here.
Whilst experimenting with my new found tools I've created the somewhat obligitory Metasploit tutorials:
VMware, Win7 & VirtualXP
Very grateful to Timmedin for pointing me in the direction of his recent work with the same issue. In usual form, Tim has even packaged up a powershell script to automate the workaround. Check his fix here, much cleaner and slicker than my own. If your still curious, read on for the backstory.
Since rebuilding part of my toolkit I've had issues connecting to my ESXi host server. I had originally thought this was a result of an upgrade from ESXi 3.5 to ESXi 4.0, and the resultant change from VMWare infrastructure client to the new vSphere client. After several hours and days fighting down a blind alley I found a forum post that highlighted Windows 7 as the culprit.
Further reading indicated that this is a widespread issue with no real solution. Best workaround appears to be to run the client within a sandbox via Microsoft's Virtual XP environment for Windows 7.
After a couple of false starts the install process was fairly straightforward, found here. Simply select hardware architecture (32/64-bit), install a patch, then finally the Virtual XP image. Everything beyond this works as expected, a virtual XP machine. Once in the virtual environment install the vSphere client as normal to regain access your VMWare environment.
Knowing my preferences, observant readers may be wondering why not achieve the same results using a VMWare guest with the vSphere client installed. VMWare Server is already installed on my machine, and was one of my initial thoughts. However, Virtual XP and VMWare utilise virtualisation for different results. The Virtual XP client has several intergration features (can be disabled if prefered) that allow simple, native access of resources on the host machine (files, directories, peripherals etc) from within the guest. This makes working with either, and between, host and guess seamless. Obviously such intergration would be unsuitable for a lab environment as you want/need isolation, seperation and protection from the guest machines so VMWare still has it's place. As usual, using the right tool for the right job is essential.
At this point I'm back in my lab, and the R&D rolls on, but the experience has led me to look more indepth and Virtual PC. I have started building a BackTrack4 guest with Virtual PC to run within my standard machine for everyday use. Having access to a Linux environment as simply as a double-click as per normal applications will hopefully be a nice addition to my usual working practice.
<UPDATE> BT4 works fine, but the X GUI fails to start. Guess I'll need to polish up on my commandline kung fu </UPDATE>
May SuperMondays Presentation: The Aftermath
I had a really enjoyable night at last night's SuperMondays event.
Some of the innovative uses for technology on display from Newcastle University provided a great glimpse of where we could be heading in the future towards ubiquitous computing. Of special interest were the research being undertaken with surface computing, which seems to have taken centre stage of new technologies recently, although unfortunately the expected MS Surface device wasn't available at the last minute.
I also liked the work being done by the Ambient Kitchen project. While the technology is still in it's early stages it is easy to see how this technology could be a part of every day life. With the focus the group has on providing assistance and support to people with cognitive difficulties the fruits of the project could go a long way to genuinely improving people's lives. It makes a nice change to see new technology being developed for a real, useful purpose rather than the usual, 'we can, it's cool, why not' approach to some tech development.
Linked with these new technologies Patrick Oliver and Jayne Wallace demo'd and talked about some of their work with developing cultural and meaningful technologies. One example was a twinned pair of necklaces which allowed the wearers to communicate some acts of distance, for example holding one pendant would cause the other to vibrate. As wireless communications become more pervasive I can envision similar technologies becoming more subtle and common place. Despite my initial perception of the topic as being 'arty' and not really that useful, I enjoyed the presentation and can see some valid and quite exciting uses for this technology in the future.
The event finished with a change of pace, with me presenting about my experience with using honeypot systems and hopefully convincing others that the system are valid additions to any network, and are good fun in the process. From my perspective I feel that the presentation went well, although I blew through the material a bit rapidly. I was genuinely relieved and thrilled with the amount of questions and discussion that was generated at the end of my presentation.
Unfortunately I believe that there isn't a recording of this presentation, as is customary with SuperMondays talks, as the video camera decided to flatten it's battery just before I started. As a compromise I've posted my slide-deck from the presentation. Hopefully people may find this useful, I'm always open to questions or discussions so please let me know your thoughts.
Bottom line from all this? SuperMondays is a blast, if you're in the area and haven't been along yet, why not? I'm definitely going to make more of an effort to ensure I'm available for future events, see you all there next time.
— Andrew Waite


text:
Maintaining the pressure to improve facilities.
Pressure is mounting for increased MRO facilities in west Africa. Chukwu Emeke has been looking into the situation.
The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) situation in Nigeria poses a concern to stakeholders as some airlines in the sub-region have actually had to abandon aircraft taken abroad for routine maintenance because of their inability to pay the bills.
Those aircraft are now languishing at facilities in Europe, South Africa, the Middle East and the United States.
Research reveals that about 25% of aircraft owned by Nigeria's commercial airline operators are on the ground (AOG), either because they are no longer airworthy or are due for maintenance.
The low value of the Nigerian currency, and new foreign exchange (forex) policies, did not help Nigeria's airlines in 2016, according to Captain Nogie Megisson, chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria. He expressed fears about the safety implications of high maintenance costs amidst forex issues, about which Nigeria's Aviation Ministry says it is liaising with the Central Bank.
Fears about huge maintenance costs are not unfounded. It costs a Nigerian airline almost four times what it would cost a similar carrier in the US to change an aircraft nose-wheel. Investigations reveal that airlines pay a minimum of $500,000 for engine overhaul and about the same amount for C-check maintenance. Considering the limited profit margin, powered by high charges from government agencies, multiple taxes and high fuel costs, raising funds for maintenance is a huge challenge to Nigerian operators. The situation has been further compounded in recent years by the developing apathy of financial institutions towards aviation investment in Nigeria.
Aero, the oldest non-government airline in Nigeria, suspended operations indefinitely in August 2016. Its CEO, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, had earlier that month raised an alarm during his presentation at an aviation round table quarterly breakfast meeting, saying that maintenance costs were taking up more than 25% of the airline's operating cost as aircraft parts and engines were all imported. "If you have any component of your cost that is more than 25%, you had better watch it," he had warned.
Nigeria's Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, sounded an optimistic note, saying that the establishment of an MRO centre was one of the major objectives of his leadership. "We have made a case for a full-fledged private sector-driven MRO facility. The cost of maintenance will be reduced if we establish an MRO within our sub-region," he said.
However, Captain Jari Williams, CEO of Bicourtney Aviation Services, and a pioneer member of the team that established the MRO facility at Akwa Ibom Airport in Uyo, Nigeria, expressed doubts about the government's commitment.
He said private investment in MRO facilities required government subvention, tax waivers, low interest rates, security, stakeholder engagement and other incentives, which were very difficult to secure in the process of establishing the Uyo facility.
"It is impossible for you to start an MRO without the buy-in of stakeholders," he said, advising Nigeria's Government to take advantage of the Uyo facility by simply providing the needed equipment and personnel.
Captain Sidi Abdullahi, director of operations for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), called for a proper analysis of MRO requirements in the region before embarking on the project. He explained that instability of economic viability affected MRO costs and that airlines in the region, which were defective in planning, would need to change.
However, there are signs that things may be improving. Ghanaian President, John Mahama, revealed recently, while commissioning the first phase of upgrade at the Tamale Airport, that it would be used as a maintenance and servicing centre for aircraft across west Africa.
"We intend to make Tamale Airport a regional aircraft maintenance facility so that aircraft will come from all over the region to do their maintenance and servicing here," he said.
Togo-based Asky Airlines, and its shareholder, Ethiopian Airlines, are also planning to establish an aircraft MRO and training centre in west Africa. Ethiopian CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, said Asky was in talks with the Togolese Government and, if approved, the MRO facility there would cater for Boeing and Bombardier aircraft.
He said Ethiopian's main MRO hub remained in Addis Ababa but that the airline would have regional MROs in Lome, Lilongwe and Kigali, adding that the planned Lome hub would maintain aircraft operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.
IAG also plans to establish an MRO facility in Abuja, Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Caverton Offshore Support Group is on course to provide a new MRO facility at its Ikeja base.
"Construction kicked off last year and we are on track to deliver on our promise by having the commercial MRO centre and training school fully operational by 2018," said chairman Aderemi Makanjuola.
Onedot Aviation CEO, Captain Henry Oludotun Ogunyemi, estimated Nigeria would save more than $9 million annually if airlines in the country could carry out heavy maintenance on their aircraft locally.
He said his company has received NCAA approval to carry out both line and heavy maintenance checks for Beechcraft, HS-125, and Bombardier aircraft, among others, since 2014, and added that the Boeing 737-200 Series and Boeing 737-300/400/500 Series had been approved in June 2016.
He encouraged other domestic airlines to patronise local MROs.


text:
Move your mouse over the "Subscribers" tab and click the "Import Subscribers" option, as shown below:
To import subscribers from a file, click the "Import Subscribers" option under the "Subscribers" tab.
This will start the "Import Subscribers" wizard. Choose the mailing list you want to import subscribers to and click the "Next >>" button.
The example import file above includes three records, and each record is separated with a new line. Each record contains four fields, and each field is separated with a comma. The CSV file will typically have a .CSV or .TXT file extension. Start by clicking on the "Browse..." button in the form to select your CSV file from your hard drive:
To import subscribers from a file, click the "Browse..." button to choose the file.
If your import file contains a line of headers like this:
... make sure you tick the "Yes, this file contains headers" checkbox. Click the "Next >>" button to proceed to the next step.
You will now be asked to map the fields from the imported file to the fields in the system. Simply click the dropdown box next to each field that was found in the file and match it up to the field in the system. Here's an example for an import file that included "Sex" and "Age" custom fields:
Click the dropdown next to each imported field to map it to the appropriate field in the system.
Click the "Next >>" button when you are done. Finally, click the "Start Import" button. Your subscribers will be imported one by one and the popup window that appears will show you how many subscribers have been imported and how many remain. You will see a final report when all subscribers have been imported:
The final screen will tell you how many subscribers were imported. It will also tell you if your subscriber file contained bad data.


text:
How do you survive if you become trapped in your vehicle during a blizzard? With winter fast approaching, this is a good question. The last few years have seen unseasonably cold and snowy winters in the U.S. Along with sustained cold temperatures, ... Read More
The Four Seasons Approach to Preparedness
As each new season approaches, we SurvivalMoms prepare. In early August, give or take a week or two, we begin buying school supplies, new clothes for the kids, and goodies to pack in lunch boxes. Moms have been doing this for generations, and I ... Read More