May 20th, 2012
Now might be the time to consider running those prepaid calling cards through the shredder.
The Federal Communications Commission issued a temporary halt on the industry’s deceptive advertising practices this month, following a Consumer Reports study on how they take advantage of international callers, and low-income immigrants in particular.
In reviewing 130 cards, Consumer Reports found there’s no telling what callers will get until they actually place the call. Many cards reviewed were rife with undisclosed fees and surcharges, making it nearly impossible for customers to be informed buyers.
One company Consumer Reports reviewed had gone out of business, while other cards hadn’t been activated for use. Still another card purchased in January 2012 promoted a contest that had ended two years ago.
Marketed under names like “Africa Magic,” “Hola Amigo,” and “Viva Ecuador,” the cards are sold everywhere and advertised in print and online. For immigrants looking to call distant relatives in countries like Argentina, Pakistan, Poland, and Nigeria, the $2 and $5 cards often represent the only way to stay in touch.
In a recent press conference, the Federal Trade Commission said it’s seeking a court order to stop the deceptive practices and vowed to work closely with the New York State’s Attorney General’s office and FCC to clamp down on the problem.
Until the issue’s resolved, however, Consumer Reports has put out these useful tips to help you get the most for your money:
Look for alternatives. Whether it’s a Web-based service like Skype or signing up for your cell phone provider’s international call plan, seek out a service with transparent fees—and lower costs. Over time, buying several prepaid cards each week could rack up more than $100 a year.
Watch out for cards selling “units.” You want minutes, not units which could give you much less. And go with a no-fee card from a national retailer if you make infrequent calls, says the site.
Check the expiration date. Don’t fork over cash for a card that’s invalid. Likewise make sure the PIN is still intact and that its coating hasn’t been removed prior to purchase.
Buy only what you need. Overstocking on cards is a no-no, says the site, which points out that some “start the clock on expiration from their activation date at the store.” Given that some of these card companies are fly-by-night operations, they could go out of business suddenly, leaving you and your card off the hook.
To report shady prepaid calling cards, call the FCC (888-CALL-FCC), FTC (877-FTC-HELP) or your state attorney general’s office. For the rest of Consumer Reports’ tips, visit its site.
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May 20th, 2012
BOSTON — State Senate leaders are calling for a crackdown on misuse of Electronic Welfare Benefit cards in Massachusetts, but are taking a different approach than the House.
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May 18th, 2012
Now might be the time to consider running those prepaid calling cards through the shredder.
The Federal Communications Commission issued a temporary halt on the industry’s deceptive advertising practices this month, following a Consumer Reports study on how they take advantage of international callers, and low-income immigrants in particular.
In reviewing 130 cards, Consumer Reports found there’s no telling what callers will get until they actually place the call. Many cards reviewed were rife with undisclosed fees and surcharges, making it nearly impossible for customers to be informed buyers.
One company Consumer Reports reviewed had gone out of business, while other cards hadn’t been activated for use. Still another card purchased in January 2012 promoted a contest that had ended two years ago.
Marketed under names like “Africa Magic,” “Hola Amigo,” and “Viva Ecuador,” the cards are sold everywhere and advertised in print and online. For immigrants looking to call distant relatives in countries like Argentina, Pakistan, Poland, and Nigeria, the $2 and $5 cards often represent the only way to stay in touch.
In a recent press conference, the Federal Trade Commission said it’s seeking a court order to stop the deceptive practices and vowed to work closely with the New York State’s Attorney General’s office and FCC to clamp down on the problem.
Until the issue’s resolved, however, Consumer Reports has put out these useful tips to help you get the most for your money:
Look for alternatives. Whether it’s a Web-based service like Skype or signing up for your cell phone provider’s international call plan, seek out a service with transparent fees—and lower costs. Over time, buying several prepaid cards each week could rack up more than $100 a year.
Watch out for cards selling “units.” You want minutes, not units which could give you much less. And go with a no-fee card from a national retailer if you make infrequent calls, says the site.
Check the expiration date. Don’t fork over cash for a card that’s invalid. Likewise make sure the PIN is still intact and that its coating hasn’t been removed prior to purchase.
Buy only what you need. Overstocking on cards is a no-no, says the site, which points out that some “start the clock on expiration from their activation date at the store.” Given that some of these card companies are fly-by-night operations, they could go out of business suddenly, leaving you and your card off the hook.
To report shady prepaid calling cards, call the FCC (888-CALL-FCC), FTC (877-FTC-HELP) or your state attorney general’s office. For the rest of Consumer Reports’ tips, visit its site.
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May 18th, 2012
BOSTON — State Senate leaders are calling for a crackdown on misuse of Electronic Welfare Benefit cards in Massachusetts, but are taking a different approach than the House.
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May 16th, 2012
Canadians will still have numbers, but not the plastic
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May 16th, 2012
Recognizing the direct link between dental health and overall health, in particular oral cancer, Nye County offers an affordable dental discount card program to promote the importance of preventive dental care and help residents save money.
Through its membership in the National Association of Counties NACO , Nye County launched the NACO Dental Discount Card Program in August, 2010, to help families save money on needed dental care, orthodontic treatment and other dental care services through a network of participating private practice dentists.
The program, administered by Careington International Corporation and NACO, offers individuals and families affordable monthly and annual membership options to take advantage of dental care discounts throughout the year.
NACO President Lenny Eliason, Commissioner from Athens County, Ohio, said, “Especially during these tough times, NACO is pleased to provide this dental discount program to our member counties. Since this program is not insurance, anyone can join, and there are no limits on use. There are also no age or income restrictions. This program is the latest of many valuable services that NACO provides to our member counties.”
“We are excited to continue to offer this affordable, money-saving dental discount card program to our residents,” said Shirley Trummell, Director, Nye County Health & Human Services.
“We know that poor dental health can harm our general health. In these tough times, many cannot afford to visit the dentist for check-ups and routine services, or for more advanced treatment they really need. But through this program, residents can get some welcome relief paying discounted rates for those important health services.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a 2011 article entitled Oral Health: Preventing Cavities, Gum Loss, Tooth Decay and Oral Cancers – At a Glance 2011, roughly 37,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with oral cancer, and almost 8,000 deaths each year are attributed to this form of cancer.
The CDC says oral cancer survival rates are among the lowest of major cancers. Only about half of those diagnosed with oral cancer are alive to tell their story five years after diagnosis.
Most signs of oral cancer are painless and difficult to find without an exam by a dental professional, but the most common signs according to the CDC include a mouth sore that won’t heal or bleeds easily, a white or red patch that won’t go away, a lump, thickening or soreness in the mouth, throat or on the tongue or difficulty chewing or swallowing. And it could be a routine trip to the dentist for an exam that can help detect possible warning signs.
Beyond oral cancer, other health conditions linked to poor dental health include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and even pre-term pregnancy.
Each of these serious conditions, with a direct link to oral health, can be intercepted by a dentist, and the newly launched NACO Discount Dental Card Program will help residents save money on the preventive dental care that’s critical to overall health.
More information about the NACO Dental Discount Card Program is available at www.nacodentalprogram.com. or by calling 877-354-NACo 6226 and mentioning marketing code “NACO” to take advantage of special rates.
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May 14th, 2012
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Audubon New York is spreading the word about how birders help local economies.
The group has launched a campaign that will distribute calling cards for bird-watchers to hand out at restaurants and other businesses. The idea is to show businesses and tourism agencies how much money is spent by people traveling to see birds.
The cards feature the slogan, “Birds mean business.” On the back, birders are supposed to write their name and contact information.
Audubon spokesman Sean Mahar says the cards will encourage communities to develop events and programs designed to attract birders.
Hamilton County has taken the message to heart, hosting the annual Adirondack Birding Festival. Officials say birders make up about 5 to 7 percent of the county’s tourists.
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May 14th, 2012
ALBANY, N.Y. – Audubon New York is spreading the word about how birders help local economies.
The group has launched a campaign that will distribute calling cards for bird-watchers to hand out at restaurants and other businesses. The idea is to show businesses and tourism agencies how much money is spent by people travelling to see birds.
The cards feature the slogan, “Birds mean business.” On the back, birders are supposed to write their name and contact information.
Audubon spokesman Sean Mahar says the cards will encourage communities to develop events and programs designed to attract birders.
Hamilton County has taken the message to heart, hosting the annual Adirondack Birding Festival. Officials say birders make up about 5 to 7 per cent of the county’s tourists.
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May 12th, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
By AMANDA BUCK – Bulletin Staff Writer
All Martinsville voters and many in Henry County began receiving new voter registration cards Thursday that reflect congressional redistricting.
In some cases, the new cards — which notify voters that they will vote in the 9th Congressional District rather than the 5th — are prompting confusion, said Henry County Registrar Elizabeth Stone.
“Everyone is calling,” Stone said Thursday afternoon. Many callers are confused about why they received new cards, she said.
“They say, ‘Why are they sending another one? They just sent one last year.’ But these are the updated ones,” she said.
Last year, all registered voters in Henry County were sent registration cards that reflected redistricting changes to Virginia House and Senate seats, Stone said. Because the General Assembly did not agree on congressional changes at the same time, those cards did not reflect congressional redistricting.
With the new congressional districts now in effect, new cards were necessary for affected voters. That includes every city voter and those in 10 county precincts, according to Stone and city registrar Cindy Barbour.
With the new changes, the majority of Henry County now is in the 9th District, which includes most of Southwestern Virginia. U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, currently represents the 9th District.
All or part of seven county precincts remain in the 5th District, which covers part of Southside and all of central Virginia. It is represented by U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, R-Chatham.
Two Henry County precincts are split between the two districts, Stone said. In the Mt. Olivet precinct, residents of one road — Cabell Street — remain in the 5th District, but all others in the precinct will vote in the 9th District, she said.
“We have to set up voting machines, poll books and everything for that one street,” she said. “Thirteen people live on that street, and of the 13, four are registered to vote.”
When those four voters arrive to cast their ballots, they will do so on separate voting machines than others in the precinct, Stone said.
The other split precinct is Dyers Store. All of that precinct now is in the 9th District except for six streets that remain in the 5th, Stone said. Both sides of the following streets will stay in the 5th: Al-Dana Road, Hatcher Farm Road and Houston Drive. Parts of three additional roads also will stay in the 5th: Blue Knob Road, Chatham Road and North Fork Road.
Any voter who is affected by the change will receive a new voter registration card, Stone said. Those whose district did not change won’t be sent new cards, she added.
The change is important because it determines which congressman represents which areas. Until a decade ago, all of Henry County and Martinsville were in the 5th District. Western Henry County precincts were moved to the 9th after the 2000 census, and now, more precincts have been added, along with all of Martinsville.
There are no split precincts in the city, Barbour said.
The new alignment first will be in effect for the June 12 U.S. Senate Republican primary, Stone said. Because senators are elected statewide, voters probably won’t notice any change in their House District at that time.
Stone reminded voters that the change does not affect where they vote, only for whom they vote.
“Just check their voter card, and they will know which candidate will be representing them in the future,” Stone said.
She urged voters not to toss the new cards.
“We’re not just sending them out there wasting taxpayers’ money,” she said. “There’s a reason for it.”
According to Stone, anyone who votes in the following county precincts will receive a new voter card reflecting the change from the 5th to the 9th District: Collinsville No. 1, Daniels Creek, Collinsville No. 2, Figsboro, Stanleytown, Oak Level, Fontaine and Ridgeway No. 2. |
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May 12th, 2012
MP calls for ‘clarity’ on Clinton Cards jobs in Kendal
10:30am Saturday 12th May 2012 in News
WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is calling for Clinton Cards to ‘clarify the future’ for staff at the troubled company’s Kendal store.
After having amassed over £100 million worth of debt, and unable to repay a £35 million loan, Clinton Cards was forced it into administration on Wednesday.
The retailer has more than 620 stores across the country, and it is feared many are under threat of closure to make the business more ‘financially viable’. This means nationwide 8,000 jobs are at
risk. It is understood that eight people are employed at the Kendal branch.
Mr Farron said: “This is dreadful news for Clinton Cards, especially for local people whose jobs are now in question.
“I hope that at this time the business can be open and honest to its staff as they deserve to be kept up to date.
“I am keen to work with the retailer to ensure the survival of the Kendal store and the safeguarding of jobs in our area.”
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Helvellyn55
says…
10:43am Sat 12 May 12
Opportunist comments – the MP knows full well how Administrations run and his murmurings will not influence the outcome one jot.
Helvellyn55