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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Honda's New Gas Saver?
Honda's new hydrogen-powered car is coming to America. Production of the F-C-X Clarity began today in Japan. The first of these zero-emission cars are heading to Southern California in July. The Clarity runs on hydrogen and electricity and emits only water. Honda says the car is two times more energy efficient than a gas-electric hybrid. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis will be among the first people to get one of the cars.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Summer Lawn Help
Many experts agree, the key to a great lawn is water.
"A typical lawn only needs and inch of water and it's best to water it all at one time."
During peak summer months, drought can be a major problem. Angie Hicks says watering restrictions have become all too common during those times....forcing lawns to turn brown.
"If you're not able to water your lawn in the heat of the summer, it's okay. your lawn is actually going dormant to protect itself and it's better to let it do so. once the rain comes back and you're able to water again your lawn will green right back up."
Watering lawns and gardens accounts for up to 50 percent of domestic water consumption during the summer. Hicks says too often, homeowners are using too much water.
"Many people are going to irrigation systems because they're finding them to be more efficient."
Hicks believes your lawn could also stay greener if you mow it differently.
"I talked to some highly rated service companies and they suggested raising the level of your mower. longer grass is going to provide more shading and keep the soil from drying out too quickly."
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
Water in the morning: During this time the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Watering during the day is less efficient because of possible water loss due to evaporation. Watering in the evening can leave plants wet overnight, which could lead to fungus or plant disease.
Water wisely: A steady stream of water from a garden hose will only wet the surface and run off. To determine how long you should run your sprinkler set a glass in the middle of the area being sprinkled and keep track of how long it takes for an inch of water to collect in the glass. For bigger areas like the lawn, place a container at different locations in the sprinkler's coverage area and average the results. You can also test your soil by pushing a screwdriver into your lawn. If it's difficult to push into the ground, the soil is very dry. You can also determine if your grass needs watering by simply stepping on it. If the grass springs back easily, it has plenty of moisture.
Protect your plants: Mulch is probably the surest way to ensure the health of all your plants during the heat of summer because it traps moisture and helps keep soil cool. If you applied mulch a few months ago, fluff it.
Maintain water equipment: Check your irrigation system to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace broken or damaged nozzles or heads which can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill. Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
Plan ahead while away: Vacation time can be deadly for your plants if you don't have a reliable neighbor to help keep your container plants healthy while you're away. One solution is to pull back the mulch in a shady garden spot. Place potted plants on bare ground in a tight grouping and then tuck the mulch around the base of each pot. Soak the plants and the surrounding soil, and they should be fine for up to a week.
Change your landscaping: Avoid the issue of keeping your lawn green in a drought by landscaping your yard with native grasses and plants that require less water. While establishing any new landscape requires more water in the first year or so, a water-wise landscape will require about 20 percent to 50 percent less water from start to maturity.
Adjust your mower: Raise your mower level so you don't cut more than one-third of the grass. Taller grass shades the soil surface, reduces evaporation and helps prevent the sprouting of weeds. And keep your lawn mower sharp. A sharp mower makes a clean cut and keeps the grass healthier.
"A typical lawn only needs and inch of water and it's best to water it all at one time."
During peak summer months, drought can be a major problem. Angie Hicks says watering restrictions have become all too common during those times....forcing lawns to turn brown.
"If you're not able to water your lawn in the heat of the summer, it's okay. your lawn is actually going dormant to protect itself and it's better to let it do so. once the rain comes back and you're able to water again your lawn will green right back up."
Watering lawns and gardens accounts for up to 50 percent of domestic water consumption during the summer. Hicks says too often, homeowners are using too much water.
"Many people are going to irrigation systems because they're finding them to be more efficient."
Hicks believes your lawn could also stay greener if you mow it differently.
"I talked to some highly rated service companies and they suggested raising the level of your mower. longer grass is going to provide more shading and keep the soil from drying out too quickly."
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
Water in the morning: During this time the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Watering during the day is less efficient because of possible water loss due to evaporation. Watering in the evening can leave plants wet overnight, which could lead to fungus or plant disease.
Water wisely: A steady stream of water from a garden hose will only wet the surface and run off. To determine how long you should run your sprinkler set a glass in the middle of the area being sprinkled and keep track of how long it takes for an inch of water to collect in the glass. For bigger areas like the lawn, place a container at different locations in the sprinkler's coverage area and average the results. You can also test your soil by pushing a screwdriver into your lawn. If it's difficult to push into the ground, the soil is very dry. You can also determine if your grass needs watering by simply stepping on it. If the grass springs back easily, it has plenty of moisture.
Protect your plants: Mulch is probably the surest way to ensure the health of all your plants during the heat of summer because it traps moisture and helps keep soil cool. If you applied mulch a few months ago, fluff it.
Maintain water equipment: Check your irrigation system to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace broken or damaged nozzles or heads which can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill. Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
Plan ahead while away: Vacation time can be deadly for your plants if you don't have a reliable neighbor to help keep your container plants healthy while you're away. One solution is to pull back the mulch in a shady garden spot. Place potted plants on bare ground in a tight grouping and then tuck the mulch around the base of each pot. Soak the plants and the surrounding soil, and they should be fine for up to a week.
Change your landscaping: Avoid the issue of keeping your lawn green in a drought by landscaping your yard with native grasses and plants that require less water. While establishing any new landscape requires more water in the first year or so, a water-wise landscape will require about 20 percent to 50 percent less water from start to maturity.
Adjust your mower: Raise your mower level so you don't cut more than one-third of the grass. Taller grass shades the soil surface, reduces evaporation and helps prevent the sprouting of weeds. And keep your lawn mower sharp. A sharp mower makes a clean cut and keeps the grass healthier.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ride a Bike, Save Some Gas
Rising gas prices have made biking more attractive, and this month is a popular time when most people go shopping for some wheels. Before you jump on and start pedaling, Turn to 2 and Angie's List has some advice on buying and maintaining a bicycle. Angie Hicks says people are putting their pedals to the metal...sort of!
"People are riding bikes more than ever."
Hicks says the Angie's List website has seen a 167 percent increase in the bike category over the last three years. It seems consumers are looking for a cheap way to get from point A to B.
"Biking has become more popular over the last few years because it's better for the environment, it's great exercise, and it can save you money with these rising gas prices."
Before you spend cash buying your new wheels, put in some thought on who you want to give your business to.
"When you're trying to determine where to buy your bike you want to take a number of factors into consideration. One is selection of the bikes, the helpfulness of the staff, as well as service after you buy the bike."
This may sound funny, but, test drive the bike you want to buy.
"You would not buy a car without test driving a car. You wouldn't buy shoes without trying them on. So test drive your bike to make sure that you like it and that you have a good fit."
A good bike can cost hundreds of dollars. And like any piece of equipment, you'll need to maintain it to make it last.
"When you're spending that kind of money it's going to be really important to maintain it just as you would a car, for example. a bike usually needs to have a tune-up once a year."
Here are some other tips to consider:
1.) First, decide what type of riding you want to do. Is the bike for running errands around town, exercise, or are you into speed?
Types of bikes:
· Road bikes: They used to be known as the "ten-speed," however road bikes now range from 12 to 21 speed. Included in this category are touring bikes, racing bikes and sport bikes - bikes built for speed.
· Mountain or All Terrain bike: This bike is rugged. Built with a sturdy frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It can tackle the rigors of off road riding.
· Hybrid bike: This bike is a cross between the road bike and mountain bike. It's lighter than a mountain bike, but not as fast as a road bike. This bike is perfect for short distances, running errands, or commuting.
2.) Tips for purchasing a bike
· Fit is everything. If the bike is not fitted properly, you'll be uncomfortable and you won't ride the bike.
· Do a test drive. Be sure to ride several different sizes. You should feel confident and comfortable. Handling, especially in turns, should be smooth and natural. Braking should be smooth, not jerky.
· Don't forget accessories. A helmet is important for your safety.
3.) Buying your bike from bike shop versus department store:
· The staff at a bike shop is properly trained in assembling the bikes and adjusting them properly.
· A bike shop tends to have more models and service warranties.
· If your bike has a problem after purchase, a department store will likely give you a refund or another bike.
· When buying a bike most bike shops encourage test rides, so that you can be sure the bike fits. This is generally not an option at a discount store.
· Department store bikes may not have components intended to be replaced or upgraded.
· You get what you pay for. Poor quality may lead to general discomfort.
4.) Why bicycle maintenance is important?
· If you practice proper maintenance properly, you will greatly reduce the amount of serious mechanical problems you have.
· Dirt and grime can cover up worn parts in need of attention.
· Cleaning allows you to give your bike a careful inspection.
· Maintenance will vary on use; most people will do fine with an annual or bi-annual performance tune-up.
· Most people will do fine with an annual or bi-annual performance tune-up.
"People are riding bikes more than ever."
Hicks says the Angie's List website has seen a 167 percent increase in the bike category over the last three years. It seems consumers are looking for a cheap way to get from point A to B.
"Biking has become more popular over the last few years because it's better for the environment, it's great exercise, and it can save you money with these rising gas prices."
Before you spend cash buying your new wheels, put in some thought on who you want to give your business to.
"When you're trying to determine where to buy your bike you want to take a number of factors into consideration. One is selection of the bikes, the helpfulness of the staff, as well as service after you buy the bike."
This may sound funny, but, test drive the bike you want to buy.
"You would not buy a car without test driving a car. You wouldn't buy shoes without trying them on. So test drive your bike to make sure that you like it and that you have a good fit."
A good bike can cost hundreds of dollars. And like any piece of equipment, you'll need to maintain it to make it last.
"When you're spending that kind of money it's going to be really important to maintain it just as you would a car, for example. a bike usually needs to have a tune-up once a year."
Here are some other tips to consider:
1.) First, decide what type of riding you want to do. Is the bike for running errands around town, exercise, or are you into speed?
Types of bikes:
· Road bikes: They used to be known as the "ten-speed," however road bikes now range from 12 to 21 speed. Included in this category are touring bikes, racing bikes and sport bikes - bikes built for speed.
· Mountain or All Terrain bike: This bike is rugged. Built with a sturdy frame, straight handlebars and fat, knobby tires. It can tackle the rigors of off road riding.
· Hybrid bike: This bike is a cross between the road bike and mountain bike. It's lighter than a mountain bike, but not as fast as a road bike. This bike is perfect for short distances, running errands, or commuting.
2.) Tips for purchasing a bike
· Fit is everything. If the bike is not fitted properly, you'll be uncomfortable and you won't ride the bike.
· Do a test drive. Be sure to ride several different sizes. You should feel confident and comfortable. Handling, especially in turns, should be smooth and natural. Braking should be smooth, not jerky.
· Don't forget accessories. A helmet is important for your safety.
3.) Buying your bike from bike shop versus department store:
· The staff at a bike shop is properly trained in assembling the bikes and adjusting them properly.
· A bike shop tends to have more models and service warranties.
· If your bike has a problem after purchase, a department store will likely give you a refund or another bike.
· When buying a bike most bike shops encourage test rides, so that you can be sure the bike fits. This is generally not an option at a discount store.
· Department store bikes may not have components intended to be replaced or upgraded.
· You get what you pay for. Poor quality may lead to general discomfort.
4.) Why bicycle maintenance is important?
· If you practice proper maintenance properly, you will greatly reduce the amount of serious mechanical problems you have.
· Dirt and grime can cover up worn parts in need of attention.
· Cleaning allows you to give your bike a careful inspection.
· Maintenance will vary on use; most people will do fine with an annual or bi-annual performance tune-up.
· Most people will do fine with an annual or bi-annual performance tune-up.
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