ON SUBLIMATION, A Path to the Destiny of Desire,

 INTRODUCTION

us how the concept of sublimation originated, in sequence, from the notions of “reaction formation” from “reversal into the opposite” and from “aim inhibition” to its definition by Freud as “the third and most complete drive destiny”. 

Later on, when theoretical and clinical models that were different to Freudian metapsychology came into the picture, the author shows that even if it has continued to operate in the clinical reality of individuals and the community, it has often done so in disguise and within different theorisations.

Certainly, the affirmation of the object relations theoretical model in psychoanalytic thinking has encouraged a change of emphasis. However, a series of psychic processes previously defined as “sublimatory” have been shown as an effect of a process of “reparation” of the object, this latter concept developed by Melanie Klein. Still within the Kleinian realm, the link between sublimation and symbolisation has been pointed out with great perspicuity, in my opinion, and with Winnicott sublimation virtually coincides with the formation of cultural experience, which, as the author observed, indicates a shift from instinct to object. André Green, despite respect for Freud’s approach, did not fail to relate sublimation to the instincts of the ego and, hence, according to the second topic, with the death drives, in the formulation of the “objectivising function” concept, implicitly touches on something concerning the process of sublimation. The same notion of “figurability”, elaborated by Sára and César Botella, could not be conceived without a reference—more or less implicit—to sublimation. But this, as Valdrè points out, means that sublimation does not concern so much real desexualisation, and so Thanatos, as it does Eros, understood as an “objectualising function” and so with a representational function. In each case the link between sublimation and symbolisation remains evident in all of this theorising including Matte Blanco’s interpretation where sublimation is bound up with a process of formalisation. Lastly, Lacan, on the basis of Freud’s defining it as the third and most complete drive destiny, holds that sublimation is the manifestation of the elevation of the representation of the Thing. In short, the link between sublimation and creativity appears clear, on the basis of the closeness between sexuality and artistic experience intended also as curiosity fulfilled. So in the light of more recent theorisations we have to consider that for a full understanding of sublimatory phenomena it is necessary to have a theoretical capacity that oscillates between the metapsychological and objectival approach. 

If, as far as the manifestations of psychopathology and of the psychology of the individual are concerned, the disappearance of sublimation, as the author maintains, seem more apparent than real, how are things on the collective functioning level? Here I have to recognise a profound transformation in social functioning. In the words of J. F. Lyotard we must say that, with the transit from modernity to postmodernity or, to radical modernity, we have come out of the grands récits, from the ideologies that have characterised philosophical and political modernity and we are, to use Zygmunt Bauman’s term, in a sort of “liquid society”. Psychoanalysis, that—principally, though not exclusively—of Lacanian origin, speaks of the fall of “the Name of the Father” (le Nom du Père) that is of oedipal order. This implies a regression to a functioning that is closer to that of a “primitive horde” in which it is not “the law” that holds sway but rather—in a context characterised by a sort of homo homini lupus est—it is the strongest, who on the basis of his strength, commands and establishes the law. 

With the words of René Kaës, the fall of the “metasocial guarantors” results in the correlative fall of the “metapsychic guarantors”, that is to say, the function in accordance with the oedipal structure. At the level of the psychology of the individual, this leads to a regression, if not a disappearance, of the “subjectival dimension”, that is to say, of the possibility to become a “subject” of a psychic organisation founded on the conflict between desire and prohibition, this latter being a process on which Kultur is founded. 

That being so, in this situation the sublimation process fails and is replaced by the “order of pleasure”. Paradoxically, here, the superego’s injunction is turned upside down and becomes, “Enjoy!”. Clearly the object is more interchangeable than ever and must always be available, and so his will be a statute that is absolutely narcissistic. 

In the light of these cultural transformations, what will be the fate of the process of civilisation and the consequent “discontent” involved due to the drive repression that is necessary to it? What we see in postmodern society is that the reduction of drive repression and the corresponding push to sublimation means that the gain permitted by the latter, in terms of a partial freedom from the coaction of the drives, is failing, leaving individuals totally subject to the imperative of the drives.

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Tricks of the eBay® Masters

Where Can You Find the eBay Masters? 

The eBay Masters spend a lot of time on eBay, as you might suspect. Not only do they have a lot of auctions running at any given time, they’re also a vital part of the eBay community. 

What is this eBay community, you ask? Well, eBay has a vibrant set of discussion forums (located at pages.ebay.com/community/boards/), where the most interested— and most interesting—buyers and sellers hang out and discuss the issues of the day. These discussion forums are where I found most of the eBay Masters, all of whom gladly offered to contribute their words of wisdom for this book. 

And here’s the interesting thing. The eBay community is actually a number of different small communities. The folks you meet on the Auction Listings board are different folks from those you meet on the Packaging & Shipping board, who are different from the folks you meet on the Collectibles board. Since each board is organized around a particular topic or type of merchandise, members tend to pick one or two forums and make their contributions there. The result is that the Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories board has a completely different personality than the Booksellers board, and you’ll meet different users on each board. The common factor is that they’re all friendly, and they’re all incredibly helpful. Spend some time on the boards with the eBay Masters, and don’t be shy about asking questions—or offering your own unique contribution.

Now, don’t get all freaked out about this, but there are a lot of scam artists out there, and they’re all intent on parting you from your money. These crooks existed long before the Internet came into existence, but they’ve learned to adapt their thieving ways to the new online medium. They also know a good thing when they see it, so many of these scammers have focused intently on eBay’s massive user base for potential victims. 

Some scammers focus on eBay buyers; I discuss these frauds in Chapter 4, “How to Be a Smarter—and Safer—Buyer.” Other scammers target eBay sellers; I discuss these frauds in Chapter 17, “How to Deal with Customer Problems—and Problem Customers.” But there are also a class of scams that target all eBay users, and you need to know about them.  Please Click Here For Download Ebook

Creative Careers in HollyWood

Why all this talk about working in Los Angeles, making myths, and being part of the collective consciousness? Because our modern-day movies are tangible evidence of our modern-day myths. The movies are written, produced, and directed by individuals, who are part of our society; they are not manufactured by the gods above, but rather, by artists who are just like you and me. So, in order to learn about life in Hollywood, it might be interesting to explore the movies about working in the movies, which have been made by people who work in the movies. The lifestyle and adventures of working in film will be revealed within the very medium the industry produces.

And so this book was born. Out of the history of film during this past century, I have chosen movies featuring the basic jobs of the entertainment industry—Actor, Agent-Manager, Assistant, D-girl, Director, Press, Producer, Production and Crew, Studio Executive, and Writer. Each illustrates one or more of the above-named jobs. The duties, the trials and tribulations, the highs and lows, and the rewards of each job are explored as the positions are scrutinized. The result is a patchwork account of the creative career choices one has access to when working in Hollywood.

Analyzing movies made about working in the movies is challenging and fascinating at the same time. It has often been said that in order to go forward, it is best to look backward so the same mistakes aren’t made. This book will provide a place to begin to understand the triumphs and defeats of all of the on-screen workers in the industry. Download

How to Improve Your Leadership

1. How to Lead and Manage People

In organizations we must work with and for others. To be able to mutually achieve our goals we must be able to relate to others effectively. These Effective Leadership Skills Training tips will help you do just that. 

-- Catch people doing things right and then let them know that they are doing things right. 

- Use feedback to stay informed about what other people are doing in your area of responsibility and authority.

Have regular, focused meetings regarding the projects that you are responsible for. 

-- Provide adequate instructions. Time is lost if things are not done correctly. 

-- Train others to do jobs. You cannot do them all, nor can others do them if they have not been trained. 

2. How to Make a Good First Impression We sometimes get only one chance to make an impression on someone either in our personal or business life. Therefore it is important to remember some basic things to do that will assure us of making the best impression possible. The following are ten of the most common things people can do to make the best first impression possible. 

1. Appear Neat And Dress Appropriately. Being neat in our appearance is something we can do regardless of whether we are trying to make a good impression on someone or not. In a *first meeting* situation for business, to show up in jeans, tennis shoes and with uncombed hair would be a big mistake. If the situation is social, dressing casual is fine depending on where you are meeting, but being well groomed is always going to make a good impression. 

2. Maintain Good Eye Contact. From the first time you meet the person until you part, maintain good direct eye contact with them. This usually indicates to people that you are listening to them, interested in them, and friendly. You need not stare or glare at them. Simply focus on them and their immediate direction the majority of the time. When talking, look at them also, since your new acquaintance wants to be sure you are talking to him/her and not the floor. It also will give you an idea of how the person is receiving what you are saying to them if you are looking at them. 

3. Shake Their Hand At The Beginning And When Parting. Whether it is a business meeting or a social occasion, most people appreciate or expect a friendly handshake. The best kind are firm (no need to prove your strength) and 3-5 seconds long. Pumping up and down or jerking their arm about is not needed nor usually welcomed. A *limp rag* handshake is not recommended unless you have good reason to believe shaking the person's hand any harder would injure them. Look at them in the eye when shaking their hand. 

4. SMILE! :-) A smile goes a long way in making a first impression. When you shake hands with the person, smile as you introduce yourself or say hello. Even if the other person does not smile, you can, and it will be remembered by the other person. As you talk or listen to the person speak, smile off and on to show your interest, amusement, or just to show you are being friendly.

5. Listen More Than You Talk. Unless you are asked for your life story (in which case give a very abbreviated version) let the other person do most of the talking as you listen. Listening to your new acquaintance will give you information to refer to later, and it will give your new friend the impression you are genuinely interested in them, their business, etc. If you are asked questions, feel free to talk. If you are really bored, avoid 3-5 word sentence replies to your companion's questions. Pretend at least to be interested. You won't/don't necessarily ever have to talk with this person again.

6. Relax And Be Yourself. Who else would you be? Well, sometimes people try to act differently than they normally would to impress or show off to a new acquaintance. Putting on facades and *airs* is not recommended, as a discerning person will sense it and it will have a negative effect on how they view you. Just be yourself and relax and *go with the flow* of conversation. 

7. Ask Them About *Their* Business And Personal Life. Show that you have an active interest in the other person's professional and personal life. When an appropriate time comes, ask them to tell you about their family and their business if they have not already done so. People love to talk about themselves. They usually feel flattered and respected when others, especially people who have never met them, show real interest in their business and their personal life. It also shows that you are not self-centered when you do not spend a lot of time talking about yourself and *your* life.

8. Don't *Name Drop* Or Brag. Very few people you will meet for the first time will be favorably impressed if you start telling them you know Donald Trump, Don Johnson, or the CEO of Widgets, Inc. They want to get to know you and have you get to know them. Experienced and secure business people are not impressed by who you know as much as what you know. If someone asks you if you know *so and so*, then it's appropriate to tell them the truth. Unless they do, it sounds like you are very insecure and trying to really *impress them*. Bragging about your financial, business or social coups or feats is likewise in bad taste and not recommended. Just keep it simple and factual and be yourself.

9. Don't Eat Or *Drink* Too Much. If your first meeting is at a function or place where food and alcohol are served, it is wise to eat and drink in moderation. This is especial true of drinking alcohol! You want to be able to listen well and remember what is said, and speak well for yourself. There is probably nothing that leaves a worse first impression on a business or social date than for their new *acquaintance* to get intoxicated and to say or do things that are embarrassing, rude, crude, or all three. Use good self control and eat as your new friend does, and drink only in social moderation or not at all. What is done one night under the influence of alcoholic merriment might be regretted for hundreds of nights in clear headed sobriety! 

10. Part With A Smile, A Handshake And A Sincere Comment Or Compliment. Regardless of how you felt the evening went it is simply common courtesy to shake hands when the evening is over, offer a smile and some sort of friendly comment or compliment. If it was a social evening and you had a great time, offer a sincere compliment and let them know you'd like to meet again. If it was a business meeting, offer a smile and a sincere comment around how it was nice to meet them, get to know them, learn about their business etc. You may never have to see the person again, but they may know people who they will tell about their meeting with you who you *will* work with or need to meet down the road. It always pays to be kind and polite even if you were not treated that way or did not enjoy the time you spent with someone. 

Manage a business effectively, manage staff effectively, is the key to the establishment and growth of the business. The key to successful management is to examine the marketplace environment and create employment and profit opportunities that provide the potential growth and financial viability of the business. 

Despite the importance of management, this area is often misunderstood and poorly implemented, primarily because people focus on the output rather than the process of management. Toward the end of the 1980s, business managers became absorbed in improving product quality, sometimes ignoring their role vis-a-vis personnel. The focus was on reducing costs and increasing output, while ignoring the long-term benefits of motivating personnel. This shortsighted view tended to increase profits in the short term, but created a dysfunctional long-term business environment. Simultaneously with the increase in concern about quality, entrepreneurship attracted the attention of business.

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A sudden wave of successful entrepreneurs seemed to render earlier management concepts obsolete. The popular press focused on the new cult heroes Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniack (creators and developers of the Apple Computer) while ignoring the marketing and organizing talents of Mike Markula, the executive responsible for Apple's business plan. The story of two guys selling their Volkswagen bus to build the first Apple computer was more romantic than that of the organizational genius that enabled Apple to develop, market and ship its products while rapidly becoming a major corporation. In large businesses, effective manage business skills requires planning. Planning is essential for developing a firm's potential.

However, many small businesses do not recognize the need for long-range plans, because the small number of people involved in operating the business implies equal responsibility in the planning and decisionmaking processes. Nevertheless, the need for planning is as important in a small business as it is in a large one. This guide focuses on the importance of good management practices. Specifically, it addresses the responsibilities of managing the external and internal environments. 

Three decades ago, Alvin Toffler suggested that the vision of the citizen in the tight grip of an omnipotent bureaucracy would be replaced by an organizational structure of adhocracy. The traditional business organization implied a social contract between employees and employers. By adhering to a fixed set of obligations and sharply defined roles and responsibilities, employees received a predefined set of rewards. 

The organizational structure that Toffler predicted in 1970 became the norm 20 years later, and with it came changed concepts of authority. As organizations became more transitory, the authority of the organization and firm was replaced by the authority of the individual manager. This entrepreneurial management model is now being replicated throughout society. As a result, the individual business owner must internalize ever increasing organizational functions. Another change in today's business environment is dealing with government agencies. 

Their effect on the conduct of business most recently appears to have increased. As industries fail to achieve high levels of ethical behavior or individual businesses exhibit specific lapses, the government rushes in to fill the breach with its regulations.

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Leadership Skills

When we talk about leadership skills, what exactly do we mean? Leadership skills are the tools, behaviors, and capabilities that a person needs in order to be successful at motivating and directing others. Yet true leadership skills involve something more; the ability to help people grow in their own abilities. It can be said that the most successful leaders are those that drive others to achieve their own success. 

In this textbook, you’ll be given information to help you start building your leadership skills immediately. You will be given specific tools and tips so that you’ll be able to take what you learn and will be able to apply it the moment you are done reading. If you do, you will be amazed at how quickly you can improve your leadership abilities. You’ll start to see those around you react to you differently. You’ll find that work can be a more pleasant place to be and that you truly can lead others on to their own success. 

Of course, the work place and your studies is not the only area of your life where you can put these skills to use. There are many ideas introduced here that will help you to be a more effective leader in any area of your life. As a parent, a spouse, a soccer coach, a charity board member, or as any other kind of leader, you will be able to apply this information and feel confident that you can be a successful leader in any area of life that you choose. 

Sean McPheat, the Founder and Managing Director of management development specialists, MTD Training is the author of this publication. Sean has been featured on CNN, BBC, ITV, on numerous radio stations and has contributed to many newspapers. He’s been featured in over 250 different publications as a thought leader within the management development and training industry.

MTD has been working with a wide variety of clients (both large and small) in the UK and internationally for several years.

MTD specialise in providing:

 In-house, tailor made management training courses (1-5 days duration)

Open courses (Delivered throughout the UK at various locations)

Management & leadership development programmes (From 5 days to 2 years)

Corporate and executive coaching (With senior or middle managers)

MTD provide a wide range of management training courses and programmes that enable new and experienced managers to maximise their potential by gaining or refining their management and leadership skills. 

Our team of highly skilled and experienced trainers and consultants have all had distinguished careers in senior management roles and bring with them a wealth of practical experience to each course. At MTD Training we will design and deliver a solution that suits your specific needs addressing the issues and requirements from your training brief that best fits your culture, learning style and ways of working. 

Our programmes are delivered when and where you need them! We believe that training should be fun, highly interactive and provide “real world” practical techniques and methods that you can use back in the office – and that’s exactly what we provide. 

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Successful Delegation

Introduction One of the most important management skills you can master is learning how to delegate. As a specific skill, delegation is one that becomes increasingly more important as you progress through levels of management and will greatly increase your own productivity. There is no other skill that will increase your productivity to the same degree as being able to delegate successfully. That said, successful delegation does take time and effort, but the benefit it gives of actively helping employee involvement and empowerment succeed as a leadership style, is invaluable. When undertaken properly, delegation increases the level of motivation of team members as it allows for new and innovative ideas, which in turn leads to the development of team members’ creative and decision-making skills. In their groundbreaking book, Principles of Management, Harold Koontz and Cyril O’Donnell stated the following about delegation: 

‘Administrators must realize that there is a “comparative administrative advantage law”, similar to the comparative economic advantage law that is applied to nations. 

Comparative economic advantage states that each country will get richer if they export the product that is more efficiently manufactured, and they import the product that they manufacture less efficiently, even if they could produce said imported goods at a lower cost than any other nation. 

Administrators can better contribute to the company if they focus on performing tasks that are more beneficial for achieving the objectives of the company, and they delegate to their subordinates all other activities, even if they could do a better job while working on said tasks.’ 

In other words, you should always concentrate your energies on those parts of your work that are the most advantageous to the organization and its development. 

All other tasks should be delegated to other individuals who are under your control. This philosophy should over-rule your belief that you could perform the task ‘better’ than those you’ve delegated it to. 

Why Should I Delegate? 

As a manager, you need to allocate as much time as possible to aiding the development of your business or service. This requires focusing a significant amount of your time on planning for the short-term and long-term needs of your organization; a strategy that in theory sounds good, but will undoubtedly in practice be replaced by any free time being overtaken with everyday operational tasks and problems. 

Thus, if you can successfully reduce the amount of time you spend performing the latter, the more time you will have to dedicate to the growth and planning of your organization. Hence the importance of learning how to delegate. 

One of the most effective and efficient ways you can achieve this is by delegating the disruptive operational tasks to someone else who is equally capable of performing this role. Indeed, a key aspect of delegating efficiently is to ensure that whilst your time is organized more effectively, tasks must be allocated to suitable people to minimize risks, and to ensure the optimum outcome. It also provides you with the opportunity to develop your team members by increasing their morale and motivation. 

It is also key to remember that when delegating a task to other team members, you will retain the responsibility for it; all you are doing is assigning another person to perform the task on your behalf. It is often the fear that the delegated person will fail to perform the task properly (for which you will ultimately be responsible) that prevents managers from delegating.

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Michigan Car Accident Lawyers: Auto Accident Injury Settlements

Our top-rated Michigan car accident lawyers can help you if you were injured in an auto accident today or any time in the past. Choosing the best attorney for your case after a car accident in Michigan is your most important decision. It is the difference between winning a great settlement and receiving no settlement at all.

Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. is the smart choice for your case. Since 1969, our award-winning lawyers have represented accident injury victims with the highest degree of integrity and compassion. We have the experience, knowledge, and skill to win your case.  We settle more than 97% of our car accident cases for the maximum amount of compensation before ever going to court. We will do the same for you.

What is Michigan No-Fault Insurance?

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state which means that every automobile is required by law to be covered by a no-fault insurance policy.  This policy provides coverage and valuable benefits to anyone injured in an auto accident.  These benefits, refererred to as Personl Injury Protection (or "PIP") benefits include payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, household services, medical mileage, home modification, and other benefits.

Almost every person injured in a Michigan car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident, is entitled to Michigan No-Fault insurance benefits, regardless of who was as fault for the accident.  You may be entitled to these benefits even if you did not own a car or have your own auto no-fault insurance policy. 

Can I Sue the At-Fault  Driver for My Car Accident Injuries?

Yes. A person injured in an auto accident can also make a claim against the at-fault driver that caused the accident. This is called a negligence claim.

Under Michigan, negligence means the failure to use ordinary care. Ordinary care means the care a reasonably careful person would use or the failure to do something that a reasonably careful person would do, or the doing of something that a reasonably careful person would not do, under the circumstances. For auto accident cases, the most common types of negligence are operating the motor vehicle at an excessive speed, failing to stop at a red light, careless driving, hitting a vehicle from behind, texting while driving, drunk driving, and all other traffic violations that cause or contribute to the car accident.

Negligence claims, also called third party liability claims, are completely different than a claim for PIP benefits.  Third party liability claims demand compensation for pain and suffering, disability, scars and disfigurements, and other non-economic type claims.  Third party liability claims are made against the insurance company for the other driver and owner of the other vehicle.  The insurance company typically pays the settlement.

What Should I Do After A Michigan Auto Accident?

There are several things that you should do immediately after a car accident, which include:

• Notify of the police of the accident, especially if they do not come to the accident scene.
• Provide the investigating officer with your drivers license, proof of insurance, & vehicle registration.
• Make sure there is a written police report made after the accident.
• Get the drivers license number and license plate number of the other vehicles in the crash.
• Take photographs on your phone of damage to your car and other vehicles.
• Get the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of all witnesses to the accident
• Report the accident to your own auto insurance company after the accident
• Request an Application for No-Fault Insurance Benefits from your insurance agent
• Contact our experienced attorneys to advise you on your rights and to begin pursuing your claims

Why Should I Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today?

If your motor vehicle accident was today or at anytime in the past, it is smart to call an experienced car accident lawyer now.  There are strict time deadlines for filing insurance and personal injury claims. If you miss a deadline, your case will be destroyed forever and you will give up your rights to a settlement in the future.

Your insurance company might also be underpaying your no-fault benefits and you may not even know. If you are unsure about hiring a lawyer, you can call us to just learn more about your rights and the important time deadlines. There is absolutely no cost or obligation to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.

How Our Lawyers Help You After a Michigan Car Accident

The Michigan No-Fault Insurance laws are confusing.  You need to know your rights after a Michigan car accident. When you choose us for your car accident case, we will:

• Get the accident report, witness statements, and full police investigation file
• Get all of your medical records, hospital records, and treatment records
• Deal directly with your auto insurance company adjuster for you
• Provide you with advice on your Mini-Tort property damage claim
• Submit all of your claims for medical bills, lost wages, and other no-fault insurance benefits
• Communicate with the insurance adjuster to make sure all benefits have been paid 
• Determine the insurance policy limits for every possible insurer
• File a lawsuit against the negligent driver that caused your accident
• Sue the negligent driver, owner of the car, and insurance company for your pain and suffering compensation
• Negotiate with the insurance adjusters for you
• Get you the best car accident settlement for your pain and suffering as well as any additional compensation

Common Michigan Car Accident Injuries

There are close to 300,000 auto accidents in Michigan every year.  Many of these result in serious injuries and death.  Over 800 people died in fatal car accidents in Michigan in 2014.  Almost 5,000 accident victims suffered incapacitating injuries that required hospitalization and prevented them from work and normal activities.

Our auto accident attorneys represent clients with all types pain and suffering injuries after a serious auto accident. These include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, back and neck injuries, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, scars, and all other serious injuries. In case involving a fatal car accident in Michigan , we will file a Michigan Wrongful Death claim on behalf of the family.

Factors that Determine Michigan Car Accident Settlements & Compensation

There are a number of factors that determine the amount of a Michigan car accident settlement.  Every case and every injury victim is different, so there is not set formula to determine the right amount of the settlement.  Accident victims can claim a personal injury settlement that include compensation for these types of damages:

• Pain & Suffering (at the time of the accident and going into the future)
• Fright & Shock
• Psychological Injuries (like PTSD &  depression)
• Scars & Permanent Disfigurements
• Disability from Work & Activities
• Loss of Income & Wages (past, present, & future)
• Bystander Claims (witnessing a family member injured in an accident)
• Death (filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit)

Do I Need a Lawyer To Settle My Auto Injury Claim?

You do not need a lawyer to settle your own car accident claim, but you should be aware of many serious mistakes that you can make without an experienced attorney on your side.  First, the insurance adjuster may not disclose all of the potential insurance policies or limits that might apply to your claim.  You may also not know the real value of your case and this could result in you settling for substantially less money than you could receive otherwise. 

Also, there are potential liens that you might be responsible for paying back out of your settlement that you do not know about but will have to pay back at a later date.  Finally, you could be jeopardizing your no-fault insurance benefits by signing a Release when you settle your liability claim. This could have devastating consequences.

Insurance studies have shown that injury victims actually receive substantially larger settlements when they hire a lawyer for their case, even after paying the attorney fees.  This is because insurance companies know that they cannot get "low ball" settlements with experienced attorneys who know and understand the value of an injury.  One study showed that majority of accident victims who hired a lawyer believed that they received a much greater settlement than if they tried to settle their own case.

How do I Determine the Amount of my Accident Settlement?

There is no calculator or written schedule to determine the proper settlement amount for an auto accident case.  Factors used to determine the amount of a settlement include the seriousness and permanency of the injuries and the effect of the injuries on the injured person's life.  Other factors include the type of length of medical treatment, the amount of lost income, and the insurance policy coverage available for the accident, such as the policy limits for the negligent driver and whether other types of coverage, like uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage existed at the time of the accident.

Our accident injury attorneys rely on our significant skill and experience to win our clients the highest possible settlements. We settle 97% of our cases for the maximum amount before ever going to court.  Insurance companies and their lawyers know our reputation for winning cases at trial and expect to pay our clients higher settlements than they pay to other law firms. This is one reason why we routinely get our clients higher settlements than most Michigan law firms.

How Much Are Michigan Car Accident Settlements?

Our expert car accident lawyers have won top settlements and jury verdicts for our clients.  Below are examples of auto injury cases handled by our law firm.

• $1,800,000 Settlement for a Lansing area woman who suffered a brain injury in an accident on I-96.
• $1,375,000 Settlement for a woman who suffered spinal cord injury in a Detroit car accident that caused paralysis.
• $1,000,000 Judgment against a negligent driver for hitting a bicyclist in a Detroit suburb.
• $  900,000  Settlement in an Eaton County, Michigan wrongful death settlement
• $  950,000  Settlement in St. Clair County for a woman who suffered serious injuries in a car accident.
• $  700,000  Settlement for an I-94 auto accident near Ann Arbor
• $  525,000  Settlement for a Detroit man who suffered a fractured pelvis from in a highway shoulder accident.

McLaren chairman Ron Dennis

Dennis had been fighting for his future for several weeks with fellow board members unhappy about the impact his management of the McLarenTechnology Group was having on the grand prix outfit.

Matters reached a head on Tuesday when Dennis confirmed that after 35 years at the helm of the operation he was being put on gardening leave.

Study Skills list.

But in a defiant statement, Dennis claimed the reasons for his departure were "spurious" as he pledged to create his own new technology fund.

Dennis will retain his shareholding and positions on the board for now.

"I am disappointed that the representatives of TAG and Mumtalakat, the other main shareholders in McLaren, have forced through this decision to place me on gardening leave, despite the strong warnings from the rest at the management team about the potential consequences of their actions on the business," said Dennis in a statement.

"The grounds they have stated are entirely spurious; my management style is the same as it has always been and is one that has enabled McLaren to become an automotive and technology group that has won 20 Formula 1 world championships and grown into an £850 million a year business.

"Throughout that time I have worked closely with a series of talented colleagues to keep McLaren at the cutting edge of technology, to whom I will always be extremely grateful.

"Ultimately it has become clear to me through this process that neither TAG nor Mumtalakat share my vision for McLaren and its true growth potential. But my first concern is to the business I have built and to its 3,500 employees.

"I will continue to use my significant shareholding in both companies and my seats on both boards to protect the interests and value of McLaren and help shape its future.

"In addition I intend to launch a new technology investment fund once my contractual commitments with McLaren expire.

"This will capitalise on my expertise, my financial resources, together with external investment to pursue the many commercial opportunities I have been offered in recent years but have been unable to take up while being so committed to the existing business."

McLaren's statement

As of this afternoon Ron Dennis no longer holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Technology Group (or its subsidiaries). However, he remains a shareholder and a director of McLaren Technology Group.

Study Skills list.

Over the past 35 years Ron’s contribution to the success of McLaren has been colossal. During his tenure the team won 17 World Championships and 158 Grands Prix, making him the most successful leader in Formula 1 history.

Like the company’s founder, Bruce McLaren, Ron is and will always be one of the true greats of the sport.

McLaren Technology Group is now in the process of seeking a new Chief Executive Officer.

Until such an appointment has been made, the company will be run on an interim basis by an Executive Committee comprising the Group’s majority shareholders, in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and the senior management team, all of whom remain utterly committed to the company, its partners, its employees and its fans, and share a passionate determination to build on our many strengths towards future prosperity.

Study Skills list.

http://www.motorsport.com/

Making a Car

What is the step-by-step process for making a car in a factory?

2 Answers

Chris Kaschner, Decade+ experience in manufacturing automotive and electrical products.
Here's my start, I'll update as I add more:

Steps to making a car from my experience working on 6 different vehicles production lines as a Control Engineer as well as visiting a number of additional factories:

Automotive factories are typically broken into 3 main departments.  In consecutive order they are Body Shop, Paint Shop, and General Assembly.  There are some variations depending on the type of vehicle your producing, the materials it is made out of, the volume of vehicles being produced.

For this I'll assume the most common methods and materials and that we're building a unibody vehicle.

I. Body Shop

Start with: unpainted individual formed sheet metal components

Finish with: an assembled car body, also called a @Body in white

1. underbody components, such as the floor pan and the motor component are built up as sub assemblies.  This is accomplished by taking individual sheet metal components of varying sizes, fixturing them into a precise location and then RSW (resistance spot welding) them into their final location. Here's the starting point:

2. finished subassemblies are assembled and added to the floor pan and motor compartment.  At the beginning a vehicle body starts flat, additional assembles add some length, but also all the components that give a vehicle body height, things like the firewall separating the motor from the passenger compartment and the waterfall section between the backseat and the trunk.

3. at this point you have the rough shape of a car, but still lack the external body panels that make it look like the final product, lack a roof, and have none of the swing metal parts: doors, hood, deck lid (what you call a trunk/ boot in an automotive factory)

4. In one of the more complex operations in the body shop the body sides are placed onto the vehicle.  This is typically the largest single piece of sheet metal used in a vehicle.  Here's an example of one:

It runs from the headlights to the taillights and gives the external shape to a vehicle.  In the factories I worked at the left and right body sides were placed in the same station at the same time on a vehicle.  While being held in position a number of robots will weld them into location.  If I were to take you on a tour of the Body Shop, this would be a required stop since there's up to 6 robots working in concert to locate, fixture, and weld components at a single time.  Also, there's sparks that fly when you spot weld, and visitors absolutely *love* to see the sparks. Like this

5. Roof time.  A roof panel is placed on top of the sheet metal layer cake that you've created and welded into place.  Depending on which company you work for, this is one of the defining features of a vehicle since many of the previous steps are common between manufacturers.  Whether your car has a "ditch molding" on the roof or simply a smooth continuous roof is an easy way to tell the difference between cars.  The ditch molding is a simpler method where a panel is placed on top of your vehicle and has an offset surface that allows RSW.  The more complex methods have either brazing or laser welding to produce a continuous flat surface over the entirety of your roof. An example of roof fixturing:

6. Swing metal time.  Doors were built up in separate sub-assembly lines and are placed on a conveyor to be mounted onto the rest of the body.  Doors are lifted via a specially designed piece of tooling to lift them and locate them accurately to the car body.  Bolts are torqued, and verified, to a specific value to mount the doors. This (along with deck-lids and hoods) are typically the the only threaded fastener in the entire Body Shop everything else is welded into location.

7. Hoods and deck-lids are placed in a similar manner to doors.  

8. At this point the BIW looks like a car without wheels, a chassis, a motor, or an interior.  But it's the right shape. Before moving on there's a final section of the production line called "body finishing".  Imagine a tunnel of fluorescent light fixtures with cars running down its center and people on both side of the assembly line at 20' intervals.  The purpose is to identify and fix any problems or defects that would show up once painted.  Workers sand and smooth the body panels to ensure no problems occur once painted.  It's far easier to fix things at this point then to remove paint.

9. Transfer to paint shop.  Depending on the size of the factory this takes a few forms, usually your BIW gets to ride on some form of conveyor or AGV (automatic guided vehicle), ride up an elevator or hoist of some sort, and ride another conveyor before arriving in the paint shop.

***Things ignored***

* rework stations- placed at the end of each main area or sub-assembly, so the entire motor compartment line may have one rework station.  Any defects or issues, such as a bad weld, would be repaired at that station.

* automated inspection stations - laser/ camera combo's are used to verify the exact location of panels and gaps.  They record those locations and allow quality engineers to track the process over time.  If dimensions move outside of permissible limits, then changes will be made in the previous processes to make sure you're always making "good" parts.