Newsletter

January 2005       Vol. VII No.1

NEW YEAR GREETINGS!

Happy New Year!

My wife and I just concluded a much needed vacation in Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hong Kong.

In HCMC we found a society still recovering from the devastation of what is referred to there as "the American War." Despite areas of extreme poverty, however, signs of development and modernization are everywhere. The people were friendly, polite, and seemed generally in good spirits. Christmas Eve was a night of joyful celebration, with outdoor concerts and crowded streets reminiscent of New Years Eve in Times Square. While there seemed to be little understanding of the true meaning of the holiday, it was nice to see such joy in a place I had always associated with suffering.

Hong Kong, of course, is a more modern and "hi-tech" city (with lots of stores, restaurants, a beautiful skyline, and a great subway). The main issue on people’s minds seems to be the ongoing political and economic transformation since the city returned to the jurisdiction of China in 1997. A large demonstration on New Years Eve, including the arrest of a local legislator, reflected the current struggle of a city trying to clarify it’s future direction.

While on vacation, we heard the news of the Tsunami disaster. While we were not directly affected, many Hong Kong residents apparently were among the casualties. We met one person in Hong Kong whose cousin was among the missing.

Reflecting on these matters on the flight home to New York I decided that in the coming year, whenever I become "stressed out" by the pressures of litigation, contract negotiations, or looming deadlines, I’ll try to remember that there are places in the world where such "problems" would be a welcome distraction. Here’s wishing you a safe and "low - stress" 2005.

- Bruce Feffer

Upcoming Seminar Appearances

I am pleased to be participating as a speaker in two upcoming educational seminars for lawyers. On March 16, I will be speaking on Landlord-Tenant Law at the Ramada Hotel in Manhattan. From April 10 - 16, I will be in Vancouver, Canada to speak on issues relating to doing business in New York City, as part of a conference entitled, "Lawyering in the International Market." For more information, contact me by e-mail at Brufef@aol.com.

New Laws In Effect

New York City’s new lead paint law went into effect on August 2, 2004. The law imposes new requirements on owners of multiple dwellings constructed prior to 1960 and those built between 1960 - 78 where the owner is aware of the existence of lead paint. In November, the new carbon monoxide law became effective, requiring installation of carbon monoxide detectors in every NYC apartment in buildings that burn fossil fuels. Contact me with any questions that you may have.

A No-Lose Case

A client who was being sued in a small claims case recently showed me a letter received from the TV show, "The People’s Court" inviting him to have his case resolved in their forum. Apparently, if my client won his case, the show would pay him 250 dollars. If he lost, the show would pay the entire amount ordered by the judge and no judgment would be filed. Rather than risk being humiliated by an abusive judge on TV, the client declined the invitation, opting for the more "dignified" atmosphere of New York City’s Small Claim’s Court.

Dumplings Anyone?

I may not be a judge in court, but I will be one of the judges at the annual dumpling-eating contest sponsored by Twin Marquis, maker of delicious Asian dumplings. Join the fun, January 29, 11AM at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in Flushing. Bring your appetite! (No need to call me "Your Honor").