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Mystery Novel Examines the Changes in Women’s Lives over the Last 40 Years
September 17, 2011 | 
Author Mystery Novel Examines the Changes in Women’s Lives over the Last 40 Years
Probation officer Gillian Jones’ biological clock is ticking, and to finance her continued fertility treatments, she takes on a case that will unravel the mystery of a young girl abandoned at a Colorado monastery in the new novel, “The Fatal Heir.”
Author Lois Lewandowski releases her debut novel that offers socially conscious themes with a compelling mystery in “The Fatal Heir: A Gillian Jones Mystery (ISBN 978-0595398430, iUniverse, 2006).
Lewandowski’s story centers on lead character, Gillian Jones, a probation officer in a small Nebraska town, a setting that this native Nebraska author knows well. Making up for lost time after a recent car accident and divorce, Gillian and her current husband are trying to get pregnant. With the high cost of ongoing fertility treatments threatening to end Gillian’s dream of the perfect family, she takes on a case with a big payoff.
A local county commissioner offers a big reward if Gillian can find the biological parents of his adopted daughter, who was left at a monastery in Colorado. Feeling her biological clock ticking, a determined Gillian leaves for Aspen hoping for a lead that stretches back to 1967. Unfortunately, no one at the monastery remembers an abandoned baby, and when one of the monks goes missing and a woman who’s sleeping in the bed reserved for Gillian is murdered, Gillian realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew.
Lewandowski parallels the mystery with her lead heroine’s personal journey. “Gillian is willing to take some chances to prove to herself, and her family, that she can succeed at something,” says Lewandowski. “But with increasing pressure to have a baby, Gillian is forced to ask herself if this is what she really wants, or if she is just responding to other people expectations.”
Much of this author’s writings, including her published short stories, reflect women’s issues. “There has been so much change in the last several generations in the lives of women,” she explains. “My mother was forty-three years old when I was born, which at that time, was considered late in life. Now that’s completely changed.” Lewandowski’s contrast of Gillian’s present day choices with women’s choices in the late 1960′s provides interesting commentary on how far women have come in this area.
“This is a cozy mystery” adds the author, “meaning violence and sex take place off-stage.” With much humor and a murder that takes place later in the story, this book sets the dominoes up and it’s the murder that gives the push to bring them all down. “The Fatal Heir” is the first in a series featuring Gillian Jones.
Lois Lewandowski resides in Lincoln, Nebraska. She acquired a Journalism degree in 1981, and went on to work at the Lincoln Journal-Star. In 1988 Lewandowski began working at the Department of Motor Vehicles where she is still employed. Lewandowski has had several short stories published including “The River Man,” which was a finalist in the 2005 Pebble Lake Review Awards. “The Fatal Heir: A Gillian Jones Mystery (ISBN 978-0595398430, iUniverse, 2006) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit http://www.loislew.com. Review copies available upon request.
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ne department of motor vehicles
Lincoln, NE March 5, 2007
Tips to Use during Your Road Exam for Your License
The main part of getting your driver’s license is the studying and practice, as when it comes time to be licensed, a road exam is required. The road exam is not only important, but can be quite a challenge for the first time, bringing forth great anxiety and a lot of things to think about.
If you are approaching your road exam appointment and want to be sure that you know what to do to pass, make sure you follow these simple tips that can make all the difference for you as a new driver.
- Take practice time seriously. Even though you have your learner’s permit and the privilege to drive supervised, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect this time as the perfect opportunity to get the practice you need for your driver’s test behind the wheel.
- Study your driver’s manual. This publication is perhaps one of the most important to new drivers, and tells you everything you need to know about driving, road signs, signals, and your rights and responsibility as a driver.
- Make sure you listen to instruction. The testing instructor will provide you with the instructions for completing the road exam. This will include various moves and more. If you want to pass your road exam, it is best that you are paying good attention as you are being scored as you go.
- Pay attention to all signs and signals. While the instructor is providing you with direction for the test, you are still expected to know the signs and signals intended for you, while following them. The instructor will pay attention to how well you can do this, grading you the entire time.
- Follow the speed limit regardless of signage. It is your responsibility to also follow the speed limit, regardless of whether or not there is posting. Your driver’s manual will provide the basic rules for speed limits in different types of areas.
- Provide enough room between yourself and other drivers. There is no tailgating allowed, as it is a ticketing offense. If you are doing your road exam, however, you want to garner a bit more room between drivers in front of you, which should be between 3 and 4 car lengths.
- Calm down. The worst thing you could do is be anxious while taking your road exam, as it causes you to be more prone to accidents and mistakes. If you are taking your test, take some time to calm down and get more acquainted with the process in order to be sure that nerves don’t defeat you in the end.
Your driver’s test is quite important; therefore you want to take the time to make sure that you are ready, prepared, and able to complete your exam as successfully as possible. Remember that you should drive just like you would if you were licensed, as every move you make counts as you take your test, even the braking of the car and how hard you push them.
Posted in Department of Motor Vehicles, Driving, Driving in the US, Insurance, News, Tips | 
Tags: 4dmv.com, Department of Motor Vehicles, Dmv Report, driver's license, driver's manual, drivers, road exam | 
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Safe Drivers are Finally Getting the Savings They Deserve
When it comes to auto insurance, every driver is looking for the best discounts. When it
comes to those safe drivers, however, those discounts are well deserved and should be
obtained from their providing company. That is why State Farm is implementing a new
program that can help reduce auto insurance rates for those who are genuinely good
drivers – and not going by word of mouth either.
Starting in Illinois for 2011 and beginning within other states during 2012, there is a
State Farm In-Drive program that is going to ensure that those that are driving safely
are also taking advantage of cheaper auto insurance that they have earned through
better driving practices. Drivers will be given a little black box type of device that is
connected to your vehicle’s computer, which will then collect data that includes your
speeds, turning, stopping and accelerating, and other details that can determine the
safety of the driver.
With this program, drivers who agree to install the device are given as much as 50%
off their insurance premium, introducing rates that are much lower than typical and can
save hundreds in insurance costs each year.
This program is definitely not for everyone – as it is intended for safe drivers to prove
to insurance companies that they really are safe drivers and therefore deserve the
savings being offered. This is similar to some programs called “pay as you drive” in
which a similar device is installed and tracks the miles you drive to inform the insurance
company of the appropriate amount to be charged. Instead, the device installed will
track your habits, determining for the insurance company whether or not you deserve a
safe driver’s discount that many drivers these days are after.
So, if you are in Illinois, you can get a device installed from State Farm and begin
saving more money than you ever thought in auto insurance. If you are in other states,
you can prepare for 2012 to bring about the opportunity to save more than half of your
auto insurance premiums – if you are able to maintain safe driving habits.
http://www.insurancequotes.com/state-farm-in-drive/
Posted in Driving in the US, Driving Record, DUI/DWI Laws, Insurance, NY DMV | Tags: auto insurance, insurance programs | No Comments »
DMV Kiosks to Lessen Stress of DMV Offices in Nevada
No one really likes to go to the DMV – mainly because the wait can be so excruciating,
especially if taking time off of work. A long and boring wait a good day does not make,
and no driver really jumps for joy when they have an appointment or date with the DMV.
However, this could all be coming to a change, with grocery stores in Nevada starting
a trend that could lift off within other states if the success is great and the reaction is as
anticipated.
The grocery store has become the ultimate mecca of getting things done these days,
with Western Union, check cashing, cigarette and liquor purchases, prescription filling,
and other kiosks that allow tasks to be completed as the daily grocery shopping is
completed. Even if no shopping is due, it still remains a more convenient location with a
lesser wait for getting things done – so why not the DMV?
Well, the Nevada Department of Vehicles has recently received an approved contract
by the Board of Examiners for a 10 year contract for the installation of new Department
of Motor Vehicle kiosks within the grocery stores of the state, as reported by the Nevada
News Bureau.
The contract totals $27.6 million, and should be offset by the fees processed from users
of the kiosks, costing only $1 per transaction except for renewing registration which
will be $3 per transaction. The initiative is aimed at providing more convenience to the
customers, while also lessening administrative costs through less need for as many
employees, as with DMV offices. The kiosks also have the advantage of 24/7 use,
instead of the 5 day a week openings until 5p.m. as with offices as well.
There is also a great advantage in saving more gas, as those within outer counties
won’t have to spend the high gas cost in order to reach the DMV offices, which can be
situated out of the way from them.
There are 40 kiosks set to be installed within Nevada stores starting Spring of 2012,
most of which will be in the Southern section of the state, which is where there are more
complaints of long lines and waits.
As for the other states, there is no word yet to signify following the trend, but it is hopeful
that all states will recognize the needs and benefits, installing kiosks throughout the
U.S. to assist in creating greater convenience for drivers needing DMV services.
Posted in Department of Motor Vehicles, Driving, Driving in the US, DUI/DWI Laws, Gas costs, Insurance, News | Tags: DMV driving, kiosks, Nevada Department of Vehicles | No Comments »
Do You Know the Rules of the Road?
As soon as you receive your license, you take on great responsibilities as a driver, and must be able to properly abide by all laws and rules of the road. However, there are a lot of drivers out there today that can pass their driving exams and get their license, but still don’t know the rules of the road that they are traveling, which can be different from one state to another.
So, are you sure what rules pertain to you as a driver in your state, or are you driving without the knowledge that is key to your safety and legal driving? There are several resources from your state that can offer the information that will help you follow the rules precisely, but if you don’t know what they are, how are you supposed to find them.
Driver’s Handbooks and Manuals
Every state offers its drivers the handbooks and manuals needed to understand driving in that state and the rules involved. With all states, the information contained in these manuals and the method by which you can retrieve these manuals can be much different, which is why it is always a good idea to contact the local DMV to see where and how you can get your manuals and handbooks for your state.
In many cases these days, these handbooks and manuals are offered online, but can also be obtained by mail or in-person, with every state DMV office stocked full with these manuals in order to have the necessary information to provide for drivers, which comes in handy for studying for your written exams and even understanding driving better once you do receive your license. In most states, a separate CDL driver’s handbook and motorcycle operator’s handbook is offered as well.
State Vehicle Code
Every state has a vehicle code, which is like the bible when it comes to driver’s safety and traffic laws. Every traffic law that pertains to vehicle operation, use, and ownership is contained within these publications, which are also offered by the DMV in your state. These publications can also be found online for most states today, which helps you obtain the information you need most much easier.
Getting the vehicle code is never going to be a requirement, but can yield such great information to help you better navigate the roadways in your state with the knowledge needed of the laws and rules you must follow as you sit behind the wheel.
If you use these resources, you are sure to be aware of what you must do as a driver, how you must take driving in the state and what can happen if you don’t follow the rules detailed. The rules of every state’s drivers are much different, which is something that you should remember as you go to new states driving in their highways and streets. Even if you are new or a visitor to the state and aren’t aware that you are breaking the rules, law enforcement finds it to be your responsibility and penalizes you accordingly.
Posted in Driving, Driving in the US, Driving Record, Insurance, News | Tags: legal driving, rules of the road, vehicle code | No Comments »
Finding the Services You Need from Your Local DMV
There are many different DMV offices within each state, however, that doesn’t mean that all are offering the services that you are looking for. In some cases, the DMV office closest to you may only offer driver services such as documents like licensing and ID cards, while another office manages the registration of your car and other vehicle services. Then there are some DMV offices that may only offer particular driver services, while another may offer everything to drivers.
Finding the services that you need doesn’t mean that you have to scour each office and go through a lengthy process to do so. Instead, most states now have DMV services online, that allow you to locate the office and the services that are needed – with some services even provided online to save the most time and effort on your part.
- Check online to find your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Visit the website, which offers a list of services, and even an office directory.
- Determine whether the services you need are offered online or if you must visit the office in person to get what you need.
- Find the office needed if applicable, with several per county in most states.
- Make any appointment offered, as it could be the best way to save time.
If you cannot find the information that you need online, you can always call the DMV, with most offices offering a customer care department made just to answer your calls. This could even be the call center of the DMV, which may be a toll-free number.
Never hesitate to call the DMV for the simple fact that not everything online provided by the DMV is easy to find. In some cases you may have to dig a bit deeper, or just get the website from the call center when you call. There are always representatives offering help as well, many times 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Remember to check out the office hours of the office you must visit if necessary, so you can set your schedule according to the timing of the office. You may find that most DMV’s close around 5 or 6, which many times calls for calling out of work for the day or a few hours – which makes it that much more important to be sure of where to get the services that you personally need as a driver or state resident.
Posted in Department of Motor Vehicles, Driving, Driving in the US, Driving Record, News | Tags: Department of Motor Vehicles, dmv, ID cards | No Comments »
What is a Bad Driver and How Can You Tell?
There are a lot of people out there that may call themselves a bad driver or call others a
bad driver, but what does a bad driver really mean? Does it just pertain to the skill of the
driver, or does it cover much more.
A bad driver can be many things, most importantly though, they are those drivers that
most commonly disregard the common driving laws and rules of the road. These drivers
pay less attention to the road than they do the things they should be ignoring, and they
do not consider other drivers as they take they wheel. These are the drivers that feel
that driving rules are irrelevant, therefore do not have to be followed – and these are the
drivers that cause accidents and even traffic fatalities.
Those drivers who do not have the good driving skills that we all expect drivers to have
may not be bad drivers, but are known as learning drivers. Sure, they aren’t always
driving as fast as you, and they may even make a few mistakes on the road, but that
doesn’t mean that they are bad drivers. These are the at risk drivers who need the
practice behind the wheel and the instruction in driving that can keep them safe, but
that doesn’t mean they are bad drivers at all. The state DMV’s consider these drivers at-
risk and this is the purpose of imposing the Graduated License Laws that are in effect
all over the nation. These are the drivers that are required to first obtain and maintain a
learner’s permit as they get the practice with a supervising driver that they need.
However, bad drivers are those that know how to drive, can even complete some of
the most difficult moves on the roads without damaging their vehicle, but they make the
poor choices that are warned against while driving. They disregard the laws and they
create more risk for safe drivers than should be present. These drivers aren’t bound by
a restricted license, but risk losing their license as they commit crimes on the roadways.
So, if you are wondering who can really be called a bad driver, consider those drivers
who have been on the roads for years and still don’t follow the rules they are bound
by. Before you think that you are a bad driver, think about the mistakes you make on
accident, versus the mistakes that bad drivers make intentionally.
Posted in Driving, Driving in the US, Driving Record, News | Tags: 4safedrivers.com, bad driver, Dmv Report, drivers, driving, driving skills, online driving records | 2 Comments »
An Increase in Parking Ticket Penalties Bringing in Millions to City DMV’s
No one ever really gives a second thought to parking tickets, as they are, to most drivers, just another nuisance in the way of driving and having a peaceful day – however, the amount that is brought in through parking tickets is downright staggering.
The Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles has recently tallied the costs to drivers for the parking tickets issued in the city, with over $80 million accrued in revenue through the parking tickets issued, with over $50 million collected by the city during 2011 alone.
This puts Washington D.C. at the top of the list over Chicago, which has tallied $50 million in tickets issued, and puts D.C. on the list with San Francisco, which has racked in $88 million in 2010, numbers provided by AAA Mid-Atlantic.
So, where is this revenue coming from? Well, there have been increases or plans to increase the parking fees as well as meter rates in order to better balance budgets within the cities. With more cities participating in this process, there has been a greater cost to drivers for not following the rules – even when it comes to parking.
Residents of these cities, however, are coming back at the DMV, pointing out that these rates and costs are just “onerous tax” raised upon the residents in order to bring the cities more money. There are even residents claiming that the tickets are issued without cause, aimed to target the people that work hard within these cities, and even are written by lazy officers – with one woman even getting out of the ticket due to inaccuracy within it.
The issues with inaccuracy are raising more eyebrows, as AAA has found that nearly 42,000 of the 89,068 tickets that were issued during 2011 within the fiscal year until May have actually been dismissed by the courts, which means that nearly 47% of the tickets issued were simply thrown out.
Whether a ruse to gain a greater revenue for the city or a legitimate means of balancing a budget through more strict enforcement of common driving laws, it is important for drivers of all cities to remember that the rules are the rules, and the cities are now putting down the law much harder than before.
Why Employers Have Decided Your Driving Records are Important
One of the biggest changes to employment in the recent decades has been their
methods for pre-employment screening. What once mainly only involved a reference
and education check, now includes a background check, drug testing, and yes, even a
driver’s record check, all which give the business a better idea of what to expect from
you as a worker.
A lot of people today may be in question of just why a driving record would be needed
for pre-employment evaluation, but the answer is simple. When you get on the road,
you are independent and you are asked independently to follow the rules of the road. If
you cannot follow these rules and have a lot of tickets under your belt, you are seen to
be less than responsible and even reckless, while also seen as not having the ability to
work without supervision.
In fact, even if the position you are applying for has nothing to do with driving,
employers today just find this resource to be completely tell-tale of your personality
and responsibility, ensuring that they aren’t just hiring someone that can’t follow basic
instruction.
All jobs include instructions, rules, and regulations. When you fail to follow instructions,
rules, and regulations, you cause a risk for the business and become a liability. Your
employer will ultimately suffer as you cause problems by not following these rules
and regulations, and the instructions you fail to follow can cause great issues for the
production of the business.
When you fail to drive according to the rules and regulations, you are also not following
the instructions you have been given. When employers see this in your driving record,
they are more likely to pass you up and find a more qualified candidate than they are to
ignore these discrepancies, regardless of what the job entails.
Today’s driving records are offered through your local DMV office, most often the Clerk
of Courts or other record keeping officials, and through various third party sources
online as well. Businesses are given great access to these records, which inevitably
help them weed out those candidates that just may cause problems for the business for
failure to follow the directions, rules, and regulations, while looking for those who are
able to follow the rules even when they are alone.
View your own driver record to see what you can do about any discrepancies or to
prevent discrepancies from appearing at all.
Much Tougher Laws Imposed on Bus Drivers Who Drink and Drive
Children bus passengers are now receiving a bit more protection in the state of Illinois from irresponsible bus drivers who decide to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State has become a main supporter and a very public supporter of new legislation to do just that.
There has been a stricter law put into place, which will make a DUI offense while operating a school bus, much more serious than ever before. Not only are school bus companies required to complete drug screening during pre-employment processes, but now alcohol screening and drug testing will be a required step for any bus driver that is suspected to be under the influence any time while on the clock.
This new law will also require that any bus driver that is found to be under the influence while at work to have their bus driver permit revoked for a term maximum of 3 years – ensuring they truly learn their lesson from the severe offense they are committing.
The overall focus of this legislation is to ensure that children, who are defenseless and innocent victims when their bus driver is under the influence, are not subject to injury or dangers that are caused by drunk or drug-influenced driving. This is a problem that has received a great deal of attention during the recent years, as accident rates and death rates reached a point where attention was greatly needed to protect more Americans from the severe danger that is caused by such an act.
If any driver is caught under the influence and behind the wheel, severe penalties should be expected, with multiple offenses calling for more severe penalty. However, unlike standard drivers, bus drivers take on responsibility for the lives of others, which means they should be much more respective of the need to preserve safety, especially when children are involved.
Right now, it may be legislation that is being brought on with serious promotion within Illinois, but it is surely a wave that will begin to pass through other states, with further strengthening to the DUI laws within the U.S. sure to follow.
There needs to be an end to the death and injury rates caused by drunk and drug induced drivers, mainly because they are claiming the lives of the innocent and costing great amounts financially, emotionally, and all around, which is just why it should be a serious consideration to make if you are a bus driver before clocking in with any drug or alcohol in your system.
Posted in Department of Motor Vehicles, Driving, Driving in the US | Tags: bus driver, children bus passengers, driving while intoxicated, DUI | No Comments »
Copyright 2011.