Miscellaneous

• Demand for Body Parts Fuels Illicit Parts for Profit Schemes

  Michael Eyerly | September 22, 2006 6:19 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  The story of what happened to Alistair Cooke's body is illustrative of the huge black market demand for body parts.Recently, a news article chronicled the fate that befell the body of the late Alistair Cooke. Mr. Cooke hosted the long running television series "Masterpiece Theatre" from 1971 to 1992. In the course of his 22 year stint as host, Mr. Cooke became synonymous with the show,...

• Blue Cross' "Fixes" for Patient Dumping are Too Little, Too Late

  Patrick DeBlase | September 22, 2006 5:58 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  Blue Cross attempts to appease furor over allegations of policyholder dumping by making unspecified changes to its cancellation policies. Critics aren't buying it.On Tuesday, Blue Cross announced that it would change procedures for canceling individual health insurance policies. The health care colossus, however, failed to provide any specifics. California state regulators and class action...

• California Women Warned About IUDs

  Paul Kiesel | September 10, 2006 11:47 AM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  California state health officials are investigating physicians who have potentially purchased the medical contraceptive device known as an IUD through unlicenced vendors. The threat to consumers in the distribution of medical devices obtained without regulatory safeguards is a very real issue in today's global community. The Los Angeles Times reported on September 10, 2006, that 850 women in...

• Wire Tapping Right to Privacy Law

  Helen Zukin | September 07, 2006 11:04 AM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  Californians have a right to privacy. Two party consent is required before phone calls or other communications can be recorded or monitored. Failure to obtain consent will result in civile damages of either $5,000 per occurrence or three times actual damages which ever is greater.Over the years we have handled several cases involving private individuals and companies engaged in recording...

• progestin hormone replacement blamed for hearing loss

  Paul Kiesel | September 05, 2006 4:58 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  In a study of 124 women taking progestin, the National Academy of Science found evidence of hearing loss in women compared to those women who either took no hormone replacement therapy or were taking estrogen only. The study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded women should be tested for hearing problems to rule out any possible affects...

• Child Drowns in Swimming Pool

  Elaine Mandel | September 05, 2006 4:30 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  News of a child drowning in a backyard swimming pool highlights the need for safety. As summer winds down, many people are having those last backyard picnics and pool parties. Tragedy struck in Orange County this weekend when a five year old drowned in a backyard pool. Children can drown within a few minutes, so it's always important to keep a close watch on kids in pools.Many cities have...

• Sex, Money, and Religion: A Conversation Long Overdue

  Cheryl Buchanan | September 03, 2006 2:00 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  As we gather for the final holiday of summer, and talk with friends and family, I am reminded that sex, religion, and money are still the taboos of polite social conversation. In the Roman Catholic community, however, we are no longer afforded the luxury of what subjects we want to ignore. In fact, it is the silence itself that has enabled the abuse to continue. As a result, media...

• Bill Aims to Curb Dangers of Driving Under the Influence of Cell Phones

  Michael Eyerly | September 01, 2006 10:56 AM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  Bill banning use of cell phones by California drivers is sent to Governor Schwarzenegger. Drivers distracted by their cell phones cause thousands of accidents and injuries each year.Having received final legislative approval, Senate Bill 1613 was sent to Governor Schwarzenegger yesterday. SB 1613, if passed into law, would ban drivers from taking on cell phones unless they use a hands-free...

• LA County Sheriff's Department Using Excessive Force

  Elaine Mandel | August 29, 2006 9:27 AM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  A recent report on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shows that when cops use force in arresting suspects, over half the time, that victim has "visible and verifiable" injuries.There is a disturbing trend in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department regarding how much force their officers use when arresting suspects. A recent report on the Sheriff's Department shows that when police...

• Witnesses in Priest Abuse Cases are Encouraged to Come Forward

  Paul Kiesel | August 27, 2006 3:20 PM | 0 CommentsLos Angeles, CA

  Much debate has taken place over the past couple of years regarding just how many pedophiles have hidden among the Catholic clergy. Because so many victims will never come forward, we will never really know the the complete numbers. What has become evident though, is that what really distinguishes the sexual abuse in the church is the silence in the response. Over the years, teachers,...