Dumb Criminals

Technology has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it or even want it, especially when it is mistakes with technology that do not let people get away with something they decided to do that was illegal. Take the first example. A teen broke into a car and stole several items while accidentally leaving his phone behind. The first mistake was that he left it. The second is that it probably did not have a passcode that protects the phone services. Anyway, the victim ended up calling the mother of the thief using the phone. Most of us would rather be in trouble with law enforcement. And now the second example. A man was dumped by his girlfriend so he decided to win her back by getting her some flowers. The problem was that he did not have enough money for them so he stole them from a flower shop on the one time that a news crew was filming in front of that shop. Needless to say, he was caught and arrested, despite his poignant insistence that he'd only stolen the flowers that would've surely saved his relationship because he didn't have the money to pay for them.

Cellphone Info

The federal courts ruled that officials need only a court order and not a more direct search warrant in order to get cellphone and communication services records to track a person. Apparently, such data is a business record that belongs to the cellphone provider. It also said its collection by authorities does not have to meet a probable cause standard as outlined under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unlawful search and seizure and requires a search warrant. The appeals court said under the Stored Communications Act, authorities have the option of obtaining a court order — which has a lower legal standard than a search warrant. With a court order, authorities only have to demonstrate there are “reasonable grounds” to believe the information would be relevant to an investigation. If we go back to the Snowden fiasco and really think about it, did we not already assume that people are very track-able with their cellphones and other gadgets? Do you know of anyone that is truly off the grid?

Smile

It is such a simple gesture but most of usually do not recognize the significance of it. First of all if you are in a bad mood, you can trick your brain into thinking that you are happy by using the muscles that you use to smile. Of course this does not work in all cases but definitely worth a try. Research has shown that cracking a smile and laughing is good for the soul. Another great way to try to smile is to pick up that communication device and give your best friend a call. There is nothing quite like hearing a familiar voice on the other end. Texting or emailing does not count. When all else fails, pick up a pen and paper and write it down, whatever is on your mind. It does not even have to make sense, just write. Cheers!