Iowa Edict - Whistleblower Cases http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/ Des Moines Lawyer & Attorney for Personal Injury & Accident Law en Copyright 2012 Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:12 -0600 Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:12 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.32-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mortgage Fraud Blog for May 8, 2012 Watson and the shark-original.jpgWe are back again with several stories about the straw buyer and schemes that get people in trouble with the law surrounding mortgages. In the first case our friend Rachel Dollar describes an alleged scheme in which the buyers, although having a good credit score did not have the means by which to purchase condominiums. The description indicates there were other people involved who created false documents that were then used to give the lenders an impression that didn’t exist. If the impression you create is false and tends to persuade the lenders to release funds it's probably against the law. Another part of illegal acts can be creating a false impression that the borrowers work for a company where they do not work. 

]]>When you create false impressions of wealth or an income stream you are defrauding lenders to release funds that you would not otherwise deserve or qualify to receive. And that is where the straw buyer gets into trouble. I’m not sure I agree with Rachel’s use of the term, at least not from the standpoint of the way I understand the term, but I can appreciate to some extent how she’s using it.  These schemes don't always work. The only way this works is in a rising market. When prices rise and either the product is sold and/or loan payments are made, then no one is the wiser. It’s in the market when prices sink that the tide goes out exposing all who are, as Warren Buffet says, swimming naked.

In the second case seven people were allegedly charged with wire fraud in obtaining money on separate sales of condominium units in the Chicago area. The facts of this case indicate the authorities seeking the forfeiture of over eight million dollars, so there is a lot of money at stake. Also in this case, see the quote below, we have similar types of alleged borrowing schemes being used as in the case above, as well as the one where the buyer states an intention to occupy the residence. I’ve not read the indictment and have no access to the documents so I am not the one to describe what is being alleged. But, having knowledge as a lawyer of what borrowers can come up with that is one false impression that can get you into trouble. Some people will not know what I’m talking about so allow me to put it into context.

With HUD foreclosure sales there is a set period of time when the house/condo is first offered to buyers who are people that will live in the house or condo. This is the intitial buyer preference period; investors are precluded by rule of law from having their bids considered. Some investors believe it’s alright to gain an advantage by lying about their intention to live there, or occupy the unit. If you’re not intending to move in and live there don’t say you are to gain an advantage in the initial period when the unit is offered by HUD for resale. Better to lose the deal than win keys to enter the penitentiary.

“Between 2006 and 2008, [name omitted], his co-defendants and others allegedly schemed to obtain the fraudulent mortgages by making false representations in loan applications, supporting documents, and HUD-1 settlement statements concerning the buyers' employment, financial condition, assets, true source of down payments, and intention to occupy the residence.”

The third case demonstrates the length of prison terms involved in mortgage fraud crimes. In this third case a 61-year-old man received a sentence of 93 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $7 million in restitution. His crime had to do with 70 loan applications he assisted in processing.

Bottom line is, before you get cute with a mortgage application think about what happens if you get caught.

 

Mortgage Fraud Blog - Perp Walk - 10 new articles

In This Issue...

Mother and Daughter Sentenced for Acting as Straw Buyers
Broker Gets 3 Years for Equity Stripping Scheme
Homebuilder Admits Real Estate Investment Scam
Guilty Plea Entered in Distressed Home Rehab Scam
7 Indicted, Including Police Officer, for Straw Buyer Scheme
Father and Son Sentenced for Stealing from GNMA
Man Sentenced for Bankruptcy and Identity Fraud in Connection with Foreclosure Rescue Scheme
Jury Convicts Husband and Wife of Defrauding Lenders
Guilty Pleas Entered by 3 Defendants in Mortgage Fraud Case
Mortgage Scam Perpetrated at Height of Financial Crisis Lands Fraudster in Prison for 7 Years
Search Mortgage Fraud Blog - Perp Walk

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/mortgage-fraud-blog-for-may-8-2012/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/mortgage-fraud-blog-for-may-8-2012/ Business - CompetitionCriminal Law CommentaryReal EstateWhistleblower Cases Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:25 -0600 Steve Lombardi Iowa Employer's Failure to Carry Work Comp Insurance to be Prosecuted Domenico-Fetti_Archimedes_1620 Wiki.jpgPressure created by Reporter Lee Rood’s Des Moines Register stories about how workers suffer has caused a stir with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office who this past week agreed to pursue enforcement of the law requiring Iowa’s employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The stories detailed how injured workers were not covered under a workers' compensation insurance policy because employers failed to buy the insurance. The worker gets injured, files a valid claim, wins an award and then sits there because the employers just don't pay. If you think this is no big deal consider that other insurance policies may preclude paying on claims from work injuries. Pick up the Des Moines Register and read Lee Rood's reporting. 

See Reader’s Watchdog: Iowa City workers’ comp case will be prosecuted, Lee Rood, April 22, 2012

Reporter Rood’s column is described as; Lee Rood’s Reader’s Watchdog column helps Iowans get answers and accountability from public officials, the justice system, businesses and nonprofits. Contact her atlrood@dmreg.com or by calling (515) 284-8549. To read past columns, go to DesMoines Register.com/readerswatchdog.

What’s a Pulitzer Prize?

]]>Who has won and in what categories are the Pulitzer Prizes?

Is there a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service?

Pulitzer-winning journalists share their tips

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ads-cYOv9Q

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/workers-compensation-and-workplace-safety/iowa-employers-failure-to-carry-work-comp-insurance-to-be-prosecuted/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/workers-compensation-and-workplace-safety/iowa-employers-failure-to-carry-work-comp-insurance-to-be-prosecuted/ Criminal Law CommentaryThe Participation Trophy SyndromeUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower CasesWorkers Compensation & Workplace Safety Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:23 -0600 Steve Lombardi Three Ousted Iowa Justices to Receive Kennedy Profile in Courage Award Profile in Courage Award.jpgCrafted after a ship’s lantern the sterling silver Tiffany crafted award symbolizes a beacon of hope. Like the mariner’s cross this is a symbol from the seafaring minded intended as a shining example of courage shown in rough seas. Ternus, Baker and Streit are being honored for their decision to enforce Iowa’s Constitution knowing the decision, while right, would not be a popular one. The award will be presented at the JFK Library and Museum in Boston. This is an award that those who lead the charge that unfairly ousted these three justices should not hold their breath to ever be awarded. For those who used the decision in Varnum vs Brien on [April 3, 2009] to oust the Justices can best be described as cowardly, not courageous. The Profile in Courage Award has been awarded since 1990. For a list of the recipients follow this link and read the remainder of this article.

]]>Recipients

 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/three-ousted-iowa-justices-to-receive-kennedy-profile-in-courage-award/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/three-ousted-iowa-justices-to-receive-kennedy-profile-in-courage-award/ Personal Injury Law Public PolicyWhistleblower Cases Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:31 -0600 Steve Lombardi Commander in Chief Has a Beef, Marine is the latest victim of the Internet Pen 2011.12.18.WyHellsHalfAcre.jpgThe Huffington Post carried this story about Marine Stein who criticized the Corps Commander in Chief using the Internet and now will be discharged after investing in a nine-year career. You gotta think before you hit that send button. Just because it’s easy doesn’t make it the right thing to do. It’s hard to have much sympathy for him when according to the article he was warned and given the opportunity to correct his actions. Here is a quote from the article: "The Marine Corps gave him the opportunity to think about his actions, yet Sgt. Stein continued to undermine the chain of command," said Umberg, who was not involved in Stein's case. 

]]>Here is a part that bothers me, “I think his purpose was to leave the Marine Corps in a dramatic fashion in order to begin a career in talk radio or what have you." And the reporter continues, “At the hearing this month at Camp Pendleton, Torresala argued that Stein's behavior repeatedly violated Pentagon policy and he should be dismissed after ignoring warnings from his superiors about his postings. The military has had a policy since the Civil War limiting the free speech of service members, including criticism of the commander in chief.”

Back In Time To Alaska

This is a Sarah Palin move leaving her post at the Governor of Alaska, in my opinion, to take a more lucrative job as a speaker or talk show host. And to salute Mrs. Palin I’m going to replay that famous interview with Katie Couric.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rXmuhWrlj4

Just keep thinking, “Huh? What did she say?” Okay we are just warming up. These are tough questions, but when you have a vast and variety of sources you can really stay in touch with world news. Just look out your window and look towards Russia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9go38MgZ4w8&&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1;feature=relmfu

Is Africa a part of North America? I thought NAFTA stood for, North American Free Trade Agreement?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQLBSHckQ8&feature=related

I have but one question for Katie Couric, “How did you not start laughing during the interview?”

Here ask Matt Damon what he thinks. “It’s like a really bad Disney Movie.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk&&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1;feature=fvst

But will the real SP please stand up. Not since Slingblade. She got lost in a corn maze…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE-OCDexYrU

Tina Fey does Sarah I, then Sarah II and then onto Sarah III.

Gary Stein, Marine Who Criticized Obama On Facebook, Will Receive Other-Than-Honorable Discharge

Think before you write and post on the Internet. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/not-satirical-marine-is-victim-of-latest-victim-of-the-internet/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/not-satirical-marine-is-victim-of-latest-victim-of-the-internet/ Business - CompetitionWhistleblower Cases Wed, 02 May 2012 04:04:22 -0600 Steve Lombardi In real estate law what is a straw buyer? A straw buyer is a middle man that acts as a legitimate buyer but who is other than they appear to be to the seller or lender. It used to be a straw buyer was someone who would shield the final buyer from the seller to just keep the price down. Such as Wal-Mart hiring me to be a straw buyer for 100 acres of ground they want me to buy for them. They pay me to legitimately buy the land but to keep their intentions to build a Wal-Mart store secret. I get paid $100,000 to buy the ground and then to immediately sell it to their corporate real estate department. That’s completely legitimate and smart business because if the seller knew the ground was to be used to build a store for Wal-Mart the price would increase by more than tenfold. So what is wrong with a straw buyer?

]]>Well in some instances straw men are used to get around regulatory requirements that would otherwise preclude a person or company from buying a piece of property. Such as with repossessed homes; with repossessed homes, HUD Homes, for a set period of time (I believe it’s the first 120 days) only people who intend to live in the homes can bid on them. Investors are precluded from buying these homes when their intention is not to live in them, but to resell. Where straw buyers get in trouble is attempting to gain an advantage to do an end-run on the laws of the land. That is my friend, what they call the last straw.

Investopedia has a good definition of the straw buyer as well as it sometimes being a legitimate business transaction.

Now let’s not forget our friends at the Mortgage Fraud Blog, she has another ten articles that included a few about straw buyers being criminally prosecuted.

Mortgage Fraud Blog - Perp Walk - 10 new articles

In This Issue...

Developer Admits Scam that Contributed to Bank Failure
Real Estate Investor Indicted for Stealing from Clients
Mother Sentenced for Forgery and Straw Buyer Conspiracy
Real Estate Investor Admits Foreclosure Bid Rigging
Lawyer, Loan Office and Loan Processor Admit $9M Fraud
Alleged Loan Modification Scammer Arrested
Orchestrator of Straw Buyer Scam Sentenced
Investor Sentenced for Cash Back Mortgage Scam
Foreclosure Rescuer Sued for Failing to Deliver
Real Estate Investor Convicted of Running Ponzi Scheme
Search Mortgage Fraud Blog - Perp Walk

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/real-estate/in-real-estate-law-what-is-a-straw-buyer/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/real-estate/in-real-estate-law-what-is-a-straw-buyer/ Financially Ripped-Off!Real EstateThe Participation Trophy SyndromeWhistleblower Cases Tue, 01 May 2012 04:00:29 -0600 Steve Lombardi Iowa Industrial Commissioner Sues Iowa's Governor Alleging Sexual Preference Discrimination GODFREY_BRANDSTETTERX390.jpgSurely the hate mail over this lawsuit will drive the U.S. Postal Service into the black. This past week the gloves came off when the Iowa Industrial Commissioner (Chris Godfrey) personally sued Governor Terry Branstad (and others in his administration) for discrimination, defamation and harassment over the Governor’s reduction in Godfrey’s annual salary by nearly $36,000. It left me wondering how any of this serves the people of Iowa.

The Govna wanted Godfrey to resign claiming inter alia that Godfrey's actions were getting in the way of job creation in Iowa. Essentially the claim is that he wasn’t doing a good job; a claim which is seriously flawed to the point of being frivolous. (On this point you need only read how the Iowa Economic Development Authority sells this state to the business community.) Iowa’s workers’ compensation program is heralded as one of the best run programs in the country. Godfrey’s suit says if I am doing a good job what else is left but a right-wing attack on my sexual preferences? 

"Iowa’s workers’ compensation costs are among the nation’s lowest. The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for manufacturers in Iowa is 16 percent lower than the national average. Iowa law provides for employer choice of doctor." (Actuarial and Technical Solutions, 2009) - quote from Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa's Business Advantages LINK

I'm not sure in Iowa I've seen this level of dirty politics being played with the Iowa Industrial Commissioner position. As someone who is a registered Republican and who has practiced before the commission for over 30 years I have to say Chris Godfrey is doing an excellent job. His decisions find balance and frankly the Commission under his administration hasn't favored the injured workers. There is a balance struck that favors no one side. He sticks to the law. His decisions are as fair to the employers as they are to the injured workers. The facts seem to dictate the outcome and if I had to pick a side I'd say the Commission favors the employers. So come on Govna what the heck are you doing?

shooting-oneself-in-the-foot.jpg

]]>Beyond the personal attack on Godfrey there is a more important issue at stake here. The industrial commissioner's position was not supposed to be an appointment where a newly elected Governor got to play political football with the appointment. The term of the industrial commission was purposefully set and staggered in a way that a newly elected Governor could not simply remove him/her. When workers are out of work due to being injured they depend on the weekly benefits to put food on the table. Predictability of how the law looks at their claims was considered a hell of a lot more important than a politician's ability to play politics with the agency's decision makers. The Governors were not supposed to make this position one of term politics. But that's exactly what Governor Branstad is trying to do. Will this same thing happen when the Democrats get elected. This is bad politics and bad public policy that in the past 30 years we've been able to avoid, until now. In essence what Governor Branstad is trying to do has more serious consequences than he or his administration realize or perhaps care about.  But I do because my clients are those injured workers with family's at home to feed.  

So who can hear their bank account going ka-ching?

According to the Des Moines Register’s Blog the State of Iowa is paying lawyers $325 per hour to defend the Governor’s actions. Wow George how does one get that kind of coin? According to the Register blog George LaMarca agreed to reduce his hourly rate to $210 per hour and to charge only $75 an hour for legal clerks. Most of Iowa’s downtown defense legal community will be thinking, “Where do I sign up for this gig?” But this isn’t the first time; according to the Register’s blog the Govna hired the Nyemaster Law Firm at $275 an hour to defend him back in September. For a guy that hates lawyers he sure seems to need them quite often. Both are excellent firms and of course Roxanne is no push-over when it comes to civil litigation that gets downright uncivil. See Rush Niget on the Microsoft litigation of which Roxanne Conlin was lead counsel.

What is a citizen to do while the political left and right waste our tax dollars?

You can sit on the sidelines and ignore the shenanigans or else you can publicly speak up. For me the future for my children and grandchildren is more important than just accepting the wasting of government resources to tell people who they can and can't sleep with or love. Frankly that's their business. For me it's more important to speak up than to allow the egos of politicians, left or right, to use the government for their own personal beliefs. 

My suggestions:

  • The two of you knock it off.
  • The Govna immediately and retroactively reinstate Godfrey’s pay.
  • The Govna publicly apologize to Godfrey.
  • Godfrey dismisses his lawsuit.
  • The Govna knocks off the personal animosity towards Godfrey so the people of Iowa can be served in a way that advances the image of the people of this state and improves the business climate along with creating jobs; rather than chasing them out of this state.
  • We tell George "thanks but no thanks." and we all save a bunch of money, a lot more than dismissing Godfrey would ever save.

Just my two cents.

RESOURCES

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/1-million-iowa-industrial-commissioner-sues-governor-alleging-discrimination/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/business---competition/1-million-iowa-industrial-commissioner-sues-governor-alleging-discrimination/ Business - CompetitionDefamation - Libel & SlanderFinancially Ripped-Off!Personal Injury Law Public PolicyWhistleblower Cases Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:03:43 -0600 Steve Lombardi When can paramedics stop performing life-saving measures? Question: Is it legal for paramedics to perform procedures on a patient who is already dead? Is it legal for paramedics to perform unnecessary procedures on a patient who was dead upon their arrival? The tracheotomy performed, without an airway blockage present, caused substantial damage to the flooring, mattress, and bedding. Are paramedics permitted to train on patients that are no longer viable?

]]>Answer: Time out! You're kidding me right? Seriously, you are nitpicking. A paramedic needs to keep up the life saving efforts until a doctor pronounces the patient dead. Consider if the patient were you and you weren't dead but they stopped because of not wanting to damage your Sealy? What then - should he stop in the while the paramedic squad debates how strong this model mattress is? I think not. Leave the paramedics alone and let him/her do their jobs. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/when-can-paramedics-stop-performing-life-saving-measures/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/when-can-paramedics-stop-performing-life-saving-measures/ Personal Injury Law Public PolicyWhistleblower Cases Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:20:46 -0600 Steve Lombardi Question: What should I do if my employer assaulted me at work? Explosion Atomic Bomb -Nagasakibomb.jpgQuestion: What should I do if my employer assaulted me at work? Out of rage, my employer struck me in the face at work. There has been similar behavior in the past. The police were called and a report was filed. The officers said that the charges would likely stick. Should I seek some sort of civil action against my employer as well? Would I need an employment lawyer or a personal injury lawyer for a case like this?

]]>Answer: The employer should not have assaulted you and yes his/her behavior is wrong, but what are your damages? Is it worth $1,000 or $500? Is it worth $100? I have no way of knowing, but there is a more important question you need to answer. Why do you want to work there? Beyond the answer to that question one has wonder how long will your employer keep you employed?

You know some problems have no good legal solution and this appears to be one of them. The best answer to your question may lie in a personal solution to which the law is incapable of providing an answer. 

Boxing Match Cribb_vs_Molineaux_1811.jpg

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/criminal-law-commentary/question-what-should-i-do-if-my-employer-assaulted-me-at-work/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/criminal-law-commentary/question-what-should-i-do-if-my-employer-assaulted-me-at-work/ Criminal Law CommentaryLife On-Campus: Staying Safe at a College-UniversityPersonal Injury Law Public PolicyUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:42:24 -0600 Steve Lombardi Iowa Film Scandal Net Reaches California Domenico-Fetti_Archimedes_1620 Wiki.jpgAnother film director stands accused surrounding Iowa’s film tax-credit program. See the linked article below.

It’s all going to come down to whether Wheeler, the former film chief, approved the expenditures and if he did, should those benefiting have believing the approval to be reasonable and legal under the law. What’s gone on with Iowa’s film credit tax program has been an eye opener for the state as well as a black eye. What should have been a good thing for the state has turned into a mess.

Barbara and I just returned from Beaufort, South Carolina where The Big Chill was filmed. (See Internet Movie Database)Having a blockbuster or classic film shot in a community can add to the culture and mystic. But doing it the way we did has to send a message to stay away.

California man charged with theft in film scandal, Des Moines Register, Lee Rood reporting, October 26, 2011. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/iowa-film-scandal-net-reaches-california/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/iowa-film-scandal-net-reaches-california/ Criminal Law CommentaryPersonal Injury Law Public PolicyThe Participation Trophy SyndromeTort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsWhistleblower Cases Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:08:20 -0600 Steve Lombardi Oops Moment - Iowa store contest challenges employees to name next employee to be fired Some days we look back at what we did and wonder why we didn't see how dumb it would look in retrospect. Here are a few recent examples.

An Iowa convenience store chain manager created a contest for employees. The employees were asked to name the next co-worker to be fired. An Iowa judge called the contest deplorable. This mis-manager may need a time out. There is no indication if anyone picked themselves. 

The imaginary-baby adoption lady is said to have violated probation and in trouble again.

The Iowa Supreme Court puts down its foot with police monitoring of attorney “confidential” visits with arrestees. Private and confidential means just that – private and confidential. You mean that video recorder and making the lawyer scream at his client through Plexiglas makes that impossible? See Barney Fife being told to go to jail, do not pass go, just go straight to jail.

Nip it in the bud Barney. Here is an actual scene from the Ankeny Police Department video interrogation. 

http://youtu.be/sL9TunUh_bw

If only they understood The Cobra method of interrogation. 

 

Trust me, I can't make this stuff up. My imagination doesn't work this well. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/oops-moment---iowa-store-contest-to-for-employees-to-name-next-employee-to-be-fired/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/oops-moment---iowa-store-contest-to-for-employees-to-name-next-employee-to-be-fired/ Financially Ripped-Off!Personal Injury Law Public PolicyThe Participation Trophy SyndromeUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower CasesWorkers Compensation & Workplace Safety Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:05:33 -0600 Steve Lombardi Beat Cops and Tweet Cops Patrol Twitter and Facebook Domenico-Fetti_Archimedes_1620 Wiki.jpgWhen the virtual world is not so virtuous

A student posted this comment on a social media site: “Who wants to shoot up the DMACC Ankeny campus the same time I shoot up the Urban campus?”

Twitter post results in DMACC student’s arrest, Tom Alex, Des Moines Register

You can almost guess what happened next. He was charged with first-degree harassment.

But this isn’t an isolated incident of social media being used as the basis for the filing of criminal charges. In this country, land of the free and home of the brave, words alone posted in a virtual world have become evidence of criminal activity in the real world. With the wide dissemination of information on social media sites, free speech isn’t so free any more. Freedom of expression doesn’t equate to freedom to say anything. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

A lawyer I recently broached this subject with, described how in a criminal case the defendants already charged with one crime, used Facebook to organize intimidation of witnesses against them. To their chagrin the prosecutor knew how to use Facebook. What is it with people thinking that you can say anything online and somehow you have immunity from reason? Why do people believe they can say anything in the virtual world without being held responsible? Is it because somehow there is a disconnect between what is typed and posted but not spoken by the out loud? 

]]>Where the virtual world is not so virtuous - A word typed is a word spoken.

One of my clients has filed a complaint with Facebook to remove content describing physical injury, including death, wished upon her by an entire family that describes themselves as descent people. Is this short sighted, idiotic, acceptable free speech or criminal activity meant to intimidate another person? You be the judge. Are these decent people who are simply misguided in wanting to get even? Are they blind to the fact that if something bad were to happen to the virtual victim they then become the primary suspects? 

Get a clue folks.

Another lawyer describes how in a mediation conference the agreement for settlement is reached based on an agreement for confidentiality, only to be broadcasted immediately to her friends from under the conference table by the injured teenager. This is a clear violation of the terms of settlement that could result in nullification of the settlement agreement.

When Social Media Becomes a Royal Pain

Bottom Line: Get a clue – some things are not meant to be a part of social media.

Facebook Crimes on the Rise, Experts Warn. Samantha Murhpy, August 11, 2011

9 Most Bizarre Facebook Related Crimes, Oddee Post, August 10, 2011

Cyber Crime, Facebook

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/defamation---libel-slander/beat-cops-or-tweet-cops-patrol-twitter-and-facebook/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/defamation---libel-slander/beat-cops-or-tweet-cops-patrol-twitter-and-facebook/ Cheerleading SafetyDefamation - Libel & SlanderUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:11 -0600 Steve Lombardi Can I Rent from NetFlix's the Iowa Supreme Court Arguments? MollyOral arguments before the Iowa Supreme Court are now live and streaming on the Internet. Unless you’re a lawyer, and in most cases involved in the case, you’ll find this about as exciting as watching corn grow in August. There was an outcry the courts were too secretive and maybe something fishy was going on behind those closed doors that allowed the gay marriage decision to come out of the Constitutional closet. 

The idea that somehow the Iowa Supreme Court operates in secrecy is preposterous and leads me back to the Law of Molly. Whenever there is thunder, our dog Molly hides her head under the bed as if that alone will protect her. The photo is Molly after the thunder stopped and she finished hiding her head - just as the Vander Platts group wants you to do. Each is acting foolish.

]]>Too lawyers and judges this is very funny because anyone can watch and listen to oral arguments or any argument in any case, with the exception of family law and juvenile matters in Iowa. But no one does and there’s a good reason. You won’t find these arguments renting at Redbox or streaming live from NetFlix’s. Why? Because most days what we do is boring and wouldn’t even sell to prisoners on death row. So now that oral arguments are streaming live - by all means join us and listen while you work. Follow the link to listen to the excitement of tax law being debated! Bring your own popcorn because the judicial system has no money for hiring vendors.

In other news the Iowa Supreme Court got it right when they rejected the speedier but more secret process of taking away a lawyer’s license. See the Des Moines Register story, Court rejects lawyer suspension secrecy, by Lee Rood. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/can-i-rent-from-netflixs-the-iowa-supreme-court-arguments/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/can-i-rent-from-netflixs-the-iowa-supreme-court-arguments/ Personal Injury Law Public PolicyTrial Practice for Clients & Potential ClientsTrial Practice for LawyersUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:00:43 -0600 Steve Lombardi Ground Zero Worker Gets Zilch, AC-DC Says, All Hail to Caesar! The story’s title reads: Ground Zero Worker: I Received No Compensation For Throat Cancer. What the story should be titled is, "You're Getting What You Asked (Voted) For!

Gladiators.jpg

Frankly Poor Mr. Galvis; I feel sorry for him. I’m not surprised he got nothing, because I’ve been talking about it now for quite some time. I don’t blame the lawyers at Worby, Groner, Edelman & Napoli Bern because they are in business to first pay the bills and second to make some kind of a profit. But how do lawyers make a profit with a $10,000 case when we have so many liens and subrogation interests to protect? As lawyers dealing with health insurance subrogation, child support liens, auto insurance medical pay subrogation interests, Medicare, Medicaid, Title XIX and employee benefit plans under ERISA we are left asking who we represent. 

]]>With all these insurance plans wanting a piece of the pie how should we be protecting the injured worker or the family of the breadwinner killed in a car accident? After all do we represent the injured person or all these corporate entities with their hands out wanting a piece of the pie? With most personal injury litigation today, the meat and potatoes cases, the small cases we handle, all we are doing is trading checks between insurance companies and being paid a fee to do so. It’s embarrassing, but it’s a sign of the times so don’t blame us, because we are only doing what your elected officials voted for us to do. Pay them before we can pay you. Our intended client, you know the injured man or woman, are being forgotten.

But don’t blame the lawyers in this instance – no siree, because you voted for the people that passed all these laws that treat the injured person as if they were an afterthought. There aren’t enough lawyers in the legislature so point your finger in some other direction. We lawyers have a light bill to pay. It’s what you call staying in business in today’s legal environment. 

It's sort of like this, we all slaughter each other while those Senators in Washington slaughter us. So all hail to Caesar because he's alive, well and living the good life in the Capital City.

Join me in the ring and sing along with AC/DC and sing loud to those whom you voted for and for the lot those have cast upon you. Sing loud and long, sing Hail Caesar!

He be the count of Monte Cristo 

Could be a quake any day 
Maybe somebody from Siam 
Begin the era of a new rage 
Keeps lickin' all the honey 
Chewin' up the fat he rakes 
Instead of sending to the lions 
They cover him with praise 

All hail Caesar, Hail, Hail! 
All hail Caesar, Hail, Hail! 

Down at the epicenter 
Things started heatin' up 
Rockin' on the richter scale 
[Rockin' up the richter scale] 
Swinging in the chariot 
Around and around we go 
The senators rehearse the tale 
Starring in the coliseum 
Tied upon the rack 
Up comes the thumb of Caesar 
To stab you in the back 

All hail Caesar, Hail, Hail! 
All hail Caesar, Hail, Hail! 

Down at the epicenter 
Things started heatin' up 
Rockin' on the richter scale 
Swingin' in the chariot 
Around and around we go 
the Senators rehearse the tale 

Watch out Caesar, watch out Caesar 

[I said hail, I said hail! 
I said Hail, I said Hail! 

Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail 
Hail ] 

[All hail Caesar, hail, hail! 
All hail Caesar, hail, hail! 
All hail Caesar, hail, hail! 
All hail Caesar, hail, hail! 

You need eyes in the back of your head boy, 
or you're dead.]

 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/ground-zero-worker-gets-zilch/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/ground-zero-worker-gets-zilch/ Personal Injury Law Public PolicyTort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsTrial Practice for Clients & Potential ClientsWhistleblower Cases Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:01:13 -0600 Steve Lombardi Like Rome, when it comes to MMA Fighting, Iowa is a four-letter word 800px-The_Christian_Martyrs_Last_Prayer.jpgIowa's Version of MMA Tort-Reform Was A Recipe for Disaster 

“No thought was given to the human cost of unregulated MMA.”

That statement comes from “The Underground”, the MMA Warehouse in an article Sherdog wrote as Part II of Zach Kirk’s fight and his being paralyzed for life.

Here is the real disgrace.

In days, Kirk went bankrupt. The rest of Kirk’s medical care costs -- hundreds of thousands of dollars -- was paid for by the citizens of Iowa. 


This is what you get when farmers turn legislators and think they know law and can assess legal risk. Like lawyers trying to plant a straight row of crops, farmers’ legislating makes for a lousy result. Deciding what corn to plant isn't the same as analyzing the legal principles and making sensible public policy. No lawyer in his right mind would have voted to deregulate MMA fighting. Boxing I understand, MMA I do not get. It's nothing more than what Romans did with lions fighting slaves. What's attracting young men to the sport is the lack of regimented training and the promise of big money. Regulations and fighter protections are not just necessary for the fighters but also for the taxpayers who end up footing the bill when fighters through fighting become seriously, permanently and totally disabled. 

Like I said, I'm not planting corn any time soon. But put me on the Boxing Commission and I'll protect the Iowa tax dollars. 

Spectators sometimes became part of the Coliseum show -

Although the typical Coliseum of Rome combatants were trained gladiators, convicted criminals and prisoners of war, occasionally glory-seeking individuals volunteered to fight. Often they overrated their skills and suffered the consequences.

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The only possible winner was the promoter. In a situation analogous to the national economic crisis occurring at the same time, the profits associated with amateur MMA were privatized -- kept by the promoter -- while the financial costs of those risks were borne by the taxpayers. 

Tort reformers aren’t reforming torts for the good; they are reforming tort law to line their own pockets while shifting the liability of all financial risk to the taxpayers. MMA fighting, unlike classic boxing is brutal. There are few protections and the fans control the bout not the referee. The allowance of MMA fighting is barbaric to say the least. Just ask Zack Kirk, who, according to this article, is now paralyzed and dependent upon the taxpayers for what he can get to eke out a subsistence living.

Gladiators.jpg

I see the Iowa Labor Commissioner issued two cease and desist orders regarding two MMA events. Good for the Labor Commissioner. At last someone with common sense. As for farmer legislators I’ll make you a promise, you stay out of the halls of government and I’ll not plant field corn.

2/25/2011

Contact:

Kerry Koonce

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2011
Contact: Kerry Koonce
Telephone: (515) 281-9646

Printer Friendly PDF Version

Iowa Labor Commissioner Orders Cease and Desist Action Against Two Mixed Martial Arts Events
Organizations Failed to Comply with Iowa Law

DES MOINES – The Iowa Labor/Athletic Commissioner is issuing a cease and desist order against the Xtreme Fighting Championship 7 events scheduled for Friday night in Iowa City at the Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon and Saturday night at Steamboat Rock Schoolhouse in Steamboat Rock, Iowa.

Iowa’s Mixed Martial Arts laws changed July 1st requiring promoters to submit fighter blood work, show proof of medical insurance, submit fighter contracts and ensure that all fighters, professional or amateur, are 18 years of age or older. The event promoter, Travis Fulton, has failed to license and bond his events with the State of Iowa.

“The laws surrounding mixed martial arts fights are there to protect everyone involved,” stated Iowa Labor Commissioner David Neil. “The licenses, bonds and medical certifications ensure that fighters are in condition before the match and the required health insurance prevents Iowans from picking up the bill for medical expenses when fighters frequently end up in the emergency room following a match.”

Iowa issued nearly 140 fight licenses in 2010 and most promoters work cooperatively with the department and follow the laws to ensure that all safety and health measures are intact. The few promoters who consistently try to skirt Iowa’s laws present an unprofessional image that affects everyone involved in the sport.

Promoters who hold fights in violation of Iowa’s Mixed Martial Arts laws are subject to a $10,000 administrative fine and a criminal conviction of a serious misdemeanor.

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/news/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=868

For more on this subject read:

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/iowas-version-of-mma-tort-reform-was-a-recipe-for-disaster/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/iowas-version-of-mma-tort-reform-was-a-recipe-for-disaster/ Financially Ripped-Off!Large Damage, Major-Serious Injury & Death AccidentsLife On-Campus: Staying Safe at a College-UniversityThe Participation Trophy SyndromeTort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:10 -0600 Steve Lombardi Are lawyers being taken with marketing hoopla? I’ve been gone over a month and a half. I needed the break from writing, blogging and complaining about the practice of law. So I took it. Yada-yada-yada... Someday I’ll discuss the reasons but not right now; just too many things hitting me too close together in time. One of the issues you can read about here and here.  So realizing I needed a break, I took one. I’m still not back completely emotionally from all of this and there is no way I’m writing like I was, but for now let’s see how it goes. Today I want to talk about legal marketing. So hang in there while I work on my gripe meter and hopefully get back in shape.

Let's have Miley Cyrus help us today on the beaches of Tybee Island.

]]>I read something from a law firm marketing firm last night and it brought to mind a question. Are all these legal marketing guys in bed together assembling as many legal sheepeople as they can to jump onboard so they can pump up their numbers and hopefully sell the next Internet digital IPO?

If you listen and believe in the holy Grail of legal marketing you need LinkedIn + FaceBook + AVEO (or whatever it's called) + Twitter or else you're just missing out on all the digital chatter boxes who may in the future need your services. The content on most of these sites is pure garbage. The content amounts to nothing more than noise that pollutes the digital airways, but is supposed make you feel important; it’s said that it makes your site important b/c it's the noise that counts. But really it only counts towards the numbers the owner of the website needs to justify the next IPO crapshoot.

This reminds me of 2007 and commercial real estate. My warning to the commercial realtors applies equally to lawyers and Internet carpetbaggers. The most important asset we have working for us is our credibility. Credibility with the general public equates to trust. The commercial realtors and brokers gambled theirs away selling a dream that never existed to unsuspecting people. The stockbrokers made and are remaking the same mistake with trust. Internet marketing carpetbaggers are jumping on board, first with Y2K and now with digital media that will glow red hot only to die a quick and painful death. If it’s not making money it’s simply not a business. What kind of business can survive in a capitalist society that simply loses money?  

Like value investors the most important asset you own is your reputation. Because when trust your "client" or "customer" has in you goes, it takes a long time for them to forget the distrust they felt when it all blew up in their face. 

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/trial-practice-for-lawyers/are-lawyers-being-taken-with-marketing-hoopl/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/trial-practice-for-lawyers/are-lawyers-being-taken-with-marketing-hoopl/ Financially Ripped-Off!Trial Practice for LawyersUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:00:55 -0600 Steve Lombardi Xtra Normal Goes Extraterrestrial on Law School There is nothing worse than a bunch of lawyers with not enough clients and too much time on their hands. These videos it's well worth the fifteen minutes of laughter.

So You Want to Go to Law School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMvARy0lBLE

]]>The Law School Adviser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGiFWuDM_xE&NR=1&feature=fvwp

So You Want to Close Your Facebook Account

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOTUZ2LlmoA&NR=1&feature=fvwp

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/xtra-normal-goes-extraterrestrial-on-law-school/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/xtra-normal-goes-extraterrestrial-on-law-school/ Trial Practice for LawyersWhistleblower Cases Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:00:01 -0600 Steve Lombardi Should insider trading by elected officials be illegal? Musical Man B&W.jpgMake Politicians Publicly Disclose their Stock Options within 24 hours of Purchase

Ask yourself this question: Was the financial crisis a gold rush for some?
If it was then why wouldn’t government officials choose to engineer economic fatigue into the American economy while buying options to short the market?

I’ve been wondering about a few things lately:

  • How do elected officials get so rich on the salaries they receive?
  • Is the debate before a bill is voted on engineered to cause delay while officials purchase stock options in companies that will benefit from public spending?
  • And lastly, how stupid do they think we really are?

Ask yourself: Is there a way people make money from a market downturn? If people can make money by shorting the market, then who does it and are any of them elected officials? Shouldn't we know if elected officials are shorting the market? And if they are, how can you do it to make millions right along with our elected officials? One way is to force elected officials to publicly disclose the purchase of all stock options.

Make Politicians Publicly Disclose their Stock Options within 24 hours of Purchase

Wall Street’s Shadow Market by CBS – A swap is nothing more than insurance, but they call it something other than insurance to avoid being regulated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y9A0C45KZI&feature=related

]]>In the options market you can make money if the price of a stock goes up or down. You can even buy options on foreclosures. An option allows government officials to bet on the rise or the fall of a company’s future prospects; and we all know that companies securing large government contracts enjoy large price increases.

So ask yourself, why don’t we know which companies’ that government officials are betting on with options? Is this one of those ideas that we shouldn’t worry our pretty heads with because it’s too complicated for the rest of us to understand?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYVvvTfoYMg

You can make money on the upside and the downside of the stock market. You simply need time along with opportunity. Both of which those controlling public spending know in advance which allows them to trade on this inside information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ewDNcF9PIk&feature=related

New Options Market – Intrinsic Value

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/is-insider-trading-by-elected-officials-legal/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/personal-injury-law-public-policy/is-insider-trading-by-elected-officials-legal/ Financially Ripped-Off!Personal Injury Law Public PolicyThe Participation Trophy SyndromeTort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsWhistleblower Cases Wed, 27 Apr 2011 04:00:31 -0600 Steve Lombardi Honesty and fairness have nothing to do with insurance defense - HONEST!

Before talking to the insurance adjuster or defense attorney or the case mismanager remember this from I Claudius, don't touch the figs.

The premise held by most clients is that this system of law is fair. They'll say they want only to be treated fairly. When representing themselves they make the assumption that when defense lawyers talk to you they will be fair. Well I'm here to tell you, you had better not trust in being treated fairly. I mean exactly that and it has nothing to do with whether or not the defense lawyer or the insurance company is dishonest. They don’t have to be “honest” and they aren’t trying to be “fair”. Fact is they are hoping you aren’t smart enough to ask the right questions so they don’t have to not answer you. You think I’m kidding? Hell no. I’m not and I can prove I’m right. Here let me prove it to you.

Defense work has nothing to do with treating people fairly. If it did you could come up with the name of at least one defense lawyer who has said in the past, "I don't think you're asking for enough, can I pay you more?" Or, "Did you know you're entitled under the law to be paid more for your damages?” Go ahead find me one insurance company representative that has said that in the entire history of insurance. Go ahead, think real hard; I can wait, go ahead and think harder.

Umnnn dee dum, dee-dum... Have you remembered one? No? I didn't think so. I've not heard anything like that in 30 years.

Updated: This is too funny. I had a link to an insurance company's YouTube ad and they actually took it down so I could not tag them with how deceptive it is. Can you believe it? Yeah that's what they do. They advertise when they need more money, lie to you the premium payer and then when we lawyers point it out they take down what they said to erase the lie. That's reality folks, that's the insurance industry. 

]]>For defense lawyers to represent the interests of insurance companies the DL (that's industry jargon for defense lawyer) must take advantage of every mistake you make, to exploit every bit of ignorance you have and to use every misconception you think about this being about fairness.

In other words the defense lawyer's job is to treat you in a way to take advantage of your ignorance of the law as well as your mistakes. Frankly because this isn't about fairness their job is to treat you unfairly. Ethically they can, do and must treat you unfairly as most people think about the idea of fairness.

Fairness dictates honestly and with openness and candor. But ethics require the lawyer to maintain confidences provided by the client. I as your lawyer have to be candid and open with my client and if you're my client I act ethically. But the insurance company's lawyer isn't your lawyer and you the injured person aren't his client. So candor isn't going to be happening between the two of you. That's not the hand of a friend reaching out to shake your hand; the handshake being a sign of friendship, but this one is not one from a friend. Never confuse friendliness with friendship. The two are not one and the same.

The defense attorney or the insurance company representatives are like the slithering snake that delivers the poison being slipped into the wine goblet from which the injured drink.  Now you understand the legal concept of "fairness".

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/honesty-and-fairness-have-nothing-to-do-with-insurance-defense---honest/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/financially-ripped-off/honesty-and-fairness-have-nothing-to-do-with-insurance-defense---honest/ Adventure TravelAnimals & InjuryBoating, Skiing & Water SafetyCheerleading SafetyClient Trial-Deposition PreparationConstruction Sites / Interstate Highway Road WorkersDistracted Driving - Put the cell phone away!Financially Ripped-Off!Groundskeeper & Maintenance WorkersInjury Caused by Property DefectsInterstate Highway Travel: I-80, I-35, I-235, I-380Large Damage, Major-Serious Injury & Death AccidentsLife On-Campus: Staying Safe at a College-UniversityMotorcycles, Bicycles & ATV'sOWI & Highway SafetyPedestrian Safety & ConcernsPersonal Injury Law Public PolicyReal EstateSemi-Trucks, Cars, Vans & SUV SafetyThe Participation Trophy SyndromeTort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsTrial Practice for Clients & Potential ClientsTrial Practice for LawyersUnsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower CasesWorkers Compensation & Workplace SafetyWrong-Site, Wrong-Patient, Wrong-Procedure ErrorsWrong-Way Collisions on the Interstate Highways Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:36 -0600 Steve Lombardi Is this case a turkey? Henry’s Turkey Service Get’s Sued by the Feds

When I read about this story the overriding question in my mind is whether there is a basis in these alleged facts or has this freight train prematurely left the station? 

The seriousness of the allegations will raise questions about the truth of those allegations. After all this is Iowa, not some third-world country with Daffey Duck as the head honcho. The shocking allegations mean the lawyers involved will have to answer questions in anyone’s mind about who is saying what and what evidence they can provide to substantiate what is alleged. If you can't prove it you shouldn't allege it. Follow this link to read other stories on this issue.

]]> 

U.S. sues Henry's Turkey Service for labor abuse

DesMoinesRegister.com - NEWS

The mentally retarded Iowa workers were hit, handcuffed and denied care, the lawsuit states.

 

Songs reverberating in the juries mind as they hear this case:

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/workers-compensation-and-workplace-safety/is-this-case-a-turkey/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/workers-compensation-and-workplace-safety/is-this-case-a-turkey/ Tort Reform + Tort Deform + Special InterestsWhistleblower CasesWorkers Compensation & Workplace Safety Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:00:58 -0600 Steve Lombardi Is someone spying on your credit card? Criminal Crime.jpgWhat’s in your wallet? 

I buy gas using a credit card and a recent email pointed out we should all be hitting the "CLEAR" button at the pump after concluding our purchase. The email pointed out there is a way for someone to come along after you've left and to charge gas on your card. True? I'm not sure, but for the sake of safety I'm willing to push the clear button. But what about those stories that say electronics have advanced enough for someone to read the information off of your CC while it's still in your wallet? Can that happen and if so how will technology protect us?

We all find the Captial One commercials funny, or least some people do. But what about those electronic strips on your credit cards and identity theft issues that we read about and with fingers crossed sort of ignore? Need we be concerned about someone surreptitiously gathering the info off of our cards? Well, to understand the answer to that question we need to go back to high school science class to learn about the faraday cage. If you learn this lesson you'll be a long way to understanding the direction technology is heading.

Will the faraday cage protect a bird on a cage and what's in your wallet?

It may, but for you to appreciate why and what you need to know let’s first learn about the faraday cage?

Four options for learning about the faraday cage; although for purposes of this article you probably don’t need this detailed an understanding. Option One, Two, Three and Four.

Now let’s get back to the bird on a wire. High Power Electrical Line Maintenance Worker or as their Instructor says, "On a magic carpet".

A Faraday cage or Faraday shield is an enclosure formed by conducting material or by a mesh of such material. Such an enclosure blocks out external static electric fields. Faraday cages are named after the English scientist Michael Faraday, who invented them in 1836.

A Faraday cage's operation depends on the fact that an external static electrical field will cause the electrical charges within the cage's conducting material to redistribute themselves so as to cancel the field's effects in the cage's interior. This phenomenon is used, for example, to protect electronic equipment from lightning strikes and other electrostatic discharges. 

]]>

Faraday cages cannot block static and slowly varying magnetic fields, such as Earth's magnetic field (a compass will still work inside). To a large degree though, they also shield the interior from external electromagnetic radiation if the conductor is thick enough and any holes are significantly smaller than the radiation's wavelength. For example, certain computer forensic test procedures of electronic components or systems that require an environment devoid of electromagnetic interference may be conducted within a screen room. These screen rooms are essentially work areas that are completely enclosed by one or more layers of fine metal mesh or perforated sheet metal. The metal layers are grounded to dissipate any electric currents generated from the external electromagnetic fields and thus block a large amount of the electromagnetic interference. See also electromagnetic shielding.

The reception of external radio signals, a form of electromagnetic radiation, through an antenna within a cage can be greatly attenuated or even completely blocked by the cage itself.

What are real life examples of a faraday cage in use? Well let’s go right back to Wikipedia to see some examples.

  • The shield of a screened cable, such as the coaxial cable used for cable television, protects the internal conductors from electrical noise.
  • A booster bag (shopping bag lined with aluminum foil) acts as a Faraday cage. It is often used by shoplifters to steal RFID-tagged items.[3] [Now way! Way.]
  • The cooking chamber of a microwave oven is a Faraday cage, made to contain the RF signals of the cavity magnetron which cooks the food.
  • Some linemen wear Faraday suits, which allows them to work on live, high voltage power lines without risk of electrocution. These suits work because they are not grounded. The suit prevents electrical current from flowing through the body, and have no theoretical voltage limits, as linemen have successfully worked even the highest voltage (Russian 1150 kV) lines safely. [For real, this is the bird on the wire so watch the video, because it's really too kewl to miss.]
  • The scan room of an MRI is designed as a Faraday cage. This prevents external RF (radio frequency) signals from being added to data collected from the patient, which would affect the resulting image. Radiographers are trained to identify the characteristic artifacts created on images should the Faraday cage be damaged.

Do we need to be concerned with having a faraday cage in your pocket? Maybe we do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTa8oviCPt8

What’s in your wallet?

Oh and while we are at it let's not forget the credit card slave trade. If you're dumb enough to use a cc to live a lifestyle you haven't earned then they own you for life.

]]> http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/is-your-credit-card-spying-on-you/ http://www.theiowaedict.com/whistleblower-cases/is-your-credit-card-spying-on-you/ Defamation - Libel & SlanderFinancially Ripped-Off!Unsafe Products & ServicesWhistleblower Cases Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:28:34 -0600 Steve Lombardi