TEXTERS, BEWARE

Gadget lets snoopers peek at erased messages
Cheating spouses and wayward teens,you are SO busted! -A new device allows anyone to spy on the text messages on your cellphone --including deleted ones you thought were gone for good. The sneaky gadget can read a cellphone's SIM card--a portable memory chip that stores a user's personal information--and allows snoopers to save any data from it onto their own computers. The device is made by the New York firm of BrickHouse Security.
The device costs $149 and fits in your hand. BrickHouse President Todd Morris said many people find out their worst fears are justified when they snoop.
HOW IT WORKS: Remove the SIM card from the cellphone. Put card into SIM card reader --Plug card reader into computer to transfer data. Kids trying to hide things from their parents should also be worried about the SIM card reader. It is legal for bosses to check up on workers cellphones. " An employer who hands out phones for bussiness use can check if they're being used for personal calls " Bierce said. Bill Bierce is a data -protection lawyer as he told the Post. --- However, it breaks several laws for a stranger to steal the data from the phone.---From N.Y.Post 2-27-2008 P3

Rebate checks in sight

President George W. Bush has pledged to sign the rebate bill next week. Most households will get another $300 for each child. Here are some questions and answers about the checks.
Who gets a rebate?
Anyone who pays taxes or earns at least $3,000, including those who receive Social Security or veterans disability benefits. Higher earners get partial rebates.
Who won't get a rebate ?
People who earn less than $3,000, illegal immigrants, anyone who does not file a tax return, singles earning more than $87,000 and couples earning more than $174,000.The caps rise $6,000 per child.
How much is the rebate ?
Single taxpayers get at least $300, couples at least $600. The rebate will be equal to the taxes they paid, up to $600 for singles and $1,200 for couples,plus an additional $300 per child.That amount will be reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the income limits of $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for couples. People who earn too little to pay taxes but earn or receive benefits of at least $3,000 will get $300 if single or $600 if a couple. ---------When will the rebates arrive?------Beginning in May
Will the rebates be deducted from taxpayer' regular tax returns ?-----No, the rebates are on top of any tax refund. ----From the Associated Press nydailynews 2-9-2008

Senate: Check's in the mail

WASHINGTON--The Senate yesterday passed an economic rescue plan that would speed $600 to $1,200 in rebates to most taxpayers and $300 checks to the disabled, the elderly, and low-income Americans. The 81-16 vote capped more than a week of political maneuvering that ended only when the majority Democrats dropped a demand to offer jobless benefits, heating aid for the poor, and tax breaks for certain industries. The Republicans agreed to add the rebates for older people and disabled veterans to a $161 billion measure passed lasted month by the House.---The bill now goes to President Bush. nydailynews ----AP 2-5-2008

MoveOn Endorses Obama

MoveOn the online network that connects more than 3 million progressives nationwide has Officially Endorsed Barack Obama.
If there is value for Obama in the endorsement, it's that it reinforces his efforts to highlight Clinton's vote for the Iraq war in 2002, and her sometimes akward efforts during this campaign to explain it away.
The Politiker----2-1-2008

Hear the new Obama song
"Yes We Can"