Archive for Don
India launch cow urine soft drink
Posted by: | CommentsDoes your Pepsi lack pep? Is your Coke not the real thing? India’s Hindu nationalist movement apparently has the answer: a new soft drink made from cow urine.
The bovine brew is in the final stages of development by the Cow Protection Department of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India’s biggest and oldest Hindu nationalist group, according to the man who makes it.
Om Prakash, the head of the department, said the drink – called “gau jal”, or “cow water” – in Sanskrit was undergoing laboratory tests and would be launched “very soon, maybe by the end of this year”.
“Don’t worry, it won’t smell like urine and will be tasty too,” he told The Times from his headquarters in Hardwar, one of four holy cities on the River Ganges. “Its USP will be that it’s going to be very healthy. It won’t be like carbonated drinks and would be devoid of any toxins.”
Hindus revere cows and slaughtering them is illegal in most of India. Cow dung is traditionally used as a fuel and disinfectant in villages, while cow urine and dung are often consumed in rituals to “purify” those on the bottom rungs of the Hindu caste system.
In 2001, the RSS and its offshoots – which include the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party – began promoting cow urine as a cure for ailments ranging from liver disease to obesity and even cancer.
Mr Prakash said his drink, by contrast, was made mainly of cow urine, mixed with a few medicinal and ayurvedic herbs. He said it would be “cheap”, but declined to give further details about its price or ingredients until it was officially launched.
He insisted, however, that it would be able to compete with the American cola brands, even with their enormous advertising budgets. “We’re going to give them good competition as our drink is good for mankind,” he said. “We may also think of exporting it.”
Northern Leasing Systems Do not do business with this company
Posted by: | CommentsIn 2001 I leased a credit card terminal from Northern Leasing Systems. They never sent anyone out to program it even after I contacted them. Frustrated with waiting, I just gave up and told them I wanted to cancel the contract and give back the equipment. I was told I couldn’t – I was obligated to a four-year contract. They continued billing me every month (even though I was not using their services). After they threatened to sue me, I ended up paying a total of $1,200 for a credit card terminal that never got taken out of the box.! To add insult to injury, I recently discovered they put a blemish on my credit report claiming I still owe them over $200.
I recently started another business and decided to use my terminal (with another credit card processing company) and was told by this other company that I couldn’t use the terminal because it was still under lease with Northern Leasing Systems.
It’s been almost SEVEN years since I signed that contract and this company still continues to give me grief. They are even holding my terminal hostage so I can’t use it anywhere else. I don’t understand why they are still in business? They should be shut down and prosecuted for fraud. I am urging other consumers – DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!!
Business Bureaus top 10 Complaints 2009
Posted by: | CommentsThe Better Business Bureau has released a list of the top ten scams to be aware of. This year, the list focuses in on dubious practices of online commerce, such as asking consumers to read the fine print before you click “yes.” Complaints in 2009 run the gamut from teeth whiteners to premium text messages to government grants, but all tie back to consumers unwittingly consenting to sign up for the service or product.
1. Health Claim Scams
Bogus products that make “breakthrough” health claims on the Internet or promise cures for illnesses, such as cancer, target the most vulnerable consumers. Be wary of on-line swine flu remedies not authorized by Health Canada that are making unsubstantiated health claims that they kill or ward off the virus. Consult your health care practitioner before trying any new treatment. Don’t be influenced by “miraculous” testimonials discussed on websites and blogs. Think twice before buying a product that claims it can “do it all.”
QUICK TIP: If you have questions or complaints about counterfeit drugs and/or drugs purchased over the Internet, please call Health Canada’s toll-free line at 1 800 267 9675. If you suspect that a website is promoting a treatment or cure that is too good to be true.
2. Not So “Free” Trials
You may want to try out a new diet product, an acne cream or teeth whitener, but be careful about signing up for ‘free’ trial offers. Many websites offering a free trial for products do not disclose the billing terms and conditions or do not have such details prominently displayed on their website. Before providing any credit or debit card information, review the website fully to avoid in repeated billing. Remember that money transfers and direct debit are two of the main methods by which scam artists seek to obtain your money.
QUICK TIP: When considering trial offers, be sure to first determine whether you are enrolling in a membership, subscription or service contract that allows the company.
3. ID Theft
Often people find out that they are victims of identity theft after they are contacted by a collections’ agency for an account they never set up or because their credit has taken a hit. ID theft is when someone uses your information to obtain loans, goods, or services and does not pay the bills. Increasingly, people are being lured online into revealing personal information.
QUICK TIP: Do not fall for requests for information, or other scare tactics. Online scammers send emails that look legitimate, requesting that your “account information needs to be updated.” Another new tactic called “scareware” has a pop-up message showing that your computer is infected with a virus and that you need to visit a website to purchase and download anti-virus software that would fix the problem. These are all phishing tactics, ways to get you to reveal personal or financial information. If you receive these messages just delete them and do not click on any links. Doing so may compromise your computer’s security. If you are a victim of ID Theft call your financial institutions to request that your current cards be cancelled and that new cards be issued. You should also contact your local police and Canada’s main credit reporting agencies: TransUnion Canada at tuc.ca (1 866 525 0262) and Equifax Canada at equifax.ca (1 866 779 6440).
4. Home Repair Rip-Offs
Imagine hearing that your furnace is leaking dangerous carbon monoxide into your home. Many times homeowners are told that they need to do an immediate replacement due to a crack in their heat exchanger or because the contractor has a gas-sniffer device which shows high carbon monoxide levels. This high pressure safety situation often ends up in unnecessary and costly repairs.
QUICK TIP: Do not make a decision to repair right away. Start with the Better Business Bureau and search for a company reliability report at bbb.org. Ask the person to provide a gas permit and a license with the BC Safety Authority and call to verify it at: 1 866 566 7233.
6. Free Government Money Schemes
Do you think you are entitled to free money from the Canadian government? Be suspicious of companies offering “free” advice on obtaining government grants. Often social networking sites and online ads will point to blogs that appear to be written by everyday people who are sharing the secret of how they received thousands of dollars in grants from the government to pay off their debt. In reality, this is a mass marketing scheme that does not provide an easy way for you to get a government grant. Rather, it costs you money to participate.
7. Business Opportunities
Your friend or a family member may have invited you to attend a presentation involving an investment opportunity. You don’t know anything about the company, and are desperate to hear that it is legit. These investments appear lucrative, but often involve more hype than substance. The promoter convinces investors that they can be part owners of an exciting investment portfolio, provided that they enlist new recruits. The promoter may even offer promising commissions in cash and bullion.
QUICK TIP: In reality, this could be an illegal pyramid scheme. The new capital brought on by new investors is keeping this imaginary investment afloat. Get the facts. If you attend an information session, be sure to collect business cards and promotional materials
8. Cashback Fraud
Cashback fraud usually begins when you advertise something for sale, such as a car. A buyer agrees to pay your asking price, but sends you a cheque or banker’s draft for a larger sum. The person asks you to bank his cheque and send him a money transfer for the difference. Sure enough, his or her cheque bounces a few days after your money transfer has left your account. You’re now out of pocket and looking for a bogus buyer who’s out-of-reach.
QUICK TIP: Criminal cashback works because cheques take longer to clear than electronic bank transfers. Do not ever wire money to a stranger. Do not allow greed to be your guide – be careful of offers higher than the asking price.
9. Hidden Cell Phone Charges
If you own a cell phone and see new and unexplained charges on your bill each month, it may be due to premium text message services. People complain that they did not realize they were signing up for this service when they agreed to play an online game or to take an IQ test. In the end they receive monthly billings which do not come from their cell phone service providers, but through other third-party companies.
10. Mystery Jobs Scams
The scenario sounds too good to be true, and it is. You have been led to believe that you will be paid to mystery shop via a wire-transfer service. You receive a cheque, which you are told to deposit, keeping a small percentage of the money as your wage. You are then asked to send the back difference via a wire transfer and to complete a survey on the service you encounter. In the end, the cheque bounces and you lose all your money.
QUICK TIP: Be skeptical of mystery shopper ads in newspapers or online. In most cases these are bogus services requiring you to pay money upfront. Avoid companies that promise guaranteed jobs, and that sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers
Our View: Can America manage a day without complaints?
Posted by: | CommentsFed up with a culture of negativity that produces complaints 24-7-365 about the economy, politics and the mundane matters of everyday life, a Missouri congressman decided he’d try to do something about it.
Democrat Emanuel Cleaver introduced a resolution with a simple message: Cut the griping. He wants to see the day before Thanksgiving in future years declared Complaint-Free Wednesday, dedicated to setting the criticism aside and acknowledging that whining does nothing to solve problems. Cleaver is also pitching it as a chance to prepare for the day that follows. Like stretching before a workout, laying down our list of problems will make it easier for people to see what they’re thankful for.
Not surprisingly, his proposal has generated – you guessed it – complaints. Some folks paint it as another attempt to try to muzzle speech and make dissent unpatriotic. Of course they ignore that the identical idea was proposed last year by Cleaver’s Missouri colleague Sam Graves, a Republican. Others have made hobbies of grumbling and aren’t keen on stopping, even for a day.
Truth be told, we can come up with a couple things to groan about ourselves. Today of all days, shouldn’t we be able to blow off whatever steam we have before sitting around with family? Don’t we need the chance to complain about traffic jams, airport waits and somebody absconding with that last tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls at the grocery store? Heck, what would our online commenters do with themselves if they’re not allowed to satisfy their very reason for being? I find fault, therefore I am.
Then, of course, there’s the healthy measure of doubt that this will have much effect. Cleaver has acknowledged those doubts and still figures it can’t hurt to try. He’s pointed out that it’s revenue-neutral – how many proposals can claim that nowadays? – and keeps people healthier. Indeed, the Dallas Morning News cites reports that the average person grouses about one thing or another 15 to 30 times a day (a number we suspect goes up on days city councils and school boards meet). Yet, contrary to popular belief, hard-core complainers tend to die before those who give it a rest occasionally, according to a Mayo Clinic study.
Got a complaint? Don’t get angry, get writing
Posted by: | CommentsIf something goes wrong after you buy a product or service, do you want the problem to be resolved? Would you like if the retailer or service provider learned from their mistake, so it might not happen again?
If you’ve answered ‘yes’ then you must always complain when something goes wrong. But to ensure success when complaining you’ve got to do it right.
The biggest mistakes you can make are not being clear in what you want, not talking to the right person and getting angry.
Of course you may feel like getting very angry indeed, especially if the person you’re complaining to either doesn’t have a clue or doesn’t want to know. But whatever the case, sarcasm or rudeness won’t help your cause. You may feel angry, but you’ll be a more effective complainer if you act reasonably.
First of all, find out what rights you have in your particular situation. For example, are you allowed to return the item you bought online because you don’t like it or are you entitled to have a two-year-old washing machine repaired?
Once you know the answer, then you will know what to ask for with confidence. Don’t hang around. If you do, the shop or service may take this as a sign that you accept the goods or service, and if the goods have been used for some time before you complain, your entitlements may become limited.
What’s more, some consumer legislation places time limits on making complaints. For example, complaints about a package holiday must be made within 28 days of returning from the holiday; complaints about delayed luggage should be made within 21 days and complaints about damaged luggage within seven days. Hopefully you’ll have found this out at the beginning when you found out about your rights
Be realistic, though. You won’t have a legal claim if you have broken something yourself rather than the product being faulty. Likewise if there is a superficial fault that you should have seen on examination of the product, or if a fault was already pointed out to you before you bought it.
It can sometimes be difficult to get to speak to the right person about your complaint, especially if you have to contact a call centre. Start by contacting the person in the company you originally dealt with or the customer care department if there is one, and remember to take the person’s name.
If that doesn’t help, ask to speak to “somebody in charge”. There is no point in complaining to the first person you speak to, as they probably won’t have any authority to put things right. Then give them a chance to put things right.
At this stage you’ll probably be making your complaint over the phone or face to face. Always keep notes of what happened, and include dates of phone calls or other conversations, who you spoke to and what was said.
Keep to the facts and tell them what you want them to do for you. Remember to keep that anger in check, and stay away from other emotions too.
Instead focus on the action you want taken (i.e. repair, refund or replacement) rather than on your disappointment. If this doesn’t resolve anything and you are getting nowhere, it’s time to make a more formal complaint in writing.
Hold on to all evidence such as copies of letters, emails, photographs, invoices, receipts, credit-card statements, quotations or contracts. Those notes you kept earlier will come in handy.
Ask for the name and address of the most senior person you can contact who deals with written complaints, so that your letter or email goes to the right person. Copying it to the CEO, the Taoiseach and the President isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.
Keep the letter short, setting out the history of your case, such as what you bought, when, what went wrong and when and who you spoke to. State your rights under consumer law, say what you want them to do and suggest a reasonable timeframe for them to respond. Attach copies of anything relevant, such as a credit card statement, invoice, emails, photographs or expert evidence.
If all fails, then turn to the Small Claims Court or relevant complaints body. It may all take a while, but it’s worth it, for both your wallet and respect.
Who to complain to
When you have a complaint you should always contact the seller first. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, there may be an organisation that can help. There are a lot of them out there and these are some that you need to know about.
More complaints surface against Imagine Schools
Posted by: | CommentsOthers have replied this weekend, complaining about Imagine Schools. I received notes from some in Georgia, and additional individuals from St. Louis, as well.
For Sunday’s Post-Dispatch story, go HERE. And, in case you haven’t seen it, here, again, is the unedited e-mail sent from Imagine CEO Dennis Bakke to his top executives and schools principals.
What are we learning about the selection and care of board members for our schools? Most Board members become very involved in the life of the school. Often, even before the school begins operation, the Board members have taken “ownership” of the school. Many honestly believe it is their school and that the school will not go well without them steering the school toward “excellence”. They believe they are the “governing” Board even if that adjective to describe the board has never been used by an Imagine School person. Many become involved in the daily life of the school, volunteering and “helping” teachers and and other staff to get things done. Even those who are not parents, take “ownership” of the school as if they started it. Initially, they are grateful to Imagine (especially Eileen and me) for helping them start the (their) school.
Why does it matter? Don’t we want local boards to be grateful and helpful and take ownership of the school? “Yes” and “No”. I do not mind them being grateful to us for starting the school (our school,not theirs), but the gratitude and the humility that goes with it, needs to extend to the operation of the school. In all three cases of the new schools I visited this past month, I started my talks by responding to the flowery introduction thanking Eileen and me for helping to start the XYZ school, with a thank you to the Board and others for helping Imagine start ITS school. Most people probably missed the serious point I was making. Besides, it was probably too late in most cases to correct the misconception that we had given to Board members and other volunteers about the nature of governance of the school Imagine had created.
Most problems we have with Boards were not, however, caused by our developers or regional directors or executive vice presidents choosing the wrong board members. In many cases, I think we didn’t make clear their role as a board member before we selected them. Sometimes we let a self-proclaimed Board chair select the Board (Please do not do that). By “we” I start with my own lack of understanding and poor teaching on this subject. I am learning most of these things right along with the rest of you. Whether or not a person has been on a board or not (with the exception of someone who has experience on the board of a major corporation), most people believe that Boards are “governance” boards. In other words, they are “in charge” of the school.
I suggest that Imagine boards and board members have two significant roles. The first is to “affirm” (vote FOR if legally required) significant items like our selection of the Principal and the budget (if you “need” to give them veto power over our proposed principal, then that would be okay although I don’t think in most cases it is essential that they be given that power (check the State law).
The second and most important role of board members is to advise us on all matters of employment, policies, school climate, shared values, growth, building, academics and financial.I believe that most of the problems we have with boards are caused not from taking decision making away from them, but not involving them in the advice process. Remember, the advice process shares your thinking with others and brings them into your circle.
Domestic Violence is Alive and Well
Posted by: | CommentsUnfortunately, domestic violence is very much alive and well — and thriving. According to the National Victims Center, one woman is raped every minute, and 30% of all women murdered in this country are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands.
Domestic violence is a particularly grim topic and a vicious crime, because it involves pain and suffering (even loss of life) inflicted by a friend, someone who claims to care, or a so-called loved one.
Many people ask, “Why don’t the victims just leave? Why do they stay?”
The Abuse We Don’t See
Usually by the time the physical abuse starts in a relationship, the emotional and psychological abuse has already destroyed all the dignity and self-esteem of the victim.
Victims feel ashamed and are embarrassed to tell others about their situations. They are fearful of leaving because of threats from their abusers and financial dependence.
In many instances, victims are manipulated to believe they deserve this treatment and it is somehow their fault. Abusers know exactly what to say and do to keep the abused in emotional captivity.
Victimizing the Victim
Victims view leaving as being more painful than staying, because of the imagined and real repercussions either from the perpetrator or from society at large.
Many people in the world still don’t understand domestic violence. Therefore, they victimize the victim further by blaming the victim or making comments like: “You should have just left.” “I would never be so stupid as to stay in an abusive relationship.” “That would never happen to me.”
Control
Domestic violence is about control — being mentally controlled by a significant other. That is the reason why, after leaving an abusive relationship, a victim will go back to her abuser an average of four times before she decides she has the mental strength to leave for good.
Teach them that love is not about control. Love is about wanting the very best for all concerned
The Price
According to a report from the American Medical Association, family violence costs this nation from 5 to 10 billion dollars annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity.
Government’s Consumer Action Handbook tells how to pursue complaints
Posted by: | CommentsReporting from Washington – The statement “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you” is considered one of the great lies of our time.
But if you’ve ever had a beef with a contractor, wanted to check the complaint record of the company offering you a cut-rate homeowner insurance policy, wondered how to escalate your problem with the local electric company or couldn’t get the installer to come back to take a look at your new but balky furnace, Uncle Sam really is here to help.
Just off the presses, the 30th edition of the Consumer Action Handbook from the General Service Administration’s Office of Citizen Services and Communication is chock-full of goodies for aggravated citizens who don’t know how or where to complain.
Even the savviest consumer has an issue from time to time with a product or service. But those who remain calm, maintain an even keel and pursue their grievances quietly but firmly are the ones who turn lemons into lemonade.
As the Consumer Action Handbook points out, the first step in resolving a problem is to contact the seller. Not only do you have a right to gripe, you have a responsibility. A problem can’t be corrected if no one knows about it. Do it as soon as possible. Don’t let that leaky connection go until more damage is done. And don’t stew until the problem has become larger than it really is.
If your issue is settled on the first call, you’re better off than most people. But if you are not satisfied, ask to speak to a supervisor or manager. And keep going up the ladder — to national headquarters or the manufacturer, if necessary — until you reach someone who will listen to your tale of woe.
If a home builder is a national outfit, for example, and the local office is apathetic to the fact that your bathroom tile is cracked, by all means, go to the next level.
If you are dealing with a manufacturing defect — say, the ice maker in your fancy new refrigerator keeps freezing up — realize that many companies have special customer service offices whose primary function is to solve such issues. The directory portion of the Consumer Action Handbook has listings for several hundred firms, or you can visit a company’s website, where you can click on the “contact us” link.
Each time you make a contact, keep a record of the date and time, and write down the name and phone number of the person with whom you spoke. Also take notes, recording your recollection of whatever was discussed, the solutions discussed and the offers, if any, that were made. Similarly, keep copies of all e-mails.
Type up your notes so that they are legible, and follow up with the person to whom you spoke with a letter that reinforces your position and states what actions you expect the company to take. But be reasonable. The maker may be willing to send someone out to re-stretch the rugs in your living room, but it cannot be expected to replace the set of dishes that broke when you tripped over the hump left by the original installer.
“Your letter should be brief and to the point,” the consumer handbook advises. “State exactly what you want done about the problem and how long you are willing to wait for a response. Don’t write an angry, sarcastic or threatening letter. The person reading your letter probably wasn’t responsible for your problem, but could be very helpful in resolving it.”
If, after you have given the company a reasonable amount of time to respond to your complaint, you are still not placated, consider filing a grievance against it.
Most people know they can file a complaint with their Better Business Bureau and the state or local consumer protection office. But as the consumer handbook points out, you also can take your problem to the state or federal agency that regulates that business.
Real estate brokers, for example, answer to state real estate commissions, and builders and remodeling contractors are often licensed by agencies that sometimes have systems in place to help consumers resolve their problems. Problem lenders can be reported too.
Politicians are another great resource, and so are local media outlets. Many state and local elected officials are able to help their constituents. Newspapers, radio stations and television stations are often interested in stories in which consumers are harmed, particularly if they are hoodwinked. Some still have action-line or hotline services.
Even national consumer groups may be able to help. If they can’t assist on specific complaints, maybe they are interested in hearing about issues that could influence their educational efforts or might become the focus of one of their advocacy programs.
Still not satisfied? Try to find out whether the company in question belongs to an industry trade association. Many associations have dispute systems in place for helping consumers resolve problems with their members.
Maybe the company will submit to conciliation, mediation or arbitration, in which a neutral third party meets with both sides in an effort to figure out an acceptable solution. If so, the handbook advises that you obtain a copy of the rules beforehand so you will know whether the decision is binding or whether participation places any restrictions on your ability to take legal action
Government’s Consumer Action Handbook tells how to pursue complaints
Posted by: | CommentsReporting from Washington – The statement “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you” is considered one of the great lies of our time.
But if you’ve ever had a beef with a contractor, wanted to check the complaint record of the company offering you a cut-rate homeowner insurance policy, wondered how to escalate your problem with the local electric company or couldn’t get the installer to come back to take a look at your new but balky furnace, Uncle Sam really is here to help.
Just off the presses, the 30th edition of the Consumer Action Handbook from the General Service Administration’s Office of Citizen Services and Communication is chock-full of goodies for aggravated citizens who don’t know how or where to complain.
Even the savviest consumer has an issue from time to time with a product or service. But those who remain calm, maintain an even keel and pursue their grievances quietly but firmly are the ones who turn lemons into lemonade.
As the Consumer Action Handbook points out, the first step in resolving a problem is to contact the seller. Not only do you have a right to gripe, you have a responsibility. A problem can’t be corrected if no one knows about it. Do it as soon as possible. Don’t let that leaky connection go until more damage is done. And don’t stew until the problem has become larger than it really is.
If your issue is settled on the first call, you’re better off than most people. But if you are not satisfied, ask to speak to a supervisor or manager. And keep going up the ladder — to national headquarters or the manufacturer, if necessary — until you reach someone who will listen to your tale of woe.
If a home builder is a national outfit, for example, and the local office is apathetic to the fact that your bathroom tile is cracked, by all means, go to the next level.
If you are dealing with a manufacturing defect — say, the ice maker in your fancy new refrigerator keeps freezing up — realize that many companies have special customer service offices whose primary function is to solve such issues. The directory portion of the Consumer Action Handbook has listings for several hundred firms, or you can visit a company’s website, where you can click on the “contact us” link.
Each time you make a contact, keep a record of the date and time, and write down the name and phone number of the person with whom you spoke. Also take notes, recording your recollection of whatever was discussed, the solutions discussed and the offers, if any, that were made. Similarly, keep copies of all e-mails.
Type up your notes so that they are legible, and follow up with the person to whom you spoke with a letter that reinforces your position and states what actions you expect the company to take. But be reasonable. The maker may be willing to send someone out to re-stretch the rugs in your living room, but it cannot be expected to replace the set of dishes that broke when you tripped over the hump left by the original installer.
“Your letter should be brief and to the point,” the consumer handbook advises. “State exactly what you want done about the problem and how long you are willing to wait for a response. Don’t write an angry, sarcastic or threatening letter. The person reading your letter probably wasn’t responsible for your problem, but could be very helpful in resolving it.”
If, after you have given the company a reasonable amount of time to respond to your complaint, you are still not placated, consider filing a grievance against it.
Most people know they can file a complaint with their Better Business Bureau and the state or local consumer protection office. But as the consumer handbook points out, you also can take your problem to the state or federal agency that regulates that business.
Real estate brokers, for example, answer to state real estate commissions, and builders and remodeling contractors are often licensed by agencies that sometimes have systems in place to help consumers resolve their problems. Problem lenders can be reported too.
Politicians are another great resource, and so are local media outlets. Many state and local elected officials are able to help their constituents. Newspapers, radio stations and television stations are often interested in stories in which consumers are harmed, particularly if they are hoodwinked. Some still have action-line or hotline services.
Even national consumer groups may be able to help. If they can’t assist on specific complaints, maybe they are interested in hearing about issues that could influence their educational efforts or might become the focus of one of their advocacy programs.
Still not satisfied? Try to find out whether the company in question belongs to an industry trade association. Many associations have dispute systems in place for helping consumers resolve problems with their members.
Maybe the company will submit to conciliation, mediation or arbitration, in which a neutral third party meets with both sides in an effort to figure out an acceptable solution. If so, the handbook advises that you obtain a copy of the rules beforehand so you will know whether the decision is binding or whether participation places any restrictions on your ability to take legal action
TOP 10 WORST NEIGHBOURS
Posted by: | Comments#10 – ROBERT PICTON
There is not much worse then living near a pig farm. You have to experience the smell first hand, as no words can properly describe the foul stench to which you are exposed. Now imagine that the pig farm next door is owned by Robert Picton. More then a simple pig farmer, he is Canada’s most prolific serial killer, accused of murdering 27 people.
#9 – HOMER SIMPSON
Where do we start? At one time or another this neighbour will steal everything you own. He will cause your business to fail. He will be partially responsible for the death of your wife. He will teach your children to swear, mock your faith at every opportunity, scratch himself in front of your guests, and reject every overture of kindness and generosity you send his way. When the world is ending he will even kick you out of your own bomb shelter. His children will be encouraged to hate you and will bully your children. He’ll stuff a hornets nest into your mailbox and for an encore his irresponsible actions will have your entire community doomed to be eternally sealed inside an impenetrable dome.
#8 – BRITNEY SPEARS
Living next door to Britney Spears would be its own special form of hell. You get the endless stream of paparazzi and their flashbulbs going off at all hours. You can enjoy screams of pain when someones foot is run over as part of her daily parallel parking lessons. The traffic and chaos as another promotion seeking celebrity shows up offering to ‘help’. The nightly crying and whining of a neglected child, not to mention the noise her children must make.
#7 – DICK CHENEY
Good luck with any home improvement projects you have planned. One day you casually mention to Dick that you need a new roof, the next day there is somehow a signed no-bid contract with Haliburton nailed to your front door and you owe him $8,000,000,000. Then he will turn around and tell you to invade your other neighbours house so you can steal his roof.
#6 – WAL-MART
Shopping at a Wal-Mart is bad enough so can you even imagine having to live next door to one? To hell with the convenience, what about the glare of the parking lot lights in your bedroom window? The endless stream of delivery trucks backing into the loading docks. The teenage employees hiding behind your fence smoking weed or swapping spit during their breaks. Even worse they are now open 24-hours a day and encouraging people to use the parking lot as an RV campground. You couldn’t even have fun people watching, unless you enjoy watching poor, fat, overweight people.
#5 – WARREN JEFFS
Living next to this santimonious religious nutbar pedophile would be a real treat and put a whole new meaning to the term “lock up your daughters”. You would have one of his brain-dead followers knocking on your door every day telling you they held the only true path to your salvation. Plus when they ask if you want to buy any cookies the parents would push their 8-year old daughter in front of you and introduce her as ‘Cookie’. Be warned that when your 50-year old neighbour asks how your wifes pregnancy is coming along and what her due date is he isn’t being friendly, he is planning his wedding day.
#4 – MEXICO
Your neighbours are crawling over or under your fence and sneaking into your home every time you turn your back, and sometimes even when you don’t. You go to work one day to find out they took your job, so you manage to find another job and go to work one day to find out they took the whole factory and moved it into their yard. Half of your TV channels are suddenly speaking a language you don’t understand, your politicans are pandering to them in order to get their vote, there are hundreds of thousands of ‘visitors’ in your home, and you still can’t find a decent burrito anywhere.
#3 – OSAMA BIN LADEN
The worst thing about living next to Osama would have to be that you are probably living in a cave somewhere in the mountains of Pakistan. Instead of a cup of sugar he is always coming over to borrow your video camera or a roll of toilet paper.
#2 – SUMGAYIT, AZERBAIJAN
“Worlds Worst Polluted Places” for 2007 by The Blacksmith Institute. This home of over 40 Soviet-era factories was the industrial center for the manufacturing of pesticides, chlorine, detergents, and plenty of other noxious garbage. Today it is a cesspool of untreated sewage, mercury contamination, and some of the highest rates of cancer and birth defects anywhere in the world. And if you think that is bad, most of the factories have closed, so you can’t even get a decent job in this town.
#1 – THE DEATH STAR
Seriously, can you even imagine a worse neighbour? Not only can the Death Star blow up your house, but it can blow up your whole planet when you forget to return that 30′ ladder or fail to pledge allegiance to the Emperor. Even worse, if you move it can follow you anywhere in the galaxy. Don’t even get me started about the parking problems you would experience when the entire Imperial fleet shows up for some big meeting. To make matters worse you’ve got those peksy Rebels launching suicide attacks against the thing every couple weeks, so its only a matter of time before you have an X-Wing fighter or some other piece of random space debris crashing into your living room. Then when the damn thing is finally blown up they start rebuilding it but never finish the job, turning your street into a permanent construction zone, and you don’t even dare to ask to see the permit.