From beyond the grave, President Nixon is against Abortion. (except in cases of "black and a white" or "rape".) You stay classy (and dead) President Nixon.
There's finally a new Senator in Minnesota. Does anyone care anymore? Maybe we can see this on the floor of the Senate.
Your daily dose of gross: the emails from SC Governor Mark Sanford to his mistress in Argentina.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Local Roundup
Cincinnati's OTR Neighborhood is the MOST DANGEROUS in the nation. You have a 1 in 4 chance of being a victim of violent crime if you live there.
Cincy Bloggers break down the study referenced above. And they disagree with its findings. The only way to know for sure is for four of us to move there and see if one of us becomes a victim of violent crime or not.
In that same vein, a fascinating article on Crime in Cincinnati from The New Yorker.
Cincinnati officially has a Republican candidate for mayor. And he's just what the city needs: a foot doctor. Here's hoping for many a fungal metaphor during his campaign.
And Governor Strickland is now on the slots at racetracks bandwagon. Guess the solution to every deficit is a tax on people who are bad at math.
Cincy Bloggers break down the study referenced above. And they disagree with its findings. The only way to know for sure is for four of us to move there and see if one of us becomes a victim of violent crime or not.
In that same vein, a fascinating article on Crime in Cincinnati from The New Yorker.
Cincinnati officially has a Republican candidate for mayor. And he's just what the city needs: a foot doctor. Here's hoping for many a fungal metaphor during his campaign.
And Governor Strickland is now on the slots at racetracks bandwagon. Guess the solution to every deficit is a tax on people who are bad at math.
Friday, June 19, 2009
When Free Downloads Aren't Free
Despite the societal saturation of iPods, iPhones, and iTunes, there are still a number of people that go about acquiring music the old fashioned way. Stealing it. But there is still a risk to ripping songs from the internet. Music companies continue to go after file-sharers or file-grabbers. Recently, a jury found a Brainard woman liable for her music thefts and ordered her to pay music companies $1.92 million ($80,000 per stolen song). The woman will likely settle for much less, but at this point she's gone through years of aggravation in court - and thousands in legal fees - and will have to pay something to the company eventually. Something to think about the next time you're seeking a "free" download.
Woman ordered to pay $1.92 million.
Woman ordered to pay $1.92 million.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
National Roundup
Convicted criminals do NOT have a Constitutional right to possibly exculpatory DNA evidence.
A very interesting way to determine a City Council run-off. Could they have still chosen gunfight?
Update on the North Carolina big firm associate suing her firm. God told her to leave her last job and her husband may have recently plead guilty to mortgage fraud.
Think your high school can boast some important alumni? How about this New York City high school that counts 3 current big timers in the Obama Administration (including Attorney General Eric Holder) as alumni? And if you didn't think that high school yearbook photo will live to haunt you, tell that to David Axelrod.
A very interesting way to determine a City Council run-off. Could they have still chosen gunfight?
Update on the North Carolina big firm associate suing her firm. God told her to leave her last job and her husband may have recently plead guilty to mortgage fraud.
Think your high school can boast some important alumni? How about this New York City high school that counts 3 current big timers in the Obama Administration (including Attorney General Eric Holder) as alumni? And if you didn't think that high school yearbook photo will live to haunt you, tell that to David Axelrod.
Florida football players just keep getting arrested. The school's solution? Player ride alongs with Florida police. This time the ride alongs will be in the front seat sans handcuffs. In other news, Fox has added "Gator Cops" to its fall primetime lineup.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Local Roundup
Cincinnati selects a Streetcar Development Team. Thankfully this guy isn't on it.
Win: The Banks project gets $25 million in stimulus funds towards public infrastructure. Win 2: That money will speed up the timeline of the development. Fail: It will also increase the cost of the project.
The Hamilton County fall Electoral Ballot as it stands today.
Ohio State fan dots the I in "Iranian Revolution".
FBI investigating two former nursing home workers from Covington. They were State employees responsible for oversight of nursing homes, allegedly living rent-free in houses owned by a Nursing Home operator from Covington. Note: that's illegal.
Win: The Banks project gets $25 million in stimulus funds towards public infrastructure. Win 2: That money will speed up the timeline of the development. Fail: It will also increase the cost of the project.
The Hamilton County fall Electoral Ballot as it stands today.
Ohio State fan dots the I in "Iranian Revolution".
FBI investigating two former nursing home workers from Covington. They were State employees responsible for oversight of nursing homes, allegedly living rent-free in houses owned by a Nursing Home operator from Covington. Note: that's illegal.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
National Round-up
Judge opts for puns in Bon Jovi-owned Philadelphia Soul litigation. Confirmation that no one takes 80's hair bands seriously.
Get your Facebook username domain . . . or get McDonald's, Barack Obama, or Miley Cyrus if they fail to register with Facebook.
Laid-off African-American sues Charlotte law firm for hiring her because she is a minority and using her as a "marketing tool." These were not issues when she was drawing a big firm salary.
Get your Facebook username domain . . . or get McDonald's, Barack Obama, or Miley Cyrus if they fail to register with Facebook.
Laid-off African-American sues Charlotte law firm for hiring her because she is a minority and using her as a "marketing tool." These were not issues when she was drawing a big firm salary.
Jeremiah Wright is still talking, and he's not letting the horrifying shooting by a White Supremacist at the Holocaust Museum get in his way of hating on Jews too.
New Dean at Harvard Law School. And she's a woman, which has to rattle the cage of Harvard's former President.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Local Roundup
Kentucky's Governor wants slots gambling at KY racetracks. Turfway always has been a poor man's Vegas.
Meanwhile a State Senator from Ft. Thomas isn't sure slots gambling is permissable under Kentucky's Constitution. Come on, who hasn't heard of the right to play video poker?
City council roundup. The Zoo gets a million dollars in free city water a year while other cultural institutions like the Art Museum and the Beach Waterpark (ok, that's not one) pay for their water, Laketa Cole wants the city to pay for post-partum aid (not at the Zoo, for everyone), and, yeah, your neighborhood weather warning siren? It's battery operated and may not work.
Governor Ted Strickland was in Washington yesterday asking for Federal Funds for a 3C rail service between Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Unfortunately the rail service would run slower than a car on the freeway. Fortunately, Ohio's governor is doing real things instead of lobbying for Video Poker.
Rep. John Boehner responds to Governor Strickland's request. WHY DOES JOHN BOEHNER HATE TRAINS?
Meanwhile a State Senator from Ft. Thomas isn't sure slots gambling is permissable under Kentucky's Constitution. Come on, who hasn't heard of the right to play video poker?
City council roundup. The Zoo gets a million dollars in free city water a year while other cultural institutions like the Art Museum and the Beach Waterpark (ok, that's not one) pay for their water, Laketa Cole wants the city to pay for post-partum aid (not at the Zoo, for everyone), and, yeah, your neighborhood weather warning siren? It's battery operated and may not work.
Governor Ted Strickland was in Washington yesterday asking for Federal Funds for a 3C rail service between Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Unfortunately the rail service would run slower than a car on the freeway. Fortunately, Ohio's governor is doing real things instead of lobbying for Video Poker.
Rep. John Boehner responds to Governor Strickland's request. WHY DOES JOHN BOEHNER HATE TRAINS?
Monday, June 8, 2009
OVI (DUI) Law in Ohio: A Quick Primer
When interacting socially, I always get questions about DUI laws - especially at happy hours (go figure). Here is a basic primer on Ohio DUI law.
First, in Ohio a "DUI" is actually an "OVI" or "Operating a Vehicle Impaired." This impairment can come from alcohol, drugs, or both. Sparing the details, Ohio has strict levels of blood concentration for certain substances. If you operate a vehicle with a concentration higher than the legal limit, then you are committing an OVI offense. The most widely known concentration amount is .08 for alcohol.
The operating part: Operating your vehicle does not mean driving it. If you are in the driver's seat of the car with the engine running, then you are operating the vehicle. The wheels don't have to turn one inch, as long as the engine is running, then the person in the driver's seat is operating the vehicle. Further, Ohio also has an offense treated similarly to OVI called "physical control." If you are intoxicated AND in the driver's seat of a vehicle AND holding the keys to ignition for that vehicle, then you're looking at a physical control charge.
The while intoxicated part: Officers will test for the .08 level of impairment in a number of ways during a traffic stop. Field Sobriety Tests include horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, and one leg stand. While the last two are self-explanatory, the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) warrants a brief explanation. HGN is a way of testing the involuntary muscle reactions in the eye. An officer will have you follow a pen or a finger - the more involuntary movements the eye demonstrates, the greater the concentration of alcohol.
Officers use the field sobriety tests to demonstrate probable cause to take your blood alcohol level by breath or blood. If you fail a field sobriety test and refuse to take a BAC test, then the officer will seize your license on the spot. If the refusal is the first in five years, then a Class C or one year license suspension will be imposed. There are stiffer penalties for multiple refusals in the five-year "look back" period.
Speaking of stiffer penalties, testing out at double the legal limit (.16) will result in harsher penalties from the court.
First, in Ohio a "DUI" is actually an "OVI" or "Operating a Vehicle Impaired." This impairment can come from alcohol, drugs, or both. Sparing the details, Ohio has strict levels of blood concentration for certain substances. If you operate a vehicle with a concentration higher than the legal limit, then you are committing an OVI offense. The most widely known concentration amount is .08 for alcohol.
The operating part: Operating your vehicle does not mean driving it. If you are in the driver's seat of the car with the engine running, then you are operating the vehicle. The wheels don't have to turn one inch, as long as the engine is running, then the person in the driver's seat is operating the vehicle. Further, Ohio also has an offense treated similarly to OVI called "physical control." If you are intoxicated AND in the driver's seat of a vehicle AND holding the keys to ignition for that vehicle, then you're looking at a physical control charge.
The while intoxicated part: Officers will test for the .08 level of impairment in a number of ways during a traffic stop. Field Sobriety Tests include horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, and one leg stand. While the last two are self-explanatory, the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) warrants a brief explanation. HGN is a way of testing the involuntary muscle reactions in the eye. An officer will have you follow a pen or a finger - the more involuntary movements the eye demonstrates, the greater the concentration of alcohol.
Officers use the field sobriety tests to demonstrate probable cause to take your blood alcohol level by breath or blood. If you fail a field sobriety test and refuse to take a BAC test, then the officer will seize your license on the spot. If the refusal is the first in five years, then a Class C or one year license suspension will be imposed. There are stiffer penalties for multiple refusals in the five-year "look back" period.
Speaking of stiffer penalties, testing out at double the legal limit (.16) will result in harsher penalties from the court.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Matter of Trust(s)
This article concerning trust creation appeared in the Wall Street Journal this week. Highlights of the article include:
"Even middle-class folks can benefit from trusts when it comes to estate planning. That's because children under the age of 18 can't directly inherit more than a small amount of money. If you have more than that to leave to your minor child and make no provisions in your will, a court will appoint a property guardian to manage your child's assets until he reaches 18 or 21, depending on the state."
"This is often the biggest selling point for parents. Most people, looking back, would probably agree that they didn't necessarily make the most responsible decisions about money when they were 18 or 21, a time of life when it may have seemed perfectly reasonable to rack up credit-card debt. Even delaying a few more years -- until, say, 25 -- makes the money more likely to be put toward, for example, education or a down payment on a house."
"As much as trusts are about maintaining some say in how your money is spent, the language in the document should be vague enough to allow your trustee some leeway should your child's needs change or should something come up that you couldn't have anticipated."
And for those of you in higher tax-brackets, CNN does a good job of breaking down the use of trusts to avoid estate taxes.
"Even middle-class folks can benefit from trusts when it comes to estate planning. That's because children under the age of 18 can't directly inherit more than a small amount of money. If you have more than that to leave to your minor child and make no provisions in your will, a court will appoint a property guardian to manage your child's assets until he reaches 18 or 21, depending on the state."
"This is often the biggest selling point for parents. Most people, looking back, would probably agree that they didn't necessarily make the most responsible decisions about money when they were 18 or 21, a time of life when it may have seemed perfectly reasonable to rack up credit-card debt. Even delaying a few more years -- until, say, 25 -- makes the money more likely to be put toward, for example, education or a down payment on a house."
"As much as trusts are about maintaining some say in how your money is spent, the language in the document should be vague enough to allow your trustee some leeway should your child's needs change or should something come up that you couldn't have anticipated."
And for those of you in higher tax-brackets, CNN does a good job of breaking down the use of trusts to avoid estate taxes.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
National Round-up
New Hampshire becomes the sixth state to allow same-sex marriage.
Nevada becomes the 17th state to allow same-sex domestic partnerships (over a gubernatorial veto).
Meanwhile, the California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8.
Adam Sandler's sidekick gets Major League threat at Little League game, seeks protection for his junk.
GM is hoping for a speedy sale and quick exit from Chapter 11.
50 Cent sues engineers over low-ball estimate for repairs to Mike Tyson's former mansion. Tigers can take a toll on carpet.
Nevada becomes the 17th state to allow same-sex domestic partnerships (over a gubernatorial veto).
Meanwhile, the California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8.
Adam Sandler's sidekick gets Major League threat at Little League game, seeks protection for his junk.
GM is hoping for a speedy sale and quick exit from Chapter 11.
50 Cent sues engineers over low-ball estimate for repairs to Mike Tyson's former mansion. Tigers can take a toll on carpet.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Local Round-up
70-year-old Alabama man charged with rape of child under the age of 13.
Prosecutor alleges man named killer with his dying breath.
64-year-old woman keeps memory of her dead mother alive for 13 years by cashing her mother's social security checks.
Air Marshalls at CVG suing TSA for employment discrimination and retaliation.
Prosecutor alleges man named killer with his dying breath.
64-year-old woman keeps memory of her dead mother alive for 13 years by cashing her mother's social security checks.
Air Marshalls at CVG suing TSA for employment discrimination and retaliation.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ohio Legal Options for Ending a Marriage
In Ohio, there are three main vehicles for ending a legal marriage: divorce, dissolution, and annulment.
Divorce: "Getting a divorce" is the most commonly used description for the termination of a marriage. In Ohio, there are two main categories of divorce: no-fault and fault. No-fault divorce can be a result of simple "incompatibility" or if the spouses live separately for more than one year. There are a number of grounds for "fault" divorce including adultery, extreme cruelty, bigamy, habitual drunkenness, and a failure to support the family (among others). A divorce is commenced in Ohio with the filing of a complaint with the clerk of courts. The non-filing spouse will then file an answer and/or counter-claim to the initial complaint. A judge is then assigned to the case and attorneys will attempt to work out any perceived differences in the after-marriage planning. If agreements cannot be made, the judge will set the contested issues for trial. These issues will ultimately be determined by the judge, as there is no right to jury trial for divorce cases in Ohio.
Dissolution: Dissolution is somewhat akin to a "Divorce Light." Dissolution is appropriate when the parties can agree to all the major issues outside of court (grounds for divorce, division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child and spousal support, etc.). They are much cheaper and quicker than filing for Divorce. The difficulty often arises in getting both parties to agree to every part of the divorce plan.
Annulment: An annulment is different from Divorce and Dissolution in that it states that the marriage never existed. For an annulment, there must be some reason for a judge to consider it invalid from the start (e.g., fraud, duress, coercion).
Divorce: "Getting a divorce" is the most commonly used description for the termination of a marriage. In Ohio, there are two main categories of divorce: no-fault and fault. No-fault divorce can be a result of simple "incompatibility" or if the spouses live separately for more than one year. There are a number of grounds for "fault" divorce including adultery, extreme cruelty, bigamy, habitual drunkenness, and a failure to support the family (among others). A divorce is commenced in Ohio with the filing of a complaint with the clerk of courts. The non-filing spouse will then file an answer and/or counter-claim to the initial complaint. A judge is then assigned to the case and attorneys will attempt to work out any perceived differences in the after-marriage planning. If agreements cannot be made, the judge will set the contested issues for trial. These issues will ultimately be determined by the judge, as there is no right to jury trial for divorce cases in Ohio.
Dissolution: Dissolution is somewhat akin to a "Divorce Light." Dissolution is appropriate when the parties can agree to all the major issues outside of court (grounds for divorce, division of assets and liabilities, child custody, child and spousal support, etc.). They are much cheaper and quicker than filing for Divorce. The difficulty often arises in getting both parties to agree to every part of the divorce plan.
Annulment: An annulment is different from Divorce and Dissolution in that it states that the marriage never existed. For an annulment, there must be some reason for a judge to consider it invalid from the start (e.g., fraud, duress, coercion).
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