Our legal team possesses over 70 years of personal injury claims experience. In addition, members of our team have unique insights into how the opposing side handles claims of negligence, including a former insurance adjuster and insurance defense attorneys.
While you recover from serious injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one, we combine the following to build a fact-based case and prepare your claim for trial!
You may have noticed that the civil justice system has been under fairly brutal attack by corporate and professional lobbies for about 35 years now. It’s almost incredible that it still exists at all, given the money behind these assaults. Do you know what the system needs? Celebrity endorsements!
Take Kim Kardashian, for example. She’s already the queen of celebrity endorsements: "Jewelry, shoes, diet products, candles, perfumes. Famous Cupcakes in Los Angeles even created a cupcake flavor for her ("Va-Va-Va-Nilla")." Plus Midori liqueur.
But today, TMZ reports that Kim is threatening to sue In Touch magazine, which alleged that she cheated on her fiancé, Kris Humphries, “with NFL player Bret Lockett ... and she's threatening to sue the mag and Lockett.” This is the same day that Kim launched a new perfume. What's the harm in one more endorsement?
Or, what about Hulk Hogan, who just endorsed a line of Pumice-Based Cleaning Products. Today, he told TMZ that “he plans on filing a lawsuit against the Warrior for "spewing sewage" in a 7-minute video tirade.” Where would Hulk be without the civil justice system? He should give a little back, right?
In May, Naomi Campbell threatened to sue Cadbury (owned by Kraft) “for using her name in ‘racist’ chocolate ads” reported the New York Daily News. Cadbury apologized and pulled the ad, something that only took place after she threatened to sue. Naomi could use some good press, and what better way than endorsing justice?
Or here’s another:
“Gossip Girl” actress Blake Lively is reportedly threatening to sue over nude photos that her spokeswoman claims are “100 percent fake.” Reuters reports that there are at least five photos circulating the web allegedly showing the 23-year-old snapping nude pics with her iPhone in front of a mirror.
I don’t know if Blake has endorsed anything yet, but the civil justice system would be a great place to start.
So all of you celebrities out there who think the civil justice system will always be there for you, think again. It won’t if the business and professional lobbies have anything to do with it. We can't imagine a more important deal.
The family of George Desdunes filed a wrongful-death lawsuit Monday, seeking to hold Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity responsible for the 19-year-old's death in an alleged hazing incident. He was found unconscious on a couch at the Cornell fraternity in February and was later pronounced dead.
The lawsuit alleges that Desdunes, who was already a full member of the fraternity, was kidnapped by fraternity pledges of SAE as part of a long-standing fraternity ritual.
According to court documents, the pledges quizzed Desdunes about SAE and compelled him to consume alcohol until he lost consciousness several times. Instead of seeking the medical treatment he required, the lawsuit alleges that they took him to the fraternity house, still bound at the wrists and ankles, and dumped him on a couch, where he was left to die.
"With the death of my son, I find some comfort in knowing that this lawsuit may bring about changes in fraternities that will prevent other families from suffering as I have," his mother said.
If human decency and common sense aren't enough to make some fraternity members at colleges across the country reconsider their senseless and dangerous practices, perhaps the $25 million in damages sought in this case will be.
by Kelly Eggers
According to a 2010 Accountemps survey, 28% of executives say the resume is where most job seekers make mistakes in the application process. But what exactly constitutes a mistake?
We talked with career coaches and resume writers to find ten gaffes that will guarantee that your resume never makes it past round one.
1. Unnecessary Details About Your Life
There are a few personal details you should include on a resume: full name and contact information, including email, phone number and address. But beyond that, personal details should be kept to a minimum. If the prospective employer wants to know more than the minimum, they will ask you or figure it out for themselves.
"Your age, race, political affiliation, anything about your family members, and home ownership status should all be left off your resume," says Ann Baehr, a certified professional resume writer and president of New York-based Best Resumes. "What's confusing is that [a lot of personal information is] included on international CVs. In the U.S., including [personal data] is a no-no because it leaves the job-seeker open to discrimination."
The exception to the rule: If you're looking to work for an organization closely tied to a cause, you may consider including your race, political party, or religious beliefs.
"Personal data may suggest a bias, unless what you want to do next is directly tied to one of those categories, because it shows aligned interest," says Roy Cohen, a New York City career coach and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." So, unless you're looking to work for a religious, political, or social organization, you're better off keeping personal philosophies to yourself.
2. Your Work Responsibilities as a Lifeguard When You Were 16 ...
"Don't include information that will not advance you in your work goals," says Rena Nisonoff, president of The Last Word, a resume-writing and job-coaching company in Boston. "Anything extraneous should be left off your resume." That includes hobbies and irrelevant jobs you held many years ago.
Unless you're an undergraduate student or a freshly minted professional, limit your work history to professional experience you've had in the past 10 to 15 years (or greater, if it was a C-level position).
3. A Headshot
In some industries, being asked for and including a headshot is commonplace, but unless you're a model, actor, or Miss America, the general rule of thumb is that photos should be left out.
"To many [hiring managers], including a headshot feels hokey," says Cohen. It can give off the wrong impression, and isn't a job-seeking tactic that's customarily received well.
Furthermore, it's illegal for employers to discriminate against job candidates based on appearance, so attaching a headshot can put employers in an awkward position, says Nisonoff. Unless it's specifically requested, and it's relevant to the job at hand, keep your appearance out of it.
4. Salary Expectations
Most job candidates feel uneasy discussing salary requirements. For good reason: Giving a number that's too high or too low can cost you the job. You should keep it out of your application materials entirely, unless the hiring manager asks for it.
"If they specifically ask for it, you should give them a range," says Nisonoff, but even still, that information should be reserved for the cover letter and not put on the resume. If you have the option, save that discussion for a later stage of the interviewing process, ideally once the interviewer brings it up.
5. Lies
This should really go without saying, but career coaches and resume writers alike report that the line between embellishment and fabrication is often crossed by job applicants -- and that they've seen it cost their clients jobs.
One of the most common areas in which people fudge the facts is the timeline of their work history.
"A client of mine who worked for a Wall Street firm had moved around quite a bit," says Cohen. The client, who was a registered representative, intentionally excluded a former employer from his resume, and covered it up by altering the dates of employment at other firms. "Registered representatives leave a FINRA trail, and when his resume was checked against his FINRA trail, [the company] saw he had left off a firm and they pulled the offer," Cohen explains.
Whether it's using false information to cover a blemish or exaggerate success, there's no room to lie on your resume. No matter how miniscule the chance is that you'll be caught, you should always represent yourself as accurately as possible.
6. Things That Were Once Labeled "Confidential"
In many jobs, you will handle proprietary information. Having inside information from your positions at previous employers might make you feel important -- but if you use that information to pad your resume, chances are it will raise a red flag.
"Confidential information should never be shared, it shows poor judgment," says Cohen.
If you're sharing the names of your clients, in-house financial dealings, or anything else that might be for your eyes only, it can backfire in two ways. The prospective employer will know that you can't be trusted with sensitive information; and your current (or former) employer might find out what you have been sharing and it could be grounds for dismissal or even a lawsuit.
7. If You Were Fired From a Job -- and What You Were Fired for
Your resume should put you in a positive light. Including that you were let go for poor performance, stealing from the company, or any other fault of your own will have the exact opposite effect.
"Leave out information about a situation that positions you negatively, such as 'I got fired' or 'I mishandled funds,'" says Cohen. "Anything that suggests you used poor judgment in your current or former job."
Following this advice does not violate the rule about lying (No. 5). If you're asked to explain why you left a job, you need to bite the bullet and be straightforward, but until then, make sure you're putting your best foot forward.
8. Overly Verbose Statements
There is a pretty fine line between selling yourself and overselling yourself. Too many resumes overstate the importance of job responsibilities.
"Job seekers with limited experience [try] to put themselves in a 'management' light," says Baehr, using phrases like "'Spearheaded high-profile projects through supervision of others, leading by example.'" Keep your flair for the dramatic to a minimum, so resume readers can get a picture of what your real responsibilities were with your past or current company.
9. "References Available Upon Request" and Your Objective
The age-old "references available upon request" has become archaic. You should have solid references lined up from the get-go, so when the hiring manager asks for them, you're ready to share them.
"It's not really an option," says Baehr. "If they want your references, they're going to get them."
Also nix the objective statement. It's not really necessary to explain your career goals unless you are a recent graduate or are switching careers. If necessary, work your objective into a summary of your qualifications, says Cohen.
"It explains what you want, which may not be readily apparent from the resume," he says, "and it also tells a story to explain why you want to make the career change."
10. TMI
Too much information is almost never a good idea. It's particularly bad when it's put in front of hiring managers who are busy, tired, and quite frankly, probably not going to read your resume word-for-word. If you put too much information in your resume, recruiters will likely not read it at all or just scan it quickly.
"Far too much detail is damaging because it won't get read," says Cohen. "It suggests that you get lost in seeing the forest for the trees and also suggests an attachment to information. It's a burden to the reader, and these days, readers of resumes don't want to be burdened."
CORPUS CHRISTI — City park workers on Monday began tearing out playground mulch at KidsPlace in Cole Park to prepare the site for new equipment.
Renovations at Cole Park are expected to begin by July.
KidsPlace will be rebuilt with more parking, rubber matting, improved bathrooms and a bigger playground that can handle 400 kids at once.
The City Council approved a $1.06 million contract last week with Safenet Services to improve playground equipment, an amphitheater, parking, irrigation and landscaping.
Portions of the park will be under construction through December. The work is part of a $2.5 million complete renovation of Cole Park, which voters approved in the 2008 bond improvement program.
The dresses fail to meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
How can I tell if I own this product?
The dress is a Bar III brand dress, and is fully lined with a sheer rayon outer layer. There is a white label with "Bar III" written in black on the inside back of the dress. The dress has a checkered, multi-colored, and black pattern called "Mint Chili Combo" and was sold in five adult sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large.
These items were sold new+ at Impulse Department of Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com from March 2011 through May 2011 for about $60.
The CPSC provides the following remedy information:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dresses and return them to any Macy's for a full refund.
For additional information, contact Macy's toll-free at (888)257-5949 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET or visit the Macy's website at macys.com or contact Topson Downs at (800)241-2975 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT or via email at customerservice@topsondowns.com
A couple of second-half goals gave the U.S. a 2-0 win over North Korea and a strong start to their Women's World Cup run. The eighth-ranked North Koreans have the youngest team in the tournament with an average age of 20. Still, their discipline and skill gave the U.S. a lot of trouble in the first half before controversial starter Lauren Cheney justified her selection by heading in the first goal in the 54th minute and defender Rachel Buehler scored a second in the 76th minute.
After the match, North Korea manager Kwang Min Kim shocked the congregated press by revealing that his side isn't just the youngest team, but it is also the only team in the tournament that's been struck by lightning.
From the BBC:
"When we stayed in Pyongyang during training our players were hit by lightning, and more than five of them were hospitalised," said coach Kim.
"Some stayed in hospital and then came to Germany later than the rest of us. The goalkeeper and the four defenders were most affected, and some midfielders as well. The physicians said the players were not capable of participating in the tournament.
"But World Cup football is the most important and significant event for a footballer, so they don't want to think about anything but football.
"The fact that they played could be called abnormal, the result of very strong will."
Given the secretive nature of the North Koreans, we may never know if this is true or not. The players aren't allowed to speak to the press, their training sessions are protected by security guards and closed to outsiders, and their public appearances regularly get canceled. Plus, it is curious that Kim only mentioned this freak occurrence after his team lost.
If it is true, a lightning strike that injured four defenders and disrupted their training could explain why their back line seemed to fall apart in the second half after holding the U.S. scoreless in the first. But even if it's not true, it's still a tremendous excuse that others might now try in everyday life.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 6, 2011 - Kashi is recalling approximately 11,000 cases of frozen pizzas, including Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza, Roasted Vegetable Thin Crust Pizza, and Mushroom Trio and Spinach Thin Crust Pizza due to possible plastic fragments in an ingredient in the pizza crusts.
The impacted products include the following individually packaged pizzas:
Kashi Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza packaged in a 12.7 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862732905 3 and Best If Used Before date of either May10 12NU, May18 12NU, or May19 12NU;
Kashi Roasted Vegetable Thin Crust Pizza packaged in a 12.2 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862737342 1 and Best If Used Before date of either May09 12NU or May14 12NU;
Kashi Mushroom Trio and Spinach Thin Crust Pizza packaged in an 11.9 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862737344 5 and Best If Used Before date of May17 12NU.
No other Kashi frozen pizzas or other products are included in the recall, and no consumer complaints have been reported. The products were distributed nationwide through U.S. retail grocery stores.
"People who buy Kashi trust the quality and safety of our foods," said David DeSouza, general manager. "We apologize for this situation and are working closely with our suppliers and retail customers to resolve it quickly."
Consumers with questions or who would like a replacement may contact the Kashi Consumer Response Center at 877.864.3521 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, or visit http://www.kashi.com/1.
If you’ve used Craigslist, odds are someone has tried to scam you. The site is appealing to scammers for the same reasons most people like it: the ads are free, it’s easy to post, and there’s something for everyone, from job ads to used cars to free pets. You might think you would never fall for a Craigslist scam, but with an increasing number of reported frauds via the site, it’s clear many people are being taken in. As certain types of fraud become public knowledge, others are developed to take their place. It’s buyer – and seller – beware. 1. Grammar and spelling
This isn’t a guaranteed tip-off, since plenty of people simply have atrocious written language skills. However, if you get replies to your “for sale” ad with stilted or nonsensical phrasing and frequent misspellings, it’s a clue to dig deeper. 2. Buyer is not local
Craigslist recommends dealing only with local buyers and sellers for good reason. Anyone claiming to be interested in buying your item from another location and having you ship it to them is likely trying to run a scam. Sellers on Craigslist have been taken in by buyers who send fake checks for more money than the selling price, then ask the seller to wire them the excess amount. 3. Cashier’s checks, money orders, and wire transfers
As noted above, scammers will often try to purchase goods with fake cashier’s checks or money orders. If the buyer isn’t local, or won’t meet you in person with cash in hand, take a pass on the deal. 4. Too good to be true
Your mom used to tell you that if something seemed too good to be true, it probably was. This should be a guiding principle for anyone using Craigslist. That three-year-old BMW for $4000? No. The seller might offer you a sob story about divorce, death, or a son in the military, but most likely they are running a scam. 5. Free stuff
People get rid of their things through Craigslist all the time, so you can definitely score lots of free stuff. However, you should be suspicious of ads that state everything at a certain address is free.There have been several reported incidents of malicious pranksters that put up false “everything is free” ads saying that the owner of a home has to leave suddenly, and that their belongings are free for the taking. Upon returning home, the unfortunate victim finds their belongings cleaned out. 6. Cheap rentals
In areas of the country with tight real estate markets such as New York City, ads for cheap rentals have cost people thousands. Scammers copy pictures and descriptions from real estate sites and post them on Craigslist with requests for an application fee to hold the property. Don’t send deposits or application fees without meeting the rental agent and seeing the property in person. 7. Lots of money for a little work
No one is going to pay you thousands of dollars a month to work at home. Seriously. It’s likely a scam to get your personal and financial information. A recent variation on the scam directs job seekers to a site to retrieve their credit score, which a reputable employer just isn’t going to do. Red flags should go up if the job title is vague, the wage generous, and no experience is required. 8. Purchase protection
Craigslist doesn’t officially sanction any business dealings on the site and offers no kind of invoice or purchase protection. If you email someone about an item and receive any replying claiming to be from Craigslist verifying your purchase, it’s a scam.
Use your common sense when buying or selling on Craigslist. If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Better to lose a sale than lose a bunch of money, your identity, and your faith in humanity.
Everyone makes mistakes--but some of those mistakes are more avoidable than others. When it comes to your job, even just one mistake could result in major consequences for your career.
Impress your employer by avoiding the following mistakes:
Mistake #1: Being unavailable
It's inevitable that, at some point, your supervisor or co-workers will approach you and ask for your help on an outside project or assignment. Although it might be tempting ignore those emails or say no to additional work, don't. You might think that no one will notice if you don't help with extra work, but they will. And, although it's not technically in your job description, more companies today must do more with less--meaning each employee needs to be flexible and multi-skilled. Make yourself indispensible by pitching in on other assignments when possible. (Of course, don't overextend yourself to the point where you can't get your normal work done.)
Mistake #2: Failing to dress to impress
Some of the best job advice I've heard is to to always dress at least one step above your current position. It helps others picture you working above your current position and makes you look extremely professional. You're not just an intern/entry-level professional, you have the potential to be so much more--so act like it.
Mistake #3: Trying to complete every task to perfection
No one is perfect. And while doing projects to the best of your ability is something you should strive to do, it doesn't mean you'll never make a mistake or do something incorrectly. If you make a mistake, own up to it and correct it. Remember to not lose sight of the overall goal by focusing too much on the little details. You could potentially miss deadlines and quality of your work--not to mention drive your co-workers (and boss) crazy.
Mistake #4: Waiting for feedback
Many workplaces still don't give employees feedback more than a few times per year. If you wait around for feedback for several months, you're doing yourself (and your organization) a disservice. Instead of waiting for your supervisor to come to you, ask to set up a quick meeting to discuss your progress thus far and any improvements you could make. Bring up specific projects you've completed and ask for feedback on things you were unsure about. This way, you know where you stand in your position and at the company--before a formal performance review comes across your desk.
Mistake #5: Hiding out at your desk
Even if you're doing spectacular work, you could be overlooked if you sit at your desk each day and avoid interactions with co-workers and upper management. When you need a break, head over to the break room or cafeteria and interact with other workers in your office. Not only will this help reduce stress on the job, but you'll have the potential to make some great professional relationships, too.
Mistake #6: Not asking questions
Some people think asking questions is a sign of weakness. But when you're unsure how to complete a task, it can be hard to do it the right way the first time without clarification. When assigned a new project, ask any questions that might come up right then and there. You might also want to inquire about how your success will be measured and how often you should update your boss on the progress. Your supervisor would much rather that you ask questions now in order to avoid potential problems later.
Mistake #7: Ignoring the corporate culture
When you first start on a new job, it's important to take note of cultural differences from previous workplaces. What does everyone wear on a daily basis? How much socialization goes on during the workday? Do employees tend to come in early or stay late? What is the typical mode of communication for the office? Assimilating to the culture is a great way to fit in quickly at the organization and get along with other employees.
What other mistakes have you made on the job? How did you avoid those mistakes in the future?
Wondering if going back to school is right for you?
As with most questions in life, there's no easy answer.
To help you make an informed decision, we've outlined some back-to-school options that could meet you in the middle.
Back-to-School Option #1: Certificate
Certificate programs are ideal for adults who already know the career field they want to pursue but still want to acquire the specific skills needed to help them land a career. Program perk: These programs often require less time to complete than degrees and are generally offered at vocational schools or community colleges.
Check out some hot certificate options:
Potential career path: Medical Assistant Typical responsibilities: Handle administrative work and insurance forms, collect vital signs and lab specimens, assist physicians during exams Earning potential: $29,760*
Potential career path: Chef Typical responsibilities: Develop menu and prepare food, provide leadership to other cooks in the kitchen, manage schedules and inventory Earning potential: $44,780*
Back-to-School Option #2: Associate's Degree
Associate's degree programs can be a good option for those unable to commit to a full four-year program, but still interested in obtaining an education that goes beyond vocational skills. Generally awarded after two years of study, these degrees are offered mainly at community or junior colleges. Program perk: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate's degree averaged at $141 more per week than those with just a high school diploma. With 52 weeks in the year, that equates to $7,332 more per year.
Check out some hot associate's degree options:
Potential career path: Paralegal Typical responsibilities: Investigate case facts, help lawyers prepare for cases, draft legal documents Earning potential: $49,640*
Potential career path: Advertising Sales Agents Typical responsibilities: Sell advertising for media, travel to meet with new clients, analyze sales statistics and demographics Earning potential: $55,020*
Back-to-School Option #3: Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree programs require you to obtain general education credits beyond your industry and can usually be completed in four years of full-time study. Program perk: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders have higher earning potential than those without a degree. While workers with a high school diploma averaged at $626 in weekly earnings in 2010, bachelor's degree holders averaged at $1,038.
Check out some hot bachelor's degree options:
Potential career path: Computer and information systems manager Typical responsibilities: Oversee the technical aspect of a work place, manage computer programmers and engineers, maintain network security Earning potential: $123,280*
Ever caught a shark? Jacob Langston did last week. But he had no idea until he left the beach.
The Orlando Sentinel photographer was taking some video of a surfer off New Smyrna Beach in Florida when he heard another surfer scream, "Dude! Did you see that?"
Langston didn't. But his camera did: a four-foot spinner shark had just hurtled over an unwitting surfer.
Check it out, and notice the surfer's body language screaming, "Whoa."
Yoda, winner of the 2011 World's Ugliest Dog Contest, in Petaluma, Calif. Friday, is put on display for the judges.
Yoda's short tufts of hair, protruding tongue, and long, seemingly hairless legs were enough to earn it the World's Ugliest Dog title at a Northern California fair.
The 14-year-old Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix won the honor Friday night at the 23rd annual contest at the Sonoma Marin Fair.
Owner Terry Schumacher of Hanford, Calif., said the 2-pound dog had come a long way since she was found abandoned behind an apartment building.
Schumacher said she first thought the pooch was a rat.
Yoda's distinction comes a year after a one-eyed Chihuahua named Princess Abby claimed victory.
A pedigree Chinese crested won in 2008 and another Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix was the ugliest in 2007.
In past years, the winner's owner has received a $1,000 check.
The most dangerous thing most people do in a typical day is get behind the wheel. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 5 to 34, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Globally, motor vehicle accidents claim more than 1.3 million lives a year, and cause 20 to 50 million injuries—prompting the United Nations to declare 2011 to 2020 the decade of action for road safety with upwards of 70 countries pledging to initiate new programs to save lives on their roads.
About one in five US drivers— 36.9 million Americans—couldn’t meet the basic requirements to get a driver’s license if they had to take the written test today, according to a shocking GMAC Insurance survey released in May. Kansas topped the list with the most knowledgeable drivers, while Washington, DC drivers scored the worst on a test of basic driving skills, based on questions from state DMV exams. Protect yourself from head injuries on the road. Check out what the brain looks like in 3-D.
Think you’re smarter than the average driver? Here’s a quiz to check your driving IQ, using questions from the survey and other road safety research, plus driving safety tips that could help save your life from Charlie Halfen, a retired UPS (United Parcel Service) fleet safety manager who now serves as a driving safety consultant to companies and parents’ groups: 1. What’s the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow light? Answer: This seemingly simple question stumped 85 percent of the 5,130 licensed drivers GMAC polled. The correct action: Stop if it’s safe to do so. 2. What’s the number one driving mistake that causes crashes? Answer: Multi-tasking while driving, which is particularly a problem among young drivers. A survey of 2,300 teens around the US released this month found that 68 percent of them were involved in near-miss collisions in 2010-2011 due to distracted driving, including changing songs on portable devices with screens, cell phone use, and texting. The government reports that in 2009, an estimated 448,000 Americans were injured in crashes caused by distracted driving, and 5,474 were killed. Don't fall asleep at the wheel. Follow these simple steps to ensure you're getting enough rest. 3. What’s the most common location for injury-causing car accidents? Answer: Intersections rank as the number one danger zone for crashes serious enough to cause injuries, reports Halfen, who has investigated hundreds of accidents. Drivers often assume that it’s safe to proceed if they have the right of way. However, it can be a dangerous mistake to rely on others to drive safely, given the high rate of distracted driving. 4. What safety steps should you take at an intersection? Answer: “Always look left, right and left again to make sure the intersection is visually clear before and be prepared to stop—even if you have the right of way—rather than risk an accident if another driver isn’t paying attention,” says Halfen. Since left turns are the most hazardous maneuver, he advises planning your route to make only right turns, if possible. This also saves money, by avoiding gas consumption due to engine idling while waiting to make left turns safely. 5. What’s the best way to avoid parking lot fender-benders? Answer: UPS teaches its drivers to back into parking spots when they arrive at a parking lot, instead of backing out when exiting, says Halfen. “While people who have never tried this may find the idea a little scary, once they do, it soon becomes second nature. You have much better visibility exiting a parking spot facing oncoming traffic—or pedestrians—that move into your path, compared to backing out and checking for hazards with the rear view mirrors.” 6. Which simple precaution saves lives if you’re in a car accident? Answer: Make everyone in the car buckle up, no matter how short the trip. The CDC reports that seat belt use can prevent about 50 percent of injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes. Kids should be protected with age-appropriate child safety seats or booster seats until they are at least 8 years old or 4’ 9” inches tall. For more on child passenger safety, click here. 7. What’s the safe following distance? Answer: Only 25 percent of those GMAC surveyed knew the correct answer: three seconds. For an extra margin of safety, however, Halfen recommends a four second gap to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision if a vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. To check if you are at a safe following distance, start counting slowly when the car in front of you passes a stationary object, such as a road sign. If you pass the object before four seconds is up, slow down. To take the 20-question GMAC driving test, click here. Your score may surprise—or even shock—you! Follow these nine summer safety tips.
This over the counter medicine contains acetaminophen which calls for child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Although the original bottle has child-resistant packaging, a separate dropper unit provided for dispensing the drug to children does not. When in use, a child can access the medicine, posing serious health problems or death if more than the recommended dosage is consumed.
How can I tell if I own this product?
The recall involves Rugby Children's Pain & Fever Concentrated Drops (Acetaminophen Drops) in a 1/2 fl. oz. (15 mL) bottle size. The UPC code 305361936723 can be found with the bar code at the bottom of the box. The affected lot numbers are:
09002
09379
10272
10368
10487
09131
09394
10273
10406
11058
09215
10154
10366
10433
The lot numbers can be found stamped into the bottom of the carton with the expiration date and above the label on the bottle printed in black.
These items were sold new+ at Drug stores, grocery stores and other retailers nationwide between January 2009 and June 2011 for about $4.
The CPSC provides the following remedy information:
Consumers should immediately store this product with the child-resistant closure in place and keep it out of the reach of children. To arrange for a free replacement dropper, contact Altaire Pharmaceuticals at (800)258-2471 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
For additional information, contact Rugby Laboratories at (800)645-2158 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Aretha Franklin loves her Jimmy Choos, but they don't love her back. The singer was sent to the hospital with a fractured toe last week after she stepped on her spiked Choo shoe. That's right, she wasn't even wearing them when they injured her. Just stepping on one of the heels was so extreme it sent her ankle on a one way train to twist city.
Add it to the annals of accidents caused by architecturally impossible footwear. In April, U.S. Open tennis champ Kim Clijsters tore ligaments in her ankle when she stepped on someone else's foot while wearing heels at a wedding. She had to keep her foot immobile for a month following the misstep.
In Australia, a woman was recently awarded around $60,000 after she tripped and fell down the stairs of a hotel she was staying at. Her nude stilettos actually became key evidence in her court case, and stood trial as a considerable cause of the fall. In the end, the judge decided that women were entitled to their heels even if it leaves them more susceptible to accidents.
Scarlet fever—the much-feared scourge of the past—is back, with an outbreak in Hong Kong that has killed two children and sickened hundreds. More than 21,000 cases have also been reported in China so far this year, nearly quadruple the rate for the same period in 2010, while infections have tripled in Macau, prompting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue a warning to travelers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
What makes the outbreak particularly alarming is that the strain infecting the region is 60 percent resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat it, compared to 10 to 30 percent resistance in previous strains, according to a microbiologist from Hong Kong University, reports the Taipei Times. Officials expect the outbreak to continue over the summer. Just how dangerous is scarlet fever--and does the outbreak pose a threat to Americans? Here’s a closer look at this infectious disease. Find out about the 10 worst disease outbreaks in US history. What’s behind the reemergence of scarlet fever? Although scarlet fever is no longer as lethal as it was in the 19th century—when it ranked as a leading cause of death in kids—the disease has never fully disappeared. Between 1999 and 2006, there were 9,400 cases of scarlet fever in the US, according to Yahoo! News. Hong Kong scientists who isolated the bacteria in a six-year-old patient found a genetic mutation that may make the new strain more contagious than usual, which could explain the dramatic rise in cases in the affected region. Is the outbreak likely to spread to the US? So far, there are no reports of any surge in scarlet fever cases in the US. Health authorities warn travelers to Hong Kong, China and Macau to wash their hands frequently and avoid crowded places that lack fresh air to reduce the risk of catching the disease. What causes scarlet fever? The same bacteria that cause strep throat trigger scarlet fever: Group A streptococcus. In order to cause scarlet fever, the bacteria must produce a certain toxin. It causes a skin reaction, leading to the characteristic bright red rash that gives the disease its name.
The Group A strep bacteria that spark scarlet fever were also the culprits in the 1990 death of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, at age 53. Like the child in Hong Kong, he developed toxic shock syndrome, the deadly disorder that struck women who used a certain brand of tampons in the 1980s and developed staphylococcal infections. In Henson's case, the reason for his strep A infection is unknown, but his illness also included pneumonia, one of the complications of scarlet fever. The bacterial infection progressed with such frightening speed that by the time he went to the hospital, antibiotic treatment was administered too late to save his life. Health authorities believe that Group A strep is becoming more potent and strikes more often than in past, the NY Times reports. How is it spread? The infection is transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces contaminated by the spray and sharing beverages, food, or eating utensils with an infected person. In rare cases, scarlet fever can be spread by contaminated food, Medscape reports. The incubation period is 12 hours to 7 days and people with the disease can infect others before the symptoms show up. What are the symptoms? The hallmark of scarlet fever is a sunburn-like rash with tiny red bumps that makes the skin feel rough, like sandpaper. The patient’s tongue often resembles a strawberry--red and bumpy—or may have a whitish coating. Other symptoms include a fever of 101 or higher, a red, sore throat that makes swallowing painful, swollen glands, and less commonly, vomiting or belly pain. After the rash fades, skin on the fingertips and toes may peel. Who is at risk? Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it is most likely to strike school-age children, according to the CDC. All of the reported Hong Kong cases have occurred in kids. People who have been exposed to the bacteria in the past are usually immune. Medscape reports that about 80 percent of people over the age of 10 have developed lifelong protective antibodies against the disease. How serious is scarlet fever? If treated promptly, it usually clears up without any serious complications. However, if it goes untreated, the bacteria can spread to the tonsils, sinuses, skin, ears, and blood. More serious cases can lead to pneumonia, middle ear infections, rheumatic fever, kidney disease, arthritis, and toxic shock, the condition that killed one of the children in the Hong Kong outbreak. What is the treatment? Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, rest and fluids. Although the Hong Kong strain is resistant to some of the antibiotics used to treat the disease, penicillin still works. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing health threat worldwide, as more and more bacteria are mutated to be resistant to some or all of the common antibiotics, as a result of overuse of these medications. What are the best ways to prevent scarlet fever? The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently and avoiding sharing eating utensils, linens, towels and other personal items. It’s particularly crucial for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands frequently, to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria. The germs are most easily transmitted in close quarters, putting family members at risk if there is an infected person in the household. There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever or strep throat.
The steel shaft that drives the edger blade can break during use causing the edger blade to detach. If the blade detaches, it can hit the user or bystanders, posing a laceration hazard.
How can I tell if I own this product?
This recall involves MTD TrimmerPlus™ Edger Attachment Model 41AJLE-C092 LE720. The edger is sold separately as an attachment and can be attached to most major brand attachment-capable trimmers. The edger is used to cut grass along an edge such as a driveway or sidewalk. "TrimmerPlus" and "LE720" are printed on the blade's housing. Only certain serial numbers "1C##1DR####" through "1D##1DR####" are included in the recall. The serial number and "MTD" are printed on white labels on the edger's pole.
These items were sold new+ at Lowe's and other hardware and home improvement stores nationwide and on the Web between March 2011 and April 2011 for about $70.
The CPSC provides the following remedy information:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled MTD TrimmerPlus™ Edgers and contact MTD to receive a free replacement.
For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (888)848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.mtdproducts.com
24/7 Wall St. has created a new list of brands that will disappear, which includes Sears (NASDAQ: SHLD - News), Sony Pictures (NYSE: SNE - News), American Apparel (NYSE: APP - News), Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News), Saab, A&W All-American Foods Restaurants, Soap Opera Digest, Sony Ericsson, MySpace (NYSE: NWS.A - News), and Kellogg's Corn Pops. (NYSE: K - News).
Other 2010 nominees — including Blockbuster — bit the dust, while companies such as Dollar Thrifty are on the road to oblivion. Last September, after finally giving in to competition from Netflix and buckling under nearly $1 billion in debt, Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In April of this year, Dish Network acquired the company for $320 million. Car rental chain Dollar Thrifty is still entertaining buyout offers from Avis and Hertz. On June 6, the embattled company recommended that its shareholders not accept Hertz's recent offer, valued at $2.24 billion, or $72 a share. Meanwhile, on June 13th, Avis Budget announced that "it had made progress in its discussion with the Federal Trade Commission regarding its potential acquisition" of the company. Although Dollar Thrifty can remain choosy, a sale is a matter of when, not if.
We also missed the mark on a few companies. Notably, Kia, Moody's, BP, and Zale appear to be doing better than we expected.
Brands that have stood the test of time for decades are falling by the wayside at an alarming rate. For instance, Pontiac, a major car brand since 1926, is gone, shut down by a struggling GM. Blockbuster is in the process of dismantling, after it once controlled the VHS and DVD markets. House & Garden folded after 106 years. It succumbed to the advertising downturn, a lot of competition, and the cost of paper and postage. Its demise echoed the 1972 shutdown of what is probably the most famous magazines in history — Life. That was a long time ago but serves to demonstrate that no brand is too big to fail if it is overwhelmed by competition, new inventions, costs, or poor management.
This year's list of The Ten Brands That Will Disappear takes a methodical approach in deciding which brand would walk the plank. The major criteria were as follows: (1) a rapid fall-off in sales and steep losses; (2) disclosures by the parent of the brand that it might go out of business; (3) rapidly rising costs that are extremely unlikely to be recouped through higher prices; (4) companies which are sold; (5) companies that go into bankruptcy; (6) firms that have lost the great majority of their customers; or (7) operations with rapidly withering market share. Each of the ten brands on the list suffer from one or more of these problems. Each of the ten will be gone, based on our definitions, within 18 months. 1. Sony Pictures
Sony has a studio production arm which has nothing to do with its core businesses of consumer electronics and gaming. Sony bought what was Columbia Tri-Star Picture in 1989 for $3.4 billion. This entertainment operation has done poorly recently. Sony's fiscal year ends in March, and for the period, revenue for the group dropped 15% to $7.2 billion and operating income fell by 10% to $466 million. Sony is in trouble. It lost $3.1 billion in its latest fiscal year on revenue of $86.5 billion. Sony's gaming system group is under siege by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT - News) and Nintendo. Its consumer electronics group faces an overwhelming challenge from Apple. The company's future prospects have been further damaged by the Japan earthquake and the hack of its large PlayStation Network. CEO Howard Stringer is under pressure to do something to increase the value of Sony's shares. The only valuable asset with which he can easily part is Columbia which would attract interest from a number of large media operations. Sony Entertainment will disappear with the sale of its assets. 2. A&W
A&W Restaurants is owned by fast food holding company giant Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM - News) which has had the firm for sale since January. There have been no buyers. The chain was founded in 1919. The size of the company grew rapidly, and immediately after WWII 450 franchises were opened. The firm pioneered the "drive in" fast food format. A&W began to sell canned versions of its sodas in 1971 — the part of the business that will survive as a container beverage business which is now owned by Dr. Pepper/Snapple. The A&W Restaurant business is too small to be viable now. It had 322 outlets in the U.S and 317 outside the U.S at the end of last year. All were operated by franchisees. By contrast, Yum!'s flagship KFC had 5,055 stores in the U.S. and 11,798 overseas. Two massive global fast food chains are even larger. Subway has 35,000 locations worldwide, and McDonald's has nearly as many. A&W does not have the ability to market itself against these chains and at least a dozen other fast food operators like Burger King. And, A&W does not have the size to efficiently handle food purchases, logistics, and transportation costs compared to competitors many times as large. 3. Saab
The first Saab car was launched in 1949 by Swedish industrial firm Svenska Aeroplan. The firm produced a series of sedans and coups, the flagship of which was the 900 series, released in 1978. About one million of these would eventually be sold. Saab's engineering reputation and the rise in its international sales attracted GM to buy half the company in 1989 and the balance in 2000. Saab's problem, which grew under the management of the world's No.1 automobile manufacturer, was that it was never more than a niche brand in an industry dominated by very large players such as Ford and Chevrolet. It did not build very inexpensive cars like VW did, or expensive sports cars as Porsche did. Saab's models were, in price and features, up against models from the world's largest car companies that sold hundreds of thousands of units each year. Saab also did not have a wide number of models to suit different budgets and driver tastes. GM decided to jettison the brand in late 2008, and the small company quickly became insolvent. Saab finally found a buyer in high-end car maker Spyker which took control of the company last year. Spyker quickly ran low on money because only 32,000 Saabs were sold in 2010. Spyker turned to Chinese industrial investors for money. Pang Da Automobile agreed to take an equity stake in the company. But, the agreement is not binding, and with a potential of global sales which are still below 50,000 a year based on manufacturing and marketing operations, and demand, Saab is no longer a financially viable brand.
4. American Apparel
The once-hip retailer reached the brink of bankruptcy earlier this year, and there is no indication that it has gained anything more than a little time with its latest financing. It currently trades as a penny stock. The company had three stores and $82 million in revenue in 2003. Those numbers reached 260 stores and $545 million in 2008. For the first quarter of this year, the retailer had net sales for the quarter of $116.1 million, a 4.7% decline over sales of $121.8 million in the same period a year ago. Comparable store sales declined 8% on a constant currency basis. American Apparel posted a net loss for the period of $21 million. Comparable store sales have flattened, which means the firm likely will continue to post losses. American Apparel is also almost certainly under gross margin pressure because of the rise in cotton prices. The retailer raised $14.9 million in April by selling shares at a discount of 43% to a group of private investors led by Canadian financier Michael Serruya and Delavaco Capital. According to Reuters, the 15.8 million shares sold represented 20.3 percent of the company's outstanding stock on March 31. That sum is not nearly enough to keep American Apparel from going the way of Borders. It is a small, under-funded player in a market with very large competitors with healthy balance sheets. It does not help matters that the company's founder and CEO, Dov Charney, has been a defendant in several lawsuits filed by former employees alleging sexual harassment. 5. Sears
The parent of Sears and Kmart — Sears Holdings — is in a lot of trouble. Total revenue dropped $341 million to $9.7 billion for the quarter which closed April 30, 2011. The company had a net loss of $170 million. Sears Holdings was created by a merger of the parents of the two chains on March 24, 2005. The operation has been a disaster ever since. The company has tried to run 4,000 stores which operate across the US and Canada. Neither Sears nor Kmart have done well recently, but Sears' domestic locations same store numbers were off 5.2% in the first quarter and Kmart's were down 1.6%. Last year domestic comparable store sales declined 1.6% in the total, with an increase at Kmart of .7% and a decline at Sears Domestic of 3.6%. New CEO Lou D'Ambrosio recently said of the last quarter that, "we also fell short on executing with excellence. We cannot control the weather or economy or government spending. But we can control how we execute and leverage the potent set of assets we have." D'Ambrosio needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat soon. Sharex are down 55% during the last five years. D'Ambrosio's only reasonable solution to the firm's financial problems is to stop supporting two brands which compete with one another and larger rivals such as Walmart (NYSE: WMT - News) and Target (NYSE: TGT - News). The cost to market two brands and maintain stores which overlap one another geographically must be in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Employee and supply chain costs are also gigantic. The path D'Ambrosio is likely to take is to consolidate two brand into one — keeping the better performing Kmart and shuttering Sears. 6. Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson was formed by the two large consumer electronics companies to market the handset offerings each had handled separately. The venture started in 2001, before the rise of the smartphone. Early in its history, it was one of the biggest handset manufacturers along with Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News), Samsung, LG, and Motorola. Sales of Sony Ericsson phones were originally helped by the popularity of other Sony portable devices like the Walkman. Sony Ericsson's product development lagged behind those of companies like Apple (NYSE: AAPL - News) and Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM - News) which dominated the high end smartphone industry early. Sony Ericsson also relied on the Symbian operating system which was championed by market leader Nokia, but which it has abandoned in favor of Microsoft's Windows mobile operating system because of license costs and difficulty with programmers. In a period when smartphone sales worldwide are rising in the double digits and sales of the iPhone double year over year, Sony Ericsson's unit sales dropped from 97 million in 2008 to 43 million last year. New competitors like HTC now outsell Sony Ericsson by widening numbers. Sony Ericsson management expects several more quarters of falling sales and the company has laid off thousands of people. There have been rumors, backed by logic, that Sony will take over the operation, rebrand the handsets with its name, and market them in tandem with its PS3 consoles and VAIO PCs. 7. Kellogg's Corn Pops
The cereal business is not what is used to be, at least for products that are not considered "healthy." Among those is Kellogg's Corn Pops ready-to-eat cereal. Sales of the brand dropped 18% over the year that ended in April, down to $74 million. That puts it well behind brands like Cheerios and Frosted Flakes, each which have sales of over $200 million a year. Private label sales have also hurt sales of branded cereals. Revenues in this category were $637 million over the same April-end period. There is also profit margin pressure on Corn Pops because of the sharp increase in corn prices. Kellogg's describes the product as being "crispy, glazed, crunchy, sweet." Corn Pops also contain mono- and diglycerides, used to bind saturated fat, and BHT for freshness, which is also used in embalming fluid. None of these are likely to be what mothers want to serve their children in an age in which a healthy breakfast is more likely to be egg whites and a bowl of fresh fruit. 8. MySpace
MySpace, once the world's largest social network, died a long time ago. It will get buried soon. News Corp (NYSE: NWS - News) bought MySpace and its parent in 2005 for $580 million, which was considered inexpensive at the time based on the web property's size. MySpace held the top spot among social networks based on visitors from mid-2006 until mid-2008, according to several online research services. It was overtaken by Facebook at that point. Facebook has 700 million members worldwide now and recently passed Yahoo! (NYSE: YHOO - News) as the largest website for display advertising based on revenue. News Corp was able to get an exclusive advertising deal worth $900 million shortly after it bought the property, but that was its sales high-water mark. Its audience is currently estimated to be less that 20 million visitors in the US. Why did MySpace fall so far behind Facebook? No one knows for certain. It may be that Facebook had more attractive features for people who wanted to share their identities online. It may have been that it appealed to a younger audience which tends to spend more time online. News Corp announced in February that it would sell MySpace. There were no serious bids. Rumors surfaced recently that a buyer may take the website for $100 million. The brand is worth little if anything. A buyer is likely to kill the name and fold the subscriber base into another brand. News Corp has hinted it will close MySpace if it does not find a buyer. 9. Soap Opera Digest
The magazine's future has been ruined by two trends. The first is the number of cancellations of soap operas. Long-lived shows which include "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" have been canceled and replaced by talk shows, which are less expensive to air. The other insurmountable challenge is the wide availability of details on soap operas online. Some of the shows even have their own fan sites. News about the industry, in other words, is now distributed and no longer in one place. Soap Opera Digest's first quarter advertising pages fell 21% in the first quarter and revenue was down 18% to $4 million. In 2000, the magazine's circulation was in excess of 1.1 million readers. By 2005 it fell below 500,000 where it has remained for the last 5 years. Source Interlink Media, the magazine's parent, which also owns automotive, truck, and motorcycle publications, has little reason to support a product based on a dying industry. 10. Nokia
Nokia is dead. Shareholders are just waiting for an undertaker. The world's largest handset company has one asset. Nokia sold 25% of the global total of 428 million units sold in the first quarter. Its problem is that in the industry the company is viewed as a falling knife. Its market share in the same quarter of 2010 was nearly 31%. The arguments that Nokia will not stay independent are numerous. It has a very modest presence in the rapidly growing smartphone industry which is dominated by Apple, Research In Motion's Blackberry, HTC, and Samsung. Nokia runs the outdated Symbian operating system and is in the process of changing to Microsoft's Windows mobile OS, which has a tiny share of the market.
Nokia would be an attractive takeover target to a large extent because the cost to "buy" 25% of the global handset market would only be $22 billion based on Nokia's current market cap. Obviously, a buyer would need to pay a premium, but even $30 billion is within reach of several companies. Potential buyers would start with HTC, the fourth largest smartphone maker in the world. Its sales have doubled in both the last quarter and the last year. HTC will sell as many as 80 million handsets in 2011. The Taiwan-based company's challenge would be whether it could finance such a large deal. The other three likely bidders do not have that problem. Microsoft, which is Nokia's primary software partner, could easily buy the company and is often mentioned as a suitor. The world's largest software company recently moved further into the telecom industry though its purchase of VoIP giant Skype, which has 170 million active customers. Two other large firms have many reasons to buy Nokia. Samsung, part of one of the largest conglomerates in Korea, has publicly set a goal to be the No.1 handset company in the world by 2014. The parent company is the largest in South Korea with revenue in 2010 of $134 billion. A buyout of Nokia would launch Samsung into the position as the world's handset leader. LG Electronics, the 7th largest company in South Korea, with sales of $48 billion, is by most measures the third largest smartphone company. It has the scale and balance sheet to takeover Nokia. The only question about the Finland-based company is whether a buyer would maintain the Microsoft relationship or change to the popular Android OS to power Nokia phones.
If your current boss or the hiring manager at your target employer were to do an Internet search on your name right now, what would he find? Facebook photos of you donning a controversial Halloween costume or chugging a beer? A slew of information about dozens of other people with the same name as you? Or maybe he wouldn't find anything at all because there's little to no evidence online that you even exist.
Every one of these scenarios can be problematic in your career. In today's highly competitive job market and tech-savvy economy, you need a positive online identity that distinguishes you from the crowd. Career experts Diane Crompton and Ellen Sautter further explain the importance of this in their book "Find a Job Through Social Networking," saying, "Having an online identity that reflects positively on your personal brand is becoming increasingly important for all sorts of professionals. In the past, a business card or a résumé and interview suit were all you needed to establish yourself as 'real' in the minds of others. These days, your presence online is just as important as these offline image-makers."
To overcome problems associated with your online identity and boost your ability to stand out in cyberspace, consider the following tips. Dilemma 1: There's no online evidence that I exist.
How can you expect to compete with other candidates who have LinkedIn profiles packed with professional recommendations, thousands of Twitter followers or blogs that showcase their industry expertise? Candidates who use these tools are able to give potential employers a sneak peek at what they have to offer. "If you have no online presence, you need to develop your online identity to stay competitive in the job market," Crompton and Sautter say.
To get your name to start showing up in search engines, they suggest:
Starting with LinkedIn, and making sure you are making full use of that site.
Creating a blog using a platform that will sync to your LinkedIn profile.
Joining discussion groups, delivering webinars, creating a video or recording a podcast.
Dilemma 2: Too many people online have the same name as I do.
"If your name is fairly common, you might find that lots of other people who share your name have left a digital trail that is not yours. And sometimes it's a trail you'd rather not be associated with," Crompton and Sautter say.
To address this dilemma, they suggest, "Create a unique name for yourself by including an initial rather than only a first and last name when you do anything in public offline or online. You can also more aggressively build up your digital presence so that the first matches for Mary Jones or John Smith point to you and not someone else." Dilemma 3: I have digital dirt I don't want my boss or potential employers to see.
Digital dirt includes any information or photos about you that can damage your reputation or prompt others to question how well you'd do your job or fit in with co-workers. Here are a few examples of digital dirt, according to Crompton and Sautter:
Personal information you'd rather not share in the workplace.
Controversial associations, opinions or memberships.
Embarrassing evidence of unprofessional behavior.
Public records or references to lawsuits or felonies.
Information about your credentials that contradicts data on your résumé or business marketing materials.
Evidence of a moonlighting business that could be a conflict of interest with, or distraction from, your primary work.
To eliminate your digital dirt, or do your best to smother it with more positive, professional content online, Crompton and Sautter offer the following advice:
Wash over it. Create so much new content about yourself that the negative or irrelevant information is buried under fresher, more relevant and more positive content.
Wash it out. Get rid of it entirely. Having online content deleted is not easy. Unless you or someone you know well created or posted the content in the first place, you might have a difficult time getting the owners of sites to remove the offending content.
Wait it out. Take no active measures to hide or delete the content, but just let nature take its course. Nature, in this case, is the natural sequence of events in most reasonably active, visible professionals' lives. This approach is recommended only if you write, speak or blog fairly often.
Crompton and Sautter add, "Whichever method you choose to bury or eradicate your digital dirt, be patient because it might take time to achieve your desired results."
Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/). Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SelenaDehne.
Some people who need medical care but can't afford it go to the emergency room. Others just hope they'll get better. James Richard Verone robbed a bank.
Earlier this month, Verone (pictured), a 59-year-old convenience store clerk, walked into a Gastonia, N.C., bank and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 and medical attention. Then he waited calmly for police to show up.
He's now in jail and has an appointment with a doctor this week.
Verone's problems started when he lost the job he'd held for 17 years as a Coca Cola deliveryman, amid the economic downturn. He found new work driving a truck, but it didn't last. Eventually, he took a part-time position at the convenience store.
But Verone's body wasn't up to it. The bending and lifting made his back ache. He had problems with his left foot, making him limp. He also suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
Then he noticed a protrusion on his chest. "The pain was beyond the tolerance that I could accept," Verone told the Gaston Gazette. "I kind of hit a brick wall with everything."
Verone knew he needed help--and he didn't want to be a burden on his sister and brothers. He applied for food stamps, but they weren't enough either.
So he hatched a plan. On June 9, he woke up, showered, ironed his shirt. He mailed a letter to the Gazette, listing the return address as the Gaston County Jail.
"When you receive this a bank robbery will have been committed by me," Verone wrote in the letter. "This robbery is being committed by me for one dollar. I am of sound mind but not so much sound body."
Then Verone hailed a cab to take him to the RBC Bank. Inside, he handed the teller his $1 robbery demand.
"I didn't have any fears," said Verone. "I told the teller that I would sit over here and wait for police."
The teller was so frightened that she had to be taken to the hospital to be checked out. Verone, meanwhile, was taken to jail, just as he'd planned it.
Because he only asked for $1, Verone was charged with larceny, not bank robbery. But he said that if his punishment isn't severe enough, he plans to tell the judge that he'll do it again. His $100,000 bond has been reduced to $2,000, but he says he doesn't plan to pay it.
In jail, Verone said he skips dinner to avoid too much contact with the other inmates. He's already seen some nurses and is scheduled to see a doctor on Friday. He said he's hoping to receive back and foot surgery, and get the protrusion on his chest treated. Then he plans to spend a few years in jail, before getting out in time to collect Social Security and move to the beach.
Verone also presented the view that if the United States had a health-care system which offered people more government support, he wouldn't have had to make the choice he did.
"If you don't have your health you don't have anything," Verone said.
The Affordable Care Act, President Obama's health-care overhaul passed by Congress last year, was designed to make it easier for Americans in situations like Verone's to get health insurance. But most of its provisions don't go into effect until 2014.
As it is, Verone said he thinks he chose the best of a bunch of bad options. "I picked jail." (Photo: Ben Goff/The Gaston Gazette)
