Macaulay Culkin ‘Home Alone’ Movie Chicago House for Sale Listed $2.4 Million

MSN Real Estate Teresa Mears reported on Thursday, May 5, 2011 that the house that a young Macaulay Culkin defended from home invaders in the classic 1990 film “Home Alone”can now be yours.

The couple that owned the 1920s Colonial home in Winnetka, Ill., during the making of the movie are empty nesters and ready to downsize. They are selling the 4,250-square-foot house with four bedroom suites on a half-acre lot about 30 miles outside of Chicago. The listing price is $2.4 million.


“We don’t think about it all that much, and yet there are times we are reminded that the house is somewhat of an icon,” owner Cynthia Abendshien says on a video advertising the property. She mentions once being asked by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to show the house to the Japanese ambassador.

She and her husband, John, bought the home in 1988 and lived there with their daughter, Lauren, during the five and a half months the film crew was there. The house was big enough for the family and the movie cast and crew, the owners said in a Q&A provided by Coldwell Banker.

Lauren, two years younger than the film’s star, played with Culkin and his younger brother, Kieren. The family has lots of mementos of the filming and got to know some of the stars, including Catherine O’Hara and Daniel Stern, who they said were particularly nice to the neighborhood kids.

The Abendshien family was first approached by producer John Hughes’ location scout when they were living in their previous home, also a center hall Colonial, and the filmmaker was making “Uncle Buck.” But they didn’t want the disruption of filming while their home was on the market. Eighteen months later, “Home Alone” director Chris Columbus knocked on their door and said “Are you ready yet?”

To see photos and read  more visit http://realestate.msn.com/blogs/listedblogpost.aspx?post=2b575ecc-2c86-49ca-bdab-7a80cef51cc5


Source: MSN Real Estate  Video & photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker

Editor’s Note: This is our Executive Editor-In-Chief Steven Escobar favorite movie and Macaulay Culkin is a great actor. He have the entire collection from Home Alone to Home Alone 3. I would love to leave Los Angeles and buy the house to retired.


Dear readers and fans, Do you think the price is right for the home? Please leave comments. Thanks

LADWP Customers to Begin Receiving New, Redesigned Statements this Week

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced that LADWP Customers will begin receiving new, redesigned bill statements this Week. The first batch of the easy-to-read bills has been mailed and will begin arriving in customers’ mailboxes as soon as today.

The new bill is a complete overhaul of the previous bill, which was based on an 18 year-old design. The bill’s wholesale improvements include a larger paper size for reading ease, easy-to-locate charge summaries and payment due dates, convenient color shading of LADWP and City of Los Angeles charges, enhanced graphics featuring customer usage history charts, and an integrated customer newsletter with useful conservation tips and information. Each bill will also feature energy and water conservation tips and customer-specific usage information so individual customers can evaluate their efforts to save water, power and money.


“Our goal is to improve customer service at LADWP. Our prior, antiquated bill format failed to give customers the information they need to understand their water and power use and the basis for the costs on the bill,” said Ronald O. Nichols, LADWP General Manager. “With the improved bill format, our customers now can better understand and manage their energy and water use.”

LADWP worked closely with multiple stakeholders while developing and testing the new bill design: the Los Angeles City Council Energy and Environment Committee and numerous Neighborhood Councils provided valuable input in the bill development process while employees from various divisions within the Department and focus groups consisting of LADWP residential and commercial customers consulted on building a new bill that would address the most common customer concerns.

“The new bill responds to the most frequently asked questions from our customers,” said John X. Chen, Assistant General Manager, LADWP Customer Service Division. “More importantly, it brings our ability to communicate with our customers to a new level.”

As LADWP serves as the billing agent for the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation, color coding of LADWP and City of Los Angeles charges will prove useful for differentiating between services. LADWP charges include electric and water charges and City of Los Angeles charges include sewer service, solid resources (trash) and utility tax.

“This is the first step in a longer-term program to update the entire customer information system at LADWP,” said Mr. Nichols. “By 2013, we will have a system that will let us be more responsive to customer needs and inquiries as we replace a 40-year old information system.”

LADWP customers who have paperless billing will notice changes to the online bill immediately. While LADWP bills and envelopes are made with 20% or more post-consumer content recycled paper, all LADWP customers are urged to take advantage of LADWP’s Paperless Billing Service in an effort to reduce the use of natural resources.


To help navigate the new bill, every LADWP customer will receive a copy of the Department’s customer newsletter Connections in English and Spanish, which provides a detailed explanation of the various parts of the new bill. Click here to view a copy of this helpful newsletter. More information about the new bill will be available at all 15 LADWP Customer Service Centers, on the Department website at www.ladwp.com, or by calling 1-800 DIAL DWP.  Commercial customers can call the Commercial Resource Center at 1-800-499-8840 for more information.


About LADWP:
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation’s largest municipal utility, provides reliable, low-cost water and power services to Los Angeles residents and businesses in an environmentally responsible manner. LADWP serves about 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water customers in Los Angeles. For more information, please visit www.ladwp.com. For the latest news about LADWP, please visitwww.ladwpnews.com. Follow the Department on Twitter: @LADWP.



Source: LADWP Public Affairs

Breaking News: Osama bin Laden Killed by the United States

On Sunday, May 1, 2011 Barack H. Obama, the 44th President of the United States announced that Leader of al Qaeda & terrorist Osama bin Laden Killed by the United States. Please read here President Obama speech and watch the video.

Remarks by the President on Osama Bin Laden:
THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.

It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.  The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory — hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.

And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world.  The empty seat at the dinner table.  Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.  Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace.  Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.

On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together.  We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood.  We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country.  On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.

We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice.  We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda — an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe.  And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.

Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort.  We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense.  In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support.  And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.

Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan.  Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.

And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.

Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.  It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.  I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan.  And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.  No Americans were harmed.  They took care to avoid civilian casualties.  After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.  The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.  There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.  We must –- and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.

As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam.  I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam.  Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.  Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own.  So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was.  That is what we’ve done.  But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding.  Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.

Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts.  They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.  And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.

The American people did not choose this fight.  It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens.  After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war.  These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.

So Americans understand the costs of war.  Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed.  We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.  We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror:  Justice has been done.

Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.  The American people do not see their work, nor know their names.  But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.

We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.  And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.

Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.

The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.

Also former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton Statements on Osama Death

“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.” said George W. Bush.

“I congratulate the President, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaida attacks.” said  Bill Clinton.


Sources: Video and Text Courtesy of The White House from The Office of the Press Secretary

Highlights of The Royal Wedding Prince William & Catherine Middleton

If you missed the Royal Wedding on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Please check out some of the Highlights of The Royal Wedding Prince William & Catherine Middleton now known as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Do you wonder how they got the new titles. Here is an official press release:


THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.

Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of  Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.

Background:

DUKEDOM: Cambridge:

In 1706 George Augustus (subsequently George II) the only son of George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover (subsequently George I of Great Britain) was created with other titles Duke of Cambridge.   On the accession of his father to the throne in 1714 he also became Duke of Cornwall and was created Prince of Wales.   On his own accession to the throne in 1727 the Dukedom of Cambridge merged with The Crown and ceased.

Cambridge was previously a Royal Dukedom and four sons of James, Duke of York (afterwards James II) who died in infancy were all created Duke of Cambridge.   As an Earldom Cambridge was a medieval Royal title.   Edward IV was Duke of York and Earl of Cambridge till proclaimed King of England in 1461 when his titles merged with The Crown.

His father and grandfather both Richard Plantagenet were both Earls of Cambridge and the latter was also Duke of York.   Edmund of Langley, 5^th son of Edward III and great-grandfather of Edward IV, was created Earl of Cambridge in 1362 and Duke of York in 1385.

The Dukedom of Cambridge created in 1801 became extinct on the death of the 2^nd Duke of Cambridge in 1904.   Cambridge existed as a Marquessate from 1917 when it was conferred on Queen Mary’s brother till 1981 when the 2^nd Marquess died and the title became extinct.

EARLDOM: Strathearn

Strathearn has had Royal connections since Robert Stewart, High Steward of Scotland, was created Earl of Strathearn in 1357.   In 1371 he succeeded his Uncle as King of Scotland becoming Robert II and the Earldom merged with The Crown Robert II created his 5^th son David, Earl of Strathearn in 1371. Subsequently in 1427 the 6^th son of Robert II was created Earl of Strathearn.

In 1766 George III’s younger brother Prince Henry Frederick was created Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn.   He died without issue in 1790 and in 1799 Queen Victoria’s father was created Duke of Kent and Strathearn.   These Dukedoms became extinct on his death in 1820.  Finally, Prince Arthur William Patrick Albert, 3^rd son of Queen Victoria was created Duke of Connaught and Strathearn in 1874.  He died in 1942 and was succeeded by his grandson who died the following year 1943 since when Strathearn as a title has been extinct.

BARONY: Carrickfergus:

An Irish Viscountcy of Chichester of Carrickfergus now held by the Marquess of Donegall was created in 1625  but Carrickfergus alone only existed as a title between 1841 and 1883.   The 3^rdMarquess of Donegall was created Baron Ennishowen and Carrickfergus, of Ennishowen, co: Donegal and Carrickfergus, co: Antrim.   He died in 1883 being succeeded by his brother and the Barony became extinct.

Carrickfergus is County Antrim’s oldest town.  The word means Rock of Fergus andas an urban settlement it predates Belfast. It is on the north shore of Belfast Lough and is the site of  Carrickfergus Castle which dates from circa 1180 and is one of the best preserved Castles in Ireland.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s Prayer:

“God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage.

In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

VIDEOS:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave Buckingham Palace in an Aston Martin

View from the roof on Buckingham Palace

Source: http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org

Videos courtesy of The Royal Wedding Official YouTube Channel


Editor’s Note: CONGRATULATIONS TO The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Statement by LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols Regarding Delayed Billings

On Monday, April 25, 2011 The LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols released the following statement regarding a report on KNBC Channel 4 on delayed billings.

“The LADWP processes 50,000 bills per day and has approximately two million water and electric meters, which generate over 12 million bills per year. Commercial meters are billed monthly and residential meters are billed bi-monthly.
Over 99% of all LADWP bills are billed on time. Only about ¼ of one percent of our customers can experience multiple periods of delayed bills due to activities such as field investigations, meter surveys or replacements, or situations where a meter cannot be accessed by a meter reader.
The examples cited in the KNBC story were not in any way representative of this extraordinarily favorable rate for on-time billing. However, we understand that delayed billing is troubling to any customer affected in this way. That is why when these situations are identified we work with the customer to pay off the amount due over an extended period of time equal to the length of our delay. In the event that payment arrangement is a burden to the customer, LADWP accommodates customer repayment plans.
Next month LADWP will launch a new bill format that will provide better and clearer information to our customers regarding amounts due, historical usage information and other useful features that will make identifying a delayed bill easier.
We regret these situations when they occur and will work with any customer who has experienced a delayed bill to successfully resolve the matter in as fair and compassionate a way as possible.”


Source: http://www.ladwpnews.com

Photo credit to: Google

Editor’s Note: We have to agree with Mr. Ron Nichols when he says they work with customers when they are having financial hardship. They work with the customer to bring their account current.

Rest In Peace John Cossette, Statements from Family, The Recording Academy & The Latin Recording Academy

On Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Neil Portnow, President/CEO The Recording Academy® & Gabriel Abaroa President/CEO The Latin Recording Academy® released the following news statement on Producer John Cossette who died at age 54 on April 26th.


“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, John Cossette. John was a remarkable live television producer — and most recently Broadway musical producer — with many credits and accolades to his name. However, it was his warmth, easygoing nature, passion for music and the arts, and tireless dedication to the GRAMMY Awards^® and Latin GRAMMY Awards^® that was unmatched. We were incredibly lucky to have benefitted from John’s creative guidance and leadership but more importantly, to have called him our friend. Our sincerest condolences and deepest heartfelt sympathiesgo out to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be terribly missed.”

Also the Cossette Family released ”We are deeply saddened to report that John Cossette, 54, has passed away. We ask that you please respect our privacy during this incredibly emotional time. We appreciate everyone’s love and support, and further details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in the next few days.” ~Rita Cossette, and daughters Maria and Rose Cossette.


Source: The Recording Academy

BREAKING NEWS: Lindsay Lohan Sentenced to 120 Days Jail Time

CBS Los Angeles reports that Actress Lindsay Lohan has been ordered taken into custody after a judge has ruled the actress violated her probation in the theft of a necklace from a Venice jewelry store.

Lohan, whose grand theft case was just reduced to a misdemeanor charge, has been fighting the accusation that she stole the necklace from the store, Kamofie & Co. Lohan has claimed she borrowed the $2,500 necklace with the knowledge of the store’s owners.

A judge sentenced the actress to 120 days in jail for violating her probation, which includes also 480 hours of community service.

Attorney are preparing an immediate appeal, after which the judge can grant bail. Lohan will likely be freed on bail.


A misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of a year in jail. A trial for the misdemeanor charge has been tentatively set for June 3.

Kamofie & Company is located at 1350 Abbot Kinney, suite 102 • Venice, CA 90291.

Source: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com

Photo credit to: Koi Sojer / PR Photos


Editor’s Note: We contacted via email Kamofie & Co asking for their reacting to the judge ruling. We will update story posting as soon we heard from representatives of the company.

F.Y.I.: Sources to Diversity News Magazine tell us that she will not be the total 120 days in jail, she may just get 1 week. What do you think? Please leave your comments. Thanks

Justin Bieber, Chris Colfer, Barack Obama, Arianna Huffington, Michelle Obama, The 2011 TIME 100 By Time Magazine

On Thursday, April 21, 2011 Time Magazine released The 2011 TIME 100 known as the most influential people in the world. They are artists and activists, reformers and researchers, heads of state and captains of industry. Their ideas spark dialogue and dissent and sometimes even revolution.


Chris Colfer:

Justin Bieber:

Here is the Full List

Oprah:

You can read more at Time.com, just click http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369,00.html


Videos courtesy of Time.com
Photo credit to: Time.com

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all for such a prestige title.

Collection Agencies Using Facebook & other Social Media to Harass You

“Don’t post pictures of the new speed boat you just purchased or the great vacation you just took, and then tell the debt collector you’re broke and don’t have any money to pay them,” McClary advises. “If you’re caught in a bold-faced lie, you could be fast-tracking your way to court.”

Herb Weisbaum, msnbc.com contributor reports that: Bill collectors have upped their game. They’ve added social media to their arsenal of tools. That’s right, they’re on Facebook, too!
“Normally, collectors use social media to locate people or see if there are any assets that might be collectable,” notes Joel Winston with the Federal Trade Commission. “But we have received a few complaints about collectors who are using social media to either impersonate the person’s friends or otherwise use it for harassment.”
For debt collectors who don’t want to play by the rules, social media can be a powerful way to badger someone. They can post messages that let the world know you owe a debt — a clear violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.


Florida attorney Billy Howard, head of the consumer protection department at the law firm of Morgan & Morgan, calls social media “a dangerous weapon” that some debt collectors use to deliberately harass people.
“They’re using Facebook because it adds that extra shock value. The more shocking, the more harassing, the more outrageous, the more these debt collectors get paid,” Howard says. “What makes it so dangerous is you can contact somebody’s family and friends very quickly and very easily, and you can set off a domino effect of panic that can be devastating.”
That’s what Melanie Beacham of Tampa, Fla., said happened to her. Beacham fell behind in her car payments by $362. To collect the debt, MarkOne Financial called and called. They also sent e-mail and text messages.
Then, for some reason, MarkOne started using Beacham’s Facebook account. They contacted friends and family members, asking them to have her call the company.
“I was irate,” Beacham recalls. “I didn’t want anyone to be in my personal financial business. It was very disturbing. It was hurtful. It was just horrible.”

Beacham points out that not only had she agreed to a payment plan before MarkOne turned to Facebook, but they clearly knew how to contact her. They had her home and work phone numbers, they knew where she lived and they had her e-mail address.
“Facebook should be off limits,” she tells me.
Beecham hired Howard, who sued MarkOne, claiming violations of both federal and Florida law. The complaint states that MarkOne has a corporate policy to contact individuals and their friends and family using Facebook “as a means to harass consumers and their families.”
The lawsuit is still pending. But last month, a judge in Pinellas County, Fla., ordered MarkOne not to contact Beacham, her friends or family via Facebook or any other social networking site. The order (which MarkOne agreed to) is not an admission of any wrongdoing, and it cannot be used as evidence in the case.
Even so, Howard considers it a victory. He tells me this is the first ruling in the country where a judge has specifically banned a debt collector from using social media. Howard calls it “a big win” for Melanie Beacham and people across the country who want to protect their right of privacy.

Three weeks ago, Howard filed a second lawsuit against MarkOne. Another woman in the Tampa area claims the company “intentionally harassed and abused” her by using Facebook to request she call them, even though they had her phone number and knew where she lived and worked.
What does MarkOne have to say about all of this? I spoke to Walter Riehemann, the company’s general counsel, who told me they do not comment on pending litigation.
Social media isn’t totally off limits Debt collectors can and do use the Internet to find people who owe money. What you have posted for public consumption on your Facebook or MySpace page, such as contact information, is fair game for anyone to see and use. So think about what you post, and use the tools available on your social media platforms to protect your privacy.

Bruce McClary with ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions says it’s important that what you post on your site matches what you tell debt collectors.
“Don’t post pictures of the new speed boat you just purchased or the great vacation you just took, and then tell the debt collector you’re broke and don’t have any money to pay them,” McClary advises. “If you’re caught in a bold-faced lie, you could be fast-tracking your way to court.”
ACA International is the trade association that represents third-party collection agencies. Mark Schiffman, the group’s director of public affairs, tells me they advise their members about “the perils of using social media” and how careful they must be to follow both state and federal law.

“You can’t write on someone’s wall on Facebook. You can’t harass. You can’t threaten. The laws are pretty clear in that regard,” Schiffman says. “These laws are not guidelines: They are laws. And we believe firmly that any debt collector who is breaking the law or not following the rules, deserves to be held accountable for their actions.”
Is it time to rewrite the rules for fair debt collection?
On April 28, the Federal Trade Commission will host Debt Collection 2.0, a daylong public workshop in Washington, D.C., that focuses on the new technologies of debt collection. One of the panels will be on the use of social media. And attorney Billy Howard will be there.
When the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was written (back in 1977), e-mail, social networks and text messaging were not issues because they didn’t exist. This technology gives debt collectors more ways to contact people. Does the law need to be modernized to deal with this?
For instance, should collectors be able to use text messaging? Remember, some people will pay the cost of that message. The issue is, when does the use of these new means of communication cross the line and become harassment?
“It’s sort of a grey area right now,” says the FTC’s Joel Winston. “That’s something we certainly want to explore.”

These practices are off limits for debt collectors:
Harassment:

Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:

Use threats of violence or harm.

Publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies).
Use obscene or profane language.
Repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.
False statements:

Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:

Falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives.
Falsely claim that you have committed a crime.
Falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company.
Misrepresent the amount you owe.
Indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t.
Indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:

You will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt.
They’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so.
Legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action.

About The Federal Trade Commission: As a consumer or business person, you may be more familiar with the work of the Federal Trade Commission than you think.

The FTC deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies.

When the FTC was created in 1914, its purpose was to prevent unfair methods of competition in commerce as part of the battle to “bust the trusts.” Over the years, Congress passed additional laws giving the agency greater authority to police anticompetitive practices. In 1938, Congress passed a broad prohibition against “unfair and deceptive acts or practices.” Since then, the Commission also has been directed to administer a wide variety of other consumer protection laws, including the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Pay-Per-Call Rule and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. In 1975, Congress gave the FTC the authority to adopt industry-wide trade regulation rules. The FTC’s work is performed by the Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics. That work is aided by the Office of General Counsel and seven regional offices

For More Information:

To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.

The FTC works to prevent fraud deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.


Sources: msn.com & http://ftc.gov

Editor’s Note: Collection practices have change with the new technology as you may remember in the past some agencies will go to your home and take goods from you, now they need to keep up with technology but yes they need to not break the rules.

Breaking News: Major League Baseball Takes Over Los Angeles Dodgers Team

On Wednesday, April 20, 2011 MLB.com reported that the Major League Baseball has taken over operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Commissioner Bud Selig announced Wednesday.

“Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the Club,” Selig said in a statement.

“I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the Club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball. My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt’s ownership. I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days.”


He concluded “The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future.”

In an email message sent to Dodgers employees on Wednesday, McCourt said, “In light of the Commissioner’s announcement today, I ask that you please continue to conduct business as usual with our complete dedication to the game and our loyal fans. Each of you has represented this organization with class, and while this is no doubt a challenging time for all of us, I truly appreciate your efforts.”

McCourt, owner and chairman of the Dodgers, bought the club from News Corp. on Jan. 29, 2004, and the club reached the postseason in four of his seven seasons as owner.

However, the club’s finances have come into question since his highly publicized divorce from Jamie McCourt, his wife of 29 years who also served as CEO of the club until 2009.

This season, while the club has struggled to reach .500 on the field, there have been media reports that McCourt’s request to accept a $200 million advance in broadcasting revenues from FOX was rejected by the Commissioner. Last week it was reported that FOX directly loaned McCourt $30 million, which apparently was needed to make payroll.

Meanwhile, the franchise has been under intense scrutiny since an assault in the the Dodger Stadium parking lot on Opening Day that left a San Francisco Giants fan hospitalized in a medically induced coma.

In the wake of that incident, attendance has been significantly down, while the Los Angeles Police Department has made a highly visible presence, essentially taking over security at the park.

On Tuesday, McCourt announced the hiring of Los Angeles civic leader and developer Steve Soboroff as a vice chairman, with responsibilities including the enhancement of fan experience and the strengthening of ties to the community.

This is the third time in recent Major League Baseball history that the Commissioner’s office has taken over operations of a club.

In the wake of contraction discussions after the 2001 season, MLB purchased the Montreal Expos from Jeffrey Loria and his partners for $120 million. In a three-way transaction, Loria purchased the Marlins from John Henry, and Henry led a group that bought the Red Sox from the Yawkey Estate.

At the time, MLB established a relocation committee with the express purpose of selling the Expos, moving the team from Montreal and negotiating the building of a new ballpark in the location city. MLB held ownership and operational control of the Expos for four and half years. The team was moved to Washington in 2005 and was sold to the Lerner Family in July 2006 for $450 million. The club moved into new Nationals Park in 2007.

The Texas Rangers were placed under operational control of MLB last year when Tom Hicks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to try to force an already-agreed sale to a group headed by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, the team’s president. In the interim, Ryan essentially oversaw the day-to-day operations of the club with then MLB president Bob DuPuy heading negotiations to satisfy Hicks’ creditors.

The situation was ultimately resolved in a bankruptcy court auction as Greenberg-Hicks outbid Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and bought the team for $550 million this past August.


Also TMZ.com reported that Jamie McCourt have made a statement saying: “As the 50% owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, I welcome and support the Commissioner’s actions to provide the necessary transparency, guidance and direction for the franchise and for Dodgers fans everywhere.”"


Sources: MLB.com & TMZ.com

Photo credit to: Francois Palais for Diversity News Magazine

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