Hiring A Photographer; Extra Tips For You!

Here are some more tips in your journey in capturing that memorable photo. If you have any, don't hesitate to list who you think the best photographer are in the Miami Valley!

Tips for having a good photo shoot:

· Check out the photographer's previous work. Make sure his or her style fits your tastes. Most positive feedback from Angie's List members was based on their having a good rapport and personalized experience with the photographer.

· Don't wear bold patterns or stripes at the photo shoot. On prints, they take away from your features.

· If you wear glasses, you might consider temporarily removing the lenses to avoid any glare.

· Whatever you wear, make certain you are comfortable. One photographer said if you're not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show through in the photos.

. Remember you do get what you pay for in terms of quality of both the print and the shot, and the professionalism of the photographer.

· For children, schedule the appointment based on your child's schedule so you can get photos when they are most animated, happy and relaxed.

· For children, bring your own toys… anything in the picture that will remind you about your child at that age.

· Ask about a one-time sitting fee. One Angie's List member paid a one-time sitting fee for their child, but visited the photographer regularly throughout the year. The photographer was able to capture the growth progress of the child.

. Try sticking with the same photographer or studio. They may be able to give you a price break if you are a regular customer.

Foreclosed Voters

Foreclosures are nothing new. However, we seem to be especially keen to how its affecting us in 2008. We've done stories on the housing market, realtors, mortgage brokers, pets and now voting.

Some people fear they will not be able to vote if they lose their home. According to Steve Harsman, the director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, as long as you have a physical address of where you're staying you should be able to cast a ballot.

One of my friends here at WDTN challenged me with a question. They ask, "do you think people who foreclose on their home are worried about voting in this upcoming election?" I'm not sure what the correct answer is but I believe there are some people out there who will uphold their right to vote no matter the circumstances.

I believe you're going to see more stories on this issue soon. We're starting to learn more and more everyday. The country hasn't seen this type of home crisis in years. If you have any ideas on how to better cover this story from a consumers angle....I'm all ears.

As always, I'm happy to hear from you on this issue.

Pool Alarms -- Should You Get One?

I have to say, after spending some time with Chris Lacy and Bill Whitehurst, I became a believer in the pool alarms. I thought it wouldn't work as well as it did. The Swim Alert Pool alarm retails for about $300 after tax. If you don't mind the alarm attached on the outside of your pool, it's probably the most economical to buy. It scans 800 square feet of your pool. That's a nice range. Now, the Espio Pool Alarm retails for about $700 dollars and this unit attaches to the wall and water line of your pool. It works just as well and it scans 1000 square feet of a pool.

I don't think you could go wrong with either model, it just depends on how much discretionary money you want to spend. Both models have been featured in Good Housekeeping if you would like to read another article.

I've also attached the websites of the pool alarms at www.wdtn.com and click on the Turn To 2 page.

So, what do you think pool owners? Would you get this product to protect your children or the neighbors kids?

$690,000 Worth of Unused O'Neys Gift Cards Floating Around Miami Valley

As this story unfolds, officials at the Ohio Attorney General's Office would like to make this point. If you are a person with a gift card in your possession and you are getting services rendered to knock off the remaining balance of your card, you can not participate in any form of lawsuit that may be brought against the company. Here is the response from Ted Hard, Communications Director for the AG's Office:

"If the consumer has already received restitution, we would probably not include them in any lawsuit or seek additional restitution on their behalf."

So there's a choice O'Neys customers will have to make. Take the wait and see approach with the Attorney General or find a salon to help you use your unused balance. In this case, I cannot suggest which route you should take.

Crib Recalls! What else can harm us?

Every time I look around there's another recall for some defective product. It seems the American consumers always have to be aware of the latest recall because their child could be in danger.

We seen everything from lead in toys, defective cribs and even food tainted with E-Coli and salmonella are on the recall list. You have to be savvy these days with products and food. Unfortunately, China and other countries are getting a bad rap on defective products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says they don't have enough money or personnel to take a proactive approach to find all items that could be dangerous. Even the Food and Drug Administration claims the same problem in their fight to keep our food supply safe.

So, are you frustrated or have you lost confidence in products you buy? I'd like to hear from you.

Summer Car Care Tips For Your Road Trip

Despite painful fill-ups at the gas station, some folks are still planning on hitting the road this summer for vacation. In our weekly Angie's List report, Turn To 2 shows you how servicing your car before the big trip can help you get the most out of every gallon.

With no end in sight for the fast-rising gas prices, Angie's List members planning to drive this summer to their vacation destination are taking extra steps to ensure they get the most out of every gallon. Angie Hicks of Angie's List polled members about their car care habits.

"Sixty-seven percent of the respondents in that poll are performing regular maintenance which is great news because that's one of the best ways to stretch your gas mileage."

Having a certified mechanic look at your car or truck will help you to avoid a breakdown on the road. Hicks says they'll be able to check to see if you vehicle is road ready so you're not stranded.

"Before heading out on a summer road trip, your mechanic should change your oil, check your fluids, check your tire pressure, and also examine your air conditioner."

Remember, you'll get better gas mileage in your car with the a/c on than with the windows down. And if speeding is a problem for you, cut the habit...if you want to save money.
Hicks has one more tip to consider.

"The more weight in your car is going to reduce your gas mileage, so try to pack light this summer and get the junk out of your trunk."

So, plan ahead and have your vehicle serviced before your vacation. Remember, that's your time to relax.


Advice for Summer Road Trips:

Safety First: Take the vehicle you'll be driving to a reliable service provider for a thorough check-up two weeks before you plan to head out. If there's an issue, you'll have time to get it addressed without eating into your R&R time. And, you'll greatly reduce the chances you'll spend part of your vacation in a break-down lane far from home.
Slow down; you're on vacation: Driving the speed limit will increase your fuel efficiency. Honest.
Save the limbo for the beach: Avoid going as low as you can go when it comes to your gas tank. Your fuel pump is located there and the bottom of the gas tank collects sediment from gasoline. When you run your car on low fuel, the pump can pick up the sediment and become damaged from it, which results in low fuel-efficiency.
Sleep all day, drive all night: Consider driving to your summer destination during non-peak hours. Nearly half the energy needed to power your vehicle goes in acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy. It will also be cooler at night, meaning you might not need the A/C, saving even more fuel.

Boarding Pass Scam

It's been a while since I've had a consumer alert on scams. This one you're about to see was brought to my attention and I had to tell you about it.

Form 2008, comes with a big warning. And if you open it, there's an enticing offer inside.
A fake boarding pass, from a fake airline, and a 1-800-number for you to call to redeem your fake ticket. I asked folks around the Miami Valley, "If you got something like this in the mail, what would you think?"

Eric Carter told me, "It's not giving me enough information I would probably have to call that number to see what it's about."

That's exactly what they want. When you call the 1-800-number, they'll notify you of a time share seminar you'll need to attend. Carter says he's no fool.

"I normally don't go for it but like I say I have a number, I call the number, anytime somebody ask me for my social security card number, no, Bank account number, no, so I don't fall for stuff like this."

Gary Andrews says he's seen something like this before and believes it's a con...and I asked him why?

"Because usually when you get something in the mail like this, when you call the toll free number and they're trying to get a fee out of you before they give you anything and sometimes they don't give you anything."

Andrews knows a golden rule for unsolicited mail.

"anytime you gotta pay something up front for something like this you need back off you need to tear it up and you probably need to call the better business bureau and ask and let them check it out."

Even Carmen Thormburgh, who I caught relaxing at Courthouse Square gots a kick out of the scam mailer.

"I mean they try very hard to make this look like it a legitimate document."

The funniest part to me, their offer for two round-trip airfares to a major international airport of your choice within the continental US. I don't know about you, but when I see international airport...I'm thinking an overseas trip. If you get something like this in the mail, throw it away and save yourself some grief.