Hi,
Tomorrow is the anniversary of the birth of Joe Louis (1914) and Mary Wells (My Guy 1943), the anniversary of the Mexican War being declared (1846), Philly Police bombing of the radical MOVE headquarters (1985) and Stevie Wonder’s birthday (1950).
There are rules debt collectors must follow. The collector must tell you within five days the exact amount you owe, who you owe and how to proceed if you don’t feel you owe. If you dispute the debt, be sure to send the collection agency a letter within thirty days why you feel you do not owe this amount (request a signature from the postal service showing the letter was received). Collectors are not allowed to call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They also can not contact you at work, if you tell them your boss doesn’t allow personal phone calls. They can not “harass, oppress, threaten or abuse you”, nor can they publicly publish your name. They can not lie or claim they are something they are not (ie that they work for the government, etc). To report problems, go to the state attorney general’s office or contact the FTC.
Pennsylvania has banned payday lenders for the past six years. That does not keep these predators out of the state, they are very active on-line. Just ask Pete Alfeche of Havertown. Going through a rough time with divorce, raising two teenage sons and some health issues, he borrowed $250. Unfortunately he fell into the trap payday lenders count on and he ended up paying $2,000 over the course of a year when he could finally pay it off. State Representative Chris Ross, R Chester County has sponsored a bill allowing payday lenders back in the state. In his defense, there are some restrictions in his bill about the activities payday lenders can do. My issues are two, #1 it doesn’t eliminate the on-line payday lenders. And #2, by nature, they are a predatory business that sucks assets people down on their luck desprately need. You can contact Rep Ross on his web site.
Canonsburg is getting ready for home town boy Perry Como’s 100th birthday (he passed away in 1971). The “singing barber” got his break by singing with the Freddie Carlone Band performing in Cleveland. He was later signed to RCA-Victor Records and had many hits, a TV serial and frequently hosted holiday TV specials. The local McDonalds in Canonsburg sort of serves as a shrine to him and Bobby Vinton (another son of Canonsburg) with framed photos, records and even busts of the entertainers. More info at Canonsburg’s web site or by calling 724.745.1515.
Out of the mouth of babes, well somewhat. Last weekend, there was a Pirates game at the same time as a Marilyn Manson concert and an estimated 40,000 people were on the Northside for the events. The T service was chronically short, which infuriate our new County Excecutive Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald said this was unacceptable and the Port Authority will fix their operations or he will do the same thing to them as he did to the county board of health (he fired the director about a month ago). Port Authority Jim Richie said “A lot of people think we should have added service. But it came down to money. We tried to throw out as much service as we could , as much as we could afford.” This goes back to what Steve Bland, the director of Port Authority said during construction of the Northshore connector. When asked if they would beef up service on Steeler home game weekends, he said “No, that would involve overtime”. He quickly backed off that statement. But apparently they still have that mind set. Lesson #1 Mr. Port Authority, as a business owner, I would decrease service when the T’s are empty and increase it when they are full. Idiots.
I seriously apologize. I can’t stop here. Port Authority just lost a lawsuit about running an ad for ex-felons that they could be eligible for voting rights. They refused to run the ad sponsored by the League of Young Voters in 2006. Port Authority said the ad was against their one paragraph policy governing ads. (They have since replaced that with a four page policy after finally reviewing the ad policies of their peers, like SEPTA in Philly). After six years of legal wrangling, the judge ruled that Port Authority was totally wrong and not only has to run the ads, they also must pay for UCLA’s legal defense. The cash strapped agency that’s slashing routes and raising fares has to pay the ACLU $476,357.77 (and that doesn’t include Port Authority’s legal bills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Pyrotechnico, like the the better known Zambelli Brothers are from right up in New Castle. They have been around over 125 years and produce 2,500 shows a year. They are producing PyroFest in Hartwood Acres on Saturday, May 26. They are having several shows, it starts at 5 with smoke and noise displays. All toll, there will be six shows, including a military tribute, a national anthem display, a “Renegade” display featuring the Styx song so associated with the Steelers as well as UFO and smoke. Phantom Fireworks will also have a demo and display of their products. Performing will be B.E. Taylor and The Gathering Field. Pyrotechnico hopes to make this an event they can replicate around the country. Doors open at 3 pm, price is $18, $10 for kids. (VIP seating is $40). Don’t forget to bring a chairs or blankets. More info at their web site, Showclix or the Hartwood Acres site.
Have a great weekend and happy Mother’s Day,
ed
