May
19
2020

Attendant Care Services Are Available For Seriously Injured Workers In North Carolina

Author: Admin Posted under: Workplace Policy

Attendant Care Services Are Available For Seriously Injured Workers in North Carolina

by

Bob Bollinger

Unfortunately, some workers’ compensation injuries can result in more than disability from work. Certain injuries, such as traumatic head injuries and serious spinal cord injuries, can result in the injured worker not being able to take care of himself at home.

If you have received a catastrophic injury at work, then you may be entitled to “attendant care” services that are paid for by the workers’ compensation insurance company. These attendant care services can take many different forms, but commonly, attendant care involves a trained nursing assistant who can come to the injured worker’s home and stay with him through the day or night to provide the needed care. Twenty-four hour service can be provided if needed. Attendant care providers take care of the injured worker’s personal needs and make sure that the injured worker does not hurt himself further during everyday tasks such as cooking and taking a walk in the neighborhood. The workers’ compensation insurance company can be required by the Industrial Commission to pay for this care if it is medically necessary due to the on-the-job injury.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac3WbVbWm_I[/youtube]

We have had a number of clients over the years whose family members provided attendant care. This frequently comes up when the injured worker can generally function to some degree at home, but may need help otherwise handling certain activities of daily living. Sometimes, we can require the insurance company to pay the family member who is providing the care. The family member is paid an hourly rate that is comparable to what it would cost to hire an outside vendor to come into the home and provide the services.

The bottom line is this: If a person is catastrophically injured at work to the point that he needs someone tending to him at home on a daily basis, then attendant care services can be obtained from the insurance company. These services are expensive and the insurance company may not offer to pay for these things voluntarily, so you may need a competent workers’ compensation lawyer to help you obtain professional attendant care services, or payment to a family member for providing those services.

The 2011 changes to the NC Workers’ Compensation Act make it crucial that you consult with a competent attorney at the first sign of a need for attendant care services. Under the 2011 changes in the law, it may not be possible to get past attendant care services paid for, after the fact, by the insurance carrier, so it is crucial to pursue reimbursement immediately through the proper channels at the first sign of the need for attendant care services. And those services will no doubt improve the life the of seriously injured worker.

About the Author: Attorney Bob Bollinger is a Board Certified Specialist in North Carolina Workers\’ Compensation Law. He has practiced law in Charlotte, NC, since 1988, and has been a Certified Specialist since 2000. He is available for free initial consultations by telephone, email or in person. Click here to obtain a free consultation and evaluation of your North Carolina workers\’ compensation claim:

BollingerLawFirmNC.com

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

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May
19
2020

Chula Vista, California becomes model for blight control laws in the US

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Chula Vista, California becomes model for blight control laws in the US
Author: Admin Posted under: Uncategorized

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The San Diego, California suburb of Chula Vista has responded to the recent housing crisis with an aggressive blight control ordinance that compels lenders to maintain the appearance of vacant homes. As foreclosures increase both locally and throughout the United States, the one year old ordinance has become a model for other cities overwhelmed by the problem of abandoned homes that decay into neighborhood eyesores.

Chula Vista city code enforcement manager Doug Leeper told the San Diego Union Tribune that over 300 jurisdictions have contacted his office during the past year with inquiries about the city’s tough local ordinance. Coral Springs, Florida, and California towns Stockton, Santee, Riverside County, and Murietta have all modeled recently enacted anti-blight measures after Chula Vista’s. On Wednesday, 8 October, the Escondido City Council also voted to tighten local measures making lenders more accountable for maintenance of empty homes.

Lenders will respond when it costs them less to maintain the property than to ignore local agency requirements.

Under the Chula Vista ordinance lenders become legally responsible for upkeep as soon as a notice of mortgage default gets filed on a vacant dwelling, before actual ownership of the dwelling returns to the lender. Leeper regards that as “the cutting-edge part of our ordinance”. Chula Vista also requires prompt registration of vacant homes and applies stiff fines as high as US$1000 per day for failure to maintain a property. Since foreclosed properties are subject to frequent resale between mortgage brokers, city officials enforce the fines by sending notices to every name on title documents and placing a lien on the property, which prevents further resale until outstanding fines have been paid. In the year since the ordinance went into effect the city has applied $850,000 in fines and penalties, of which it has collected $200,000 to date. The city has collected an additional $77,000 in registration fees on vacant homes.

Jolie Houston, an attorney in San Jose, believes “Lenders will respond when it costs them less to maintain the property than to ignore local agency requirements.” Traditionally, local governments have resorted to addressing blight problems on abandoned properties with public funds, mowing overgrown lawns and performing other vital functions, then seeking repayment afterward. Chula Vista has moved that responsibility to an upfront obligation upon lenders.

That kind of measure will add additional costs to banks that have been hit really hard already and ultimately the cost will be transferred down to consumers and investors.

As one of the fastest growing cities in the United States during recent years, Chula Vista saw 22.6% growth between 2000 and 2006, which brought the city’s population from 173,556 in the 2000 census to an estimated 212,756, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Chula Vista placed among the nation’s 20 fastest growing cities in 2004. A large proportion of local homes were purchased during the recent housing boom using creative financing options that purchasers did not understand were beyond their means. Average home prices in San Diego County declined by 25% in the last year, which is the steepest drop on record. Many homeowners in the region currently owe more than their homes are worth and confront rising balloon payment mortgages that they had expected to afford by refinancing new equity that either vanished or never materialized. In August 2008, Chula Vista’s eastern 91913 zip code had the highest home mortgage default rate in the county with 154 filings and 94 foreclosures, an increase of 154% over one year previously. Regionally, the county saw 1,979 foreclosures in August.

Professionals from the real estate and mortgage industries object to Chula Vista’s response to the crisis for the additional burdens it places on their struggling finances. Said San Diego real estate agent Marc Carpenter, “that kind of measure will add additional costs to banks that have been hit really hard already and ultimately the cost will be transferred down to consumers and investors.” Yet city councils in many communities have been under pressure to do something about increasing numbers of vacant properties. Concentrations of abandoned and neglected homes can attract vandals who hasten the decline of struggling neighborhoods. Jolie Houston explained that city officials “can’t fix the lending problem, but they can try to prevent neighborhoods from becoming blighted.”

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CEO Robert Klein of Safeguard, a property management firm, told the Union Tribune that his industry is having difficulty adapting to the rapidly changing local ordinances. “Every day we discover a new ordinance coming out of somewhere”, he complained. Dustin Hobbs, a spokesman from the California Association of Mortgage Bankers agreed that uneven local ordinances are likely to increase the costs of lending. Hobbs advised that local legislation is unnecessary due to California State Senate Bill 1137, which was recently approved to address blight. Yet according to Houston, the statewide measure falls short because it fails to address upkeep needs during the months between the time when foreclosure begins and when the lender takes title.

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May
19
2020

NASA celebrates 30th anniversary of first shuttle launch; announces new homes for retired shuttles

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NASA celebrates 30th anniversary of first shuttle launch; announces new homes for retired shuttles
Author: Admin Posted under: Uncategorized

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

NASA celebrated the launch of the first space shuttle Tuesday at an event at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida. On April 12, 1981, Space Shuttle Columbia lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on STS-1, the first space shuttle mission.

NASA held a ceremony commemorating the date outside the hangar, known as Orbiter Processing Facility-1, for Space Shuttle Atlantis, which is being prepped for its final mission which will be STS-135, which will be the last Space Shuttle mission.

At the ceremony, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the locations that would be given the three remaining Space Shuttle orbiters following the end of the Space Shuttle program. The prototype orbiter, Space Shuttle Enterprise would be relocated from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City.

Space Shuttle Discovery will take the place of Enterprise at the Udvar-Hazy Center. Discovery has already been retired following the completion of STS-133 last month, its 39th mission. Discovery is undergoing decommissioning and currently being prepped for display by removing toxic materials from the orbiter.

Space Shuttle Endeavour, which will launch on STS-134 at the end of the month on April 29, will be sent to the California Science Center in Los Angeles, California following its retirement. Finally, Atlantis will go on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following the orbiter’s last flight which launches June 28.

Columbia was lost tragically back on February 1, 2003 when it disintegrated during re-entry killing all seven astronauts aboard. Space Shuttle Challenger was lost when it exploded 73 seconds after liftoff back on January 28, 1986 killing all six aboard.

“We want to thank all of the locations that expressed an interest in one of these national treasures,” said Bolden to the gathered crowd which contained many KSC employees. “This was a very difficult decision, but one that was made with the American public in mind. In the end, these choices provide the greatest number of people with the best opportunity to share in the history and accomplishments of NASA’s remarkable Space Shuttle Program. These facilities we’ve chosen have a noteworthy legacy of preserving space artifacts and providing outstanding access to U.S. and international visitors.”

Over twenty locations looked to obtain one of the orbiters because of potential tourism booms from them.

This was a very difficult decision, but one that was made with the American public in mind. In the end, these choices provide the greatest number of people with the best opportunity to share in the history and accomplishments of NASA’s remarkable Space Shuttle Program.

Not all were pleased with the final choice of locations. U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Republican from Texas, issued a statement regarding the rejection of Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas as a location. “Like many Texans, I am disappointed with NASA’s decision to slight the Johnson Space Center as a permanent home for one of the Space Shuttle Orbiters. Houston has played a critical role throughout the life of the space shuttle, but it is clear political favors trumped common sense and fairness in the selection of the final locations for the orbiter fleet.”

Cornyn’s statement added, “There is no question Houston should have been selected as a final home for one of the orbiters—even Administrator Bolden stated as much. Today’s announcement is an affront to the thousands of dedicated men and women at Johnson Space Center, the greater Houston community and the State of Texas, and I’m deeply disappointed with the Administration’s misguided decision.” However, the JSC will recieve pilot and commander seats from the flight deck.

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington was also proposed as another location for a shuttle, going so far as to build a new building to house an orbiter. In a statement, Governor of Washington Chris Gregoire said, “The Museum of Flight put a tremendous amount of effort into landing a retired shuttle in the Pacific Northwest. As the home of modern day air travel and the 747, which has gracefully transported shuttles for the last 30 years, Seattle would have been a perfect fit. While the Museum of Flight was in the top running, I’m disappointed that NASA did not choose them.

“However, the full fuselage trainer, that every astronaut including [former Museum of Flight CEO] Bonnie Dunbar has been trained on, will soon call the Museum of Flight home. The largest of the trainers, this addition will allow visitors to actually climb aboard the trainer and experience the hands-on training that astronauts get. Visitors will not be allowed in the other shuttles and this trainer is a true win for our dynamic museum. It will help inspire young people to the adventure of space and to the excitement of a career in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Today’s announcement is an affront to the thousands of dedicated men and women at Johnson Space Center, the greater Houston community and the State of Texas, and I’m deeply disappointed with the Administration’s misguided decision.

Other items include various shuttle simulators which will be given to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum of McMinnville, Oregon, and Texas A&M’s Aerospace Engineering Department. The nose cap assembly and crew compartment trainer for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and orbital maneuvering system engines for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

NASA is also offering shuttle heat shield tiles to schools and universities that want to share technology and a piece of space history with their students.

The 30th anniversary of the first shuttle mission coincided with the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight when Yuri Gagarin lifted off aboard Vostok 1 into space.

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May
19
2020

Darling announces UK budget for 2009

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Darling announces UK budget for 2009
Author: Admin Posted under: Uncategorized

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, yesterday announced the 2009 budget. The budget is an annual audit of the nation’s finances, and decides what should be done with taxpayers’ money.

The chancellor fell under scorn for his GDP growth forecasts, which are considered to be too optimistic in predicting that Britain will bounce back from its weakest economic performance since the end of the second world war. Darling forecast GDP growth of 3.5% in 2011, even after he was made to downgrade his predictions. He expects a record expansion of 1.25% next year, but chief UK economist Howard Archer disagrees, calling Darling’s predictions “mildly optimistic in the near term and much more optimistic in the long term.”

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His plans for savers and pensioners, however, were commended by many, though was also criticised by a large portion of the populace. In the budget, Darling increased the amount that savers can put into an Individual Savings Account (ISA) from £7,200 to £10,200, of which £5,100 can be saved in cash. These increased limits will be available only to people aged over 50 from 6 October this year, and will not be available to everyone until 6 April next year. A number of financial experts described the move as being “too little, too late”, and Rumina Hassam, of price comparison website uSwitch.com, said: “The government’s decision to increase the cash ISA limit by £1,500 to £5,100 for the over 50’s is a just another kick in the teeth for the majority of savers as they will have to wait even longer to benefit. There is no doubt that savers have been sacrificed as a result of the plummeting base rate, bringing savings rates to an all time low.”

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Apr
23
2020

A Government Backed Business Loan : How Not To Fail At Sbl Bank Loans}

Author: Admin Posted under: Financial Solutions

A Government Backed Business Loan : How Not To Fail At SBL Bank Loans

by

stanprokop

The government backed business loan in Canada – what Canadian business owner/financial mgr wouldn’t want a clear start to finish road map for ‘ SBL ‘ bank loans in Canada? Let’s dig in.

Expectation, or should we say ‘realistic’ expectation is key in understanding the path to success in govt business loans. Specifically this is the financing offered under Industry Canada’s CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING (CSBF) program.

Our chartered banks fit in because they are the facilitators of the loan under the government’s ever watchful eye.So how does the owner/entrepreneur successfully prepare an application and obtain financing approval for these loans? It’s all about really bring the pieces of the pie together in accordance with what is really required to achieve loan success – we see a lot of clients focusing and preparing issues and info respectively that is simply not required or is much less important relative to final loan approval. Doing it right allows you to eliminate the pitfalls and failure.At the outset its key to understand the amount of financing you are eligible for. In the case of the program itself it’s specifically $ 350,000.00 for the main offering of the program. (If real estate is involved as the asset financed a 500k loan is allowed – however in our experience SBL loans are rarely used for real estate).

One top expert, and we agree, advises that adopting an ‘ as much as I can get ‘attitude is a failed strategy! Here is one case where being specific counts – and that is easily achieved in the following manner: Have a clear ‘ use of funds ‘statement that specifically identifies the asset and leasehold to be financed, including the $ breakdown.

That also reminds us that you need a clear understanding that government backed loans only finance two asset categories – equipment and leaseholds. Equipment by the way can easily include technology, software, etc., as these assets are clearly part of the new economy.

Other key elements of your proposal should include info on the owners – that includes mgmt and industry experience, financial stability, and a general sense of demonstrating you know how to run a business. Newbie’s beware!The other key element of your application is a strong executive summary, or even better a business plan.

This should not be viewed as a difficult document – they can easily be prepared by your accountant, or even better an advisor who works in this area and understands the basics of what the banks like to see – specifically cash flow, an opening balance sheet, etc.

Fine tuning the cash flow to show a positive and realistic ability to repay the loan is essential.The majority of businesses applying for an SBL loan operate out of a premise, and you should ensure that you have a lease that is at least as long as the term of the loan – for some reason lenders like to know you’ll still be around !In the cases of your ‘ owner equity ‘ or ‘ down payment ‘ in the program that is a minimum of ten per cent but depending on who you are dealing with that might be more.

Demonstrating up front you have ‘ proof of funds ‘ is key.If you want to become a quick ‘ hero ‘ in SBL government backed loans and have that ‘ zero to 60 ‘ feeling seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with govt bank loans that are achieved annually by as many as 8000 other businesses in Canada that take advantage of the program.

Stan Prokop – founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.comOriginating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years – has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/government-backed-business-loan-sbl-bank-loan.html

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A Government Backed Business Loan : How Not To Fail At SBL Bank Loans}

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Apr
04
2020

Missing dog’s severed head found by 17-year old girl

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Missing dog’s severed head found by 17-year old girl
Author: Admin Posted under: Uncategorized

Thursday, March 15, 2007

A $2,500 reward has been issued by the Humane Society of the United States for information on an “implied terroristic threat”, according to Sergeant Jim Gray of the St. Paul Police Department.

According to Crystal Brown, 17 year old owner of the dog, a gift-wrapped box with a note saying “Congratulations Crystal. This side up. Batteries included.”, was left on her doorstep along with the severed head of her dog, Chevy, and a Valentine’s Day candy.

The dog, an Australian shepherd mix called Chevy, went missing in February and Crystal, his owner, spent weeks searching for him, posting fliers, going door to door, and visiting the local animal shelter.

Dale Bartlett, Deputy Manager for the Humane Society said that “This case was extremely heinous. I deal with hundreds and hundreds of cruelty cases each year. When I read about this case, it just took my breath away.”

“This was so cruel,” Crystal said. “We’re dealing with one sick, twisted person.”

  • AP. Girl finds missing dog’s head in box on doorstep [archived version] — CNN, March 15, 2007
  • AP. “Girl horrified to find her dog’s head in box” — The Sydney Morning Herald,
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Feb
26
2020

New York Representative Eric Massa to retire

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New York Representative Eric Massa to retire
Author: Posted under: Uncategorized

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

New York Representative Eric Massa announced Wednesday that he would be stepping down as Congressman from New York’s 29th congressional district. He cited health reasons for the sudden announcement. Massa is the latest in a string of United States Congresspeople to resign or not to seek reelection in 2010.

He said that he had his third non-specific cancer recurrence in December 2009. He implied that his cancer is terminal, saying “I will now enter the final phase of my life at a more controlled pace.”

He denied claims that his resignation is related to a sexual harassment accusation from a male aide. He said that this was untrue, although he admitted to using so called “salty language”.

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Feb
23
2020

Customized Promotional Gifts All In One Location

Author: Posted under: Bodybuilding Products

byadmin

Shopping where you can find customized promotional gifts all in one location affords you a great deal of advantages. As a business owner/manager you probably have a full plate of responsibilities, adding “shopping” for promotional items is probably not something you look forward too. Having to visit more than one site online or worse yet deal with more salespeople is not only time consuming it can be frustrating. You need:

* A wide range of options

* Fast, reliable service

* Dependable quality

When you are shopping for promotional items you want to be sure that you can find a large selection that you can choose from all in one place. You do not want to waste time searching for the items that you want and you do not want to have to settle for items that you really do not want.

Fast, Reliable

There are options both on and off line that are just not really viable options, not because the products are not great but because the service is not great. Typically, a business owner does not order items months in advance they are ordering the items that they need now. Fast turnaround times and reliable delivery schedule is a must.

Dependable Quality

Of course you want the inventory, fast turnarounds but you also have to be assured of the quality of the products because they will be associated with your business and you never want shoddy items to be associated with your business. It is just bad for your image to accept anything less than good quality products.

There is one place that makes it so easy to find the products that you want all under one roof and as an added bonus you can order everything right online including customizations. To buy more products then visit D K Specialties at http://www.dkspecialties.com/

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Feb
23
2020

Wikinews attends Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas

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Wikinews attends Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas
Author: Posted under: Uncategorized

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Wikinews attended the sixth annual Mini Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas, United States on Saturday. Similar to a giant science fair, the event featured a variety of science, engineering and technology projects and items.

An array of technologies were on hand including 3D printers, drones, and various other physics devices. The owner of the Make Crate subscription service stated her company’s products place a strong emphasis on teaching young people about technology and coding. A traditional blacksmith was also on hand displaying metal working techniques.

Numerous Maker Clubs from an array of local schools were on hand, displaying a broad swathe of tech projects. A group of amateur hobbyists diplayed a model of the deck of the aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan with a solenoid device hooked up to launch paper airplanes.

  • A volunteer hangs signage in preparation for the Mini Maker Faire in Tyler, Texas (April 2019) Image: Paul Budd.

  • A parking sign showing the Discover Science Place logo. Image: Paul Budd.

  • A banner for the event. Image: Paul Budd.

  • A large 3D printer, installed in a portable trailer from LaTorneau College. Image: Paul Budd.

  • 3D printed objects on display. Image: Paul Budd.

  • The Make Crate company’s banner. Image: Paul Budd.

  • Maker Club for All Saints, a local school in Tyler. Image: Paul Budd.

  • Disclaimer poster. Image: Paul Budd.

  • An interactive display, featuring bird songs, built by students from All Saints school in Tyler. Image: Paul Budd.

  • A remote controlled police and medical drone on display. Image: Paul Budd.

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Feb
23
2020

Vancouver will run out of office space in 5 years

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Vancouver will run out of office space in 5 years
Author: Posted under: Uncategorized

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

In Vancouver, a 20-year urban success story may yet have a sad ending. The city’s downtown population has doubled to 80,000 in the last 20 years thanks to Vancouver’s “Living First” policy – a planning strategy that favors residential development over commercial. And planners are expecting the population to reach more than 120,000 by 2030. But while downtown booms with people, business is busting. The International Herald Tribune reports that the city’s recently-released jobs and land-use study is estimating that downtown Vancouver may run out of commercial and office space within 5 years.

The ‘Vancouver problem’ is one that many cities in the United States could only hope to have. On the contrary, much effort has been put into bringing residential life back into the city centres. In Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, and Washington, D.C. there has been a condominium boom in recent years, but these cities are far from the situation Vancouver faces now.

To counter the trend in Vancouver, planners are proposing changes to the city’s zoning regulations, including the passage of more lenient building height restrictions. But because residential developments are so much more profitable than commercial and office space, some public officials are proposing offering better incentives to the developers willing to build commercial. Another option is to expand the moratorium that was placed on new housing development in the central business district two years ago.

Translink is currently involved in a major expansion of the 49.5 km (30.8 mi) Skytrain system centred on downtown Vancouver. Construction of the Canada and Evergreen lines is underway. The former will be complete in 2009, and the latter in 2011.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SkyTrain_Future_V2.png

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