ProfNet Experts Available on Medical Marijuana, Smartphone Encryption, More
Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers and Media Industry Blog Posts
NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. To receive these updates by email, send a note to [email protected] with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.
If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. The best part? It's free! Just fill out the query form to get started.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at [email protected].
EXPERT ALERTS
- The Benefits of Cannabis
- Oil Price Drop Already Slowing Deals
- Jimmy John's Noncompete a Non-Starter
- Dictator Seeks Video Game Royalties
- Smartphone Encryption Concerns
MEDIA JOBS
- Editor – Dallas Business Journal (TX)
- Reporter – Clinton Herald (IA)
- Editor – Daily Republic (CA)
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
- Blog Profiles: Book Blogs
- Making Lateral Moves as a Freelancer
- Freelancing, Time Management and the Single Mom
EXPERT ALERTS:
The Benefits of Cannabis
Michael Straumietis
Founder and Owner
Advanced Nutrients
"During my 33 years researching the agricultural, medicinal, nutritional, industrial, and social aspects of the cannabis plant, I've long recognized that cannabis is the most useful plant species ever known."
Straumietis can discuss the legalization and decriminalization of recreational and medical marijuana in the U.S. He is available as a pro-marijuana source who can discuss the benefits of cannabis. He can also discuss the importance of quality and regulated cannabis growth for the medical marijuana industry, with his expertise in hydroponics, plant nutrition and soil science. He will be in Los Angeles through the end of November.
Website: http://www.AdvancedNutrients.com
Media Contact: Elizabeth Maxim, [email protected]
Oil Price Drop Already Slowing Deals
Cliff Vrielink
Energy Industry M&A and Private Equity Attorney
Sidley Austin in Houston
"A 20 percent drop in oil prices since June is putting the brakes on many oil patch deals, and buyers and sellers may start having different price expectations. It is similar to a real estate market swoon in which the seller still wants top dollar while the buyer wants a bargain. I have a client who has been thinking about investing capital in an exploration and production company but has paused over concerns that the company may be over-leveraged. Another deal involving an oilfield service company fell apart when the company's board backed off an acquisition because of the oil price drop. Natural gas prices have been low for so long, most investors and operators believe gas is near the bottom. But on oil prices, people don't know the bottom, which adds to the uncertainty."
Media Contact: Kit Frieden, [email protected]
Jimmy John's Noncompete a Non-Starter
Joe Ahmad
Executive Employment Attorney
Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.C., or AZA, in Houston
"Executives are used to signing noncompetes, but the same can't be said about sandwich makers. Nevertheless, the sandwich chain Jimmy John's reportedly requires sandwich makers and drivers at its 2,000 outlets nationwide to sign noncompete agreements that prohibit them from working at a competing sandwich shop located within three miles of any Jimmy John's franchise. That noncompete goes beyond just about any other agreement I've seen, and in return, the employee receives nothing that would be considered a decent justification for it. If Jimmy John's were to seek to enforce this agreement in a Texas court, the company would have a hard time being successful. Texas courts look to see if there was proper consideration given, such as highly specialized training, stock options or confidential information, and then they determine whether the terms are reasonable. It's hard to see where this noncompete meets either requirement."
Media Contact: Amy Hunt, [email protected]
Dictator Seeks Video Game Royalties
Amanda Greenspon
Trademark and Copyright Attorney
Munck Wilson Mandala in Dallas
"Imprisoned former dictator Manuel Noriega is suing a video game maker over the use of his likeness in 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II,' claiming he is entitled to proceeds because the company did not ask permission to use his likeness. Unlike recent lawsuits involving celebrity entertainers and sports figures who have successfully sued game makers, Noriega is a historical figure - not a celebrity - and should not have the same protections. It's difficult to see how a criminal dictator is entitled to the same protection as a performer like Gwen Stefani or a sports figure. Historical figures have a hard time claiming their right of publicity has been infringed when used in historical fiction. Further, it is highly unlikely anyone is buying this game because Noriega is depicted in it."
Media Contact: Robert Tharp, [email protected]
Smartphone Encryption Concerns
David Doyle
Intellectual Property and Technology Lawyer
Munck Wilson Mandala in Dallas
"The FBI recently expressed concern about data encryption as technology already in use in some smartphones and electronic devices makes it practically impossible for law enforcement to access data stored and communicated on personal electronic devices, even with a warrant. Some experts suggest that a legislative fix may be needed to force technology companies to provide 'back door' access to encrypted data. In our post-Edward Snowden era, consumers are increasingly concerned about both data privacy and data theft, and companies are recognizing encryption as a valuable feature that they will be reluctant to give up voluntarily. Because of recent revelations about the extent of law enforcement monitoring of digital communications, there may be less support for legislation allowing access to personal data. In addition, access for law enforcement creates a weakness for hackers to exploit."
Media Contact: Robert Tharp, [email protected]
MEDIA JOBS:
Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/
See more listings here.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:
Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at [email protected]
- BLOG PROFILES: BOOK BLOGS. As PR Newswire's media relations manager, Christine Cube comes across great blogs that cover a wide variety of topics and interests. Each week, she offers brief profiles of blogs you might not have heard of but that might offer writing opportunities. This week, she shares reviews of a few book blogs: http://prn.to/10wNDR2
- MAKING LATERAL MOVES AS A FREELANCER. We recently held a #ConnectChat with freelance business journalist Joanne Cleaver. During the chat, we discussed managing time, getting clients/assignments, and increasing work opportunities by making lateral moves. Check out our recap of the chat: http://prn.to/1rAneaq
- FREELANCING, TIME MANAGEMENT AND THE SINGLE MOM. Freelancing means freedom, but it also means being responsible to your editors, your family and yourself with smart time management. Freelancer Heidi Russell lays out a typical day in her life and how she balances it all: http://prn.to/1CkFA57
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit a request for experts: http://bit.ly/findexperts To search the ProfNet Connect experts database: http://www.profnetconnect.com To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on Expert Alerts: [email protected]
SOURCE ProfNet
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