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I have just finished Skype conversation with Filipino teacher. I would like to refresh the class, of which topic was friends.
(There are two pictures.)
- The first one has a boy sitting in front of the beach with his dog, also sitting. He is pointing our somewhere with his left hand.
- The second is a funny picture. There is a mouse sitting on the cat's back, which is sitting on the dog's back. Those three are typically enemies; mouse dislike cats and cats was chased by dogs.
How do you think borrowing money from friends?
- I do not think it is good idea because borrowing money may damage friendship. When I have to borrow money, it is more often that I have already been in trouble. Borrowing money would make the problem more serious. Fortunately, I have neither borrow money from nor lend money to my friends.
What a friend should do and should not do?
- What a friend should do is to help or just listen to someone in trouble. What a friend should not do is to invade his or her privacy too much.
How do you think about a fair-weather friend?
- I think I have some of such kind of friends. Some of my acquaintance might regard me as a fair-weather friend. I mean I can say the same as someone. I think that kind of situation is inevitable more or less because it typically needs long time to make and find best friends and we have limited time, cost, interest and energy in our lives.
I already had 13 classes in this website. I am feeling a little improvement so far, and am satisfied with those classes basically. However, I need to spend more time to review and refresh the classes because this is the most meaningful time for me to improve English skill.
13 Mayıs 2012 Pazar
Slow improvement
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This two month, I have been trying especially to focusing on studying English, but honestly, I have not yet felt my dramatic improvement yet.
Actually, though there were some obstacles for me to stick only to leaning English, I think I still had enough time to do so. I went to travel Hawaii last month. I needed to study legal ethics for MPRE test a few days. I had to finish two big assignments at legal writing class, which I thought was most impressive class for me, by the way. That being said, I could not deny that I spent long time on studying English, especially speaking and writing. I continued this blog less than every two days on average, I had Skype chat class more than twenty times. I consciously had time to speak with my language exchange partners and class mates.
One of the reason why I am not sufficiently aware of my improvement in English is I did not focus on specific situation when specific topic and word are typically used. For example, all most all salespersons of souvenir at Hawaii can speak Japanese just because what they need to know is mere conversation to promote their items and negotiate prices. Also, my friend, who had done more than five years in Australia, told me that it was hard for him to have a daily conversation though he could communicate with his coworkers well in his business. So, I continue to give leaning English a best shot, though it has been hard time to motivate me. The only thing I can do is believing in the coming day when I will be able to speak English as fluently as native people do.
Actually, though there were some obstacles for me to stick only to leaning English, I think I still had enough time to do so. I went to travel Hawaii last month. I needed to study legal ethics for MPRE test a few days. I had to finish two big assignments at legal writing class, which I thought was most impressive class for me, by the way. That being said, I could not deny that I spent long time on studying English, especially speaking and writing. I continued this blog less than every two days on average, I had Skype chat class more than twenty times. I consciously had time to speak with my language exchange partners and class mates.
One of the reason why I am not sufficiently aware of my improvement in English is I did not focus on specific situation when specific topic and word are typically used. For example, all most all salespersons of souvenir at Hawaii can speak Japanese just because what they need to know is mere conversation to promote their items and negotiate prices. Also, my friend, who had done more than five years in Australia, told me that it was hard for him to have a daily conversation though he could communicate with his coworkers well in his business. So, I continue to give leaning English a best shot, though it has been hard time to motivate me. The only thing I can do is believing in the coming day when I will be able to speak English as fluently as native people do.
Update for recent issues
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Many things have been going on these days and I did not have time enough to update this blog. Yesterday was one of key days for me so I would like to write down recent issues.
Yesterday was due date for my tough assignment, presentation in class, but my turn did not come due to time limitation. In WTO rule class, students are required to give a presentation within 15 minutes for any topic as long as it is related to international trade. The professor of the class is so smart and kind, and I guess everyone likes him and his class, but this assignment is really challenging to me because I have never done any presentation in my life, even in Japanese! That's why I could not write this blog. However, the professor was almost one hour late for the class due to bad traffic last night, and some students had their presentations more than 15 minutes, so four students, including me, did not finish their own presentations. I really wanted to finish my turn because I did not want to get nervous any more, but I need to wait one more week.
Also, I had a small fight with my wife, which had really frustrated me, but remind me of a really important thing that I had forgotten totally in my life. After the fight, I think we came to know each other more deeply. I want to avoid writing the issue in detail here, but recognizing this issue again really makes my life, and our family's life, happier than before.
I have started arranging many things necessary to leave this country this August. It looks too early, but after graduation in early May, I would not have sufficient time and room in my feeling because I will have to concentrate on my bar exam study. I booked air tickets, thought through what I have to do before we come back to Japan and made schedules after getting there.
Yesterday was due date for my tough assignment, presentation in class, but my turn did not come due to time limitation. In WTO rule class, students are required to give a presentation within 15 minutes for any topic as long as it is related to international trade. The professor of the class is so smart and kind, and I guess everyone likes him and his class, but this assignment is really challenging to me because I have never done any presentation in my life, even in Japanese! That's why I could not write this blog. However, the professor was almost one hour late for the class due to bad traffic last night, and some students had their presentations more than 15 minutes, so four students, including me, did not finish their own presentations. I really wanted to finish my turn because I did not want to get nervous any more, but I need to wait one more week.
Also, I had a small fight with my wife, which had really frustrated me, but remind me of a really important thing that I had forgotten totally in my life. After the fight, I think we came to know each other more deeply. I want to avoid writing the issue in detail here, but recognizing this issue again really makes my life, and our family's life, happier than before.
I have started arranging many things necessary to leave this country this August. It looks too early, but after graduation in early May, I would not have sufficient time and room in my feeling because I will have to concentrate on my bar exam study. I booked air tickets, thought through what I have to do before we come back to Japan and made schedules after getting there.
Commencement ceremony
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Today I got a pack of documents regarding the commencement ceremony in early May. I did not realize I have only a few weeks left in this semester, and at law school. Time fries!
Actually, I did not expected I experience graduation from school as old as thirty years, but I feel excited and can't wait. One of school office member announced us that the commencement day would be terribly crowded in the campus because my college is huge and students welcome their families or friends to the ceremony. I am also going to take my wife and daughter. I know the ceremony itself only contains some speech and calling up everyone's name, which would take more than thirty minutes, but I would like to enjoy the reception after that!
Actually, I did not expected I experience graduation from school as old as thirty years, but I feel excited and can't wait. One of school office member announced us that the commencement day would be terribly crowded in the campus because my college is huge and students welcome their families or friends to the ceremony. I am also going to take my wife and daughter. I know the ceremony itself only contains some speech and calling up everyone's name, which would take more than thirty minutes, but I would like to enjoy the reception after that!
6 Mayıs 2012 Pazar
Cost for taking risk
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My workplace is a huge and not so young, rather a relatively old organization in its business. Thus, it is not willing to take risks to start new challenge to broaden and develop new market. It would not like to incur cost for that, too. However, current managements should think about future and does not save investment necessary to possible expansion.
After I got to Japan, I am going to challenge new market for our office, which market looks really tough because of its cultural difference and of lateness in the market of our company. Yet, the market is enough huge for us to expect possible expansion in near future. So I think management should consider more seriously to invest more money and human resource. In fact, however, current managements are inclined to focus on cutting cost because they are worrying about resent cost surge. The managements are senior people the same as in the most Japanese, especially old and famous, companies that are struggling with keeping profit in current slow economy.
However, I think they should rather take risk now than take negative attitude. It is good timing for us to get ready for next chance in near future so that we can dominant new market in advance.
After I got to Japan, I am going to challenge new market for our office, which market looks really tough because of its cultural difference and of lateness in the market of our company. Yet, the market is enough huge for us to expect possible expansion in near future. So I think management should consider more seriously to invest more money and human resource. In fact, however, current managements are inclined to focus on cutting cost because they are worrying about resent cost surge. The managements are senior people the same as in the most Japanese, especially old and famous, companies that are struggling with keeping profit in current slow economy.
However, I think they should rather take risk now than take negative attitude. It is good timing for us to get ready for next chance in near future so that we can dominant new market in advance.
What You Need to Know About DUI Law
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With the holiday season upon us, holiday parties will most certainly be on everyone’s calendar. While you are enjoying a night out with friends and family you must remember the importance of driving responsibly. Arrests for driving under the influence are extremely prevalent around the holidays. Police are on high alert for drivers who may be driving over the legal limit. If you find yourself arrested for a DUI here are some important factors to consider.
If it is your first offense, you can attempt to have the charges dismissed or reduced. If the State is not willing to dismiss or reduce the charges and you should then request court supervision. First time DUI offenders in Illinois are entitled to court supervision. Court supervision will allow you to avoid having your license revoked and having a conviction placed on your record. Court supervision comes with several conditions such as fines, an alcohol evaluation, Victim Impact Panel, and community service. When you complete the requirements of supervision the case will usually be dismissed after approximately twelve months.
If it is your second or more DUI, the situation is much more complicated. First, you are not eligible for court supervision. Also a revocation of your license is guaranteed upon a conviction. There is also the possibility of jail time although many courts will agree to extensive community service in lieu of jail time. Finally, if this is your third DUI it is considered a felony.
Aside from a conviction for driving under the influence, you also have to worry about a statutory summary suspension of your license. In Illinois, when you are pulled over for suspected DUI the officer will request that you submit to a chemical test, usually a breathalyzer. If you refuse to submit or if you submit and have over .08 BAC, your license will be suspended. If you have not more than one DUI in a five year period and your BAC is over .08 your license is suspended for six months. However, if you refuse to submit to the test your license will be suspended for one year.
It is important to understand that although the consequence of refusing to submit to a breath test is a longer statutory suspension, submitting and testing over the legal limit provides the prosecution with irrefutable evidence of your guilt. It is difficult to argue against test results that demonstrate your level of intoxication. Either suspension period automatically starts 45 days after your arrest.
When your license is suspended under statutory summary suspension you are entitled to hearing, despite the suspension automatically starting 45 days after the arrest. You are permitted to file a Petition for a Hearing within 90 days of your arrest. If you do not file the Petition within 90 days, your right to a hearing is considered waived. Once the Petition is filed the State is required to set the hearing within 30 days or the suspension will be dismissed.
At a statutory summary suspension hearing you can challenge the following:
This is only a brief overview of what you will experience as a result of being arrested for driving under the influence. The best advice is to avoid being in this situation all together. When you go out for a drink this holiday season, have a designated driver or call a cab to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.
By Maggie Pucher
O'Flaherty Law is based in Downers Grove and Chicago, Illinois. Our attorneys have expertise in Corporate Representation, Commercial Litigation, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and DUI defense. Please visit our website at www.oflaherty-law.com for more information and resources or e-mail us at info@oflaherty-law.com with any questions or suggestions for future articles.
With the holiday season upon us, holiday parties will most certainly be on everyone’s calendar. While you are enjoying a night out with friends and family you must remember the importance of driving responsibly. Arrests for driving under the influence are extremely prevalent around the holidays. Police are on high alert for drivers who may be driving over the legal limit. If you find yourself arrested for a DUI here are some important factors to consider.If it is your first offense, you can attempt to have the charges dismissed or reduced. If the State is not willing to dismiss or reduce the charges and you should then request court supervision. First time DUI offenders in Illinois are entitled to court supervision. Court supervision will allow you to avoid having your license revoked and having a conviction placed on your record. Court supervision comes with several conditions such as fines, an alcohol evaluation, Victim Impact Panel, and community service. When you complete the requirements of supervision the case will usually be dismissed after approximately twelve months.
If it is your second or more DUI, the situation is much more complicated. First, you are not eligible for court supervision. Also a revocation of your license is guaranteed upon a conviction. There is also the possibility of jail time although many courts will agree to extensive community service in lieu of jail time. Finally, if this is your third DUI it is considered a felony.
Aside from a conviction for driving under the influence, you also have to worry about a statutory summary suspension of your license. In Illinois, when you are pulled over for suspected DUI the officer will request that you submit to a chemical test, usually a breathalyzer. If you refuse to submit or if you submit and have over .08 BAC, your license will be suspended. If you have not more than one DUI in a five year period and your BAC is over .08 your license is suspended for six months. However, if you refuse to submit to the test your license will be suspended for one year.
It is important to understand that although the consequence of refusing to submit to a breath test is a longer statutory suspension, submitting and testing over the legal limit provides the prosecution with irrefutable evidence of your guilt. It is difficult to argue against test results that demonstrate your level of intoxication. Either suspension period automatically starts 45 days after your arrest.
When your license is suspended under statutory summary suspension you are entitled to hearing, despite the suspension automatically starting 45 days after the arrest. You are permitted to file a Petition for a Hearing within 90 days of your arrest. If you do not file the Petition within 90 days, your right to a hearing is considered waived. Once the Petition is filed the State is required to set the hearing within 30 days or the suspension will be dismissed.
At a statutory summary suspension hearing you can challenge the following:
- Whether the officer had probable cause to pull you over
- Whether a proper arrest was made
- Whether you received the proper warnings for statutory summary suspension as required by Illinois law
- Whether there was actual refusal or failure of the breath test
This is only a brief overview of what you will experience as a result of being arrested for driving under the influence. The best advice is to avoid being in this situation all together. When you go out for a drink this holiday season, have a designated driver or call a cab to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.
By Maggie Pucher
O'Flaherty Law is based in Downers Grove and Chicago, Illinois. Our attorneys have expertise in Corporate Representation, Commercial Litigation, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and DUI defense. Please visit our website at www.oflaherty-law.com for more information and resources or e-mail us at info@oflaherty-law.com with any questions or suggestions for future articles.
Child Support Explained
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Child support is the responsibility and obligation of both parents to provide for a child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. It is not simply a financial matter, as many people assume. In any instance where a child’s parents are no longer living together or married, the residential parent is entitled to support from the non-residential parent.
The main question most parents have when the topic of child support comes up is how the court determines the amount of child support which the support paying parent will be ordered to pay. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides a detailed outline as to the state minimums the court will use to determine child support obligations. The IMDMA guidelines require the support-paying parent to pay from their net income as follows: twenty percent (20%) for one child; twenty-eight percent (28%) for two children; thirty-two percent (32%) for three children; forty percent (40%) for four children; forty-five percent (45%) for five; and fifty percent (50%) for six or more children. The net income is determined as the income after taxes, social security, retirement contributions, health insurance and several other deductions permitted under state statute.
The court may order child support that deviates from the state required minimum if the court finds it is in the best interest of the child. The court can use several factors to determine the best interest of the child. First, the court will determine the financial needs of the child. Second, the court will consider the financial responsibilities and needs of both the residential and non-residential parent. The court may also consider the physical, emotional and educational needs of the child. Finally, the court will consider the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the parents not divorced.
Once an order of child support is entered, the order may only be modified, whether increased, decreased or abated, if a court finds that a change in circumstances warrants a modification. Further, an order for child support will terminate upon the child turning eighteen years old or upon graduation from high school if the child turns eighteen and is still in high school. However, child support will usually not be ordered past a child’s nineteenth birthday. Several courts will make an order for contribution towards post high school education even though child support, as required under state statute, has terminated.
It is important for parents to keep in mind child support is an independent obligation and should be preserved despite other problems which may arise between parents, such as disagreements regarding visitation. It is important to note, however, that recent studies have shown non-residential parents are more likely to pay support in a timely fashion when their visitation with their child(ren) occurs without interference from the residential parent.
By Maggie Pucher
O'Flaherty Law is based in Downers Grove and Chicago, Illinois. Our attorneys have expertise in Corporate Representation, Commercial Litigation, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and DUI defense. Please visit our website at www.oflaherty-law.com for more information and resources or e-mail us at info@oflaherty-law.com with any questions or suggestions for future articles.
Child support is the responsibility and obligation of both parents to provide for a child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. It is not simply a financial matter, as many people assume. In any instance where a child’s parents are no longer living together or married, the residential parent is entitled to support from the non-residential parent.
The main question most parents have when the topic of child support comes up is how the court determines the amount of child support which the support paying parent will be ordered to pay. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides a detailed outline as to the state minimums the court will use to determine child support obligations. The IMDMA guidelines require the support-paying parent to pay from their net income as follows: twenty percent (20%) for one child; twenty-eight percent (28%) for two children; thirty-two percent (32%) for three children; forty percent (40%) for four children; forty-five percent (45%) for five; and fifty percent (50%) for six or more children. The net income is determined as the income after taxes, social security, retirement contributions, health insurance and several other deductions permitted under state statute.
The court may order child support that deviates from the state required minimum if the court finds it is in the best interest of the child. The court can use several factors to determine the best interest of the child. First, the court will determine the financial needs of the child. Second, the court will consider the financial responsibilities and needs of both the residential and non-residential parent. The court may also consider the physical, emotional and educational needs of the child. Finally, the court will consider the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the parents not divorced.
Once an order of child support is entered, the order may only be modified, whether increased, decreased or abated, if a court finds that a change in circumstances warrants a modification. Further, an order for child support will terminate upon the child turning eighteen years old or upon graduation from high school if the child turns eighteen and is still in high school. However, child support will usually not be ordered past a child’s nineteenth birthday. Several courts will make an order for contribution towards post high school education even though child support, as required under state statute, has terminated.
It is important for parents to keep in mind child support is an independent obligation and should be preserved despite other problems which may arise between parents, such as disagreements regarding visitation. It is important to note, however, that recent studies have shown non-residential parents are more likely to pay support in a timely fashion when their visitation with their child(ren) occurs without interference from the residential parent.
By Maggie Pucher
O'Flaherty Law is based in Downers Grove and Chicago, Illinois. Our attorneys have expertise in Corporate Representation, Commercial Litigation, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and DUI defense. Please visit our website at www.oflaherty-law.com for more information and resources or e-mail us at info@oflaherty-law.com with any questions or suggestions for future articles.
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