Kid's artwork by guest: Suann

I'm always on the lookout for simple, ABC-themed artwork for our 2.5 year-old son. Especially anything having to do with his name (Ike) or the letter "I". Here are a couple of the things he has in his playroom.



I'm always thinking about adding more -- here are a few things I've recently spotted and would love to add.




Links:

Top photos:
Custom "I" animal print by Elephantine (I'm not sure if she does these anymore)
IKE/ABC print by me
Vintage I LIKE IKE campaign stamps from EBay

Bottom photos:
Animal spelling prints from Present and Correct
B is fo Bicycle from Paperfingers
Limited edition Alphabet Print by the black apple


That's it for me this week here at Black*Eiffel. Thanks so much, Rachel, for having me! I loved having the opportunity to guest blog and hope you'll visit me over at my little blog, simplesong. Happy weekend!

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Kid's artwork by guest: Suann

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Giovanna Battaglia

Giovanna Battaglia = fashion editor of L'Uomo Vogue, model, stylist. Yes... I guess women this stylish really do exist, isn't she one of the most stylish ladies around? See more images of Giovanna's style here and here. Who's style are you inspired by?

Images by the talented: Garance Dore
via Simple Lovely (another stylish lady)

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Giovanna Battaglia

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Summer Meal...

Dinner last night : greek salad and chicken with pesto. What types of meals are you enjoying this summer?

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Summer Meal...

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Everyday Favorite Supplies by guest : Suann

I’m always trolling my local office supply or craft store looking for simple, everyday products to incorporate in my packaging and/or every day life. I thought I’d share some of my everyday favorites and the sources. I think there’s so much you can do with these little goodies - a simple muslin bag or baker’s twine goes a long way in making a pretty package that much more special.

1. I love glassine bags and use them all the time from organizing to sending a letter
2 & 12. I keep full sheets of label paper around all the time and cut them down for all sorts of use
3. White baker's twine*
4. Mini clothespins*
5. Custom rubber stamps
6. Everyone's favorite Japanese masking tape
7. Cotton muslin bags
8. Muji square paperclips
9. Flat brown bags you can run through your printer
10. Red beading string*
11. Simple kraft tags

* available at most craft stores

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Everyday Favorite Supplies by guest : Suann

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Hospital Settles Whistle Blowing Suit

One industry which was unshaken by the global financial crisis is the health care industry.

Regardless of the economic conditions, people go to the hospitals or medical providers to be treated from various illnesses.

But some hospitals have gone beyond the dictates of ethics and morality by violating the Medicare’s anti-kick back rules.

The Tulare Regional Medical Center and its parent, the Tulare District Healthcare System agreed to settle a whistle blowing suit for $2.4 million. The complaint alleged that both provided doctors with office rent and land sale considerably below fair-market value. The hospital and the health care system were also alleged to forgive debts in lieu of patient referrals to the hospital.

The allegations were raised in the suit by hospital district's former chief financial officer, Maria Lucy Reimche. As a whistle-blower, she will be given $500,000 as part of the settlement.

The settlement was made without any admission of wrongdoing. Patric Hooper, the hospital’s counsel, claimed that the allegations happened under the previous management. As the hospital is now under new management, Hooper said that any arrangements with the doctors would now comply with the federal law.

Whistle blowing is encouraged to expose any wrongdoing or to make public any concealed misconduct on the part of an organization.

Should you be involved in a whistle blowing case and your employer retaliated against you, you may consult an employment attorney to defend your cause.

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Hospital Settles Whistle Blowing Suit

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Modern Kids Bedroom

Last night we moved V out a crib and into a big bed, her bed dominates the space and I wish it looked more like this minimal and playful room designed by Angie Hranowsky.

Image from Cookie via Merry Mishap. (btw... did you see her gorgeous pregnant photos?! Stunning...)

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Modern Kids Bedroom

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Police And Your Basic Rights

This brochure is high recommended to download for learning your rights in case Police stop you. You can take it absolutely free here: http://hornbillunleashed.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/redbook-english1.pdf. There are a lot of useful information to know there.

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Police And Your Basic Rights

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Paris day 3

Versailles was better than I expected, it was over the top, gigantic, and a bit peaceful all at the same time. I arrived super early to beat the crowds and used the complimentary Rick Steve's audio podcast on my phone which made the tour much more meaningful and educational. (I also used them for the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, just download before you go).

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Paris day 3

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Hit and Run Ends the Dream of American Idol Aspirant

The popular talent show American Idol is all about chasing a dream and living it. But for Alexis Cohen, 25, a former AI contestant, the dream ended when she lost her life in a tragic hit and run accident.

Alexis, who was dubbed “Glitter Girl” and who got rejected twice by AI’s tough judges was planning a third attempt at singing stardom in June. But Cohen who went out to eat was later found by two pedestrians who called 911. The autopsy revealed that she suffered head, chest and abdominal injuries after being struck by a car.

According to TMZ.com, a 23-year-old man named Daniel Bark has since been charged with death by reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident following Cohen’s death. Authorities also suspected that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

In many car accidents involving pedestrians, drivers have been known to flee the scene of the accident. Some would claim that it was instinct and some would say that they are afraid but truly, these drivers also fail to take into consideration that their actions could spell the loss of a person’s life that could have otherwise been saved.

Most State laws provide that drivers have the duty to stop in case of an accident, regardless of whether the crash involved another car, another person’s property and even a pedestrian.

In any accident resulting to injuries or death, drivers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to help any injured person -- including calling for assistance from emergency medical services -- and to report the accident to local law enforcement.

Leaving the scene of the accident, especially when a person is injured or may require medical intervention is a crime. Any driver who leaves the scene of an accident can be subject to serious criminal charges such as "felony hit and run."

Bark, who killed Cohen in a hit and run accident could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Running after an accident and citing panic and fear is not an excuse. Drivers do not have just the duty to “save” themselves—they have the same duty to everyone else on the road especially pedestrians and cars they may hit.

For Cohen, who once memorably said that she marches to the beat of a different drummer would no longer have the chance to make her dreams come true because of a hit and run accident and a driver who refused to care.

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Hit and Run Ends the Dream of American Idol Aspirant

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simplesong Business Collateral by guest : Suann

I love, love designing and creating business related products, especially business and calling cards. I particularly love business cards because its such a small piece of paper but you can still do so much and make a big impact and impression. Here are a few pieces I recently finished.

I was excited to work with Wiebke of Line + Liv as we pretty much share the same aesthetic of simple and love for white space. This is the 2-sided card I did for along with labels and tags. The other pieces are simple, classic cards that really reflected the taste of each client.

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simplesong Business Collateral by guest : Suann

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Pesto

Made some yummy pesto yesterday with basil from the garden. Do you have a favorite pesto recipe? I tried one that it is pretty classic and the same from multiple sources. Pesto is so fresh and summery, don't you think?

(photo by me)

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Pesto

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Paris day 2.5

Repetto
Musee de l’Orangerie
Store Windows ... most every store has a sale in July in Paris!

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Paris day 2.5

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Have you had an accident with via bus?

Our law firm has represented individuals who have had accidents with via buses in the past. This include passengers and drivers alike. We have represented clients with fractures, fatal injuries and soft tissue injuries as well.

San Antonio news cast last night broadcast a new phenomena with the via buses. They indicated that, many handicapped people are having problems when they get off the buses. The article read like this "For the disabled and handicapped, VIA-Trans buses are the only way to live an independent life. But, there's a dangerous problem with some VIA-Trans buses that is putting them at risk."

If you are one of those disable or handicapped individuals, our attorneys are here to help you. We handle personal injury cases from beginning to end. If you have suffered an injury as a result of via buses, contact us.

We are a general practice law firm handling personal injury, business law, criminal law, family law and many other areas of law.

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Have you had an accident with via bus?

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simplesong Wedding by guest : Suann

I’m a small studio (just me) and because all the work I do is custom and I work very closely with my clients I take at most 3 - 4 custom projects per month. Two of those projects are usually wedding related. Here are a couple of wedding-related invitations I recently finished. These were particularly fun as it gave me the opportunity to stray a bit away from my normal simple aesthetic and produce something a bit more involved. The wedding suite was for a couple who is having an old-word, French-inspired fall wedding. I loved the color theme of moss green and dark brown. The second invitation was for the lovely Maria of Ritzy Bee and the bridal shower she was hosting for her sister.

You can find out more about my work on my website which is very much in need of a big update!

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simplesong Wedding by guest : Suann

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Japanese Design Love by guest : Suann

If you’ve visited my blog, its no secret I’m a huge fan (borderline obsessive) of Japanese products and design. There’s something about the simple, natural and classic style of Japanese design that really speaks to me. One of these days I hope to visit Japan experience Japanese design in person but for now I’ll continue to admire (and obsess) over from afar. Here are a few new things I have recently spotted immediately bookmarked.

First row: 1-2
Second row: 3 and 4
Third row: 5-6
Fourth row: 7 and 8

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Japanese Design Love by guest : Suann

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Chronicle Books Friends + Family Sale

Chronicle Books (one of my favorite publishers) is offering 35% off + free shipping during their friends and family sale. Their sale runs through August 5th. Time to stock up on amazing stuff, lots of their items I save for gifts.


Things I have my eyes on....

Pictorial Webster's : A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities

Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types

Rosie Flo's Animals coloring book

Simply Organic

365: AIGA Year in Design 29

Pentagram Marks

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Chronicle Books Friends + Family Sale

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Paris Day 2

Drawing in the street
Musée d'Orsay : Van Gogh's paintings are even more brilliant in person.
Handwritten menu
Another lovely flower shop

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Paris Day 2

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Guest Blogger : Suann from simplesong

I am excited to have guest blogger Suann from Simplesong share with us this week! I have long admired her for her letterpress designs, excellent blog, and I really love her simple style. It has also been fun as we have shared quick email tidbits about our little kids who are the same age. Isn't her son adorable? Welcome Suann!



I'm thrilled to be here guest blogging for Black*Eiffel, one of my favorite daily reads. I'm Suann and I've got a little blog, simplesong, where I catalog all the pretty and inspiring things I come across. By day I'm a mom to our 2 1/2 year-old and a letterpress designer + printer based outside of Washington, DC. I've had a long-time love for all things paper and letterpress printing. After a lot of hard work, it was a dream come true to start my small letterpress studio last year. I love simple (hence the name), clean designs with a touch of whimsy and femininity. All of this is reflected in my work + the things I post on my blog. And I look forward to sharing a bit of me this week here on Black*Eiffel.

Thanks, Rachel, for having me!

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Guest Blogger : Suann from simplesong

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Garden surprise

It was incredibly rewarding to come home to a bit of a garden harvest. Our garden has gone nuts in the last few weeks. I am finding that the small and simple things are making me smile more often ... this first year of gardening has been delightful. To all you gardeners, what are you enjoying from your garden?

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Garden surprise

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Man Sues for Damages for Condom in Soup

Among all activities, eating seems to be the most enjoyable thing to do. Especially when you are eating out, you expect the food to taste good, to be clean and the restaurant to give you the best service.

For a Claim Jumper’s customer, he was given more than he asked for. Zdenek Philip Hodousek filed a case against the restaurant for unspecified damages. The suit was brought about by Hodousek’s chewing a condom in his French onion soup.

Hodousek alleged that when he began eating his soup, he felt something which he could not chew. When he spit it out and spooned it into a napkin, it was a condom. He called the manager, Marc Hadley. Hadley had to untie the knot as it might be a rubber glove but it just affirmed Hodousek’s allegation.

Hodousek brought the condom for preliminary tests at Lab Corp. in North Carolina and found a female DNA on the condom. The restaurant operators were uncooperative as they refuse to send an observer to be present during the DNA matching of its employees.

On its part, Claim Jumper, through its publicist, Gladstone International denied the allegations.

The mere presence of foreign objects on food is already a presumption of negligence. Worse, the object that has been found on the soup was not just any ordinary thing. The impact could have been less and different were it something that is close to food like plastic, foil etc. Nevertheless, whatever foreign objects present in your food was put their due to negligence.

For victims of unclean and unsafe food and food preparation, a damage suit may prosper against the restaurant. In case of injury, a personal injury lawyer may be brought to the scene to help in the case.

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Man Sues for Damages for Condom in Soup

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Paris day 1

1: Pretty ad in the airport
2: Looking out from the Louvre.
3: Flowers in market on Île Saint-Louis
4: Winged Victory

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Paris day 1

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Coldplay Strawberry Swing

Catching up on some reading I came across this playful and creative animated Coldplay Strawberry Swing video just released, directed by Shynola. Thoughts? Watch it here.

(via Stereogum)

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Coldplay Strawberry Swing

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Home

Yay! I'm back. I had a blast in France and I will be sharing highlights and photos with you throughout the next few weeks. I am glad to be home to see my little girl and husband, I missed them dearly, 2 weeks is a bit too long to be away from the ones I love so much, but really it was an incredible trip... can't wait to share with you!

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Home

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Auto accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident we can help

Our attorneys have been helping clients in Bexar county and San Antonio when they are injured by some one's negligence. They handle auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents and many more accidents involving motor vehicles. The point to remember, when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident is that: the insurance company is not there to make you whole, they are there to protect their insured.

The insurance industry have attorneys on their staff that handle their claims if they are not settled during the negotiations. You too should have attorneys on your side. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please contact us.

The Baez Law Firm, P.C. is a general practice law firm that handles personal injury, family law, business law, criminal law, auto accidents, appeals and many other areas of law.

Come see us, and you will know the difference from the moment that you walk through our doors. Your initial consultation is always free. We care about your legal needs.

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Auto accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident we can help

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Travel Journal Roundup

There are lots of fun travel journals out there to choose from. Here are few of my favorite:

Wanderlust Travel Journal $16.95
Orla Kiely Travel Journal $17.00
International Travel Journal $39.95
Destinations Travel Book $19.95
Galison Travel Journal (illustrated by Lena Corwin) $15.00
Pierre Belvédère Semikolon Small $11.00
Sukie Travel Journal £9.75
Paper + Cup Travel Journal $16.00
Places to Check Out $10.95

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Travel Journal Roundup

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Burbank Police Charged With 6th Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

It’s tragic to think that to this day, a lot of people still judge others based on color and not on character. Racial discrimination, even after all the laws that have been enacted to protect people of diversity, persists to this day. Even a decorated and awarded Asian-American police detective is not spared.

Evidently, not even excellent performance can change the way some people’s minds work or eliminate hate and bigotry. Despite Dunn’s achievements and recognitions such as being awarded the Medal of Valor as a Los Angeles Police Department officer, 1999 Top Cop Award from President Bill Clinton, 2007 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Award and the Professional Esteem Award from the Burbank City Council, he was subjected to racial taunts and discouraged from joining the narcotics unit because he was not white.

Police Detective Christopher Lee Dunn filed a civil case against the Burbank Police Department (BPD), alleging racial discrimination and retaliation before being unlawfully fired. Dunn’s lawsuit is seeking civil penalties and compensatory damages.
Dunn alleges that he experienced discouragement, racist jokes and comments, undesirable assignments and harassment despite his promotion as well as having more narcotics seizures than any other Burbank officer.

A case in 2007 against him was filed but later on recanted. Nevertheless, Dunn was first transferred to another unit and then placed on paid administrative leave. He was later on fired on charges that he interfered with the investigation and for insubordination.

Dunn is the sixth officer to come forward about the BPD’s treatment, just last May, five Burbank police officers also sued the department for allowing a work environment where discrimination and sexual harassment is rampant.

The six officers who complained that slurs about race, ethnicity and sexual preferences were constantly directed at them, their colleagues, suspects and the public at large. One female officer was also reportedly threatened with anal sex as punishment.

What’s more repulsive and disturbing about the entire lawsuit filed is the fact that police officers are supposed to serve and protect – but how can they truly serve and protect if they see color and not people?

One of the laws these police officers have been sworn to uphold is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law protects individuals against employment discrimination on the bases of race and color, as well as national origin, sex, and religion.

Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination, but also practices that have the effect of discriminating against individuals because of their race, color, national origin, religion, or sex.

Despite being law enforcers, police officers are not the law. And they should do their best to uphold and respect the law especially when it comes to treating everybody, regardless of race, creed or color, the respect and dignity that they deserve.

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Burbank Police Charged With 6th Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

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Corporate Safety

Corporate safety is an important aspect of productive labour any business today. There are identifying, responding, mitigating risk any company can meet but all problems would be successfully and professionally solved with the help of one of high comprehensive proper services specialized in certain business segments. As a rule they offer a wide range of services including
Corporate Investigations Serving the employer and employer’s legal counsel, exclusively
Employment Background Screening & Drug Testing
Security Surveys
Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) Security Systems
Compliance Training & Educational Services
IT Security and Computer Forensic Investigations
Litigation Support & Due Diligence Investigations
Physical Security Armed and Un-armed Services and so on.

The goal is to choose the right one which is able to assist your organization through the possible prosecution and restitution completely.

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Corporate Safety

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Bonjour!

Bonjour dear readers! I am having a most lovely time in France. I am finding it a bit tricky to access wifi in the French countryside, so in the meantime check out my photo tweets over at twitter. (www.twitter.com/blackeiffel) Hope you have a splendid weekend!

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Bonjour!

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Julie Goldstein

Interesting and creative work by Julie Goldstein.

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Julie Goldstein

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Studio Spotlight : Aimée Wilder

Intrigued by the environment of where artists and designers spend lots of their time, I want to spotlight some artist and designer's creative spaces. First up is the space of wallpaper and textile designer Aimée Wilder. Remember her cool wallpaper designs I talked about here and you can see above? Have a peek at her creative Atelier.

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Studio Spotlight : Aimée Wilder

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Teens Killed in Car Crash with Train

In Canton Township, Michigan, five people, all believed to be teenagers died when an Amtrak passenger train carrying about 170 people struck the teens’ car. Authorities say that the sedan had skirted a gate at a road crossing near Detroit.

According to the authorities, the crossing has a gate and flashing lights that apparently were working when the car approached. Witness accounts have claimed that the car didn’t stop at the gate but instead went around the safety arm.

The Amtrak train, which typically travels about 67 miles per hour, broadsided the car and pushed it about one mile down the tracks. The sedan was found crumpled underneath the front of the train and ended up right-side, with its roof and front crushed.

The police estimate that the victims around 17 and 18, the only female passenger was around 14 years old. The five fatalities were from outside the western Wayne County community.

The Chicago Amtrak spokesman said that there was no train malfunction and that the train crew was doing exactly what it should be doing. Marc Magliari, the spokesman said that, "They can't make vehicles, or pedestrians for that matter, heed signals."

The train accident is a tragic and rather painful end for five young people. Again, these deaths could have easily been prevented, had the driver of the ill-fated vehicle respected the lowered gate and flashing lights and if they had chosen to wait until the train has passed.

Unfortunately, youth is often an excuse for reckless and impetuous behavior. It’s no surprise that with that kind of daredevil attitude, motor vehicle accidents are leading cause of death for teens.

These kids and the young driver may have assumed that they could have outrun the train. They must have thought that they were invincible against trains running at least 67 miles per hour. It was a foolish decision which has caused them their lives.

Car and train crashes are one of the most easily preventable deaths. If people just curbed their impatience, they looked before crossing the track, if they observed the train’s warning lights and gate, they would have saved their lives.

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Teens Killed in Car Crash with Train

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State to Pay Woman Injured by Former State Senator

The already budget-deficit State of California is set to foot another bill, this time as compensation for car accident injuries caused by former State Senator Carole Migden.

Doubtless, the first question on everyone’s minds is why does the State have to pay for Migden’s mistake? Unfortunately, tax payers would have to bear with the additional costs due to Migden’s state employee status which would also hold the state government liable for any damages she may cause.

The state has agreed to pay $335,000 to a woman and a child who were in the car which was rear-ended by former senator back in May 2007. The State has also previously paid for property damage which Migden caused when she sideswiped a bus.

It was reported that during the time of the accident, the San Francisco Democrat was driving erratically at speeds over 80mph while talking on cellphone and reading a book in an SUV issued by the State.

Wow, all that speeding and driver distractions? Reading a book while driving? How lucky she wasn’t killed!

A 33-year old woman and her 3-year old passenger however, got the bad end of the deal after they got injured when Migden rear-ended their car which was stopped at a red light.

The senator paid several hundred dollars in fines after she pleaded no contest to reckless driving charges in superior court. She however, says that she does not remember the accident and blamed the treatment of her medical problems for her behavior.

She was previously diagnosed with leukemia back in 1997 and underwent chemotherapy.
Migden is now on California’s waste management board and makes $132,178 annually.

How unfortunate for the hard-working, tax-paying citizens of California that they now have to pay for the consequences of Migden’s irresponsible behavior.

Driving under the influence, whether it is induced by alcohol, prescription drugs or dangerous substances is enough to impair the driver’s motor skills and judgment. This makes them a hazard on the road and Migden, who blamed her medical treatment should have known better than to get behind the wheel if her medical problems mess up her driving skills.

What makes this all the more detestable is the fact that she was reportedly on her cellular phone, talking while driving. And if that’s not bad enough, she was also reading a book.

This is an obviously gross disregard for traffic laws and public safety and while she pleaded no contest to the charges, the damage has been done. And the city of California will have to pay for the damages and pick up the mess she left.

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State to Pay Woman Injured by Former State Senator

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Inspired by Compasses....

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Inspired by Compasses....

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