Philadelphia Speaks Forum - Neighborhoods, Sports, Restaurants and more http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/ Philadelphia Sports, neighborhoods, restaurants, and more at Philly speaks! Speak up about politics, places to eat, whatever you want, just keep it philly en Sun, 19 May 2013 13:02:12 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/images/styles/DeFraction/misc/rss.png Philadelphia Speaks Forum - Neighborhoods, Sports, Restaurants and more http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/ Italian Market Fest on Sth 9th http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/events/36732-italian-market-fest-sth-9th.html Sun, 19 May 2013 12:11:41 GMT Anyone ever been and what should we expect if we decide to go today? Anyone ever been and what should we expect if we decide to go today? ]]> Events DanteH http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/events/36732-italian-market-fest-sth-9th.html Lose the landline, keep the internet (more) http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/manayunk-roxborough-east-falls/36731-lose-landline-keep-internet-more.html Sun, 19 May 2013 10:07:27 GMT How do I do this? I tried to cancel my landline service with Verizon but I was told that I had to maintain the landline in order to keep the internet... How do I do this? I tried to cancel my landline service with Verizon but I was told that I had to maintain the landline in order to keep the internet access. I hacked down the landline service to bare essentials to save a few bucks each month but it seems to me that I should be able to drop it entirely. I don't have cable, btw, and would prefer not to get it. I watch too much TV as it is and really don't need 100+ channels. But I want to hear about whatever alternatives you can offer. TIA ]]> Manayunk / Roxborough / East Falls lexrex http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/manayunk-roxborough-east-falls/36731-lose-landline-keep-internet-more.html 20-21st and Sigel st http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/south-philadelphia/36730-20-21st-sigel-st.html Sun, 19 May 2013 02:11:54 GMT Anyone know about this area? A friend said the rent is low but it could be an upcoming area Anyone know about this area? A friend said the rent is low but it could be an upcoming area ]]> South Philadelphia yassie http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/south-philadelphia/36730-20-21st-sigel-st.html Ocwen Mortgage equals mortgage fraud http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/philadelphia-real-estate/36729-ocwen-mortgage-equals-mortgage-fraud.html Sat, 18 May 2013 23:08:00 GMT Recently my mortgage was transferred from defunt GMAC to Ocwen three months ago. I just received an escrow analaysis letter from Ocwen that my... Recently my mortgage was transferred from defunt GMAC to Ocwen three months ago. I just received an escrow analaysis letter from Ocwen that my taxes have gone up $1300 for a total of $8300.00 and that my mortgage will go up $240 a month to cover the shortage. After contacting Ocwen seeking clarifcation and documentation I was lied to, given the run around and than hung up on. I contacted my borough and they have no idea what tax increse Ocwen is talking about. In the end they just made up a number and want me to pay it and have given me two weeks notice, on top of this the numbers don't add up as a $1300 increase would increase the escrow allotment $108 a month not $240.
I looked up consumer complaints online and there is a long list of conumers with the same complaint, now I am going to seek the help of any government agency I can find to rectify this situation as previous consumers are being charged late fees and are being foreclosed on because of these imaginary numbers Ocwen has created inhouse.

If this happened to you and you were successful in backing off Ocwen I would appreciate hearing about it as I have never missed a payment, the mortgage is current so now the gloves are off and we are going to rumble.


Thank you for your time, ]]> Philadelphia Real Estate HomeInspectorBC http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/philadelphia-real-estate/36729-ocwen-mortgage-equals-mortgage-fraud.html national security http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/general-discussion/36728-national-security.html Sat, 18 May 2013 17:46:13 GMT An investigation of the Justice Department’s witness protection program uncovered glaring security problems that allowed terrorists who had been... An investigation of the Justice Department’s witness protection program uncovered glaring security problems that allowed terrorists who had been given new identities after cooperating with U.S. prosecutors to board commercial flights in the United States.
In some cases, suspects whose names were on federal watch lists that were meant to keep them off commercial aircraft were nevertheless able to board flights because the Justice Department had failed to add their new, government-issued identities to counterterrorism databases.

Terrorists given new identities allowed to board commercial flights, watchdog finds - The Washington Post

national security ]]> General Discussion govtstatistic http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/general-discussion/36728-national-security.html Post-Goldtex: Is Mixed Labor the New Norm? http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/philadelphia-real-estate/36727-post-goldtex-mixed-labor-new-norm.html Sat, 18 May 2013 11:27:02 GMT Recently I've noticed that two large projects, the Croydon and Oxford Mills, are receiving union protests. While not as large as the Goldtex project, with 127 units and 114 units compared to Goldtex's 163, they still represent significant sized projects. I assume that the unions are protesting at these sites due to a mixed labor force, something that Goldtex supposedly ushered in.

So my question is, were projects of this size going mixed labor a few years back, or has the Goldtex project ushered in a new era of mixed labor that we haven't seen before?

If it is new, no one seems to be noticing it or talking about it post-Goldtex. However, the big question in the Goldtex dispute was if the Post Brothers could complete the project with the protest and if this would translate to other projects. So are these examples of mixed labor translating to similar sized projects? ]]> Philadelphia Real Estate JakeL http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/philadelphia-real-estate/36727-post-goldtex-mixed-labor-new-norm.html <![CDATA[Delco D.A.: No homicide charges in death of Bailey O'Neill]]> http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/suburbs/36726-delco-d-no-homicide-charges-death-bailey-oneill.html Sat, 18 May 2013 04:51:00 GMT why are they no homicide charges ??? what's goin on here ??

Delco D.A.: No homicide charges in death of Bailey O'Neill - delcotimes.com

He was jumped during school by 2 kids initially. Punched repeatedly about 8 times in the face, and on the side of his head. Shortly there after suffered headaches, mood swings, and then seizures. When they couldn't control the seizures with several attempts with meds, they chemically induced coma. They never got the seizures under control. Bailey passed after several hours of constant seizures. ]]> The Suburbs MEDUSA http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/suburbs/36726-delco-d-no-homicide-charges-death-bailey-oneill.html Flea market and Family Fun Day today http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/south-philadelphia/36725-flea-market-family-fun-day-today.html Sat, 18 May 2013 03:18:04 GMT The Friends of the Donatucci Branch will be holding their annual flea market & family fun day on Saturday May 18th from 9:30 Am to 3 PM.

-60 vendors
-Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, drinks and baked goods
-A visit by the Donatucci Library Lion
-Face painting with Becca from 11 Am to 1 PM

All proceeds benefit the Donatucci Branch Library.


Thomas F. Donatucci Sr. Branch
Free Library of Philadelphia
1935 Shunk St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
215-685-1755 ]]> South Philadelphia LibraryFriends http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/south-philadelphia/36725-flea-market-family-fun-day-today.html What happened to the HH? http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/food-drink-philadelphia-restaurants-bars/36724-what-happened-hh.html Fri, 17 May 2013 21:45:53 GMT Are you guys still have the PS happy hours? Are you guys still have the PS happy hours? ]]> Nan Duskin http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/food-drink-philadelphia-restaurants-bars/36724-what-happened-hh.html Fette Sau http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/food-drink-philadelphia-restaurants-bars/36723-fette-sau.html Fri, 17 May 2013 19:30:51 GMT Went to Fette Sau for the first time last night and was not overly impressed. I though the decor was amazing and just loved the whole vibe of the... Went to Fette Sau for the first time last night and was not overly impressed. I though the decor was amazing and just loved the whole vibe of the place. However, the food...eh. I had the brisked, baked beans, cole slaw, potato roll and a ginger ale. Others at my table also had the short ribs (the best meat on the table by far), the chicken, mushrooms and broccoli. Although I undertand what they're going for, I was not happy to have the meat just plunked down on a piece of paper on a tray. I would have been more than fine with paper plates but, having only ordered a small helping of brisket, it just looked pathetic sitting on my tray. The price was decent for my food (liked the baked beans the best) but a friend only ordered ribs and ended up paying $18 for this one item....(no sides). It was, all and all, kind of weird and not quite right. I'm not a picky eater at all, but I'm wonder what others thought....maybe I'm casting too critical an eye? The reviews on Yelp made me feel as if I'm missing something....Also, how the heck do you have a BBQ joint with no corn bread or real greens? Broccoli? Bleh! ]]> Julia1020 http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/food-drink-philadelphia-restaurants-bars/36723-fette-sau.html <![CDATA[Serial Killer... why isn't this in the news?]]> http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/national/36722-serial-killer-why-isnt-news.html Fri, 17 May 2013 18:58:00 GMT by Helen Pow
via Daily Mail (London UK)

Second 'house of horrors' abortion clinic where doctor 'twisted heads off fetus' necks with his bare hands' is investigated in TexasHouston doctor Douglas Karpen is accused by four former employees of delivering live babies during third-trimester abortions and killing them
Witnesses said he would either snip their spinal cords, stab a surgical instrument into their heads or twist their heads off with his hands
Texas Department of State Health Services is using in its investigating of the doctor
Accusations come days after Dr Kermit Gosnells was found guilty of murdering newborns at his Philadelphia abortion clinic


Read more: Douglas Karpen: Second 'house of horrors' abortion clinic is investigated in Texas | Mail Online ]]> National Viburnum http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/national/36722-serial-killer-why-isnt-news.html BROCHUREgate! http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/local-state/36721-brochuregate.html Fri, 17 May 2013 16:52:25 GMT BROCHUREGATE: PDQ Sends Questions to Ethics Board About Alan Butkovitz's Campaigning | PDQ

I have been told by a member of the Ethics Board that my questions to them aren't covered by the secrecy rule in Board Regulation 2, so here you go. ]]> Local and State ArcticSplash http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/local-state/36721-brochuregate.html Note: the Sheriff has no accounting system. We are currently installing one. http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/local-state/36720-note-sheriff-has-no-accounting-system-we-currently-installing-one.html Fri, 17 May 2013 16:25:38 GMT Sheriff (http://axisphilly.org/article/sheriffs-office-has-no-accounting-system-and-also-14-million-in-unclaimed-funds/) Sheriff ]]> Local and State raider.adam http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/local-state/36720-note-sheriff-has-no-accounting-system-we-currently-installing-one.html Recommended Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor? http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/general-discussion/36719-recommended-ear-nose-throat-doctor.html Fri, 17 May 2013 11:14:19 GMT Can anybody recommend an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist in the area? Can anybody recommend an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist in the area? ]]> General Discussion dukelubas http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/general-discussion/36719-recommended-ear-nose-throat-doctor.html Avoid storm chaser scams http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/global/36718-avoid-storm-chaser-scams.html Fri, 17 May 2013 05:10:28 GMT Many Gulf Coast customers are finding themselves not only traumatized by the ravages of Storm Isaac last week, but are also facing severe financial... Many Gulf Coast customers are finding themselves not only traumatized by the ravages of Storm Isaac last week, but are also facing severe financial strain in the wake of storm damages. Unfortunately, this is a situation that a particularity low form of scammer seeks out. These so-called "storm chasers" unscrupulously pick the pockets of individuals when they are at their most susceptible. And the hurricane season is far from over. Article resource:

bad credit loans with monthly payments



Following the storm to make cash

The Association of American Retired Persons was able to talk to a spokesman from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, James Quiggle. He said:

Quote:
"They're called storm chasers, going town to town where disaster strikes to descend on traumatized homeowners and causing more problems than they fix. And they often prey on senior citizens."
There are increasingly more of them being seen, according to the National Insurance Crime Agency.



Contractor schemes

The majority of the scamming contractors will leave without doing work, though some of them actually do the work. The only issue is that they do a terrible job and leave permanent damage that will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. It is always a bad sign when the contractor asks for money upfront before they complete the task.



Ways to keep away from the scams

-- Ask your insurance agent or the Better Business Agency for a list of approved contractors near you before giving any repair person a green light.

-- The contractor should show you a license first.

-- Contractors with no business card are most likely shady.

-- Deposits should never be more than 25 percent of the total estimated contract, and should not be paid until building materials are delivered to your home.

according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Public Works interim director David Guillory:

Quote:
"You really shouldn't be paying for work that's not done. If somebody says, 'Pay me half and I'm going to go get some other equipment,' or go get another crew or something, that should send a red flag up."


Scams with automobiles

After a disaster, con artists will go to insurance auctions and purchase as many automobiles as they can for a song. They will then put the automobiles back together with really bad materials and craftsmanship.

The vehicles break down a lot and turn into money pits even though they will run well for a couple of months.



Get from the scam

Before purchasing any used car, whether from a lot, an individual or at an auction, conduct a pre-purchase inspection with a reputable mechanic. It is also wise to get a title history search report through a trusted company such as CARFAX.



Sources

AOL Autos
AARP
WAFB ]]> Global angel yuri http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/forum/global/36718-avoid-storm-chaser-scams.html