DIY Background Checks From Your Desk

Ever get that creepy feeling that an employee, coworker, or partner is not dealing with a full deck? But it just doesn't rise to the level of making a formal complaint or notice?

For your own peace of mind, you may want to conduct your own quick background check. (If the matter, however, rises to requiring an in depth, comprehensive background search, hire a professional investigator.)

Try the following steps to obtain a fuller picture of the individual:


- google them,

- check the white pages. Argali works best - it combines the major white page search engines into one. (Bonus: argali allows for reverse address or telephone searches.)

- check the major social networking sites: myspace, facebook, bebo, linkedin, twitter, flickr.

Of course, if one makes the leap, these social networks can also help form a good, day to day picture of a defendant. We showcase the hottest short-note social network, Twitter, in the below video. Big Brother arrived a decade ago; one just has to know how and when to use the tools.



- check any blogs they may have authored at the blog repository site, technorati.

Good luck.

BNI Operatives: Street smart; Web savvy.

Stay safe,

Lina

Emergency Info and the Hollaback Girls

I couldn't settle on one topic this week, so I went with several info bytes:

International emergency numbers

We've become a global society, with many of us traveling overseas for business and vacationing. The international emergency number to dial from a cell phone is NOT 911. For all GSM cell phones, (82% of cell phones worldwide operate on the Global System for Mobile communications platform), the international emergency code is 112. This applies to all EU members, South Africa, many other African nations, India, Israel, Indonesia, Iran (not sure if dialing the gov't is a good idea here), Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. For a complete listing, check wikipedia's emergency telephone numbers entry.

FLASHERS EXPOSED



Several fed-up NYC women, tired of the flashing phenomena, especially underground, set up a website to post pics of the offenders that have been taken with cell phones - HollaBackNYC. This site has now blown up to a HollaBack site for nearly every state. These photos are also being posted on Flickr and YouTube (if video captured). Well, the potential violator is now aware that the consequences of his actions rest firmly in his own hands. If you're of the inclination, help support the cause and buy a unique Hollaback product (like the above Hollaback Girl's Tee) or just donate. We generally don't plug causes but well, you know, someone's mother, sister, daughter...

NYPD ONLINE CRIME REPORTING UPDATE

The NYPD online site for submitting crime videos and pics is now open for business: www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. There are also instructions on how to text crime reports via mobile.

BNI Operatives: Street smart, Web savvy.

Stay safe,

Lina

French Maids Teach Video Podcasting

Video Podcasting made easy (and sweet) by our freinds over at French Maid TV. Our boss, Lina, is away at the moment, so while some of the shots may be gratuitous (note: may), this really has to be the easiest set of video podcasting instructions we've found short of hiring the Geek Squad to come to your home or office and hand lead you through it.

Enjoy.

Happy Columbus Finally Found America Day!

BNI Operatives; Street Smart: Web Savvy.

Jonathan
Writer, Beacon Bulletin

Ladies Nites In; Lawyer Hollander Out

Common Sense Does Exist During This Election Year...

Judge Cedarbaum recently ruled that private clubs can charge patrons whatever they wish on Ladies Nites and that fee structure is not discrimination against men as claimed in the lawsuit brought by self-described "anti-feminist" lawyer Roy Hollander.

According to Hollander:

"This lawsuit would have put an end to guys financially subsidizing girls to party at nightclubs," he said.

We're curious as to Mr. Hollander's views on the current rash of women-centric parties, like SkIN , (warning: graphic site) held at clubs nationwide that don't allow single men in at all, unless accompanied by a woman. Further, should a man leave the club, he may not return unless he is with the same woman with which he originally gained entry. We're just asking...

Back to Judge Cedarbaum, perhaps she viewed the below TV interview before her ruling in this case:



With the resolution of the "Ladies Nite" suit, Mr. Hollander will now be able to focus on what are surely his next targets: restaurants that allow children under 5 free meals, celebrity swag bag sponsors and undoubtedly, public breast feeders.

We just want the surveillance jobs.

BNI Operatives: Street smart; Web savvy.

Stay safe,

Lina