Criminal Justice USA

100 Tips, Tools, and Resources for Locking Down Your PC

Posted by Site Administrator on 06/14/2009 | 0 Comments

The web can be a tricky and dangerous place to navigate, especially if you’re unprepared. However, you can better protect yourself by taking necessary steps to make your computer more secure. Here, we’ll discuss 100 tips, tools, and resources that can help you build a more secure PC.

Tips

Follow these tips, and your PC will be well on its way to locked down.

1. Use a password: Although they may be easily bypassed, be sure to at least use a password for your PC.
2. Disable boot devices: Someone with physical access to your computer and a freely available custom boot CD can access your PC without even opening Windows.
3. Use an alternative browser: Ditch Internet Explorer for Firefox or Opera, or at least tighten IE’s security settings.
4. Eliminate your data: Don’t keep supersensitive information on your PC or laptop-put it on a CD or file server, but take it off of your hard drive.
5. Disable file sharing: Limit your file exposure by disabling file sharing on your hard drives.
6. Protect your administrator account with a password: Make sure to always protect your administrator account.
7. Use a non-obvious laptop bag: Avoid using a bag that advertises that you’re carrying a laptop.
8. Change your password often: Keep your password fresh by changing it often.
9. Back up your files: Save your data with backup systems and utilities.
10. Use a strong email client: Make use of an email client that offers your PC a level of security.
11. Use biometrics: Use a biometric device like a fingerprint reader.
12. Use a screen guard: Keep your information private with a screen protector that hides your screen from snoops.
13. Scan email attachments: Before opening email attachments, be sure to run them through a scanner first.
14. Use email filters: Set up filters in your email to make sure that only safe email reaches your inbox.
15. Password protect your BIOS: Prevent others from changing your BIOS settings by setting up an administrator password.
16. Don’t fall for hoaxes: Be careful of bogus alerts, emails, and more.
17. Never leave your laptop in the car: A laptop turns your car into a sitting duck, and extreme heat can damage it anyway.
18. Use Linux or Mac OS X: Although Windows, Linux, and Mac all offer about the same security, Windows is more frequently targeted.
19. Use a variety of different passwords: Make sure you’re not using the same password for all of your sites and programs.
20. Use a rescue disk: Just in case, make sure you have a book or rescue disk to bring things back to normal.
21. Use an antivirus software: Use antivirus software and keep it up to date for good protection.
22. Use an asset tag: With a highly visible tag, your laptop is deterred from thieves and can be identified easily.
23. Scan executable files: Make sure you scan executable files before opening them.
24. Secure your network: Make sure you’re not keeping your network open-set it up with a password.
25. Test for flaws: Even if you think you’re locked down, you may still have some holes, so use a security scanner to make absolutely sure.
26. Use a strong password: Avoid dictionary words, names, and dates, and use numbers, special characters, and uppercase/lowercase letters.
27. Scan disks before opening them: If you receive a CD or floppy disk, be sure to scan them before opening.
28. Watch out for your SSID: Tell your wireless access router to avoid broadcasting its SSID, and change your SSID from the default.
29. Physically lock your laptop: Help prevent your laptop from walking away by using a cable lock, but know that it won’t keep all thieves away.
30. Password-protect Outlook: Make sure you put a password on your inbox, as well as your Outlook identities.
31. Log off: When you step away from your computer, be sure to log off of your identity.
32. Use a firewall: If you connect to the internet, you need to be using a firewall to be protected from network attacks and rogue programs.
33. Install tracking software: With tracking software, you can be alerted whenever your stolen laptop gets connected to the internet.
34. Watch out for spyware: Keep the snoops at bay by regularly scanning for spyware and adware.
35. Automatically update important software: Minimize application security flaws by always staying up to date on updates and patches.
36. Encrypt your files: Make it hard for your files and information to be stolen by encrypting them.

Tools

With the help of these tools, you can get your PC more secure.

37. Spybot: With the help of Spybot, you can keep spyware and other nasties at bay.
38. Ad-aware: Keep your computer safe from adware by periodically using LavaSoft’s Ad-Aware.
39. PC Security: Lock down your system with explorer control, file and folder locks, program locks, intruder detection, and more.
40. OSSIM: In OSSIM, you’ll find a number of different open source security tools.
41. Asset Labels: Mark your property and protect it with an asset label or security tag.
42. Perfect Passwords: Here you’ll get an ultra high security password generator.
43. Firewall Test: Make sure you’re not open to attack by testing the quality of your firewall.
44. Lockdown: This tool will monitor your computer and sound an alarm if someone tries to access your system.
45. RoboForm: RoboForm is a password manager that will help you keep your passwords in check.
46. ProShield: Use ProShield, and you’ll have your system scanned for malware and up to date software.
47. Antispam: Antispam offers an easy way to fight spam.
48. Trust-No-Exe: Set up a whitelist and blacklist of trusted and non-trusted executable files for your PC with this tool.
49. Untangle: Through Untangle, you’ll get spam, virus, and spyware protection, plus a firewall and web filtering.
50. Hardened Linux: With this Linux distribution, you’ll get excellent security.
51. Simpliciti Locked Browser: If you need to restrict employees, children, or others from visiting non-secure sites, try Simpliciti Locked Browser.
52. Snort: Snort offers effective intrusion detection.
53. Lockdown Plus PC: Lockdown Plus PC offers a network based desktop security solution for public access computers.
54. eBox Platform: This network management framework will help you filter content, use a firewall, proxy, and more.
55. Network Security Toolkit: In this toolkit, you’ll get a number of different open source apps for security.
56. TrueCrypt: Get strong encryption for free with TrueCrypt.
57. Metasploit: With Metasploit, you can test out your system like a hacker might.
58. Anonymous Surfing & Privacy Check: Use this test to find out how anonymous your surfing is.
59. Kismet: With Kismet, you’ll get wireless network detection and packet sniffing. sudo: sudo allows you to selectively control which programs are allowed to run on your PC.
60. Spam Assassin: This spam tool will keep your email safe from spam.
61. EXE Lockdown: Use EXE Lockdown to protect yourself against the installation of unauthorized applications.
62. AWStats: With AWStats, you can monitor attacks on your server.
63. Spamato: Spamato will help keep spam out of your popular email client.
64. Bastille Linux: Use this tool to get a custom lockdown solution for your PC.
65. Honeytrap: Honeytrap offers advanced warning about attacks.
66. Thunderbird: Thunderbird offers lots of tools for keeping spam and viruses out of your inbox.

Blogs & Books

Get ongoing updates about security threats and solutions from these blogs.

68. IT Security: Check out this site to learn all about securing your PC and more.
69. BlogInfoSec: Here you’ll find an information security magazine in blog format.
70. Schneier on Security: This blog covers security and security technology.
71. Security Now!: This audio podcast features weekly security information from Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte.
72. Security Fix: Brian Krebs discusses computer and Internet security.
73. TaoSecurity: Richard Bejtlich’s blog covers digital security, forensics, and more.
74. Windows Lockdown!: Your XP And Vista Guide Against Hacks, Attacks, and Other Internet Mayhem: Here you’ll find an absolute beginner’s guide to keeping your Windows PC locked down.
75. No Tricks: Dr. Luke O’Connor’s blog offers information on risk, security, and IT technology.
76. My PC Security Blog: Follow this blog to get a new computer security tip every day.
77. The Ethical Hacker Network: Learn about security from ethical hackers in this network.
78. Netgear ProSecure Security Blog: Check out this blog to find out about the latest malware, viruses, and more.
79. Mind Streams of Information Security Knowledge: Read Dancho Danchev’s blog to find independent open source intelligence for security threats.
80. elamb: elamb’s security blog offers up to date information on threats to your PC.
81. Network Security Blog: Here you’ll find news about security and privacy.
82. McAfee Avert Labs Blog: Learn about cutting edge security research as it happens through McAfee’s blog.

Guides

These guides will teach you various ways to protect your PC.

83. Home Computer Security: This guide from CERT has a wealth of useful information.
84. Lock Down Your PC: PC World offers this guide with 29 steps to good PC security.
85. Ten Password Commandments: Follow these commandments to make sure your passwords are protecting you as much as possible.
86. 5 Steps to Secure Windows XP Home Edition: Use these 5 steps, and you’ll get a more secure home computer.
87. Lock Down Your Laptop: Learn about products and tips for PC security in this guide.
88. 10 Easy Ways to Lock Down Your Computer: Learn about user passwords, authentication, anonymous access, and more.
89. Advice to Linux Users: Lock Down Your PC: Find out how to lock down your Linux PC with these tips.
90. Five simple PC security tips: Here you’ll find a simple guide to PC security.
91. The Ten Commandments of PC Security: Follow these rules to avoid viruses, worms, and more.
92. The Twenty Minute Guide to PC Security: 20 Tips to Secure Your Box: Get a simple tutorial in PC security from this guide.
93. Cyber-Security: Tips for Safe Computing: Follow these instructions to help reduce the threat of running into security problems online.
94. How to lock down the computer via a shortcut: Follow this guide and you’ll learn how to create a computer lockdown shortcut.
95. FAQ: Locking Down Your Computer: This guide from the University of Utah offers practical advice for PC security.
96. Computer Security 101: Get the basics of computer security through this guide.
97. Lock Down Your PC!: This guide offers practical tips for making your computer more secure.
98. Lockdown Your Laptop: Follow this guide to learn how to keep your laptop safer.
99. Lock Down the Data on Your Portable Drives: Follow this guide, and you’ll find out how to get your laptop, portable disks, and more supersecure.
100. Lock Down Your PC: Here you’ll find answers to your network and internet security questions.

50 Best Blogs About Environmental Law

Posted by Site Administrator on 06/10/2009 | 0 Comments

Environmental violations, toxic torts, and more can be quite interesting and informative, and you can read all about them in various environmental law blogs. You can find environmental law blogs about news, developments, education, and more. Read on, and you’ll find 50 of the best blogs about environmental law.

General

Take a general look at environmental law through these blogs.

1. Environmental Law Resource: Follow this blog to get environmental law updates, rulings, and information around the world.
2. Biolaw: Read about law and the life sciences from BioLaw.
3. Environmental Legal Blogs: Learn about developments in environmental law from this blog.
4. Law and the Environment: Seth Jaffe’s blog is a good source for learning about current events in environmental law.
5. Green Counsel: On this blog, you’ll learn about using the law to promote renewable energy, environmental business, and sustainability.
6. Environmental Crimes Blog: Check out Environmental Crimes to learn about some of the acts being committed against the environment.
7. The Brockovich Report: Erin Brockovich works to protect the public from dangerous substances that cause health problems.
8. Environmental Toxic Torts: This blog offers a look into legal developments and defense strategy in environmental toxic torts.
9. Ear To The Ground: Thomas Clarke blogs about the law and science of the environment and toxic torts.
10. Municipal, Planning & Environmental Law Group Blog: This blog offers a look at how municipal law and planning affects the environment.
11. Law and the Environment: In this blog, you’ll find commentary and insights into the issues of law and the environment.

News

You can stay up to date on environmental news developments with these blogs.

12. Environmental & Energy Law Monitor: This blog covers news and updates on environmental and energy law.
13. Becker’s Environmental Law Update: Find news about environmental law from this blog.
14. eNewsUSA: Visit this blog to find environmental news and information for environmental attorneys and consultants.
15. Sharks in the Water: Sharks in the Water is all about global environmental and IP matters.

Educational

These bloggers are involved in environmental law education.

16. Environmental Law Prof Blog: Susan Smith is a professor of law at Williamette University College of Law.
17. American College of Environmental Lawyers: This group of environmental lawyers offers insight into environmental law, ethics, and administration of justice.
18. Legal Planet: Legal Planet is an environmental law and policy blog that’s a joint effort between Berkeley Law and UCLA Law.

Climate Change

Find out about law and climate change from these blogs.

19. Envrionmental Law & Climate Change: This Lexis Nexis blog offers a look into our changing climate.
20. Sustainability Law Blog: Tonkton Torp Attorneys write this blog about climate change, sustainable business, practices, and more.
21. Climate Change Attorney: This blog is written by climate change attorneys Silverberg Zalantis.
22. Climate Change Insights: Climate Change Insights offers a forum for critical analyses of climate law and policy.
23. Global Climate Law Blog: Here you’ll find discussion on issues about global climate law and litigation.
24. Climate Change & Carbon Management Blog: Check out this blog to get insight into climate change and carbon management in the law.
25. Warming Law: This blog works to change the climate in the courts.
26. Environmental Law Diary: In this blog, you’ll learn about environmental law with a focus on the climate.
27. ClimateIntel: This blog offers insight on climate change, including international law, intellectual property, and more.

Animals

See how the law protects animals in these blogs.

28. ESA Blawg: This blog takes a look at the Endangered Species Act.
29. Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach: Check out this blog to learn about animal rights and the law.
30. Animal Law Blog: Follow animal law news, litigation, and more from this blog.

Local

These blogs focus on environmental law at the local level.

31. Envirosphere: Envirosphere shares information about environmental law in New York State.
32. Oikos: David Jeffrey’s blog is based in Australia, focusing on connections between the environment and the economy.
33. Saxe Environmental Law Mews: Dianne Saxe’s blog features environmental law updates from Toronto, Ontario.
34. PA Brownfields Environmental Law: Visit this blog, and you’ll get a look into brownfields in Pennsylvania and beyond.
35. Environmental Law in Washington State: Get an overview of the issues in Washington environmental law from this blog.
36. Ohio Environmental Law Blog: Check out this blog to find information and commentary about environmental law in Ohio and beyond.

Energy

See the future of energy law in these blogs.

37. Renewable Energy Law Blog: Read about the law, science, and policy of renewable energy on this blog.
38. Energy Legal Blog: Energy Legal Blog discusses national and regional energy issues.
39. Renewable + Law: This blog covers climate policy, renewable energy, and sustainability.
40. The Energy Law Blog: In this blog, you’ll find information about oil and gas exploration, development, and more in the Gulf Coast.
41. Offshore Renewable Energy Law Blog: Follow this blog, and you’ll learn about the news and regulation of wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy.

Building

These blogs focus on the laws involving building developments.

42. Green Building Law Blog: Shari Shapiro’s blog is all about green building law.
43. Construction Law Musings: On this blog, you’ll find information about construction law in Virginia.
44. Green Building & Environmental Trends: Visit Rich Cartlidge’s blog to learn about trends in the fields of green building, construction and environmental law.
45. Construction Law Blog: This blog offers insights on legal issues concerning the construction industry.
46. Green Building Law Update: On this blog, you’ll learn about trends, legal developments, codes, and regulations in green building from a construction attorney.

Government

Check out these blogs to see the latest in government environmental law.

47. Greenversations: Here you’ll find the official blog of the US Environmental Protection Agency.
48. EnviroWonk: Find news and analysis of politics from an environmental perspective on this blog.
49. Green Car Congress: This blog is all about the politics surrounding sustainable mobility.
50. Hill Heat: Learn all about science policy legislation action from Hill Heat.

50 Best Blogs for Privacy Nuts

Posted by Site Administrator on 06/09/2009 | 0 Comments

In today’s world of Internet interconnectedness, guarding your privacy can become a full-time job. Whether you are worried about your personal privacy, government interference, national security, identity theft, or the laws and policies surrounding privacy, these blogs will help you stay vigilant against any breaches in your privacy rights.

Privacy, Communications, and Censorship Blogs

These blogs cover a wide range of privacy issues including censorship, surveillance, online privacy, communications, and more.

1. The Privacy Blog. Anonymity, online privacy, policies, surveillance, and censorship are among the topics featured on this blog.
2. Privacy Blog. Medical record disposal, social networking privacy, and the Supreme Court’s take on privacy are recent posts here.
3. Threat Level. This blog at Wired.com touches on privacy, security, and related topics.
4. Conspicuous Chatter. Get research and opinions on the latest topics from the fields of anonymous and covert communication, traffic analysis, and censorship resistance.
5. Inoperability Streams. These posts include news about telecommunications, communications, and security.
6. Privacy International. This watchdog group posts news pertaining to privacy from all around the world.
7. Privacy Diary. Identity theft, risk management, information security, and more find their place in this blog.
8. TRUSTe Blog. Cybercrime and self policing are among the topics on this blog.

Online Privacy and Security

Guarding your privacy online is not only a good idea, but actually a necessity. Read these blogs to find news and updates from the world of cybersecurity and privacy.

9. MetaSecurity. Topics on this blog often include intelligence, cybersecurity, and virtual worlds.
10. Matt Blaze’s Exhaustive Search. This professor from University of Pennsylvania blogs about security and privacy issues as they relate to science and technology.
11. Freedom to Tinker. Published by Princeton’s Center for Information Technology Policy, this blog examines privacy, Internet security, intellectual property, and much more.
12. SMBlog–Steve Bellovin’s Blog. This professor from Columbia University blogs about Internet Security, privacy, and related issues.
13. Avi Rubin’s Blog. Electronic voting security, computer and network security, and other security issues appear on this blog written by a professor from Johns Hopkins University.
14. CERIAS. The Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security is one of the leaders in research and education on information security. and their blog focuses on these issues.
15. Random Spaf Items. Professor Gene Spafford from Purdue, who also posts on CERIAS, writes about privacy, cybersecurity, cybercrime, and more on his personal blog.
16. 1 Raindrop. Written by security software expert, Gunnar Peterson, the posts on this blog discuss online security and privacy issues.
17. SecurityBuddha.com. Mark Curphey writes about Internet security tools as he has begun to reshape his blog.
18. Security Retentive. This information security engineer blogs about Internet security and privacy issues.
19. Another Set of Teeth. This blog covers privacy, security, and ethics especially pertaining to Internet security.

National Security

These blogs cover national security from the perspective of the government, strategists, and others who are dedicated to keeping you informed about security issues.

20. In Homeland Security. This non-partisan and non-commercial blog is sponsored by the American Military University and delivers news and analysis of issues relating to national security.
21. Stephenson blogs on homeland security 2.0 et al.. Written by the well-known strategist and theorist, W. David Stephenson, this blog touches on technology and civil liberty issues in relation to homeland security.
22. Global Guerrillas. This former USAF pilot and current analyst on warfare and security writes on communities and potential crises.
23. Vital Systems Security. With posts including such topics as community health issues, security, and globalization, this blog brings the latest scientific news as it relates to these issues.
24. Emergency.Blog. This blog focuses on information relating to security issues such as terrorism, emergency service, and cyberwar.
25. Homeland Security Watch. This non-partisan, non-commercial blog provides information about national security events and news.
26. War and Piece. Written by a national security correspondent, this blog provides insight on national security issues and foreign policy.
27. DefenseTech. This blog from Military.com covers a variety of topics that pertain to national security.
28. Evolution of Security. From the Transportation Security Administration, posts here discuss security and technology as they relate to national security.
29. Security Debrief. This blog features news and commentary from several sources that all discuss issues surrounding national security.
30. Home Station. From the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M University, this blog discusses timely issues surrounding homeland security including cybersecurity, terrorism, and more.

Personal Privacy, Security, and Identity

From guarding your identity to keeping your family safe to digital identity issues, these blogs cover personal security and privacy.

31. Privacy and Identity Theft. Get news and learn how to protect yourself with the information here that examines cybercrime, identity theft, and more.
32. Privacy Gourmet. Privacy and social networking, data privacy, privacy resources, and keeping families safe online are some of the subjects covered on this blog.
33. Emergent Chaos. This collaborative blog focuses on privacy, security, liberty, and economics.
34. Schneier on Security. This "security guru" and renowned author blogs about computer security, personal security, and Friday squids.
35. The-New-Internet-Security-Cyberhood-Watch-Blog. This blog focuses on such privacy and security issues such as identity theft, child cybersafety, and cybercrime.
36. Ceci n’est pas un Bob. Learn about issues surrounding security, privacy, identity, and risk at this blog written by Bob Blakley.
37. Identerati. Another blog from an employee of Burton Group, this focuses on identity management and security with a perspective from both business and the individual.
38. IdentityBlog. Kim Cameron writes about digital identity, privacy, and more on his blog.
39. Identity Woman. Social issues surrounding online digital identity are the focus of Kaliya Hamlin’s blog.
40. Adventures of an Eternal Optimist. Digital identity, privacy, and more are the topics discussed here.

Law and Policies

These lawyers and organizations all blog about privacy law and policies.

41. Privacy Law Blog. Security breaches, privacy law issues, and more are the focus of this blog from Proskauer Rose, LLP.
42. Burton Group Identity and Privacy. Burton Group reports news and offers opinions on the state of privacy policy and issues.
43. Privacy and Security Law Blog. Medical records, cybercrime, and other privacy issues get attention on this legal blog.
44. Privacy and Information Security Law Blog. Global privacy law issues, especially as they pertain to the cyberworld, are featured here.
45. Privacy Spot. The law firm of Hughes & Luce, LLP blog about data protection and privacy law.
46. beSpacific. This law and technology blog frequently discusses topics such as government, cybercrime, and the Internet.
47. Think Progress. Advancing progressive ideas and politics are the mission of this blog where you can find topics including privacy, immigration, and security.
48. In General Counsel. This right-leaning legal analyst discusses issues of security, politics, and more from a legal perspective.
49. Gregory S. McNeal. This law professor writes on such topics as counterterrorism, national security, and criminal law.
50. Privacy Law & Policy. Privacy rights, open government, and cybercrime are the topics on this blog.

10 Shocking Facts About Modern-Day Pirates

Posted by Site Administrator on 05/27/2009 | 0 Comments

By Megan Jones

In April, when Somali pirates captured the MV Maersk Alabama and kidnapped the captain of the ship for four days, the news shocked many. While earlier reports of piracy may have made the news, they did not capture the public’s attention in the same way that this incident did. The fact is that piracy is not just a legend from days long past, but is a dangerous trend that is actually on the upswing and for the past few years. Read the following facts to discover what you might not know about modern-day pirates.

1. Weapons used. Many modern pirates have heavy-duty firepower, including automatic weapons, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades. Pirates are also often equipped with cell phones and other tech gadgets to keep in contact with organizers who feed them information about ships and their locations. Many pirates’ weapons are specialized to their geographic location, with the most dangerous usually being in the South China Sea and Somalia.
2. Geographic occurrences. With the recent news about the pirate capture off Somalia, it may appear to some that modern pirates are isolated to this geographic area. While the political upheaval in Somalia does provide an ideal, lawless hideout for pirates, the fact is pirates are often found in many places around the globe. Some areas most frequented by pirates include the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the waters of Indonesia and Singapore.
3. Financial loss. The estimated annual loss due to piracy worldwide is about $13 to $16 billion. Unfortunately, most carriers decide not to report piracy incidents due to the financial burden. When an incident of piracy is reported, ship owners experience insurance rates that can increase by as much as 30% as well as the daily loss incurred during an investigation that can often run about $1000 a day.
4. Ties to government and organized crime. Many modern pirates have ties to the government and organized crime, such as the pirates in Somalia and the Far East, with some pirates in the South China Sea reportedly working under the protection of the Chinese government. Other pirates take advantage of a lack of government involvement, such as the pirates near Brazil, where there is no Coast Guard or its equivalent.
5. Anchored ships vs. high seas kidnapping. Pirates boarding ships at sea and kidnapping the crew have been making the news but an older report suggests that 72% of pirate attacks occur on anchored ships where the pirates either steal the ships or take cargo and crew members’ belongings. Recent trends show that kidnapping the crew in order to get ransom money is on the rise, as pirates cannot only profit from the ransom but stolen goods as well.
6. High ransom. When kidnapping is involved, ship owners sometimes must pay high ransom prices to help their kidnapped crew. Ransoms average around $120,000. Some owners will hire security organizations to escort their ships, at costs of around $120,000 per trip to avoid the high ransom payments, danger to their crew, and potential loss of the ship and its cargo.
7. Frequency. Piracy is a frequent activity happening much more often than what makes the news. Take a look at the Live Piracy Report and the Live Piracy Map at the ICC Commercial Crime Services and you will see that reported piracy incidents are currently occurring at about 20-30 per month. While not all incidents result in kidnapping or theft, many do.
8. Environmental pirates. Not all pirates use lethal weapons and are seeking riches. Some pirates, such as those in the group Sea Shepherd, are known to ram ships, throw rancid butter on their decks, or even sink ships in an attempt to disrupt their activities. Usually target ships are participating in whaling or fishing that harms other marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and sea turtles.
9. Little deterrent. Due to the current legal situation, most pirates who are captured are merely questioned and released. Unfortunately, there are almost no laws against modern pirates. Local laws pertain specifically to citizens and may not apply to pirates, and finding witnesses and translators can be difficult once pirates are detained. Additionally, many countries do not want to take on the expense of imprisoning pirates, so they are often returned to their life of piracy–complete with few deterrents to slow them down.
10. Help from London. London, the world headquarters of shipbroking and insurance, is also likely a hub for intelligence that is sent to Somali pirates. It is thought that at least one of the known pirate groups has "consultants" in London sending information to the pirates that include the layout of the ships, cargo, and routes. With this much information, the pirates have plenty of time and ability to carefully plan their attack so that the ships have little defense.

50 Terrific Social Sites for Law Students and Lawyers

Posted by Site Administrator on 04/21/2009 | 0 Comments

Law school and law firms sponsor their own networking events and aim to connect legal professionals for the sake of recruitment, collaboration and more. But to compete with the top lawyers and graduates, you’ll need to venture out on your own, too. These social sites can help you find jobs, interact with clients and build cases, all online.

Information Gathering

Thanks to social media sites, lawyers can enjoy unique access to people’s records and evidence through Facebook and other sites. This list of social networks are great for information gathering.

1. MySpace: Find incriminating photos and more on MySpace.
2. Facebook: Facebook is a popular site for members to put up photos of partying and other scandalous behavior.
3. Flickr: Find hard evidence through pictures on Flickr accounts.
4. LinkedIn: Confirm professional and social relationships by exploring a client’s LinkedIn profile.
5. Cake Financial: Find out information about someone’s accounts and investments on this site.
6. YouTube: Browse YouTube for videos of your clients or others caught in compromising situations.
7. Meetup: Find out where someone is going to be at a designated time by following them on Meetup, a social site that helps groups organize meetings in real life.
8. Geni: Use this social network for organizing family trees and genealogy records to confirm family ties.
9. OUTeverywhere: OUTeverywhere is a social networking site for gay dating and more.
10. Vimeo: Vimeo is another video sharing site that may prove useful to your research.

Networking and Jobs

Use these social sites for networking and job searching, as well as making friends.

11. Attorneys Online: Here you can take advantage of the Lawyer to Lawyer Referral Service for networking and more.
12. Twitter: Keep in touch with lots of colleagues and friends by sending out one single message to everyone.
13. Ryze: Ryze is a professional networking site that thrives on making business contacts.
14. Law.com: Check out the lawyer blogs and law jobs center on this site for networking purposes.
15. Counsel.net: This network features a chatboard, forums, and more resources for lawyers, law students and other legal professionals.
16. American Bar Associations: ABA members have access to an events calendar, career resources, discussion groups, a member directory, and other benefits through the website.
17. International Lawyers Network: Access contact lists and more for lawyers around the world.
18. Legal OnRamp: This invite-only network provides legal professionals with web services, like blogs, wikis, profiles and more.
19. MyPractice: Catch up on legal news, events and issues through this social network that lets you build your own profile and make connections.
20. LawLink: Join groups, chat on the forums, pose questions and learn about other attorneys in your field and beyond.
21. Law Marketing: This "national business network for the legal industry" features a forum, events calendar, profiles, blogs, notes, videos and more.
22. Avvo: The public uses this directory to find lawyers, so make sure you’re included in the network.

Sharing

Share news stories and collaborate on special social sites to work on your cases and contribute to the industry here.

23. Above the Law: This law news and gossip blog features a community for lawyers and legal professionals who want to discuss jobs, cases and other issues.
24. ESQChat: Here you can connect with other attorneys to share news, blog, ask questions and more.
25. MarkaBoo: Easily bookmark from e-mail, browser and your phone with this social bookmarking site, which also lets you host online study groups, share videos and create your own blog or podcast.
26. Ning: Create a social group online for the people you’re working with on a specific case. You can share information and ideas easily.
27. Memotoo: Organize your case information on this site, where it can be seen by colleagues.
28. Digg: Digg is one of the most popular social bookmarking sites and can be a great place to share news and research.
29. Google Groups: Google Groups is another place for you to set up a private place online to collaborate and share information.
30. Mixx: Lawyers in all areas of expertise, including sports, entertainment, science and health law can share news and stay on top of industry trends here.
31. Uloop: Law students and college students use this site to sell books and more.
32. Justia.com: Find the best law stories and groups online using Justia.com.

Forums

Visit these legal forums to meet others in your profession or share your advice.

33. LawVibe.com: Stay current on the law issues that people around the world are talking about.
34. The Attorneys Forum: Threads here include topics like bankruptcy, accident and injuries, financial law, and more.
35. Court Forum: Ask questions and submit feedback on feeds that deal with cyber law, corporate law, employment law, civil suits and more.
36. FreeAdvice: Build up your reputation and make contacts by giving free advice on this forum.
37. The Law: Access legal tools and network on the law forums.
38. The Frugal Law Student Forums: This popular site also features a forum for law students, where issues like productivity, personal finance and other topics are discussed.

Miscellaneous

From law student networking to more job connections, these social sites are worth checking out.

39. PivotalDiscovery.com: This network features a career portal, videos and more, for "e-discovery and litigation professionals."
40. lawyrs: lawyrs is a small networking group that lets members join groups and find law firms.
41. Advanced Advocates: Law students connect on this social site to find jobs, discuss issues, and more.
42. HubPages: Market your skills by becoming an expert the public turns to when you write articles on HubPages.
43. WSJ Law Blog: The Law Blog on wsj.com is more than just a blog. Readers, legal professionals and others frequently use the site to comment, discuss issues, network and more.
44. TweetLaw: This Twitter service is for legal professionals who want to narrow down their networking opportunities.
45. JDDiversity: This organization is devoted to promoting diversity in the legal community. Use the site to access blogs, participate in discussions, learn about special events, and more.
46. LegalBirds: Find legal professionals on Twitter by first networking on this site.
47. U.S. Law Blog Directory: Quickly find blog posts and discussions relating to various legal topics here.
48. LexTweet: Use this directory and community to find legal professionals on Twitter.
49. LB Network: Share photos, music, videos and your resume on this legal network.
50. Legally Minded: Here, legal professionals join groups, share news, network with other professionals, blog, join discussions, and a lot more.

10 Most Hilarious Crimes in Celebrity History

Posted by Site Administrator on 04/19/2009 | 0 Comments

By Kelsey Allen

Celebrities are known for their looks, wealth, homes, vacations and of course talent. But with all of the money and access comes a darker side that some celebs have a hard time avoiding. From drunk shopping escapades to quick affairs with prostitutes, these are some of the most hilarious crimes in celebrity history.

1. 
   Shia LaBeouf: Before Shia LaBeouf was arrested for drunk driving in the summer of 2008, he had a less dangerous, more humorous altercation at a Walgreens in Chicago. In November 2007, the Transformers star headed to a Walgreens store for pimple cream and cigarettes, after a night of drinking. After his first trip to the store, however, the intoxicated LaBeouf realized that he had forgotten the cigarettes, so he changed clothes (as part of a disguise) and returned to the store. He bought gummy bears but again forgot to buy cigarettes. LaBeouf went back to Walgreens a third time, wearing a new hoodie, and told the clerk "Well, buddy, it’s your worst nightmare" after the clerk teased him for changing so many times. Ultimately, LaBeouf was arrested for trespassing and refusing to leave the store, but the case was dropped.
2. 
   Charles Barkley: Rushing to the hospital is a common excuse for speeders who are caught by the police, but Charles Barkley revealed a little too much of the truth when he was pulled over for passing a stop sign. The basketball player and sports commentator told the police officer that he was in a rush because he was hurrying to drive around the corner and get a blow job. The police officer also notes that Barkley told him that the same woman who accompanied him had given him a blow job "one week earlier," and said "it was the best one [Barkley] had ever had in his life." That night, Barkley was arrested for drunk driving.
3. 
   Hugh Grant: British actor Hugh Grant is still considered a romantic comedy star and an A-list celebrity, but in 1995 he was famously arrested for misdemeanor lewd conduct in a public place with a prostitute. The scandal occurred just before Grant’s first major film release, but instead of damaging his career, Grant’s attitude toward the arrest helped amp up his image. He surprised the industry and the public by refusing to make excuses for himself and simply stating, "I think you know in life what’s a good thing to do and what’s a bad thing, and I did a bad thing. And there you have it."
4. 
   Kid Rock: Musician Kid Rock has earned five Grammy nominations, but he’s also accumulated a string of arrests, mostly stemming from his feud with Tommy Lee. When Kid Rock began dating Lee’s ex-wife Pamela Anderson, he called Lee in jail to tell him the news. After a few years of almost-fights between the two musicians, Pamela Anderson divorced Kid Rock and began dating Tommy Lee again. At the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Tommy Lee stole Kid Rock’s seat when he went to the bathroom. When he returned, Kid Rock slapped Lee in the face and then punched him, sort of like you do in elementary school.
5. 
   George Michael: George Michael enjoyed a successful pop career in the 1980s and 1990s as part of the pop duo Wham! and as a solo artist. But his sexuality and public image were questioned in 1998 when he was arrested in Los Angeles as part of a sting operation that resulted in Michael’s "engaging in a lewd act" in a public restroom. The undercover police officer "started playing this game," Michael explained, "which I think is called, "I’ll show you mine, you show me yours," which ultimately resulted in his arrest.
6. 
   Nikki Blonsky: Long Island actress Nikki Blonsky became a became a national sweetheart when she won the role of Tracy Turnblad in the film version of Hairspray in 2007. The smiling, giggly twenty-year-old was even nominated for a Golden Globe and appeared on several talk shows to discuss her success, but in 2008, she and her father were arrested at the Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Blonsky and her father were accused of starting a fight with America’s Next Top Model alum Bianca Golden and her family, during which Golden’s mother was injured and Golden claimed that Blonsky sat on her. Blonsky was charged with, and later cleared of, causing actual bodily harm, and her father was charged with assault and causing grievous bodily harm.
7. 
   Winona Ryder: Actress Winona Ryder was one of the most popular, most successful movie stars in the 1990s, appearing in films like Edward Scissorhands, Beetle Juice, Mermaids, Little Women, The Age of Innocence, and Reality Bites. When her career started to lose its spark in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ryder made headlines for her shoplifting arrest. In December 2001, she was arrested in a Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue for shoplifting $4,760 worth of items. She was charged with grand theft and for illegal possession of prescription drugs, though her attorney insisted that Ryder was not under the influence of the painkillers at the time. One year later, Ryder was sentenced to three years’ probation, 480 hours of community service, $3,700 in fines, and $6,355 in rest
8. 
   Eddie Murphy: Comedian and actor Eddie Murphy was a favorite on Saturday Night Live and has appeared in successful films like Beverly Hills Cop and Dreamgirls, for which he won the Screen Actors Guild for Actor in a Supporting Role. But during a gap in his career, Murphy was involved in a scandal that involved a cross-dressing prostitute. In 1997, Murphy was pulled over by police, and the prostitute was ultimately arrested on charges from another warrant.
9. 
   Kelly Osbourne: Kelly Osbourne stood up for her fiance’s reputation and subsequently was arrested. Zoe Griffin, a celebrity journalist from the UK publication The Mirror, allegedly "reported that Osbourne’s fiance, Luke Worrall, did not know how an earthquake occurred," according to Wikipedia. In 2008, Osbourne allegedly slapped Griffin for her comment and was arrested for assault in January 2009.
10. 
    Boy George: In the 1980s, Boy George was an English icon and international celebrity, famous for his unique musical style and dress code. Currently, Boy George continues to write songs and release albums, but no longer enjoys the same celebrity status. In fact, his public image has been tarnished by a recent, disturbing arrest that involved Boy George and a male escort. In 2007, Boy George, after taking cocaine, became paranoid that the escort had hacked into his computer. George handcuffed the escort to the wall and beat him "with all sorts of sex toys and chains," reports Hollyscoop. In January 2009, Boy George was sentenced to 15 months in jail.