“Several companies are engaging in these very aggressive tactics against consumers and small businesses, many of the people and the businesses are getting ripped off,” said City Councilman John Liu. “There needs to be stronger regulation.” — BEN POPKEN
videos
Stick It To The Smartass Cable Tech
By 5.31.07
Thing is, though, it’s not the tech’s fault the dispatch system is messed up. — BEN POPKEN
The Best Damn Sandwich Shop In Brooklyn
By 5.25.07
When Michael Fiore, the earl of sandwich, was building his restaurant, Tempo, he found there was no good sandwich place around. So in the extra space next door, he decided to open his own, to feed his employees and the neighborhood (not a bad marketing strategy either, to offer a down-market version of their high-quality product). The result is Tempo Presto, located at 256 5th Ave in Brooklyn, which brings the same intense attention to detail from Michael’s kitchen to the lowly sandwich. — BEN POPKEN
Confessions Of A Former Payday Loan Center Manager
By 5.24.07
Here’s a video confession from the former manager of a Virginia payday loan center.
Feverish XM Radio Destruction Compilation Video
By 5.21.07
They forgot to include this one where some guys drive an 18 wheeler truck cab over an XM radio. Then they light another on fire and drive over it, just like they would do at a monster truck rally. The video’s makers were also remiss to not do some kind of Max Headroom effect with this CNN clip.
Cancelling XM Radio Like Teaching Molasses To Flow Uphill
By 5.21.07
XM: I am now changing the words that I use.
VIDEOS: XM Subscribers Destroy Radios To Protest Opie And Anthony Suspension
By 5.18.07
Opie and Anthony fans are sawing, blowtorching and smashing their XM radios after the satellite radio provider suspended the shock-jock duo. Here’s a roundup of 7 of such videos, several of which contain cursing.
1948 Instructional Film On Budgeting
By 5.17.07
The clip follows Jack as he learns to put aside frizzy peach delights and going to the movies all the time in order to save up for a camera.
Marriott Server Compromised, Rerouting Guest's Internet To Casino Scam Site?
By 5.16.07
When Will changed around the server settings to use a public DNS server instead of Marriott’s, the problem disappeared, leading Will to think someone had “poisoned” Marriott’s DNS servers to drive traffic to their casino scam page(s). He then reported this to Marriott’s techs. We’ve spoken ourselves with Marriott’s server people and they confirm that the secondary DNS is wacked but they need to investigate further.
SNL Skit: Don't Buy Stuff You Can't Afford
By 4.16.07
SNL offers a revolutionary debt and money-management program. Chris Parnell teaches Steve Martin and Amy Poehler the secret to financial success. It’s all detailed in a new book called, “Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford.” Every debtor in America should read it.
Best Buy Employee’s Video On How The Store Screws You Over
By 12.5.06
Remember, don’t go to Best Buy without doing your product research first. The only thing you should ask a BB employee is “where is this item located?” Or, “where is the exit?” — BEN POPKEN
Hot Tub Dealer Sets Up “Competitive” Fair Where It’s The Only Seller
By 12.5.06
Much like the pearl buyers in Steinbeck’s The Pearl, Master Spas in Minneapolis sets up a hot tub fair promoted with the line, “15 manufacturer’s compete for your business!” However, the only business actually selling at the convention is Master Spas. KSTP investigates.
Auto Shop Doesn’t Do Any Work It’s Paid To, Hidden Cameras Reveal
By 12.4.06
Two years ago, the AG sued franchiser Francare Inc. As a result of a settlement, the company agreed to stop deceptive trade practices. Apparently, the suit didn’t make enough of an impression. Perhaps this next one will.
Home Depot Investigated For Scammy Remodelling Services
By 11.29.06
Home Depot claims you won’t have to deal with subcontractors, but they do use subcontractors. When something goes wrong, and consumers complain, Home Depot avoids or ignores their repeated phone calls and letters.
