This article by the Daily Astorian’s Nancy McCarthy reminds us to look around and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. Thank you, Nancy.
Dec
8
This article, ‘Why Facebook’s Facial Recognition is Creepy’ is from PC World, June 2011, and seems more relevant today. I am not sure whether all of today’s buzz on Facebook is warranted. However, in this digital age, allowing someone – anyone – unlimited access to our individual digital world is something we should all think seriously about.
Unlike some of the comments I have seen today, I am not as concerned about the possibility of a local child molester using Facebook’s facial recognition to track someone’s children to a particular park.
What does concern me is local government agencies or corporations using the Facebook technology to keep tabs on our daily lives. There is something very important about privacy. That is why we have privacy laws. The Right to Privacy allows for the discourse that created this great country and, generally, has kept us free.
Having Facebook, the feds or Commercial Adjustment, tracking your daily actions through the internet, is kin to Communist Russia or present day China keeping control over its’ citizenry.
Making this article more relevant today is the Occupy movement. While I am not condemning nor condoning the Occupy movement or tactics, one thing seems clear, any chance at real change in this country is undoubtedly muted if we give up our privacy.
To clarify, this is not a political position. I am merely pointing out that we have been given some amazing rights as citizens of the United States; and we should all consider very carefully who we willingly give those rights away to.
In short, I doubt many folks would grant the same access to the FBI, DEA or IRS, so why grant the access to Facebook?
Enjoy the article and let us know your thoughts.
From slum lord landlords, to pot growing tenants, we get weekly calls looking for advice on how to deal with the other party.
I do not know this author, and we do not necessarily agree with her legal points or reasoning. However, this article by Janet Portman, titled When ‘carelessness’ justifies lease termination, is interesting and addresses the federal Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act of 2009 and the interplay between tenants in a foreclosure and the new landlord.
We would appreciate feedback on any areas of law that you are interested in blog posts about.
The Oregon Supreme Court affirmed a Court of Appeals decision regarding the right of Medical Marijuana cardholders to also obtain a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License. This AP article linked from the Register Guard in Eugene explains that Oregon Attorney General John Kroger argued in favor of the medical marijuana patients. The unanimous vote upheld the lower courts rulings that a federal law prohibiting criminals and drug addicts from buying firearms does not excuse sheriffs from issuing concealed weapons permits to people who hold medical marijuana cards and otherwise qualify. What is your opinion?
May
4
A garnishment of your bank account or a “credit freeze” is one of the many ways that creditors are able to secure funds for repayment. However, when these mechanisms are used on those with limited resources, they can have devastating and unintended effects.
A new Treasury Rule protects the most vulnerable, those on federal assistance, from these actions. The rule is temporary for now and will likely be fine tuned in the administrative rule making process.
If you have any questions about protecting yourself from garnishment or creditors, please contact us at (503) 738-6380.
Mar
4
I thought I would do a non-legal post for all of the outdoor enthusiasts. Seasidenaturally.com is an interactive website for hikers,bikers, birders, kayakers, and those that generally enjoy the outdoors. The website allows people to post their favorite trails, pictures of their adventures, and share stories about the outdoors.
Clatsop County offers outdoor adventure for everyone. From bird watching on the Neawanna to hiking Saddle Mountain, there is an activity for every enthusiast.
Feb
10
Staying with the bankruptcy theme for another post… here is a link to the Oregon State Bar’s information on bankruptcy.
The Oregon State Bar provides several informational pages on different areas of the law. They can be used for understanding the basics about your legal needs. They are not a substitute for legal advice. Be sure to contact an attorney in order to find the answers to your legal questions or concerns.
Don’t forget that at seasideattorneys we have more than 35 years of experience providing bankruptcy services in Clatsop County.
Jan
27
With the economy down, unemployment on the rise, and the availability of credit uncertain, it is not surprising that the number of personal bankruptcies is skyrocketing.
The United States Courts links to this article giving statistical data for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding your own qualifications for bankruptcy, or are overwhelmed by creditors making your life miserable. We are here to help!
As a firm that devotes over a third of our practice to Family Law related matters, it is disheartening to know that many of our clients will continue to struggle with collecting support after we have obtained a judgment.
The Oregonian has an excellent article that points to the statistical support collection data through the Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Child Support Program that can be found here: Deadbeat parents owe over $1 billion in Oregon child support payments, Oregonian January 23, 2011.
One of the most discouraging items in the article is the lack of technology and resources available in support collections. Antiquated computers, an inability to take credit or debit payments for support, and staff cuts have clearly exacerbated the problems.
On a positive note, I do believe that director Jean Fogarty is making strides towards improving the technology within the Division of Child Support. From personal experience I can tell you that Ms. Fogarty takes the job seriously, often emailing practitioners and answering questions about the new Child Support Calculator and calculations. With leadership and new technology, the department should make vast improvements over the next several years.