News Letter 2006 02

M. A. SMITH

A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION

Michael A. Smith, Attorney at Law

E-mail: masaplc@hotmail.com

319 E. Foothill Blvd., #C Voice - (626) 357-1177

Arcadia, CA 91006 Facsimile - (626) 357-4588

February 2006 No. 9

Recently, door-to-door solicitation crimes have risen. Think before you allow strangers into your home. Much of the advice about staying safe at home may sound obvious, but don't overlook it, using common sense goes a long way in preventing crime. Your eyes, ears and common sense are your best weapons against crime. Use them. Thanks Post Security.

Then: In 1998, Rob Reiner, Chairman of the CA First Five Commission, headed the movement for Prop. 10 which boosted cigarette taxes by 50 cents per pack. The Commission uses the money to fund children's health and related programs. The annual budget--about $590 million.

Now: The CA Hospital Association, wants to increase cigarette tax by $1.50, with The Emergency Services Tobacco Tax Initiative. The moneys would be used for hospital emergency rooms and related medical programs.

The LA Daily News has reported Mr. Reiner as saying, if the new cigarette tax for hospitals makes the ballot he will oppose it. He argued the tax would slash First Five funding by about $35 million. Certainly makes one wonder about Mr. Reiner's priorities. Thanks Fred.

Oki Electric Industry has developed face recognition software for use with cell phones. The Face Sensing Engine software decodes facial images and restricts phone access to the registered user. It works by locating and mapping key facial features and adapts to changing facial behavior. Thanks Fred.

The average American carries $2,328 in credit card debt with people living in the west holding the most; an average of $2,547. Americans each hold an average of 2.9 cards.

Ever wonder if anyone gets the money promised in those work-at-home adds or e-mails? The answer is no. They are e-mail hoaxes and scams and are designed for one thing, to take your money away from you.

1. The Neiman Marcus Cookie Recipe: The story goes, a woman was having lunch at Neiman Marcus. For dessert she had these delicious cookies and asked for the recipe. The waitress said the recipe sold for "two fifty." Thinking it meant $2.50 she agreed. When she got her bill she had been charged $250. She was furious but Neiman Marcus would not refund her money. In revenge, the woman is giving the recipe to anyone who wants it.

Do you believe it? Well, it never happened. This story has been circulating for decades. There is a similar story about a $25 red velvet cake recipe which was traced back to 1940.

If you want the cookie recipe, go to Neiman Marcus's web site; they got so sick of the bad publicity they are giving it away.

2. Forwarded e-mail for Money Donations: The stories: Microsoft and Disney are both beta-testing e-mail trackers and will send you money if you forward the e-mail. The Gap is testing an e-mail tracker and will send you a gift certificate. The Red Cross is using its e-mail tracker and will donate money for a child's much needed operation. Coke will send free soft drinks; Gerber will send savings bonds; and Cracker Barrel will send gift certificates all for forwarding an e-mail.

Did you forward the e-mail, because you wanted to help others? I did too. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an e-mail tracker. No one gets anything by forwarding these stories. They are just that--stories.

3. Work at Home: Old scam, new format. You should run from anyone promising a lot of money for very little work which requires no experience. There are companies who allow employees to work from home but they require skills and interviews, like all jobs.

Work-at-home scams require you to purchase a large amount of supplies and equipment from them to perform the "job." That's how they make their money. You will put out a lot of money up front but not make any in the long run.

4. Nigerian Scam Letter: You receive a letter allegedly from a prince or some high official from a country you have never heard of saying they need your help or are holding a very large sum of money just for you. All you have to do is provide your bank account information so they can transfer the funds.

Do not kid yourself. None of us is so important the High Muckie-muck of Anywhere will e-mail or write us requesting our help or begging us to take untold sums of money. Here is what will happen: THEY WILL TAKE ALL YOUR MONEY. Period. End of story. You get nothing, they get it all.

The adage that nice guys finish last is not exactly true. Research shows likable employees may have more success on the job. The Likability Factor by Tim Sanders, published in 2005, explores how having an appealing personality can positively influence life and careers.

What is likability? Sanders says it is the ability to produce a positive emotional experience in someone else; in other words, making people feel good about themselves.