| Volume 52 Number 5 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Don't let anyone steal your identity when they go "phishing". Phishing is when an identity thief sends you a fake notice that looks like it's from a bank, creditor, credit card company or PayPal, telling you there is a problem with your account and to reply. Never reply to any email asking for personal information. If you think it is a real request, call the creditor to confirm it. Click here for more.
Guacamole & Salsa Linked to Poisoning
Next time you reach for chips and salsa, be extra cautious. Between 1998 and 2008, one out of twenty-five foodborne illness outbreaks were caused by tainted dips. Peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, three of the primary ingredients in salsa, are all vehicles of foodborne infection, commonly linked to salmonella. Furthermore, when not properly stored, salsa and guacamole can easily spoil. Researchers insist awareness is key to preventing future outbreaks. Can you spot bad salsa? Click here for more.
Consumer Reports Refuses to Recommend iPhone
It may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Consumer Reports is refusing to recommend the iPhone 4 for consumer purchase. Although the iPhone 4 receives high scores in many categories, reception issues prevented the phone from getting the nod. Already widely reported, the iPhone 4 can drop calls when a finger or hand touches the lower left side of the phone. Many consumers look to Consumer Reports before making big purchases, leaving Apple at a very undesirable disadvantage against competitors. Apple previously responded to reception reports by asking consumers to purchase a $30 bumper for the phone. Will the release of the Consumer Reports study encourage Apple to explore other (cheaper) solutions? Click here for more.
Electronic Medical Records in Five Years
According to a plan laid out by the Obama Administration, all medical records are set to become digital over the next five years. Medical offices will be eligible to receive federal funding to offset costs associated with the change. The Obama Administration insists the plan will lead to greater patient safety and lower costs. Although digital records will help warn doctors before they make a mistake, such as prescribing a drug that could cause severe reaction, the general response from various groups has been guarded. Will streamlining medical records through digital conversion compromise patient confidentiality? Click here for more.
Your Money
Do you eat out every day for lunch? How much can you save by packing your own? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Bankruptcy debtor may be barred from re-filing bankruptcy. The Sixth Circuit held that a debtor could be barred from re-filing for bankruptcy as a condition of the voluntary dismissal of his Chapter 13 case. Click here for more.