"Animeals"

Girl Scouts from Troop 2283 weren't selling cookies to achieve their silver award- they were giving out food they collected to four legged Houstonians.  Zorro, a year old peakiness  was one of the first to receive the pet food.

"You're going to have lots of food and it's your kind of food, too. We appreciate this" remarked Zorro's pal Mr. Mark when he was given the big bags of puppy food .

The Goal of the girl scouts is to help needy homebound seniors food the dogs and cats they love.

Senior Margaret Peacock received food for  her dog "Spike" ."

"Everybody's having a hard time, some of them can't afford to buy dog food."

The "Little Angel Scouts" collected more than 300 pounds of pet food to give to seniors who depend on 'Meals on Wheels'. The program for their pets is called "Ani-meals"

Scout Lilly Tippit Painter said the other girls expressed concern about the Seniors and their pets "We heard about how some of the seniors were giving their food to their animals instead of eating it all- actually it's sad"

A Concerned echoed by the Chief of "Meals-on Wheels" David Roberts.

"We're concerned that when we didn't bring out enough food the seniors might redirect the money they might spend on medicine or food for themselves to make sure the animal is take care of so we're concerned it might be hurting the seniors themselves."

Now It's not just the girl scouts doing their part to collect pet food right now. another group called the Rescue Bank is stepping up it's efforts to help needy pet owners.

We sorted through the latest donations of dog, puppy, cat and kitty food the they received. There was pedigree food, organic food and even holistic pet food.

The Rescue Bank is a lot like the Houston Food Bank only their collection is for pets. But like most other charitable organizations these days their donations are down, even so they'll help.

Founder John Kane said "We'll be bringing them out of this 7 thousand pound shipment we've got at least one thousand pounds allocated to them. we;ll help them as much as we can but don't let that stop anyone out there from helping them directly."   

When all that food was un-loaded a "Meals- on- Wheels" volunteer said "This is going to help them by providing food for them the seniors are able to keep their pets at home."

And that's good news for 'Charlie the Cat-whenever he comes out from under the bed. and for his neighbor, Charlie . an Angel gift appreciated by his pal. "We really appreciate this, thank you."

If you, want to volunteer with your child at "Meals on Wheels", "Ani meals", or "The Rescue bank"- here are their links.  www.imgh.org       www.rescuebank.org

"Action 13 Angels" help a Senior Airman overcome hurdles

Un-expexted Action 13 Angel comes to the aid of a retired career Air Force Senior Airman. Cars speed so fast along this curve at Gessner at Westheimer, sometimes it feels like you've got to make a run for it just to cross the street. If you've got a prosthetic foot like David Espinoza and can't run, or quickly get around obstacle courses, it can be daunting. 22 year Air Force Veteran David Espinoza told us "There's no place to walk safely up and down this sidewalk" Every time retired senior airman Espinoza gets off the bus to see his doctor - He's forced to walk out into traffic having to maneuver around this mess of a sidewalk repairman left behind last year. "Acouple of times cars came around the curb and swevered at the last second. I got shaken up. Espinoza needs a walker so imagine what a hazard it has been. He tried calling the city's 3-1-1 HELP LINE, but after months of trying and getting no response, he called us. "I use the term buck passing because somebody doesn't want to take responsibility for his job. If he had been under my command he already would have been court marshaled and fired for dereliction of duty We immediately brought city's public works spokesman Alvin Wright to the scene. "This is very dangerous and unacceptable. this would force people to actually walk out in the traffic they can get hit by a car I just can't imagine who would have done this like this. We're going to get someone out here ASAP to get this thing taken care of." And he did, but it wasn't public works that finally fixed the problem You see in the process of trying to figure out who dug up the sidewalk in the first place Wright called AT&T They said they didn't do it, but agreed to repair it anyway, for safety sake. As for senior airman Espinoza Now I can safely walk without runing the risk of falling and I want to say thank you to you and everyone who helped. You can now address a city problem on line through the 3-1-1 help line. Here's the web address www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/index.html let us know if you have a problems for our action 13 angels. go to abc13 dot com, click on the consumer tab, then the Action 13 Angels Thank you, Lori And on this July 4th I want to express my sympathy to the Zindler family on the death of Kenneth Zindler. Lori

angels in action

"You get $70 dollars worth of groceries for $30," says David Goodrum the director of "Angel Food Ministries" for Sugarland's First United Methodist.

Buying "Angel Food" is a way to save money, which we all are trying to do these days. The food is bought in bulk at the ministries headquarters in Georgia and shipped out day of across the country and to the 15 Houston locations.

"it's restaurant quality food - fresh and delicious " says Kip Johnson of SFUM

I went to a home where they buy angel food and they love it.  The kids, too.

There's a new menu each month with about 22 items. June's menu includes steaks, chops vegetables and a lot of other food.

And here's where the deal gets better.  Anyone can buy it. professional people, those on a tight budget and folks on food stamps. There are no requirements nor qualifications. All you need to do is  order, pay in advance and pick up the box of groceries. If you buy the basic box you can purchase specials. Goodrum says ordering and and paying for the box 'on line' is in the works.

Click on "Angel Food Ministries" for the menu and "Angel Food" pick up points in your zip code.

www.angelfoodministries.org 

And let me know if you or someone you know needs help from an angel.

Thanks, and have a good weekend

lori

"Military Suspension" - Cell Phones

Cell Phone Accounts "put on hold" for Active Military Customers

"Not many guys in my unit didn't know anything about "Military Suspension"

said Army Private Johnathon Alsobrooks of Spring. His account was suspended during a tour in Iraq but by mistake it was re-activated. He was charged hundred of dollars, but we got his money back plus a new contract and phone

A simple call to the customer service at AT&T and Sprint with account or phone number should be enough for a military suspension. Verizon's and T-Mobile's policies are as follows:

VERIZON'S MILITARY POLICY
Verizon Wireless Adjusts Contract Policy To Accommodate Customers On Extended Military Duty
Active Armed Forces Members Can Suspend Contracts Up To 48 Months
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless announced today that the company has revised its contract policies to make it easier for customers in the military to manage their accounts when called to active duty. Under the new policy, active military personnel may suspend their accounts for up to 48 months.

“By offering two 24-month suspension periods for accounts held by active military personnel, we're making it easier for our valued customers in the armed forces to do business with Verizon Wireless,” said Charles Falco, Vice President-National Customer Service for Verizon Wireless. “It’s one of the best and most flexible policies available.”

Customers currently deployed in active duty who have already suspended their Verizon Wireless accounts will be grandfathered into the new program, unless a specific automatic reconnect date has been requested. In addition, customers whose military deployment is extended beyond their original request may renew their suspension for a second 24 months. Military personnel requesting suspensions or contract cancellations -- without paying an Early Termination Fee -- are asked to verbally provide their home base and commanding officer's information in order for Verizon Wireless to confirm deployment.

Tips on how to suspend service in connection with deployment:

• Call Verizon Wireless customer service at 1 800 922-0204, or from a Verizon Wireless phone at *611.
• Have account number and/or mobile telephone number handy.
• Be prepared to provide military base and commanding officer information.
• Provide a restart date if available.

* Military personnel may also want to make sure they have assigned account management privileges to a US-based relative or friend so someone else can help manage the account in the event of a duty extension or to make other account adjustments while the customer is overseas.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

T-MOBILE'S MILITARY POLICY

T-Mobile USA is committed to providing the best customer experience in wireless. Therefore, if a customer in the military is going to an area that does not have T-Mobile service, they may want to suspend their service until they return.

• The account may be suspended for up to 18 months.
• There is no suspend fee.
• Customers will retain their mobile number, rate plan, any current promotions, and the ability to dial 911 for emergency and 611 for Customer Care.
• Customers will not have access to voicemail or the ability to send/receive text messages.
• Customer's contract will be extended by an amount of time equal to the suspension period.

So,  if you have family members or friends in the Military- call their cell phone company- it could save money and who doesn't want to do that these days.

One more thing,

Marvin's annual golf tournament continues.

The Marvin Zindler Memorial Golf Tournament enters it's 25 year giving sight and hearing to Houstonians. All the proceeds stay right here in Houston benefiting the Houston Eye Associates and Houston Ear Research Foundation.

Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008

Place:  Walden on Lake Conroe

There's a dinner at the Junior League on Thursday and the gold tournament is on Sunday.

dinner tickets can be separate. For more information contact Jan Gilden (713) 771-9966

jgilden@houstoncochlear.org 

Let us hear from you if you need an angel. e-mail me at abc13.com consumer tab- open angels (marvin's legacy) section. Have a good weekend.

Lori

String Quartet

It was fun working with the music class of Hartman Middle school. The kids took to the new musical instruments right away. The young man on the bass was so proud he kept spinning it around with style as he practiced. and, they improved greatly under the direction of teacher Marcia Sadberry.

Principal Joseph Addison, who sang with opera great Pavarotti, emphasized the importance of music in education. Kids get better grades, have more discipline, and confidence.

The American Music Conference said that in Texas, a study of average SAT scores for music students for 8 years showed that kids in programs such as a string quartet scored higher than the national average.  Not Bad.

And check out the Lisle Violin shop on Bissonnet and in Pasadena at VIOLINS.COM

And, If your child's school doesn't have a band and needs musical instruments there are foundations the school can apply to for grants such as the VH1 Foundation 'Save the Music"

By the way- the teacher, Mrs. Sadberry is performing at Miller Park Thurs. Fri. and Sat. May 29,20,31.

click on angels.abc13.com if you need help.

Lori Reingold 

eye tracking computer

We've had a whole bunch of inquiries about the 'eye tracking computer" we were able to provide for little Jemma Leech - a 10 year old Houston school child with cerebral Palsy. Jemma, you may recall, won a writing contest over hundreds of kids with prose beyond her age.

The computer is a keyboard where you focus on a letter for 2 seconds and then move your eyes to the next letter. It takes moments to set up even if you wear glasses or contacts. and, you're imprint is saved if the machine is used by others. after writing what you want to say with your eyes, the machine speaks your words. it's amazing.

so, here's the information once again on the company. tobii ATI www.tobii.com  Betsy Walker represents the company locally. betsy.walker@tobii.ATI.com.

we hope others will benefit from knowing about this technology.

lori reingold lori.reingold@ABC.COM

Rat and Roach Report Q&A with Jeff Ehling

I managed to catch up with the very busy Jeff Ehling the other day to ask a few common questions we get about the Houston Rat and Report.

Mike McGuff:  Can you shut down restaurants?
Jeff Ehling:  No, I don’t have that power.  Health inspectors however can shut down restaurants.  In fact we have seen several places closed down for various reasons.  Hot water was not 110 degrees, floor drains were backed up, not having proper permits…all things that have led to closures.

MM:  How do you choose a restaurant to inspect?
JE:  We don’t choose the places, the health inspector does.  In fact we have no idea where they will take us until the day before and even then we only know the first place on the list.

MM:  What's the worst thing you've found so far?
JE:  Roaches, roaches and more roaches.  We went along with one inspector who saw roaches all over the kitchen of a restaurant. 

MM:  When you go to eat a restaurant, does the staff now look at you funny?
JE:  Great question.  I have noticed restaurant owners give me a second look when I go to eat.  The other day I stopped by a place I go to occasionally and the owner asked if I was doing the Rat and Roach report and I said yes.  He then basically ran off.  I think he meant if I was doing the report on his place right then, but I was only just eating there.  The owner of another restaurant owner said I was making people look bad, but then co-owner piped in and said, "no, it's not his fault a place has roaches."

If you have a question, leave it in the comments below.

You can go along with Jeff on the inspections every Thursday night on Eyewitness News at 6pm.

VIDEO: Jeff Ehling talks cheap eats in Houston

Jeff Ehling talks about Collina's Italian Cafe.  It's one of his favorite places to eat a cheap lunch in Houston.

See the last cheap restaurant Jeff talked about

See some of our other favorite Houston restaurants

By the way, no one from abc13 receives money, advertisement or free meals when picking out these favorite restaurants.

We received an EMMY nomination

We received a nomination for Jeff on the Job 2 in the 5th Annual Lone Star EMMY Awards.

Public/Current/Community Affairs-Program/Special

Jeff on the Job 2
KTRK ABC 13
Michael A. Carl, Editor/Photographer
Michael McGuff, Producer/Writer
Michael Lukaszewskyj, Photographer
Jeff Ehling, Talent

There were a lot of KTRK nominations too. Wish us luck!

Go inside Houston restaurant kitchens to see what health inspectors find

By Jeff Ehling

(9/13/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - No one could ever replace our late Marvin Zindler, but we're keeping much of his important work living on. Marvin's original Friday rat and roach report highlighted health problems at area restaurants, and we will continue to bring you this valuable information, with a bit of a different look.

Keeping a kitchen clean is not an easy task, but when you run a restaurant, it's the law. The city of Houston makes sure where you eat is up to code. Health inspectors say nothing keeps restaurants on their toes quite like our rat and roach report.

Health inspector Gene Bowden took a thorough look at the kitchen of Amazon Grill at 5114 Kirby during his most recent visit. In the walk-in cooler, Bowden sees a common problem -- the cooler is not cold enough.

Remember, if meat reaches room temperature and stays there for two hours, bacteria could start to grow and could leave you sick. That's something to keep in mind for your own kitchen.

At Amazon Grill nearly 300 pounds of meat had to be thrown away. The owners got a repair man out and fixed the problem on the spot.

"We have our maintenance guy here and we are going to attach our cooler to the alarm system to receive immediate notification when something does drop below temperature," promised Bobby Wells with the Amazon Grill.

Across town, inspector Marcia Washington is doing a follow up at the Shoney's at 2360 South Loop. Store managers called the staff and said they did not want our cameras in the kitchen.  So we waited outside for the results.

Washington reported, "They had grease build-up under the grills and fryers in the cook lines and they did not have paper towels in all of the hand sinks."

Nothing major, and even though managers took corrective action, they still did not want to talk to us.

Up next was Tel Wink Grill at 4318 Telephone Road. The manager didn't mind at all if we tagged along in the kitchen. Inspector Washington found the cleaning solution was not quite strong enough in the dish washer. But the owner fixed the problem right away. It was the only issue in an otherwise clean kitchen.

"It was clean, the temperatures were good," Washington said.  "They had good practices, everything was perfect."

Even in your own kitchen, hot water is not enough when it comes to cleaning dishes. Sanitizing solution is needed to get the job done.

The city health department inspects dozens of restaurants each week and we are showing you just a fraction of those they visit. But if you'd like to see those reports, you can look them up in the city of Houston's online database.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

The new rat and roach report with Jeff Ehling

No one could ever replace our late Marvin Zindler, but we're keeping much of his important work living on.

Marvin's original Friday Rat and Roach report highlighted health problems at area restaurants, and we will continue to bring you this valuable information, but this time with Jeff Ehling.

Here is a way you can look up a Houston restaurant's inspection report.

http://houston.tx.gegov.com/media/search.cfm

This link gets you there, but we need to give some instructions too.

1.  You'll need to enter the name exactly as it appears.
2.  Second, you need to check out the dates, make sure your search start date goes back at least three months.  Some restaurants are reviewed once a year, so you may need to adjust the year if nothing comes up.
3.  You'll need to click on the restaurant name when it appears to see the inspector's findings and corrective actions taken

VIDEO: Jeff Ehling announces new Houston restaurant reports

Today we are proud to announce on The Consumer Blog that Jeff Ehling will continue on the tradition of Marvin Zindler's Original Rat and Roach Report starting this Thursday at 6pm.  Here he is with more:

First day of pre-k

We showed you Jeff's oldest going off to kindergarten, so let's not leave out the youngest Ehling. 

He's headed off to pre-k today.

First day of school

by Jeff Ehling

It's not every day you begin you academic career.  While school starts at HISD in a few days, many other students had to go back a little earlier, including this guy. My oldest son started kindergarten last week and while I usually reserve this space for consumer news, I thought it would be nice to commit his educational milestone to the collective memory of the world wide web.

On a consumer news note, many families like ours could not participate in the Tax Free Weekend because we needed to get uniforms and supplies a week before the sales started.   I spoke with state Senator Rodney Ellis about that and he said the legislature would work to expand the weekend to a full week and try to make it last 2 full weeks before major schools return to classes.

Ellis said it may be a tough fight, but the tax savings should be passed along to the widest range of Texans possible, even those starting kindergarten.

Free Money

by Jeff Ehling

It seems too good to be true.  A company sends you a letter saying you have hundreds of dollars in unclaimed cash, but to get it, you have to give the company a cut.  M. Rosenbaum got one recently and he was instantly skeptical.

"I am furious, I got an unsolicited letter today," said Rosenbaum, "Saying that I had $994 coming to me."

Rosenbaum asked me if this was a scam.  It turns out it is not.  Thousands of Texans, maybe even you, have unclaimed cash out there.  The state has a web site set up, https://txcpa.cpa.state.tx.us/up/Search.jsp, that can show you the money!  The state does not charge a penny for the service, after all the money is yours.  Just click on the link and follow the directions.

The letter Mr. Rosenbaum received is from a company that scours state property web sites for unclaimed cash.  Then they send you a letter telling you they can get the money, for a fee. Remember, you only have to pay if you use the service, but you do not have to pay if you find it yourself.  So check out the web site and the sites of any state where you have lived.

That's the advise I gave Mr. Rosenbaum and guess what?  He found cash in an account he had forgotten about!   Rosenbaum is in the process of claiming his cash for free.  "I feel like a fool for being so defensive, " said Rosenbaum.  Not at all, you are right to be wary of unsolicited offers of free money, in THIS case the money really is there.   I cannot thank you enough, " added Rosenbaum.

Time to play "What is Jeff really doing?"

Our spies captured this Jeff Ehling moment this morning in the newsroom with a camera phone.  Remember, you never know who is watching. 

Now it's your turn to tell us, "What is Jeff really doing?"

Hit the comments.

Is that pill really for you?

Is that pill really for you?  It's a question everyone who takes prescription drugs should ask. We found one pharmacy in Houston with four customers who have the same name. One of those customers got drugs intended for someone else with the same name. (FULL STORY)

It's hard to find out, we asked the Texas State Board of Pharmacy how often this happens, but surprisingly pharmacies don't have to report these cases so it's up to consumers to read the prescription labels, make sure the address is correct, read the medicine insert before taking the pills, and if you have any concerns, call your doctor before taking the medicine.

Consumers can complain to the state and then they will investigate.

http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/consumer/complaint.htm

Jeff on the Job 4 links

You saw Jeff on the Job Sunday night, now here are the links to the stories!

Cut your beauty costs in half
If you think you can't look great on a budget, think again.  The Houston-area is full of places you can get haircuts, facials, even massages for a fraction of what you'd expect.

How to cut the costs of medical care
You don't need us to tell you how expensive it is to go to the doctor, but we've learned there are ways around high medical bills.

Auctioning your home may be an option if you're facing foreclosure
There isn't a lot of good involved in a foreclosure, but there may be a way to get out from under a home about to be taken by the bank. Selling the house at auction just might be the way to avoid the financial ruin associated with a foreclosure.

What plants to buy this season
If you have the overwhelming urge to plant something, you're not alone. Right now it seems everything is in bloom.

How to work from home
If you have a job you hate or dream of working for yourself, we've got a few leads for you.

Links:
- Recycling Home Builder
- Celebrity Calculator
1. Movie Stars
2. Athletes

RELATED:
- Jeff on the Job 3 links
- Jeff on the Job 2 links

Email us a news tip

 

Jeff Ehling is at it again!

Figures, only a TV reporter would use company time to get styled.  But based on that look, I think Jeff Ehling is up to something else, this time.

Find out what's going on this Sunday night at 10:35 on ABC 13 as consumer news goes late night on Jeff on the Job 4.

What the heck is Jeff Ehling doing?

What the heck is Jeff Ehling doing? 

Find out this Sunday night at 10:35 on ABC 13 as consumer news goes late night on Jeff on the Job 4. Can you believe they actually gave him the opportunity to do four half-hour specials? 

Shhh...don't say anything and maybe he'll get another!

Ken Hoffman's toll road ticket problem solved!

Jeff Ehling found out the problem Ken Hoffman wrote about in his Houston Chronicle column could happen to anyone.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation told Jeff the whole story this morning.

Apparently there are 4 Ken Hoffman's in Houston.  The Chron Ken once bought a car from Joe Myers Ford, then later one of the non-famous Hoffman's also bought a Joe Myers Ford.  When the non-famous Hoffman bought his car, the dealership's employees entered Ken Hoffman in their computer and the information on the Chron Ken came up.  The employee did not realize that information did not belong to the non-famous Hoffman and so the employee put the Chron Ken's information on the title application.  So TxDot has a Ford Taurus it thinks belongs to Chron Ken when the car actually belongs to non-famous Hoffman.

Non-famous Hoffman then supposedly runs tolls around the state and Chron Ken gets the bill.  The good news for Chron Ken, it's been taken care of. TxDot officials had to go back through their computers to find the error and correct it.

While this is a rare case, there is a similar issue that happens all the time.  When you sell a used car in Texas, you must keep the license plates on the car (unless they are specialty plates, those stay with the owner, not the car).  That's state law, by the way.  It is up to the car buyer to go to the court house and register the car in the new buyers name.  If they don’t, and run tolls, the old owner gets the bills.  This happens daily.  When the old owner goes to the toll road authority to clear things up, the old owner must produce proof of sale.

Here's what every used car seller must do:
1. Get a photocopy of the buyers drivers license, or at least a written copy of the DL#, buyers name, address, and date of sale.
2. Give a receipt to the new owner, and keep a copy for your records.

Armed with this information you can easily clear up a toll fee that belongs to someone who bought your old car.

As for the Chron Ken, he should be getting a letter telling him the fix is in in the next day or so.

VIDEO: Jeff Ehling VS the bull

As you might have noticed, Jeff Ehling has taken off his consumer hat and put on a cowboy one since he's been covering Rodeo Houston all week. 

I had to laugh at this one, here is Jeff riding a mechanical bull.  See how long our consumer dude lasts!

Jeff on the Job links

You saw Jeff on the Job Sunday night, now get more information on all of the stories!

Pasadena couple out thousands after work at home offer
When Kristoff Alvarado and his wife posted their resumes online, they hoped for a work at home offer. "Basically we were looking for medical transcription, something that we could do from here, the house," said Kristoff Alvarado of Pasadena.

Houstonians are finding ways to work at home
It sounds like a great idea, working from home. There are real opportunities out there, but there are a few things you need to know before saying goodbye to the rat race.

Forget gasoline, TX man uses vegetable oil
If you think the price of gas is out of control, you're not alone. But you may be surprised how far one Crosby man has gone to fight back.

Houston filling up with biodiesel from one pump station
With no relief in gas prices, some Houston drivers are finding a new source of fuel that's made right here in the United States.

Can you really park in 'customer only parking' of you're not a customer?
You see them all over the place -- towing signs that promise to have your car taken away if you're not doing business at a certain spot. But can they really get away with that?

Free legal help
Where to turn for free...yes free legal help in Houston.

Foreclosures aren't always homeowners' fault
It is the notice no homeowner wants to see - foreclosure. It was a notice Charles and Janine Gjosund certainly never thought they would see.

Buying a used car could cost you more
If you're in the market for a used car, be warned. The tax man is getting ready to take a bigger bite out of your wallet.

Want fancy hotel furniture in your home?
If you've ever stayed at a luxury hotel and wondered what it would be like to have the fancy furnishings in your home, wonder no more. Five star hotels redecorate every few years and when they do, the old stuff is sold for pennies on the dollar.

Jay Lee has a face for TV

Jay Lee claims he only has a face for radio...whatever.  We think he's wrong.  Get that mug on TV!

Jeff Ehling interviewed Lee, the host of Technology Bytes on 90.1 KPFT-FM (Wednesdays 8-10 pm), about making sure email is really deleted.

Jay then turned the tables on Mr. Ehling and featured our favorite consumer reporter on his blog! 

See what Jay says it is like to have Jeff point a camera in your face.

Eyewitness News photographer Kent Stallings makes a rare appearance too!

Reminder: Jeff on the Job, Sunday 10:35 pm on 13

We're getting Jeff on the Job this Sunday @ 10:35 pm on abc 13, but in this picture, I think he is on the wrong job.  Keep a hammer away from this guy!

Instead, let Jeff teach you how to stretch the money in your pocket.

We're getting Jeff on the Job this Sunday @ 10:35 pm on abc 13, but in this picture, I think he is on the wrong job.  Keep a hammer away from this guy!

Instead, let Jeff teach you how to stretch the money in your pocket.

Click the Jeff Ehling head, win nothing

Since it is the end of the week, I thought I would share this with you.  Flash is a program a lot of web designers use to make all of the animations you see on the internet. 

Projects can range from ads to full web sites. 

I just took a class on Flash and managed to make this.

I didn't say it was any good, but it has become a big hit in the office because it is so stupid.  There was no way I was posting this, but Jeff pushed my hand. 

Then I felt really bad when I found a web producer at our sister station in Philly produced a full game!  Click here.

I have a long road ahead of me.

PICS: Jeff at the Houston Rodeo

Today Jeff Ehling talked about rodeo wear. Here are some photos of him in western wear at the Houston Rodeo from 2006.

Top ten consumer stories of 2006

Welcome to 2007.  Here are the top consumer stories (by traffic) on abc13.com. 

1.  Former Wal-Mart employee arrested for check fraud scheme in Spring
2.  Want legitimate work from the comfort of your own home?
3.  Suspect targets news anchors and reporters for potential fraud
4.  What will Time Warner's move mean for you?
5.  Houstonians are finding ways to work at home
6.  Earn money by driving around Houston
7.  Power customers need to be aware of possible costly problems
8.  How to avoid overpaying sales tax when shopping
9.  Device can help you save on power bill
10. Would-be home buyers want money back from builder

Thanks for a great 2006.  Stay tuned, Jeff Ehling is just beginning!

Tomorrow, we'll look at the top ten blog posts on the abc13.com Consumer Blog.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Jeff Ehling and the abc13.com Consumer Blog.

Jeff Ehling - Time's Person of the Year?

So we all know by now that Time Magazine picked you and me as the Person of the Year. But John Mizwa, one of our news photographers, thinks that honor should have been given to consumer reporter Jeff Ehling.

Here is his wish:

Will Jeff Ehling host The Bachelor?

I think the host of The Bachelor is safe, but Jeff Ehling did take some time away from consumer issues to entertain some show hopefuls this evening during his 6 pm live shot. 

Happy Halloween - Jeff's a zombie?

Happy Halloween from the KTRK Consumer Blog. 

Here is a picture of Jeff Ehling with photographer/editor John Mizwa on a Halloween story at Astroworld a few years ago.  This was probably a Hometown Live story.  Obviously this picture is priceless now that Astroworld is no more. 

Click for a larger, more ghoulish image

Trick or treat?

We wouldn't be a real consumer blog if we did not post some kind of Halloween warning.  It's just the way it has to be. 

- How to safely carve a pumpkin
- Halloween costume tips

I think Jeff should wear a costume on air for Halloween.  Just what to wear is up to debate.  I proposed a green blanket wrapped around his body.  That way, it would like his head was floating when against the green screen.  To be honest, I just ripped this idea off a former KTRK weatherman.  It's memorable.

Give us some other suggestions.

Hitting the game with the Mayor and County Judge

Like I've said before, we like to loosen our ties around here on the weekend so let's take a look into the Consumer mail bag and see what we have. Hey it's a picture of reader Bob Martin with Mayor White and Judge Eckels at an Astros game:

Here is what Bob wrote us:

I need a picture with Jeff Ehling to complete my collection of pictures with Houston's movers and shakers. 

We'll see what we can do.

Surprise charges on a bank account

Today at 4:55 pm, Jeff Ehling told us about a Houston-area couple that found a surprise charge on their bank statement.  What should you do if this happens to you?

Here are some steps to take

Proposed CenterPoint Energy gas charges

Today at 4:55 pm, Jeff Ehling told us about some proposed CenterPoint Energy charges for gas customers.

Watch the story video

Here are the proposed charges:

Institution of service, is 5.00 will be 40.00

Restore service after termination for non-payment is 5.00 will be 40.00

Turning off service to active meter is 5.00 will be 20.00

Special meter test at customer request is 10.00 will be 15.00

Change meter location is 50.00 will be 350.00

Install remote reading device to inaccessible meter will be 180.00

Disconnect at main will be 300.00

Restore service at main after termination for non-payment 300.00

Collection call-trip charge is 3.00 will be 20.00

Returned check is 3.00 will be 20.00

Here are the areas this increase in charges could affect (this depends on the city council of each area):

Alvin
Angleton
Baytown
Beach City
Beasley
Brookshire
Brookside Village
Clear Lake Shores
Clute City
Danbury
Dickinson
East Bernard
El Lago
Freeport
Friendswood
Hillcrest Village
Hitchcock
Jones Creek
Katy
Kemah
Kendleton
La Porte
Lake Jackson
LaMarque
League City
Liverpool
Manvel
Morgan's Point
Mt. Belvieu
Needville
Orchard
Oyster City
Pearland
Pleak
Richmond
Richwood
Rosenberg
Santa Fe
Seabrook
Shoreacres
Sugar Land
Taylor Lake Village
Texas City
Wallis
Webster
West Columbia
Wharton

Viewer sent photo of Jeff

KTRK Consumer Blog reader, Bob Martin (I've heard he might be the "Accountant to the Stars"), sent in this freeze frame of Jeff in a commercial:

Thanks Bob.  If you see Jeff somewhere and take a picture of or with him - send it in - we'll post it!

VIDEO: Jeff Ehling dances

We're trying to have a little fun around here on the weekends.  So we're bringing you the next big viral Internet video hit.  Well maybe...

Here is the raw footage that you might have seen edited into a Jeff Ehling consumer story on TV.  It was about phone chargers.   This video of Jeff doing an improvised dance at his desk was only seen briefly in the television story.

Watch the whole thing on Jeff's MySpace page. 

While you are there, become his friend! 

Let's open the Consumer mail bag

Here is some of the email we've received in the KTRK Consumer Department.

First up, Mark in the SE part of Houston writes in about Jeff's recent Elmo story:

Jeff, I saw your "news" on elmo and here is a real newsflash. Your stupid story sucked and you suck. That's the kind of [sic] that will get a new job in Beamont. What's wrong with you?

Next, Jana emails about the recent help we gave her family when they had mortgage problems:

Jeff,

I am Chad['s] mom and Rebecca's mother-in-law.  I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your investigative reporting's caliber of a true sense of justice.  Your actions and involvement has made a genuine difference in our families life. This experience was extermely disturbing to say the least.

I am very proud of my children's tenacity, integrity, and accomplishments.  You have restored our hope in what is right can be accomplished by active consumerism coupled with the media's exposing inequities.  Life today has routine curves daily and I have always believed that right is might.

I truly think you are the best plus you are the caliber of reporting that does make a difference and I am eternally grateful for what you have done for my family.  I am not rich and felt so helpless to assist them.

May God bless you and your family,

Janna

It's nice to help folks.  Let us help you.

U3 - carrying around your computer on a thumb drive

Today at 4:55, Jeff showed us how to carry around your PC in a thumb drive.

Here is the 411:

U3

U3 Newbie Guide

KTRK Consumer gets honored with 4 Emmy nominations

Just wanted to let our KTRK Consumer Blog readers know that our work is being honored with four Emmy nominations by The Lone Star Chapter Emmy Awards.

Interactivity
Stossel Interactive
KTRK-TV ABC 13, Houston
Michael McGuff, Producer

News Special
Jeff on the Job
KTRK-TV ABC 13, Houston
Michael McGuff, Producer
Michael Carl, Editor

Business/Consumer - News Series
Sales Tax
KTRK-TV ABC 13, Houston
Michael McGuff, Producer
Michael Carl, Editor
Jeff Ehling, Reporter

Specialty Assignment Report - News Single Story
Valuable Coins
KTRK-TV ABC 13, Houston
Michael McGuff, Producer
Michael Carl, Editor

We are truly honored and send our congratulations to the other nominees. 

Free legal help

Today at 4:55, Jeff Ehling showed you how to get free legal help. The Texas Consumer Complaint Center will take your legal questions and answer them for free.

Internet shopping surprises

Jeff Ehling's story about online shopping surprises struck a nerve with our viewers:

It's a shame that people have to be so watchful about what is on their bills...Just think of those that don't check their bills...Who knows how much these companies are making...If the charge is small, many people don't pay any attention to it...Glad to see that someone brought this to the attention of everyone that was watching...

Keep up the good work!

-Janis

And part of another letter:

I think they need to make it more plain that you will be joining one of these companies. All I remember seeing strange was I was asked to confirm my name and e-mail twice just before they confirmed the tickets.

Thanks,
Neal

Make your MySpace page better than the others

Jeff Ehling's MySpace account needs some help, doesn't it?  Join his friend's network and let him know how bad it is. 

Good thing our friend Nydia Han at WPVI in Philly has a great story on how to make your MySpace page standout.

You can add all kinds of bling to your page [that just made me sound old and out of touch didn't it?].

Submit your video to us

UPDATE:
It appears we've had some technical troubles on this.  Still try to submit or send us a link on YouTube of your video.  Give us a description of what you're sending.

Today at 4:55pm, Jeff Ehling talked about how online video sites like YouTube aren't always G-rated for younger audiences.

So we're going to try an experiment on the KTRK Consumer Blog and have you send in your own family friendly videos.  We'll pick our favorite and put it online for the world to see.  Who knows, we might even put it on TV, but I am not promising anything.

Click here to send us your video.

Here are the lists of some family friendly video clips we found:
The Numa Numa kid
The Singing Cat
DJ Darth Vader
Girl takes pic of herself every day for three years
Tell us about one

Click here for YouTube safety tips.

Your personal concierge service

Today Jeff Ehling showed us how the other half live - with personal concierges.  Now you can have one too.  Here are a list of Houston businesses that offer them.  We have not tried any of these out ourselves so use them at your own discretion.

http://www.lamodeconcierge.com/

http://www.kenneditaylor.com/

http://www.moretimeforme.com/aboutus.php

Recharge your cell phone battery on the go without the electrical outlet

What if you don't have a wall outlet or power from your car to recharge your cell phone?  Enter the portable chargers.  Jeff Ehling took a look at some today.

Energizer - Energi To Go (comes out today)

LG battery mobile charger

Other cell phone chargers

A backup battery for all of your stuff

Refinancing your car loan

We could all use a little extra cash these days. We often think about refinancing our home mortgage to get it. But what about refinancing your car loan? That's right. There are usually no fees attached and it's easy to do.

Here are some links to help you out:

- Auto Refinancing Tips
- Refinancing car loans makes more sense now
- Refinancing your car loan

Insurance questions before the storm

Today at 4:55, Jeff Ehling talked about the insurance questions you need to ask your agent before a big storm.

Here is the link on how to make an inventory of your home.

Stop pop up ads

Today at 4:55, Jeff Ehling showed you how some banks are using pop up windows to try to sell you stuff.  That got us thinking about pop up ads in general.  Want to get rid of them, or at least cut down on them? 

Here's some help:

Google Toolbar
Download the Google Toolbar to add a Google search to your web browser.  It also stops pop up ads.  So far, mine has blocked 5,249 pop ups.  Not bad for free.

Firefox 1.5
Firefox is an alternative web browser that's free to download and use.  It stops the pop ups too.

How to configure the pop-up blocker on a computer running Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article discusses how to configure the Pop-up Blocker on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2. The Pop-up Blocker is a new feature in Internet Explorer. This feature blocks most unwanted pop-up windows from appearing. By default, the Pop-up Blocker is turned on. When the Pop-up Blocker is turned on, the automatic and background pop-up windows are blocked, but the pop-up windows that are opened by a user will still open in the usual manner.

Thanks for signing up

Thanks to all of those readers that signed up to be Jeff Ehling's friend on MySpace.  We're still taking friends.

Also, you can sign up for Jeff's email list on the right side of this page too.

Gimme my wedding dress on the cheap

Today at 4:55 pm, Jeff Ehling ran down the aisle looking for inexpensive wedding dresses.  He found them alright.  Special thanks to Houston wedding coordinator Jo Ann S. Woodward who helped us with this story.

Here's the one you saw on TV:
Designer Bridal Outlet
Katy Mills Mall
5000 Katy Mills Circle (entrance 3)
281.644.6255

Jeff also mentioned Louise Blum Bridal Salon on Post Oak.  They have designer sample sales twice a year in June and November where you can get some fancy designer names drastically reduced.  However the dresses only come in size 10.  The next sale is November 21.  http://www.louiseblum.com -  713.622.5571

Woodward also says you might want to check out:
Red Door - 713.522.4343
B-Dazzled - 713.387.2525
Those are resale stores that frequently get wedding gowns.

If you are looking to shop online, Woodward says check out RK Bridal Designs http://www.rkbridal.com or eBay.

Extra tips you'll only find in the KTRK Consumer Blog:

KTRK Consumer Blog: So would you suggest to a bride, if you wanted to go that route, go into the department stores, just to maybe go every week and check out what's on the racks?

Jo Ann: Absolutely. Go looking. You know, you usually plan your wedding, most brides plan their wedding anywhere from six months to a year before, so you've got plenty of time to really slowly take your time, to look and to process and try on lots and lots of gowns. Don't make the mistake of buying the first gown you put on. Many times that first gown is the gown, but you want to make certain that you're trying out different styles, you're trying out different colors, whether it be diamond white or ivory, or an antique gold. But you want to make sure that whatever you're wearing, you don't have second thoughts about it, and say, "oh my gosh, why did I buy that, I see this one, I like it better."

KTRK Consumer Blog: Now, it's a modern day and age, is it still common that men don't have anything to do with the dresses?

Jo Ann: You know, we have so many couples that together are planning their wedding, and they're involved from the band to the flowers to the photographer, but there's one area that the groom really has, I would say, no "say so," and no involvement, and that is the dress. The bride very much wants the groom to be so wowed and surprised and dazzled as she walks down the aisle, and sees that dress for the first time.

KTRK Consumer Blog: Yeah, that's right, you can't see them before the ceremony.

Jo Ann: We're doing more and more of that, though. We're having what's called a private moment, where the bride and groom are brought to a private area with the photographer. We have the groom waiting and the bride walks in, and I mean that's captured. I get goose bumps. It's incredible.

KTRK Consumer Blog: I see, they actually get the reaction.

Jo Ann: Yes, and then they speak to each other. It really cuts down on the nervousness and some of this craziness that goes on, and then we do all the photos ahead, so immediately when the ceremony is over, it's just the minister and the couple that has those pictures. Do a couple of family shots, and they go and then join, because it's so rude to make your guests wait 45 minutes to an hour while you take photos. So, in Jewish, of course, the bride and groom see each other, because they do what's called the unveiling. They do see each other, to make sure that you're marrying the correct person. I did some research on this, and the only reason that brides and grooms were not allowed to see each other is that many marriages years in the past were arranged marriages, and if for some reason the groom saw he had an ugly bride, he may choose not to get married. There was a lot of money in the dowries riding on these weddings. So that's where thus it was bad luck to see the groom and the bride before, and there is no reason not to. And there is no reason not to.

KTRK Consumer Blog: Do brides go on diets a lot of times before their wedding...

Jo Ann: Oh my God, yes.

KTRK Consumer Blog: Is there a sizing problem that people need to worry about?

Jo Ann: Yes. Do you want to talk about that? One of the things also that brides might want to take into consideration is, everyone wants to, of course, look their best on their wedding day. Thus they go on serious diets. Please, be careful. What happens is a bride buys a dress with the idea that they're going to lose 30 pounds and they don't. We've had instances where we've have to add three inches to wedding dresses. And on the other side of it, we've had brides that have just really gone overboard with dieting and when they go to try their wedding gown on, it is way too big. Now of course, it is easier to take a dress in as opposed to letting it out.

Read the full story

Spear Phishing

We've all heard about phishing scams but there's a new and dangerous type to watch out for. It's called spear phishing…and if you're one of the millions who visit social network sites, you could be a prime target. These fraudsters are honing their tactics and zeroing in on information listed on your profile to hook their teeth into your finances.

What is spear phishing?

Threat Alert: Spear Phishing

http://www.staysafeonline.info/

Here is Jeff Ehling's MySpace account you saw featured on TV today.  You can join his friends network.

Houston-area Electricity Costs Reduced

The PUC sent us this information today:

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Wednesday ordered CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC to reduce annual revenues by nearly $68 million while targeting at least $10 million a year both for low-income customers and energy efficiency programs.

CenterPoint is required to release the low-income funds immediately, with 72 percent of the low-income funds going to retail electric providers that give discounts to low-income customers. Organizations that operate a retail electric provider’s voluntary bill assistance payment program will distribute the other 28 percent.

The money for energy efficiency programs will be accounted for in quarterly reports to the PUC that will include progress reports on residential and low-income energy efficiency programs.      

In addition to the low-income and energy efficiency payments provisions, the agreement includes provisions to grant at least $37 million in wholesale and retail rate credits. The agreement freezes base transmission and distribution rates for four years.

Last October, the PUC staff filed a report indicating that CenterPoint collected approximately $105 million in excess earnings during 2004. As a transmission and distribution utility, CenterPoint’s earnings are subject to review by the PUC. 

CenterPoint Energy serves as the transmission and distribution electric utility for more than 1.7 million households in and around the Houston metropolitan area.

5 things you need to know before shopping online

Today Jeff Ehling showed us how to protect ourselves while online shopping. 

See the 5 tips you need to know before pushing the buy button.

We have the full interview with author Jeffrey Eisenberg on the Consumer index page.  Once on the page, scroll down, it will be on the right hand side of the page. Push the play button below the video to watch.

Eisenberg is the author of Waiting for the Cat to Bark.  See more here.

Todd Quattlebaum is the owner of EZ Bayer in Bellaire.  See how he makes a living off eBay.

Checking those bags

Arriving at the airport early may be good for security, but lugging around heavy baggage for hours doesn't feel too good for travelers. Not to worry. These days, you can avoid the back ache and the hassle by checking your bag before you head to the airport!

BAGS, INC.
www.airportbags.com
This service will pick up luggage from hotels, cruise ships, convention centers, airport parking lots and is expanding that list.
Prices are generally $10-$20

BAGS TO GO,INC.
www.baggagecheckin.com
This service will pick up luggage from cruise ships and has just expanded into some hotels.
Prices are generally $15-$20

BAGGAGE DIRECT,INC.
www.baggagedirect.com
This service will pick up directly from your home, business or office.
Prices are $30 for the first passenger and $15 for the second.

Billing error nearly forced family from home

Billing error nearly forced family from home

By Jeff Ehling

(8/09/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - With the high cost of electricity, the only real option many of us have to lower that bill is conserve where we can. That's what one Tomball family tried, but the bills still seemed to get bigger and bigger, so they turned to Action 13 for help.

"I got a bill for $677 dollars," said Millie Strodosky.

Like the rest of us, Strodosky was shocked by a recent power bill, but something just didn't seem right.

"I said, gee -- we don't have a computer. We are not a high tech," said Strodosky. "The only thing we have is air and my husband likes it warm. We don't keep it at 70 degrees."

End even though Strodosky paid those big bills in full, her power was cut off anyway.

"I was in Shocksville," said Strodosky.

That forced Strodosky to leave her home.

"So I said I can not stay in this house," she said. "We have to go to a hotel."

Strodosky contacted TXU Energy, her power provider, and tried to get to the bottom of the problem. The company agreed something was not right. TXU reimbursed Strodosky's expenses and the power was turned back on, but it did not stop the problem.

"After they paid for everything and I got my check, I figured, well everything is going to be taken care of," said Strodosky. "I get the bills again."

Strodoksy even got another disconnect notice and that's when she called Channel 13.

So we called Carlos Santos with TXU.

"Her account was set up at the wrong address," said Santos.

Santos tells us human error within TXU is to blame. Instead of getting her own power bill, Strodosky was being billed for a neighbor's electricity use.

"Unfortunately, she was paying for an account that did not belong to her, but at this point, everything has been corrected," Santos assured us.

Santos says the error had Strodosky paying the neighbor's account, but at the same time, CenterPoint had no power provider of record for Strodosky and that's why she was disconnected in the first place.

Strodosky has been credited nearly $500 and now the bills are going to the right addresses.

"It was completely human error on our part," said Santos. "We have taken full responsibility for that."

It turns out every electric meter has a unique ID number and that number is on your bill. If you think there is an error of any kind, make sure that number corresponds to your bill. In Strodoky's case, the ID number on her bill corresponded to her neighbor's meter.

>>Click here to send Jeff a consumer news tip
>>Read Jeff's Consumer Blog
>>Talk on the Consumer Message Board
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

Terror threat leads to new airline carry-on rules

Today, Jeff Ehling showed us how the rules are changing for airplane travel.

What the TSA is saying

See what can and cannot be taken on the plane

Houston filling up with biodiesel from one pump station

By Jeff Ehling

(8/2/06 - HOUSTON) - With no relief in gas prices, some Houston drivers are finding a new source of fuel that's made right here in the United States.

We've already told you about new fuels like E-85 and vegetable oil. Now here's the next step - biodiesel. With this fuel, you don't have to make any modifications to your car to use it.

Chris Powers wants to make a difference in the world. So a couple of years ago, he opened a new, one pump gas station in the shadow of downtown Houston.

"Stations like ours...we're kind of like an alternative gas station," said Chris Powers who owns Houston Biodiesel. "This is not a Quickmart, it is just a warehouse with a pump."

That's because Powers only sells biodiesel.

Normally you only think of diesel in big trucks. Shooting out clouds of black smoke, but biodiesel is different.

While there are various blends available, Powers sells the B-99 blend which is 99% biodiesel and one percent petroleum diesel. Its makers claim the fuel is non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable, and sulfur-free.

That means less emissions which is better for the environment.

Powers is the only one selling B-99 and is starting to see it catch on.

"We started with 550 gallons of biodiesel two years ago and it took three months to sell that 550 gallons," Powers said. "Today we sell that much a day or more."

For a year and a half, Danyel Ramelow of Houston has been one of those buyers. He brings in extra gas cans in his truck so he doesn't have to make return trips.

"Yeah I'm filling up my tank and I have these as well, it kind of saves me a couple of tricks and I save them in my garage until I need them," Danyel Ramelow of Houston.

He believes skipping the corner mart in favor of biodiesel pays off. Today B-99 pumps for $2.68 a gallon. Inside the Beltway, most gas stations are selling diesel for around $2.85. B-99 users can also file for a tax credit.

But that's not what is important to Ramelow.

"It's lower emission and helping the environment and I support it," said Danyel Ramelow. "Obviously we can't stop driving cars."

While some drivers find benefits to biodiesel, Powers admits this is just the first step in the search for new ways to fuel.

"Biodiesel can't even get close to replacing diesel, we're not trying to replace diesel," Chris Powers. "Just offer an alternative to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Driver Bob Shape says besides helping the environment, using the fuel has other benefits.

"I get about the same mileage, the engine runs quieter and again the biggest benefit is it's a renewable resource," said Shape.

But just as this new alternative fuel is taking off, Powers says its fate remains in limbo. Legislation could be passed at the end of 2006 that would limit what could be sold - meaning no more B-99. That's because while B-99 has lower lead emissions, it could have higher nitrous oxide emissions.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality tells us it will continue to test B-99 and at this point has no word if it would be pulled from pumps.

We'll have to wait and see.

Houston Biodiesel is located on Drennan off Navigation. There is plenty more about this on the Consumer Blog.

>>Click here to send Jeff a consumer news tip
>>Read Jeff's Consumer Blog
>>Talk on the Consumer Message Board
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

Tracking electricity usage with the Centameter

How can you monitor the amount of energy you are using plus keep tabs on the amount of money your spending on electricity at that moment?  Well, you can do it through the Centameter. 

Today at 4:55 and 6 pm, Jeff Ehling showed us this new system that tracks your electricity usage through a hand held, wireless device.

Now you can sign up for a free pilot program through Reliant Energy to use the system in your house. 

Click here to go to Reliant Energy's sign up site:

www.reliantpowerzone.com/centameter/

Sales Tax Holiday strategy

Today Jeff Ehling showed us how to tackle the sales tax holiday.  Get your strategy now by going through the tax-free list to