| Volume 49 Number 11 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Federal law prohibits a debt collector from calling you at work, but only after he knows your employer prohibits such calls. If a debt collector calls you at work, let him know that your employer does not allow such calls and that you assume he will never call again. If the debt collector calls back, he is violated federal law and you could be entitled to a penalty of up to $1,000. Click here for more.
Facebook Introduces Host of Changes
Last month, Facebook made a host of changes to its privacy settings that opened the door to third-party Web sites, giving the companies access to the personal information of Facebook users. Now, the companies can watch what you're doing on the internet and share it with the world. With the recent introduction of Google Buzz, will fed-up Facebook users move to another site? Click here for more.
Health Care Law and You
After a year of debate and significant media coverage, half of all Americans still don't understand how the recent health care reform legislation will affect their lives. The law, which includes insurance regulations, tax credits, and new programs, will eventually cover 95% of Americans with health insurance. How will the reform help you? Click here for more.
Netflix - The Future of Streaming Video
Do you have a Netflix account? If you don't, you probably know someone who does. The wildly popular company has been credited for making your local video store obsolete. In the past year, Netflix has fostered another major change in the video rental industry - Video On Demand. With internet ready disc players hitting the market, many consumers are watching Netflix movies without going to the mailbox. The Netflix On Demand service is now used by 55% of its users, up from 36% a year ago. Do you stream movies over the internet? If not, why should you be interested? Click here for more.
Your Money
Should you buy or lease your next car? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitration clause designating NAF as arbitrator is not enforceable. A district court in Texas held that a consumer could not be forced to arbitrate because the named arbitrator, the NAF, no longer performed consumer arbitrations. The court stated that, “In light of the plain meaning of the arbitration provision, the court cannot appoint another arbitrator even though the NAF is an unavailable forum-the parties ‘cannot be compelled to arbitrate a dispute if [they have] not agreed to do so.’” Click here for more.