Dr. Todd Finnerty

Joe the Plumber speaks

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:36:47 -0500

I saw Joe the Plumber do an interview after the last Presidential Debate, I liked him and he seemed like a stand up guy in the interview. Its a bit of a shame since he had to invoke the socialism thing in regards to a 3% difference in tax rates for those above $250 K vs those below it, considering the various tax brackets we've had which tax higher income more- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_bracket, perhaps a flat tax would be less likely to invoke Karl Marx. I don't care, I do hope that Joe does make over $250,000 some day.

As it turns out, theres nothing wrong with googling yourself

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:30:30 -0500

You can go google yourself ;) and lots of people apparently do. In fact, a google search today for "managing your online reputation" came up with 423,000 results.

Meanwhile, its one more anniversary of 9/11. I have too many potential website projects that I may never get to since my willingness to devote time to various hobbies comes and goes ;) does anyone have any ideas or interest in working on something for traumapsychology.org and disastermentalhealth.org? let me know

Spoiler Alert- Robin Hood on BBC America season 2 season finale

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 18:18:34 -0500

So, Robin Hood was an entertaining show that I made it through two whole seasons of, considering I watch almost no TV its sad when a show dies. Actually, the show itself didn't die (yet), but after the season finale of season 2, its unlikely that if they had a season 3 I'd watch it, and I certainly won't buy any DVDs of the show now due to the distaste in my mouth. What were they thinking killing Marian? Anyway, if you were thinking about getting in to the show by watching reruns I would advise against it, you'll just be disappointed with the season finale of season 2.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/robinhood/characters/marian.shtml

New sites under development

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:06:27 -0500

Stay tuned, for example I'm working on http://www.NormalChildhood.com, in addition to integrating the sites together at http://www.WorldWideMentalHealth.com with additional articles and resources under that domain. Everything you see in my domain portfolio at http://tfinnerty.tripod.com/domains.html or listed as a resource at http://tfinnerty.tripod.com is pretty much in beta form and most of the new stuff will be put up with my godaddy hosting as opposed to my tripod hosting. I expect to have time, someday ;)

Have a fun idea or think I'm corny, let me know ;)

I also now apparently have a blog at http://www.niagaraalumni.com/blog/toddfinnerty though I can't guarantee it ;)

Dr. Meryl Orlando's license SUSPENDED

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 18:33:26 -0500

Psychologist Dr. Meryl A. Orlando, Ph.D. of Ravenna, Ohio (wife of James/ Jim Orlando- or at least she was)of Summit Psychological Associates in Akron OH has had her license suspended for ethics violations.

Enforcement: Board Action, 2008: 30-day license suspension beginning July 1, 2008; 24-month practice restriction effective upon conclusion of suspension, prohibiting rendering in writing or by testimony professional opinions or recommendations relative to the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities or parenting time in any court in the State of Ohio or other adjudicative body; and, remedial continuing education. Reason: Violations of ORC 4732.17 (A) (5) and (7); and, OAC 4732-17-01 (C) Welfare of the client(2) (3) and (4) and (H) Competence (2)

Of interest was that the clt said Dr. Orlando altered a release form to her other Dr. Dr. Orlando checked a box during a custody issue to get the therapy notes of a clt after the clt had signed the form and reportedly contrary to the clt's wishes. In addition, according to the summary from the board, she failed to conduct a forensic evaluation in a competent manner.

The board found that "Dr. Orlando's conduct in these matters reflected a lack of a fundamental or reasonable level of knowledge of the legal and professional standards of care that govern the participation of psychological experts in child protection matters and domestic legal proceedings, and, evidenced disregard for a person's right to expect that a signed release of information form will be free from alteration by a professional psychologist."

You can read more at the Ohio Psychology State board's website: http://www.Psychology.Ohio.gov To get the full document do a license search for Dr. Orlando under the psychology board and at the bottom of the results click "view documents."

It turns oout in addition to the suspension and subsequent 2 yrs of supervised practice, etc. She has to take 24 hours of ethics CEs, now 3 doesn't sound so bad does it?

For online Psychology Continuing Education to avoid ethical pitfalls like Dr. Orlando fell in to such as a lack of competence, please see the directory of course providers I am working on at http://www.PsychContinuingEd.com

You'll be able toi give your feedback on courses and read the feedback of others who have already taken the independent study course.

Old News about Dr. Phil and his ethics violation(s)

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:57:47 -0500

RE: Dr. Phillip McGraw and ethics violations

So, I thought it was old news that Dr. Phil wasn't really a licensed Psychologist (though he was in Texas in the past), so after seeing the stuff about him possilby practicing in California by visiting Britney Spears and noticing fans shock when it was mentioned he wasn't actually licensed to practice as well as references to not only him terminating with and then employing a patient but possibly having a sexual relationship (see wikipedia and other online references to this), I decided I finally had to see for myself. I emailed the Texas State Board of Psychology and got the supposedly full report (you can get verification that he had board access right on their website) . However, there is no mention of a sexual relationship as far as i can tell. Perhaps that was left out or maybe its just a media invention, unless someone has a link to an interview with the person who complained, I suppose this pdf from the Texas Board will have to stand for now:

http://tfinnerty.tripod.com/_Phillip.pdf

From IRS.gov

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:34:30 -0500

IRS Launches Summer Push to Reach Retirees and Disabled Veterans Who Have Yet to File for Their Economic Stimulus Payments

IR-2008-80, June 19, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a new summer campaign to reach those retirees and disabled veterans who qualify for the economic stimulus payment but have not filed to claim it. New statistics released today indicate about 74 percent in this group are accounted for in the stimulus payments currently being sent, leaving about 5.2 million potential recipients remaining.

For all taxpayers, the IRS has issued 76.5 million payments worth $63.8 billion based on 2007 tax returns processed so far. The agency expects to issue 124 million payments to Americans by year’s end. Eligible individuals are receiving up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns) plus $300 for eligible children younger than 17.

“The IRS has delivered. Only 70 days after the legislation became law, the IRS started putting the money in the hands of tens of millions of Americans. This summer, we will go the extra mile to help the remaining retirees and disabled veterans get their payments,” said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner.

A special stimulus category includes recipients of certain benefits from Social Security and Veterans Affairs who do not normally have a requirement to file a tax return. However, these individuals must file a tax return before Oct. 15 this year to receive their economic stimulus payments. The IRS has accounted for 74 percent of Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries out of about 20 million initially identified as being potential stimulus recipients. All but 5.2 million of those have been accounted for as either having filed a return, having filed a joint return, or as not being eligible for a stimulus payment (for example, they were claimed as a dependent on another’s return).

Most people only need to file a tax return as they normally do. The IRS will calculate eligibility and the payment amount. However, many retirees and veterans do not normally file a tax return because their benefits are not taxable. This year, they must file in order to receive an economic stimulus payment.

Shulman also stressed to retirees that receiving the stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees will have to start filing tax returns again.

The IRS has identified 5.2 million retirees and veterans' beneficiaries who potentially are eligible for the stimulus payments. Later this summer, the agency will send them a special letter that explains stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can complete and mail to the IRS. This will be the second special mailing to reach those individuals.

The IRS also is working with members of Congress, state and local officials and national partners such as AARP, the National Council on Aging, United Way of America, National Disability Institute and others to continue its extensive outreach efforts to the retiree and veterans’ communities through the summer. The IRS will take the lead in coordinating face-to-face free tax preparation sessions with the help of local community partners at locations where these individuals live, work and socialize such as senior housing, Veterans Affairs hospitals and assisted living facilities.

The agency also reminded people that it has more than 400 local Taxpayer Assistance Centers operating normal business hours Monday through Friday. These centers can provide assistance to retirees and veterans trying to receive their payments. A list for addresses and office hours can be found at “Contact My Local Office.”

“Some retirees and others who normally do not file a tax return may be eligible and not know it. And, that’s where we could use the public’s help as well. If you know of a retiree or a disabled veteran who might qualify, please pass along the information to them,” said Shulman.

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generally provided for payments of $600 ($1,200 for married couples filing joint returns or the amount equal to the 2007 net income tax liability, whichever is less, ), plus $300 for each qualifying child. Payments also begin to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $75,000 ($150,000 married couples filing jointly).

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

People not otherwise required to file an income tax return should file Form 1040A with basic information to ensure they receive the economic stimulus payment. This information includes name; address; dependents, if any; amount of qualifying income (which must be $3,000 or more); direct deposit information and signatures. Forms 1040A and instructions are available at the IRS Web site.

Although, your payment can be made by check, the IRS urges people to use direct deposit to ensure a speedy delivery.

The types of Social Security benefits that are considered qualifying income include retirement, disability and survivor payments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not qualifying income. The types of Veterans Affairs benefits that are considered qualifying income include disability compensation, disability pension and survivor payments. Qualifying Railroad Retirement payments include the social security equivalent portion of Tier 1 benefits.

Eligible individuals including their qualifying children, must have valid Social Security numbers. Also, people cannot be claimed or be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. People with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, except for the spouses and qualifying children of military personnel, are not eligible.

eBay changes their feedback system

Mon, 19 May 2008 18:15:48 -0500

What they say:

eBay's Feedback system continues to evolve as the community and marketplace dynamics change.

The eBay Feedback system was originally designed to provide a simple, honest, accurate record of the buyer's and seller's online experience to ensure safe and satisfactory trade. It was driven by the belief that through a transparent reputation system, members could hold each other accountable. Over time, we found that the transparency of the Feedback system made some buyers reluctant to hold sellers accountable. For example, buyers fear retaliatory Feedback from sellers if they leave a negative

Therefore, we've made a number of changes to eBay's Feedback system to continue to improve accuracy and accountability. These changes should help to differentiate and reward sellers who provide a positive buying experience on eBay.

(One thing that eBay has done has made it so buyers will not receive negative feedback...)

Another amusing site: How I Spent My Stimulus Check

Fri, 16 May 2008 22:30:12 -0500

Find it linked from: http://www.HowISpentMyStimulusCheck.com

Read how others have spent their stimulus checks, view pictures of them and the item and post about how you spent yours, kind of amusing

New study skills blog at http://www.usedstudyguides.com/wordpress

Sun, 18 May 2008 20:32:25 -0500

Study Skills and Tips Blog

Since I just started this particular blog in conjunction with the used study guides site at http://www.usedstudyguides.com, I thought it would be best to outline my goald and articles on the upcoming agenda. I plant to offer articles, study skills, tips and point out resources I come across as well as the occasional commentary on the testing industry in general. The post frequency will vary but I intend to offer an article at least weekly to biweekly. Some interesting topics I'm considering for an articlke (and perhaps discussion in the comments if you're interested) are: state dependent learning ;), studying before bed and the impact of sleep, the impact of caffeine, tips on creating a great study environment, special resources for individuals with disabilities, LD, ADHD, what to consider when thinking about attending a workshop or purchasing expensive study packages, learning styles and amusing tools like the learning styles inventory, and of course my love for finding a good bargain on the internet :) If you ask me of course I'm going to tell you the first place to look for deals is at eBay