| Volume 33 Number 4 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Ticket scalping is legal in Texas, but be careful. Buying tickets online or from someone you do not know can be dangerous. Use common sense. If the deal looks to good to be true it probably isn't. Buy from a reputable businesses or someone you know, and use a credit card to protect yourself in case you get scammed. Click here for more.
Consumer Electronics - What's New in 2009?
The annual consumer electronics conference in Las Vegas just wrapped up. What's new? Panasonic unveiled a new television that is one inch thinner and has the ability to receive a far more accurate picture. LG introduced a new solar charging panel. The pairing of wind and solar modules can power and charge batteries with 6 mph winds, or even the smallest amount of sunlight. In fact, most batteries were charged in less than one hour. This year, Polaroid discontinued the production of instant film. As a replacement, Polaroid has developed the “internet camera.” If you’re one of the many that loved Polaroid’s original camera, you’ll certainly be impressed with the new technology. One of the most interesting exhibits featured the new solid-state drives (“SSD’s”). Most consumers think their computers slow speed is a result of a slow processor or not enough RAM. Rather, the introduction of the solid-state drive eliminates many problems associated with slow computers. Using the same technology as digital camera memory, solid-state drives have no moving parts and can instantly access data. If you’re interested in significantly boosting your computers speed, consider replacing your current hard drive with a new SSD. To find out more about this year’s electronics showcase, Click here for more.
Where to Find Emergency Cash
What should you do if you are in urgent need of cash? Cashing in your 401(k) could have serious tax implications. Sometimes consumers even have to take a cash advance on their credit cards. Accordingly, the most important thing to do is prepare, and have a plan in place before the emergency ever arrives. Prioritize and minimize the financial damage. When the emergency arrives, Consumer Reports suggests consumers cash in CDs first. If that isn't enough, then bonds. If more money is needed, you may want to look into an advance against your life insurance policy. However, what's right for one consumer may not be right for another. It's important to be prepared. Check out the Consumer Reports financial emergency checklist. Click here for more.
Citi & Morgan Stanley Officially Merge
It's official! Citigroup confirmed Tuesday that it will merge with Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley will take a 51-percent stake in the joint venture. Morgan Stanley reserves the right to raise its stake over the next three to five years, ultimately assuming control after five years. Click here for more.
NY Tosses Amazon Lawsuit
A New York judge rejected a lawsuit brought by Amazon on the grounds that the state has the authority to collect sales tax from out-of-state Internet retailers. Amazon pays unaffiliated Web site operators across the country a commission for advertisements to their website. Those ads allow consumers to click the ad to access the Amazon website. According to the Judge, that amounted to solicitation of business in the state, and thus subjected Amazon to New York sales tax. Now that Amazon is subjected to an increased cost of business, consumer prices will likely go up. What should you expect? Click here for more.
Your Money
How much house can you afford? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Driver who got out of car to assist another was not "occupying" the car at time of accident. The Texas Supreme Court has held that because the injured party was not "occupying" his car at the time of the accident, he cannot recover under this policy. Click here for more.