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This year Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, November 11. There are all kinds of great sites related to this holiday which Honors All Who Served. United States Department of Veterans Affairs which has links to: National Ceremony, Resources such as Teacher’s Guide, Poster Gallery, Veterans Day History and even a Kid’s Site, Special Initiatives, Regional Observances, National Committee and Proclamations. Military.com which has, among other things, a beautiful slide show tribute to those who have served. WikiAnswers which provides yet another historical resource. Last year I posted a bunch of stuff about Veterans Day including many videos and other great links. Click here and enjoy. Please be safe this Veterans Day and, although it’s happening on a Tuesday,… Read More

I was fascinated by the Associated Press report which begins with “Fatalities from vehicle crashes with deer and other animals have more than doubled over the last 15 years…” Click here to read the entire story. Being an animal lover, it pains me to think that the phrase “deer caught in the headlights” has real life and death consequences both for the deer and unsuspecting motorists and their passengers. But is it just the deer? What about farm animals who unwittingly escape the confines of the land in which they live? And the dog or cat whose owner turned their head for… Read More

Time Off to Vote Must your employer give you time off to vote?  See the chart below for a state by state analysis! State Time Allowed to Vote Paid or Unpaid Applicable Statute Alabama The necessary time off shall not exceed one hour and if the hours of work of the employee commence at least two hours after the opening of the polls or end at least one hour prior to the closing of the polls, then the time off for voting as provided in this section shall not be available. Unspecified 2006 Alabama Laws Act 2006-545 (H.B. 141) Alaska… Read More

Answers to Questions About Your Wage & Hour Rights Do you wonder if you have a claim against your employer for failure to pay you proper wages? The Law Offices of Lowell Steiger and the Law Offices of Steven Waisbren would like to provide answers to some of the more common questions, and we are happy to discuss your particular situation at your convenience. Question – What is the general rule about payment of overtime wages? Answer – Under California law, a “nonexempt” employee 18 years of age or older shall not be employed more than eight hours in any workday, or more than 40… Read More

Eli Lilly has settled once again for improperly marketing the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa. I blogged on this subject earlier this year. See Eli Lilly Settles Claims Over Zyprexa. Then, later in the year, drug giant Merck settled cases over deceptive television advertisements. See $58 Million Merck Settlement To Change Deceptive TV Drug Advertisements. Are the drug companies an evil empire? Well, maybe so, but they are not beyond the reach of those that have our best interests in mind — i.e., Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr. Here’s the latest: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2008 Contact: Christine Gasparac: (916) 324-5500 Attorney General… Read More

So Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13, 2008. I blogged about Columbus Day last year and even included a Columbus Day Parade Video. What exactly is Columbus Day? Per the aptly named Columbus Day Site, “This day is remembered in the U.S.A to pay tribute to the 1st journey to America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus.” This site has a plethora of great information, things of interest to those of us curious enough to explore! Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October This holiday is also celebrated in South and Central America, Italy and Spain First celebrated… Read More

Over the years I have represented many, many motorcycle riders who have, through no fault of their own, been involved in accidents with car and truck drivers that, for one reason or another, did not see my client until it was too late. This emphasizes the fact that motorcyclists must proceed with caution, they must realize that defensive riding is one of the keys to their survival. Motorcycle injuries can be devastating. I’ve had clients who have suffered broken bones, brain injury and permanent paralysis in motorcycle crashes. None of these people were at fault yet their lives, and the… Read More

With the election nearing, the economy in the dumper and too much acrimony for the American heart and soul to withstand, I think that some self-deprecating lawyer jokes are in order: A Lawyer and the Pope Arrive at the Gates of Heaven Following a distinguished legal career, a man arrived at the Gates of Heaven, accompanied by the Pope, who had the misfortune to expire on the same day. The Pope was greeted first by St. Peter, who escorted him to his quarters. The room was somewhat shabby and small, similar to that found in a low grade Motel 6… Read More

Hallelujah! Today Governor Schwarzenegger signed a law making it illegal to text while driving! I continue to rant and rave about this subject because, to me, it’s as plain as the nose on your face that texting while driving is deadly. The latest episode of texting while driving left 25 dead and countless injured in the Metrolink Tragedy of September 12, 2008. Update: 2009 Law Bans Text Messaging while Driving – See Video  Past Rants Metrolink Tragedy: Engineer Rob Sanchez Text Messaging, I’m Outraged! Texting While Driving: Graphic Horror Photos Hands Off Driving Laws Ok’d For Teens 16 and 17 Texting While… Read More

What is going on here in Los Angeles? Today a Metro Bus and a Blue Line Bus crashed with 15 injured so far. Last week we had the horrific Metrolink Crash which left 25 people dead and countless seriously injured. I’ve represented many people injured in accidents involving the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, also known as the MTA. Accidents happen BUT when bus drivers or train engineers are even momentarily careless, huge numbers of people become injured victims. Mass Transit can instantly become Mass Destruction. Graphic Scene and Rescue Photos Here Since these buses are run by the government, by law… Read More