See top headlines on abc13.com

What do you think of this?

I created a big list of headlines from the various sections on abc13.com.  You can subscribe to RSS feeds here too:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/feature?section=news/local&id=5829181

The new abc13.com blog

You might have noticed that abc13.com has relaunched with a brand new look and a lot more features.  We have a new blog dedicated to the new site and its features where you can leave comments and ask questions. Let us know what you think.  Enjoy!

Channel 13's digital channels on AT&T's U-Verse

Robert wrote the Consumer Blog asking about Channel 13 and AT&T's U-Verse:

Is Channel 13 in any kind of negotiations with AT&T U-verse to carry ALL of Channel 13's digital broadcast channels?  All they carry now is the HDTV station (13.1).

I found out there is good news for Robert.  It looks like he and other U-Verse subscribers will be able to get 13.2 (extra programming) and 13.3 (weather channel) within the next year.

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler's legacy lives

Marvin's producer, Lori Reingold, filed a "Marvin's Angel" story Friday on our 11 am news.  We are calling the stories "Action 13 Angels." Lori did a great job! Marvin's legacy lives on. Here are the links Lori talked about in the story:
http://www.opt.uh.edu/uei/
http://www.eyecareforkids.org/

Let us know what you think.

If you need help, email Lori here.

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!

You voted Mike McGuff to the Dobie vs Clear Brook game tonight!

Your many votes are in for the 'Where should we send Mike?' poll and I am going to the Dobie vs Clear Brook game tonight!

Thanks to all of you who voted!  It was a HUGE response.

I'm bringing my camera and giant memory card to snap some high school action.   

I wonder if there will be nachos out there?

Remember to come back next week and vote for my next Friday night stop.

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

Vote to send me back to high school!

After writing The Consumer Blog for a while, I feel we are close.  I can call you a friend.  So please give me a hand.

Actually it is more like a vote, so go here to cast your ballot.  It's not for best blogger in Houston, although I wouldn't complain.  This time you are voting for me to go to a particular high school game on Friday night.  It could be your school! Once there, I will snap a ton of photos and blog from the game. Here is the Pearland/Madison example.

Here are this week's choices:

Elkins/Bush
Seven Lakes/Galena Park
Cy-Fair/Alief Taylor
Langham Creek/Morton Ranch
Taylor/Cy Falls Spring/Stratford
Dobie/Clear Brook

Wow, that's local coverage!

This vote is open each week so keep coming by and send me somewhere.  I don't want to sit in the abc13.com web office alone anymore on Friday nights.

Voting ends Friday at noon.

Houston high school sports news and scores

I feel like I have been neglecting you all lately.  But don't worry there has been a good reason.  I have been building out our new Houston high school sports news and score section. It is pretty big too. 

I grew up in Houston and never fully appreciated how many teams we have around here.  Go Lamar Redskins! That was my school by the way.

The page is not live yet and only you all know about it.  It should be live this coming Monday. Maybe others will figure it out since I have already rebranded the Houston Sports Blog.

Let me know what you like, don't like, if you find any big errors...etc.  Email me

If you have Facebook, go become friends with us!

ThankYouMarvin.com

Houston icon and KTRK personality Marvin Zindler did so much for Houston and the world that we thought we could honor him with his own web site at ThankYouMarvin.com.

Go see our tribute to Marvin Zindler.

A Marvin Zindler watch

Andrea, our 6pm producer, found an interesting item on eBay.  It is a Marvin Zindler watch.  Yes, he actually had his own watch at one point.

SEE IT HERE

It turns out the station gave these away as staff gifts in the mid 1980s.  There were obviously not many made. 

I'm sure there will be a lot of interesting Marvin stuff turning up on auction sites in the next few years.

VIDEO: Classic Marvin Zindler stories

You've seen clips of Marvin's 1970s era stories for the past few days, now we're giving you the opportunity to see some of the entire stories. Marvin was tough as nails and over the top as ever in these classic stories: Click on the link to watch the story

- Marvin Zindler and Dom DeLuise meet for the first time
- Marvin Zindler reports the Chicken Ranch has closed
- Marvin Zindler shows the life of the forgotten
- Marvin Zindler hits the school lunchrooms
- Marvin Zindler talks about the reopening of the Rice Hotel
- Marvin Zindler tells some bees to buzz off
- Marvin takes out the garbage as a trash collector
- Marvin Zindler helps a magical rabbit fly
- One of Marvin's first restaurant reports
- Marvin Zindler tackles the welfare myth
- The Celebrity Circle Theater was in trouble
- Marvin Zindler gets a surprise at the infamous Chicken Ranch
- Marvin finds a missing game show host
- Zindler tangos with the cost of some dance lessons
- Marvin Zindler and the case of the helicopter landing

What it was like for Marvin Zindler in public

Michael Penix, who works at KTRK, wrote a funny story about an experience with Marvin the other day on my personal blog:

Just a side note, I did not grow up in the Houston area, so my first encounter with Marvin in public was truly memorable.

I went to work at KTRK in late 2004. I came from KFOR in Oklahoma City and when I announced I was leaving to go work for Eyewitness News, several co-workers that grew up in Houston went on and on about his Marvin Zindler guy. Of course, I just assumed he was a long-time anchor.

My first day at the station and I'm making my rounds, meeting everyone in the building. We stroll into Marvin's office and there is this guy in a white suite, white wig and blue glasses. He was very soft-spoken and told me welcome to the station, it was very nice to meet you. I just stared and thought to myself, "Is this the same guy people in Oklahoma City were going on and on about?"

I'm at the station about a month and he invites me to go to lunch. Mind you, I still had no idea of Marvin Zindler's true star power. Marvin's driving down Westheimer and we're stopped at the light on Post Oak near the Galleria. A man looks over and his eyes almost pop out of his head...the guy throws his car in park and runs over to the window and starts knocking. By this time, I'm speechless and scared to death. He's screaming, "Marvin Zindler! Marvin Zindler!"

Marvin calmly rolls down the window, shakes the man's hand (we're holding up traffic) and talks to him for a moment. I'd never seen anything like that before. Someone the other day said that we lost Houston's Elvis. Marvin Zindler...the man with the biggest heart ever. He'll be deeply missed and Channel 13 will never be the same.

Michael Penix

READ IT

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler and Dom DeLuise meet for the first time

>

This is some must see video.  It's the first time Marvin Zindler met Dom Deluise and it was live on Eyewitness News!  For those of you who don't know, Dom played the Melvin P. Thorpe character which was based on Marvin, in the movie adaptation of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

As you can see in this picture, Dom can't keep his hands of Marvin's glasses.  But that's not all that takes place...

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

That's not the only video you will see by clicking on the link.  I've put a bunch of classic Marvin stories from the 1970s there too.

Rebroadcast schedule of Marvin's funeral and special

Listed below are the scheduled rebroadcasts of Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell:

 

Saturday, August 4 (13.2 Digital ONLY)

8:00 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (Funeral Service)

9:30 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (one hour prime time special)

 

Sunday, August 5

10:35 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (one hour prime time special)

VIDEO: Watch the speeches at Marvin Zindler's funeral

Marvin Zindler's funeral was a very touching service.  If you missed it, you can watch the many wonderful speeches given in his memory by the likes of Dave Ward, Melanie Lawson, Lori Reingold, Shara Fryer,   Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, Baptist minister Reverend Bill Lawson, Reverend Kirbyjon Caldwell with the Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Lakewood Church's Pastor Joel Osteen, Rabbi David Lyon and Mark Zindler.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

The Zindler family requests that instead of flowers, send donations to:

Pancreatic Cancer Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
c/o Dr. Robert Wolff
PO Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486

VIDEO: More 1970s classic Marvin Zindler stories

There was such a great response to the Classic 1970s Marvin Zindler stories I put on abc13.com that I added some more! These are some great stories including one where Marvin poses as a trash collector, talks about the Rice Hotel reopening, takes on some bees, helps a magical rabbit fly and we even get to see one of the first rat and roach reports!

More items at Marvin Zindler's memorial at the gates of KTRK

I stopped by the gates of the KTRK studios on Bissonnet and found more items had been added to Marvin Zindler's memorial area along the fence.  The first picture is from inside the station's lobby:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures from Marvin Zindler's visitation

Here are pictures I took at Marvin Zindler's visitation on Tuesday July 31st:

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler's stories from the 1970s

You've seen clips of Marvin's 1970s era stories for the past few days, now we're giving you the opportunity to see some of the entire stories.

Marvin was tough as nails and over the top as ever in these classic stories.

VIDEO: Shara Fryer remembers Marvin Zindler

Former Eyewitness News anchor Shara Fryer discusses her Marvin Zindler memories with Melanie Lawson. Melanie also talked with Ed Brandon, Deborah Duncan, Jan Glenn and Alan Hemberger. Click here to see those videos.

The Marvin Zindler memorial in front of KTRK

Monday morning, Channel 13 viewers starting putting together a makeshift memorial with various gifts for Marvin Zindler.  Local media came out and took pictures.

Legendary broadcaster Marvin Zindler dies at age 85

(HOUSTON) Legendary television broadcaster Marvin Zindler died this evening at M.D. Anderson Hospital from complications of pancreatic cancer.  He was 85.

Marvin is survived by his wife Niki, his five grown children, nine grand children and one great-grand child.

Known for his trademark white hairpieces, blue lenses and signature sign-off, Marvin was a fearless, flamboyant and trail-blazing broadcaster.  His nightly reports helped create a new genre of broadcast journalism that became a staple in television newsrooms across the country.

Marvin Zindler made his mark as a consumer advocacy reporter and was one of the first in Houston to investigate controversial issues and institutions.  He became a household name for exposing a brothel in La Grange known as The Chicken Ranch.  The nationwide notoriety over the brothel's closing inspired the Broadway musical and movie, "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas."

Marvin went on to use his nightly Eyewitness News segments to expose substandard care at nursing homes, obtain special medical care for those who couldn't afford it, help thousands cut through bureaucratic red tape and help many more successfully resolve their consumer problems.  Ranking high among Marvin's accomplishments was his investigation into restaurant health violations that resulted in a nationwide requirement for salad "sneeze bars."  His weekly "Rat and Roach Reports" improved cleanliness and food safety in restaurant kitchens.  Marvin traveled extensively documenting how Houston doctors helped alleviate pain and suffering in poor countries around the world.  One of his recent noteworthy accomplishments was assisting seven Iraqi men with getting replacements "hands" for the ones cut-off during Saddam Hussein's regime.

Henry Florsheim, KTRK-TV President and General Manager, said, "Marvin was one of the most valued and beloved people in Houston.  For nearly 35 years he was welcomed into the hearts and homes of millions of local viewers.  This is a deep loss for me both, personally and professionally, my prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers."

David Strickland, Vice President of News, said," Marvin never hesitated to question the status quo or to take on the toughest problems for folks who had no one else to help them.  He was an inspiration in our newsroom and will be missed by everyone at Eyewitness News."

Dave Ward, Eyewitness News Anchor said, "Marvin was one of kind.  He was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met and deep in his heart he believed in helping folks who needed someone on their side."

Marvin Zindler joined KTRK-TV on January 1, 1973 after a colorful career with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.  He brought a unique on-air presence and reporting style to his Action 13 segments on Eyewitness News.  Many credit his nightly reports as one of the major contributors to KTRK-TV's long time reign as Houston's most-watched television station. His Action 13 office says for many years they received nearly 100,000 requests for assistance on a variety of consumer issues. As recently as June of this year, Marvin, at age 85, was still reporting five days a week.

Marvin has been recognized with awards from every news organization, many charity groups and from several in the medical fields. A medical award of special note was presented by the Plastic Surgeons of America.  They honored Marvin for his openness and honesty in talking about his cosmetic surgeries and for the help he obtained for charity patients who desperately needed reconstructive surgery.  Marvin had the Scottish Rite Masonry 33rd Degree conferred upon him, the highest honor one can receive in the Masonry. In 2003, Marvin was inducted into the "Silver Circle" of the Lone Star Emmy Association for his historic contributions to broadcast journalism in Texas.

Marvin began his broadcasting career in 1943 as a part-time radio disc jockey while working in his family's clothing store business.  In 1950, he became a reporter and cameraperson for Southwest Film Production Company, which produced the 6:00 PM news for KPRC-TV. Two years later, Marvin joined the Scripts Howard Houston Press to work part-time as a crime reporter and photographer. He joined the Harris County Sheriff's Department in 1962 and handled Civil Process for two years before moving over to the Fugitive Squad where his work took him all over the world to extradite fugitives.  While working for the Sheriff's Department, Marvin was responsible for establishing the Consumer Fraud Division within the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The Fraud Division is still in operation today.

Marvin Zindler was born on August 10, 1921 in Houston. He attended public schools and went to John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville, Texas. He joined the Marines in 1941 and received an Honorable Discharge. In that same year, Marvin married Gertrude, his wife of 56 years. They raised five children before she passed away in 1997.

We have built a Marvin Zindler tribute page on abc13.com where you can leave your condolences to his family.

Marvin Zindler passes away

It is with great regret that I must tell you Action 13's Marvin Zindler has passed away. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Sunday shortly after 6pm.

We have built a Marvin Zindler tribute page on abc13.com where you can leave your condolences to his family.

This is a truly sad day for Houston and the KTRK family.

My personal thoughts on Marvin are on my other blog.

Marvin Zindler getting support from all over the web

After Marvin Zindler announced his battle with pancreatic cancer, he has received a lot of support from ABC13 viewers.  That support has been in the form of message board posts, emails and blog comments.  However we're also seeing folks express their well wishes from social networks like Facebook.  We talk with David Godberg, a Facebook user who started a group called 'I Believe Marvin Zindler Can Beat Cancer.'

Mike McGuff:  Why did you start the Facebook group about Marvin's fight?

David Goldberg:  When I saw the Marvin's announcement on abc13.com I felt like a close member of my family had said the same thing to my face.  I was just overwhelmed.  So without really thinking about it, I made the Facebook group.  I guess I just had to write it all down.

Mike McGuff:  Are you surprised by the reaction the group has received?

David Goldberg:  At first I was surprised.  There are millions of Facebook groups out there and I really just thought I was dumping a thimble into the ocean.  But now that I think about it, it's not a surprise at all.  Marvin Zindler continues to make an impression on all Houstonians and I think most of us cannot even picture the nightly news without him.

Mike McGuff:  What does Marvin mean to you?

David Goldberg:  Even though I never met Marvin beyond a quick hand shake in a local eatery, I really feel a close connection to him.  When I was little boy, my father would go out with friends every Wednesday night.  That left my mother and I to have our own ritual.  I got to stay up to 11PM and watch TV with my mom.  Every week, instead of watching cartoons, I watched the news.  I was glued to the television the whole time waiting for Marvin to do his report.  It was our special night and I Marvin was a big part of it.  My mother died of breast cancer when I was eight so I really don't many memories of her, but this one will be with me forever.  Also, I see a lot that is similar between Marvin and I.  We both believe in making the world a better place through small acts of compassion.  With Marvin it's never been about some larger agenda, but rather helping one needy person at a time.  He just does the right thing, time and time again.  His life is consumed with public service and I hope to do the same.

Mike McGuff:  What do you think Marvin means to Houston?

David Goldberg:  As seen in the Facebook group, I'm not the only one who cares about this man.  I think Marvin reflects the basic ideals of Houston, strength, compassion, and most of all, neighborly love.  Time and again, Houstonians are able to work together in time of need.  Marvin does it every day.  He's not like any other TV personality.  Marvin doesn't talk to the masses, he speaks to the individual.  Every report feels like I'm just talking to my neighbor.  I think that's why people feel so close to him.  While TV, like the rest of the world, is constantly changing Marvin has always been there.

Mike McGuff:  Anything else you want to add?

David Goldberg:  I don't really think of Marvin as a celebrity.  Celebrities are distant faces with no real connection to our lives.  Marvin is different.  Many times I see him at a restaurant or the movies, and of course he's always good for a handshake and a kind word.  When was the last time Jennifer Anniston did that?  Most of the news, even local news, always seems distant and removed but Marvin's reports are always

I was actually supposed to be interviewed by Mr. Zindler for my recent city council run.  Apparently he ran for Mayor of Bellaire at the age of 22.  I don't get excited very easily, but ask anyone at Bellaire High that week and they will tell you that I was practically skipping through the halls.  When my principal delivered a message that Marvin wasn't coming I kept my bearing, but I was truly distraught.

---------------------

If you have a Facebook account, you can see the group here. You can leave a message for Marvin here.

You might remember David Goldberg who we covered when he was a Bellaire High School student running for Houston city council.

Difference between channel 13 and channel 313

Don wrote The Consumer Blog with this question:

Please tell me the difference between your channel 13 and channel 313? Do I get HD on both?

Here is the difference.  If you have Time Warner Cable (soon to be Comcast), channel 13 is our analog cable (non HD). Channel 313 is our high definition channel where the picture will be at a very high quality. You need a high definition television set to take advantage of the enhanced picture quality.

At least someone likes us

We don't put many viewer emails up here, but sometimes you just can't help yourself:

You probably saved 2.5 million lives with your consumer story on GE dishwashers.  We're having ours repaired tomorrow, May 23.  Thank you!!!  My friends had NOT even heard about this.  Your report on Comcast prepared a LOT of people who had not already known that the houston.rr.com was changing to Comcast.com.  Your segment is extremely helpful.  Please keep up the good work.

-Sandy,
Houston

Thanks Sandy!

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

 

Today is Ed Day!

Just wanted to point out to you all that it was Ed Brandon Day today. 

I went to City Hall where councilman Michael Berry made the proclamation. 

CHECK OUT THE EVENT

On the above link, you will be able to access the slideshow I created for the event.  Lots of familiar faces.

After it was deemed Ed Day, then actors Richard Roundtree and Vivica A. Fox came in.  What an all star studded event today in downtown. Click here to see pictures

Ed Brandon announces retirement

Weatherman Ed Brandon had decided to announce his retirement exclusively on the mikemcguff blog. I consider it an honor he would choose my personal blog when he could easily go anywhere else.

Click here to see Ed's statement and after that will be an interview I conducted with him a month ago about his life in the television business.

SEE THE INTERVIEW

Look what our phone camera spotted

John Mizwa is an Eyewitness News photographer who has often worked with Jeff Ehling in the past.  Friday he was at the rodeo for work and spotted Good Morning America's Sam Champion at Reliant Center:

abc13.com comes out on top

We're not ones to brag around here, but abc13.com took first place in the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Awards for best website.

Click here to see the entire awards list.

Marvin hits a little close to home

No one is safe from the prying eyes of the Action 13 Restaurant Report...no one! 

We found that out the hard way around here. 

Vote for Tom Koch

Well look at this, Tom Koch is in a poll for top morning anchor.

Click here to vote for him.

(Poll closes: Dec 25 at 12 a.m.)

Katy bloggers

Are there any Katy bloggers out there?  You know, the folks who blog about the west side of Houston?  We want to talk with you.  Email us here.

The Bachelor casting call at KTRK

Here is an audio slide show I put together for The Bachelor casting call at the abc13 studios. This is a new way of story telling we're experimenting with on abc13.com. 

How does this relate to consumer news?  It doesn't, except for the fact that Jeff was playing host to the possible contestants. I guess you call them contestants?

New KTRK Blog

We're not the only official KTRK blog anymore, there is a new kid on the block.

Welcome Miya Shay's KTRK Political Blog to the Internet.  She will be covering City Hall and the happenings at the Capitol.  In fact, there are already some posts on the new blog.

So join the Consumer Blog in welcoming the Political Blog to abc13.com!

New KTRK graphics

You might have noticed with the start of Eyewitness News at 11 am that KTRK has new graphics!  The graphics department has been working hard for a while on these gems so we hope you like them.

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.

T.M.X. Elmo - we know where to get them

Today at 4:55 pm, Jeff Ehling showed us (WATCH THE VIDEO) how difficult it can be to get a new T.M.X. Elmo doll. But Jolanda Stewart of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. gave us the scoop:

"Great news!! Just found out that next shipment is hitting the stores this weekend!!! Purchase limit of 2 per customer."

In the meantime, click here to watch video of T.M.X. Elmo in action. Here is video of the Spanish version (this is the one we have).

Also, here are the potential toys that Toys R' Us thinks will be this year's hottest gifts.

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.

Jet Blue begins offering service to and from Hobby airport

Jeff Ehling reported on Jet Blue starting service at Houston's Hobby Airport and what it means for the air price war:

They broke out the water cannons at Hobby Airport on Thursday for the first arrival of the latest commercial airline to serve Houston - Jet Blue.

The airline started service from Hobby to several cities - all flights going through New York. Jet Blue is one of the nation's many discount carriers. Its arrival could affect prices you pay on other airlines.

Fanfare is nice, but when it comes to the arrival of a new airline, but many travelers look at air fare when it comes to picking a flight. For those who do, Jet Blue is offering $79 one-way tickets from Houston's Hobby Airport to New York's JFK Airport. With taxes, it's $84.80.

Traveler Kevin Merrell admitted, "It was cheap. Yes, it was."

Merrell was one of the customers who took the carriers first flight into Hobby. He says the price is hard to beat.

"Everything's going up, so you have to cut where you can," Merrell said. "But it was a good flight and inexpensive."

And when it comes to flying for less money, Sabrina Engle needs all the help she can get.

"It's expensive going to a place like New York City when you add on the hotel and everything that we are going to be doing for entertainment," Engle said. "Booking the airlines for multiple people, it makes it a lot easier when you can get a price that's reasonable."

Now that Jet Blue has landed, will it have any impact on the prices that other airlines charge?

"I think they already have," said travel agent Mike Weingart.

Weingart found that two days ago Continental Airlines started offering fares that mirror the rates offered by Jet Blue. Weingart adds ATA airlines also offers the same rate on one way tickets direct from Hobby to New York.

"It's good for the consumers, is it good for the airlines," Weingart said. "At $79 a ticket, you have to have a full plane to do that."

Officials with Continental say they do compete on price, and add Continental is a full service carrier. With Jet Blue now in the mix, Houston travelers can pick from 19 direct flights to New York City.

Travel experts say it's important to remember not all seats on every flight are sold at the lowest rate. The best way to get the cheapest fares is to book your trip early.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

New abc13.com traffic section

Have you seen the new abc13.com traffic section?  It's pretty sharp! There are all kinds of new features you need to check out right now.

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.

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

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.

Ted Oberg blogging on Hurricane Katrina anniversary

Once again, Eyewitness News reporter Ted Oberg is blogging (or writing an online journal in reality) from the road. This time Oberg is visiting spots along the Gulf coast this week to remember the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Here is the first post on his latest effort:

Wednesday, August 23

Mobile, Alabama

This morning we're in Mobile starting our trip along the coast back towards New Orleans. This one year anniversary should be about so much more than what is happening there. That's why we took to the road. It won't be any big picture look - but a few snapshots of what the new normal is here.

We turned off I-10 last night on the way here to drive along the beach road for a while. My eye was immediately drawn to the damage that still hasn't been cleaned up - and there is a lot of that. Over the next several days we will try to avoid the temptation to write about it or spend our days shooting it. You've seen it and by now (unfortunately) damage from this storm does not surprise people.

I think so much more of the story is what you don't see. The lack of sunbathers on the beaches, the lack of open businesses, the impressive progress some places are making and the staggering lack of progress others have made. New Orleans mayor C Ray Nagin used a phrase in Spike Lee's incredible documentary that I love. He said in the days right after the storm many people he dealt with were "stuck on stuck". Across the Gulf Coast some still are.

We're off ... First stop is Bayou La Batre - a fishing city on the Alabama coast.

I'll write later and see you on the news tonight at 10.

Ted

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)

Ted Oberg blogs from London

Ted Oberg is in the UK and blogging around his TV reports on the terror arrests.  Check out this temporary blog.

Here is the latest entry:

Friday, August 11

What a trip.

I suppose without carry on luggage the only thing to do was sleep and that was fine with me.

Arriving in London, the airports are clearly back up and running. Traffic out of Gatwick and into London's larger airport Heathrow was awful. The lines inside the terminals were more disorganized than long. It seemed like many people cancelled yesterday were getting on flights today. As I write from my hotel room overlooking the runway, I assure you the planes are getting back in the air - more than one every minute.

People's nerves will take a little longer to settle down. Today there is a good mix of those who are scared and those who resort to the thought that nothing can happen with this much security.

As for the rules - they are still in place. No carry on luggage. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the novelty of flying with nothing more than a clear plastic bag will take to wear off.

See you on the TV side starting at 4.

Ted

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

Coupons Coming for TV Digital Converters?

February 18, 2009 is a big day in the TV industry.  That day, our analog signals shuts off and we go totally digital.  But what if you don't want to get rid of your current analog TV?  About.com uncovered some news on that:

To offset the cost of these changes, Congress passed a law, which will provide up to $1.5 billion to assist US citizens in buying the necessary converter boxes for their analog televisions.

With the proposed coupon program, those who are eligible for the coupon program can apply from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009, for up to two coupons, each valued at $40. Recipients must redeem the coupons within three months of issuance, but may not combine their two coupons toward the purchase of a single converter box.

By March 2007, all new televisions sold must be capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

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/

Ford recalls 1.2 million vehicles

A major announcement today from Ford, the company is recalling another one million trucks and vans because of a faulty speed control switch that can cause fires.

The Action 13 Consumer department first told you about this problem in 2005 when the first recall happened.

This is the third recall involving the same switch in the last 18 months.  Before today, five million Ford trucks were recalled now another million can be added to that.

To find out if your vehicle is included, you can enter your VIN (Vehicle identification number) here.

Online personal shoppers

Today at 4:55, Jeff Ehling showed us how clicking through online retailer sites can be almost as bad as wandering endlessly through the mall when you don't have a clue what to buy. Now, you can get the best of the online world without doing any of the work! Just check out all the new online personal shopper websites that will let their fingers do the walking while you sit back and relax.

For this story, Kelli Grant of Smartmoney.com ranked the sites and says the highest marks go to:

Gifts.com
Surprise.com
FindGift.com

Wedding dress mess

Today at 4 pm, Jeff Ehling told us the story of a some angry brides.  Viewers asked us for help and the Action 13 Department delivered.  Maybe I should say helped walk them down the aisle at least.  Here are the shops that will help out customers of an Affair to Remember.  You'll need to bring your receipt from Affair to Remember to prove you were currently doing business there. The shop's phone number is 832-228-2859.

Special thanks to wedding coordinator Jo Ann S. Woodward who helped us with the following stores.

Designer Bridal Outlet
Katy Mills Mall
5000 Katy Mills Circle
T :281.644.6255
Dresses from $49.00 - $800.00 Ask for Tricia Mott

Weddings by Debbie
2237 Hwy 6 S.
T: 281.531.6255
Bring your Affair to Remember, receipt to receive 10% off of already marked down dresses.
Ask for Suisha

Houston Bridal & Formal Gallery
3400 Fannin St.
T; 713.526.9401
All sizes of dresses off