Daily Archives: July 20, 2010 - 5 results

As if the airlines weren’t feeling enough heat for jobbing consumers with multiple fees, a new study slams them for cancelling flights to avoid pesky fines for tarmac delays. The study says airlines cancelled 140 flights in May rather than risk breaching the three-hour limit for holding passengers hostage on the tarmac. The number of cancellations far exceeds the 41 cancellations per year predicted by the Transportation Department.   Tarmac rule has unintended consequence Airlines cancelling flights to avoid tarmac rule …

A fraud artist may have pulled off a double scam recently by offering to rent a home he didn’t own on Craigslist. Although the would-be tenant didn’t part with any money, she did send an email application including some of her personal information. And although the house was not for rent, the fraudulent posting included pictures of its interior.   Home offered for rent to owner’s surprise Tenant applicant duped into giving out personal info New twist on classic phishing …

The San Francisco board of supervisors votes today whether to adopt Laura’s Law. The measure lets cities and counties allow for court-ordered outpatient treatment of mentally ill persons who pose a danger to themselves or others. Arrest or commitment to hospital are the only options currently available for dealing with the problem.   Laura’s Law provides an option for outpatient treatment of mentally ill San Francisco beset by homeless – many are mentally ill Compulsory treatment of mentally ill remains …

Planning to take time off for pregnancy or to care for a newborn may jeopardize your chances of getting a mortgage, reports the New York Times. Lenders attribute their reluctance to lend to new or expectant parents on new rules laid down by government mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The rules address the overall lax credit standards that were partly to blame for the mortgage meltdown.   Time off for pregnancy or newborn care can leave an income …

In my life I’ve driven about 10,000 miles on vacations. And – knock on wood – I’ve never had a road trip accident or break down. But any time you set off on a driving vacation, you run the risk of car troubles along the way. You’re probably driving your car harder than you do under normal circumstances. Unfamiliar roads can lead to unexpected hazards. And, particularly in the sweltering summer months, cars can be prone to overheating. So how …