ACBA Articles on Netbooks / Law Firm Websites

The December 18, 2009 edition of the Lawyer's Journal, a weekly publication of the Allegheny County Bar Association, had two interesting articles on legal technology:

- Netbooks Offer a Lightweight and Wireless Computer Option (page 5)

- Law Firm Website Basics: From Design to Content (page 6)

Read both articles here:

http://www.acba.org/ACBA/Publications/Lawyers-Journal.asp

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The North Face Sues The South Butt for Trademark Infringement

Article originally published on ABA Journal Online:

The North Face Apparel Co. has filed a trademark infringement suit against a teen who started a company called The South Butt to help pay for college.

The North Face’s tag line is “Never Stop Exploring'' while The South Butt sells products with the tag line “Never Stop Relaxing,” according to the Associated Press. The South Butt’s founder, Jimmy Winkelmann, has said the fleece jackets and other clothing sold by his company are intended to mock people who wear brand-name clothing sold by outfitters like The North Face, the Missourian reports.

Read the entire article:

http://www.abajournal.com/weekly/article/the_north_face_sues_the_south_butt_for_trademark_infringement

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REMINDER: December Inns of Court

The December Inns of court meeting is set for this Thursday December 10th at
5 pm.

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DUI Holiday Crackdown

"Police nationwide will begin a crackdown on drunken driving Dec. 16, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced today.

A $7.5 million advertising campaign will try to discourage drinking and driving during the holiday season. In Pennsylvania, the Operation Safe Holiday program is in effect this month, with state police and 600 municipal forces participating in an effort to curb drunken driving, speeding and aggressive driving.

The organization Drive Safe Pa. pointed out that a DUI citation costs more than $1,000 plus court costs.

Last year, 11,773 people died nationally in crashes involving a driver whose blood alcohol level was 0.08 or higher. That represented a 9.7 percent decrease compared with 2007.

DUI deaths also declined in Pennsylvania, from 504 in 2007 to 496 last year. Those deaths made up 34 percent of crash fatalities in the state.

The nationwide crackdown continues through Jan. 3."

Read more: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09341/1019082-100.stm#ixzz0Z1gZZgO7

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Supreme Court Debates Beach Ownership/Access

Florida property owners asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if that state's efforts to restore eroded beaches was a challenge to their property rights. The case has widespread implications for coastal communities nationwide that confront beach erosion.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303930.html


Listen to the story:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121030772

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ABA Journal Reviews Google Scholar

By Debra Cassens Weiss

Users can go to the Google Scholar online search engine and type in case names, topics or key words to find the relevant cases. “We think this addition to Google Scholar will empower the average citizen by helping everyone learn more about the laws that govern us all,” Google says in an announcement posted at TaxProf Blog.

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/google_offers_legal_research_for_the_average_citizenand_lawyers_too

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December Happenings at the WBA...

Holiday Dinner Dance - Just TWO Weeks Away When: Saturday December 5th, 6 pm Where: Westmoreland Country Club Join us as we recognize two of our judges: Judge Ackerman and Judge Ober, who will retire from the bench of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County at the end of the year. The Westmoreland Bar Association, Ned J. Nakles American Inn of Court, and Westmoreland Academy of Trial Lawyers will honor Judge Ackerman and Judge Ober with a brief program, to be followed by the music of Lavelles. R.S.V.P. by November 25, 2009. More information and registration information. Dinner with Santa Date: Wednesday December 9th Time: 5:30 pm - 7 pm Place: WBA headquarters Bring your favorite little ones to celebrate the season and to have a Kids friendly dinner with a real-live "WBA" Santa. This event is a hit with our members and their families because the setting is cozy and inviting with no crowds and lots of opportunities to take photos. All children get plenty of time to sit with Santa and tell him their Christmas wish list. Crafts, food, drink and the big jolly guy! Who could ask for more? Oh yeah, and it is FREE! Don't forget to let us know if you are coming and who you are bringing. Santa may read minds but we can't.

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