Law professor James Duane lectures on why you should always exercise your fifth amendment rights and never talk to the police, regardless of your guilt or innocence.

“Swiss biologists determined that stupid flies live longer than smart flies because intelligence wears out flies’ brains…”

From Harper’s Magazine, August 2008

Estimated amount by which per-gallon gas prices would change if the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge were drilled: -4¢

Source: Harper’s Index August 2008

I continue to see somewhat misleading wording about FDIC insurance in media everywhere: newspapers, magazines, TV, web sites, and it really really bugs me. Compare what typical newspapers and TV news state: “the FDIC insures bank accounts up to $100,000″ with what FDIC’s own signage says: “Each depositor insured to at least $100,000″ (emphasis mine). See the difference?

As I pointed out in my last article, it’s relatively easy to structure accounts so that an individual is insured by the FDIC for one or more accounts totalling over $100,000 at a single bank.

I’m begging everyone in the media. All you have to do is make one minor change when you’re talking about how FDIC insurance works. Please stop fanning the flame! There’s enough panic as it is without you fueling the fire!