Anatomy of the underground utility damage lawsuit, Part 2

The first installment of this series introduced pre-lawsuit activities involved in claims involving damage to underground utility facilities. Once the excavator notifies the utility owner of the damage, and the parties conduct their investigation of the damage, the utility owner typically makes a claim for damages against the excavator. While pre-suit discussions and negotiations often [...]

The myth of the abandoned line

A perspective by Gary Sloman, Executive Director, New Mexico One Call One definition I especially like of the word myth is “an unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a common ideology”. Abandoned lines means many things to many people. Regulators, accountants, lawyers, and operating personnel all have their own interpretation of [...]

Publisher’s Perspective, Volume 4, Issue 3

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. These familiar words [...]

Live a life that matters

I’ve discussed the importance to live a purposeful, meaningful life to thousands of people throughout my career. We’ve also taught hundreds of leaders to do the same in our True Growth Academy. I’m often disappointed to learn the number of people who have yet to take life seriously. Life entangles people in a web of [...]

From the Desk of Sam Johnson, Volume 4, Issue 3

It seems hard to believe that we are already in the last half of 2010. We continue to be encouraged by the many positive comments you share with us. Whether it be an article in the magazine or a word of support at one of the many meetings around the state, hearing from you that [...]

Me and Dillard, Volume 4, Issue 2

I don’t have a chance!” I loudly exclaimed to my friend Dillard. I was only halfway through my second year in school, but I had already decided that wasn’t where I wanted to be. Oh, it wasn’t so much the school work, although I must admit, it seemed like a colossal waste of time to [...]

We need to be curious like a child

I recently read an account of a young woman (we’ll call her Sarah) who won her fight with stage four cancer. Since having cancer was a new experience, Sarah decided to use it as her teacher. Sarah had her moments of screaming her anger and frustration, but she concentrated on learning about herself and being a better person as the result of her experience. Now cured, Sarah credits being a good student as a contributing factor to her success.

Working together to get it done

It is hard to imagine that another spring has arrived. However, the evidence is unmistakable. Looking at all the color surely makes us proud to live right here in the Magnolia State. It is encouraging to see the commitment from stakeholders across the state as they work diligently to build a stronger damage prevention program. [...]

Do you need a gardener?

The pharmacist looked up to see the little boy standing at the drug counter in front of him. He wasn’t dressed very well but wore a big smile. “How can I help you, son,” the pharmacist asked.

“May I use your phone?” the boy inquired.

He didn’t recognize the boy as being from the neighborhood. He obviously wasn’t from a wealthy family; he didn’t have a cell phone.

Publisher’s Perspective, Volume 4, Issue 2

The story has oft been told about what happened at the Seattle Special Olympics some time back. Nine contestants, all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back every one of them. One girl with Down’s syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, ”This will make it better.”