Action Line chat with Dennis Rockstroh

(07/21/2008)

12:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good afternoon. Welcome to all of you. We can chat about anything you want. Keep it short and simple, please. You can always send longer items to me at drockstroh@mercurynews.com and mention the secret word, ''chat.'' ... Why did a duck just drop down from the ceiling...Oh, never mind.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:01 Dennis Rockstroh

12:02

Dennis Rockstroh:

Monday July 21, 2008 12:02 Dennis Rockstroh

12:02

[Comment From ksks: ]

Hi Dennis,

Monday July 21, 2008 12:02 ks

12:03

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi KS.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:03 Dennis Rockstroh

12:05

Dennis Rockstroh:

I've heard of it, but I have not received any complaints.You can do a check with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to see if they have anything.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:05 Dennis Rockstroh

12:06

[Comment From ksks: ]

I returned an item to Kohl's in Milpitas and wanted the credit returned to my debit card, the same manner I purchased. They said they could only give me a cash refund on a debit purchase. I have since heard from another store that this is against Fed. Banking practices. Is there a 'legal' way to refund debit purchases or is it at the discretion of the store? (sorry, hit enter too soon before) :)

Monday July 21, 2008 12:06 ks

12:08

Dennis Rockstroh:

That's a new one on me. KS. However, refunds are at the discretion of the store. I don't know the law on this. Anyone else know?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:08 Dennis Rockstroh

12:08

[Comment From DEVINDEVIN: ]

Do you know what happened with the guy who went to India and had his car towed and auctioned because he didn't have current tags?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:08 DEVIN

12:09

Dennis Rockstroh:

I haven't hear anything, Devin. But I suggest everyone put those tags on your vehices right away, especially if you're headed out on a long trop.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:09 Dennis Rockstroh

12:10

[Comment From ksks: ]

was that an answer for me or someone else?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:10 ks

12:12

Dennis Rockstroh:

That's an answer for you, KS, if we're talking refunds. You know, there is no law requiring refunds. The law covers how a refund policy is communicated to a customer -- via signs and/or the receipt. If I haven't been clear, ask again and I'll try again.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:12 Dennis Rockstroh

12:13

[Comment From Rudy FongRudy Fong: ]

Hi Mr. Rockstroh, Thank you for many good information that you provided through the Mercury News over the years. They are great help. I am thinking of donating my old car (still good condition) to a charity cause. My question is: -Do I have to inform the DMV about the donation for tax purpose? Is there a limitation on the deductible?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:13 Rudy Fong

12:16

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi Rudy. Be careful with a donation. Make sure that the registration on the car is transfered. For tax purposes, you can deduct the auction value, I hear. That isn't very much. As far as notifying the DMV, make sure that the recipients of your car change the registration to avoid trouble down the road.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:16 Dennis Rockstroh

12:16

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Hello Dennis...

Monday July 21, 2008 12:16 Guest

12:17

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hello, Guest. Don't hit the return button until you are finished. Hitting return or enter sends the line, just fyi.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:17 Dennis Rockstroh

12:18

[Comment From Irene MilesIrene Miles: ]

I'm having a problem with AT&T and their early termination fee. I had my cell phone service with them for 3-4 years. I kept telling them that I was unable to use my cell phone at home most of the time. "No service." They kept giving me new chips, saying this would make it work. It didn't. Finally, they said a new phone would do it so I got one but that caused me to have a new two year contract. It didn't work either. They put a new chip in more than once and I stupidly kept thinking they would make it work because they told me about the new cell towers going in, etc. What I didn't know is that everyone where I live (by the Curner Lite Rail station) was having the same problem. When I finally said I was terminating my contract they said it would cost me $175. I kow that's what they normally do but Ii told them everything I had gone through/tried over the years and they said it didn't matter, my 30 days was up. I now have a bill from them, due this week. I'm going to fight it but I don't know if I should pay the bill now and then fight it or risk the late fees they say will be charged if it's not paid on time. Also, where is the best place to fight this? With AT&T directly? How do I find where to send a letter or email?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:18 Irene Miles

12:22

Dennis Rockstroh:

Wow, Irene. What a mess. I have AT&T cell and can't even get a call two blocks away. I can't call my office 10 miles away. The signal keeps breaking up. I have dscussed this with AT&T and they can't fix it. I had to upgrade my land line. Send the details to me at drockstroh@mercurynews.com and I will forward your complaint this afternoon to AT&T. They're not delivering the promised service. They broke the contact.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:22 Dennis Rockstroh

12:22

[Comment From Shirley LeyVaShirley LeyVa: ]

I need recipe for Killing Ants using Boric Acid and Fruit Jelly

Monday July 21, 2008 12:22 Shirley LeyVa

12:22

[Comment From Shirley LeyVaShirley LeyVa: ]

I need recipe for Killing Ants using boric acid and fruit jelly

Monday July 21, 2008 12:22 Shirley LeyVa

12:22

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK. OK. I'm looking for it, Shirley.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:22 Dennis Rockstroh

12:26

Dennis Rockstroh:

I found my previous answer, Shirley I'm even throwing in something extra. Here it is

Ah, the summer ant question.

Did you know that ants are good to eat? Protein.

Here is the old formula, but you can also do a Web search for "how to get rid of ants."

Mix one tablespoon of boric acid with 1/2-cup of fruit jelly. Drop teaspoons of the mixture into jar lids or paper cupcake liners and place the bait where ants can find it.

Also, you might try sprinkling baby powder outside the point of entry or spraying with window cleaner.

And I hesitate to tell you this again, but I have been told that ants are good with roasted fish. The formic acid that coats their bodies tastes like a mixture of lemon and tarragon, giving them a sort of bearnaise sauce flavor. Yum.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:26 Dennis Rockstroh

12:26

[Comment From ksks: ]

The other store also said that if a debit card is used as a credit card, the store has to pay more to the bank than if used as debit. The other store was Gottschalks, and probably each store has their own deals with the banks.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:26 ks

12:28

Dennis Rockstroh:

I believe that is true, KS. The debit card withdraws money from your account right away. Using it as a credit card requires some more processing and costs the store more.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:28 Dennis Rockstroh

12:28

[Comment From DEVINDEVIN: ]

At Costco I tried to purchase a video game. I paid with a debit card at the register then had to go to merchandise pickup for the item. The person at the MPU counter said they did not have item in stock and then I had to go to another counter to get my debit card refunded. They gave me cash, but it was a big inconvenience.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:28 DEVIN

12:29

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Devin. Look at the debit card as a check. Some of them are called ''check cards.''

Monday July 21, 2008 12:29 Dennis Rockstroh

12:29

[Comment From WongStuffWongStuff: ]

Do you know if the Santa Clara Senior Center is still taking cell phone for emergency use for seniors?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:29 WongStuff

12:30

Dennis Rockstroh:

I think so WongStuff. You might give them a call.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:30 Dennis Rockstroh

12:31

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Hello, I had a question about the company Lifelock. It seems to claim to render you more or less identity theft-proof with commercials featuring the company's CEO advertising his social security number on billboards and handing it out on flyers. I'm thinking of signing up for the service (I think it's around $100 a year) but I was wondering if you'd heard anything about it one way or the other. Thank you.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:31 Guest

12:31

[Comment From ksks: ]

I meant the answer @ 12:05 you referred to the bbb web site.?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:31 ks

12:33

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thank for pointing that out, KS. The question is above at 12:31. I suggest that Guest check with www.bbb.org to see what the deal is with a company called Lifelock. I have heard of the company but have not heard of any complaints.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:33 Dennis Rockstroh

12:34

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Hi Dennis. I was wondering if you have heard anything about SJ Water Company increasing its rates? Last month, my water bill was really high. About double. I didn't pay much attention as I had guests at home. However, this month it's way high again. $180. About double what it used to be and I had no guests. I was afraid I had a water leak. Then I checked the usage compared to last year. My usage was DOWN 1/3. So, what's up with the double bill even though my usage droped 33%? An unannounced tremendous rate increase??

Monday July 21, 2008 12:34 Dave

12:37

Dennis Rockstroh:

Yes, Dave, the water company did raise the rates. I received a letter telling me about a couple months ago and wrote about it on my Consumer Action Line blog at http://blogs.mercurynews.com/consumeractionline/2008/05/05/look-for-higher-water-bills/

Monday July 21, 2008 12:37 Dennis Rockstroh

12:37

[Comment From CarlosCarlos: ]

Dennis, I was told that if USPS mail is sent was insufficient postage that it is sent to the dead-letter office rather than to the recipient with a postage-due request. Would you confirm what really happens when less than the full amount of postage is placed on mail? Thanks.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:37 Carlos

12:38

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good question, Carlos. I'll have to check with the Postal Service. I'll try to answer your question in the Action Line column.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:38 Dennis Rockstroh

12:39

[Comment From CharlesCharles: ]

Hi Dennis, Recently, there’s so much talk about government’s workers pay raises. But don’t you think with good salaries, we will get better workers? The only think is I wish our government being more responsible to the people; and more money should be spend for teachers’ pay, more money into education system, instead of building more jails and waving more wars! With that, we would have a better society. Don’t you think?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:39 Charles

12:43

Dennis Rockstroh:

Wow. yes, I think, Charles. I was telling anyone who would listen about 10 years ago that if we continued to pay teachers such low salaries, the best and the brightest college students would study for other fields where the pay is better. It takes great dedication and sacrifice to be a teacher. And they deserve a better deal. OK, I confess. I used to be a teacher.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:43 Dennis Rockstroh

12:43

[Comment From Irene MilesIrene Miles: ]

Thank you so much! I'll send you the details as soon as I get home.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:43 Irene Miles

12:44

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Irene. And anyone else with AT&T problems, let me know. I will tell AT&T about it. They have to do a better job.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:44 Dennis Rockstroh

12:44

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Are we talking about a heavy coating of ants that roasted fish recipe or just a light dusting?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:44 Guest

12:45

Dennis Rockstroh:

As cooks, say, season to taste.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:45 Dennis Rockstroh

12:45

[Comment From GWGW: ]

Greetings and thanks for your valuable assistance regarding consumer issues. A big question, hopefully a short answer: What ever happened to the truth in advertising law? Is it still on the books? I remember when this law came out - they actually started prosecuting businesses that weren't truthful. It seems that we are in a morass of untruthful advertising, packaging, etc. What do you think?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:45 GW

12:49

Dennis Rockstroh:

You are really trying to get me in trouble, aren't you, GW? Advertising is the lifeblood of the news business and there are all kinds of advertisers. We already have pretty of good laws requiring truth and fairness in advertising. Here is a look at some of them: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/advfact.shtml

Monday July 21, 2008 12:49 Dennis Rockstroh

12:49

[Comment From WongStuffWongStuff: ]

Thanks

Monday July 21, 2008 12:49 WongStuff

12:49

[Comment From WongStuffWongStuff: ]

Oh...and why did the duck drop from the ceiling?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:49 WongStuff

12:52

Dennis Rockstroh:

It's an old, really old, Groucho Marx joke, WongStuff. If I remember correctly, when someone mentioned a predetermined secret word on his TV show (TV was black and white then), a duck would drop down from the ceiling with the word written on a card in the duck's mouth. It was all good fun.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:52 Dennis Rockstroh

12:52

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Well [no pun intended] a water bill going from $90 to $180 with less usage is a whole lot more than the 12% mentioned in your blog. Also, I don't live in SJ. I live in unincorporated Santa Clara county (Cambrian Park) so I don't know what the City Of SJ has to do with it, even though I get my water from Sj Water Co.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:52 Dave

12:54

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi again, Dave. You might want to call the customer service number on your bill and ask them what's up and did they send out notices like San Jose.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:54 Dennis Rockstroh

12:55

[Comment From NguyenNguyen: ]

If I my scheduled hours are from 3pm-12am with 1 hour lunch, and I'm required to work overtime til 2am. Will my 2 hours OT be on the same day or next? Thanks

Monday July 21, 2008 12:55 Nguyen

12:56

Dennis Rockstroh:

I think it's still the same work day, Nguyen. I'll have to give that some thought. Anyone want to help?

Monday July 21, 2008 12:56 Dennis Rockstroh

12:56

[Comment From GWGW: ]

Thanks for your answer regarding truth-in-advertising. I'll take a look at that website.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:56 GW

12:57

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good, GW. I think it should be must reading for everyone. Information is power. Now you know why lawyers strut.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:57 Dennis Rockstroh

12:58

[Comment From ShelbyShelby: ]

There’re many wild cats (about twenty!) roam through our neighborhood! They made scary noises very nights. Do you have any suggestion who should we call for this problem? Thank you very much for your help.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:58 Shelby

12:59

Dennis Rockstroh:

If you live in San Jose, Shelby, check with San Jose Animal Care at http://www.sanjoseanimals.com/ Elsewhere, check your city or county Web site.

Monday July 21, 2008 12:59 Dennis Rockstroh

1:00

[Comment From Irene MilesIrene Miles: ]

Should I pay the AT&T termination fee by the due date or will that make it harder to resolve in my favor. I don't want to have to pay late fees as well. Thanks Dennis.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:00 Irene Miles

1:00

Dennis Rockstroh:

Wait a day to see if AT&T contacts you after I forward your complaint. They usually act pretty fast.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:00 Dennis Rockstroh

1:01

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Yes I am planning on calling the water company. I'll let you know what I find out. I was curious is anyone else had received such an ixtremely high increase.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:01 Dave

1:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK, good. Let us know, Dave.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:01 Dennis Rockstroh

1:01

[Comment From Shirley LeyVaShirley LeyVa: ]

Thanks for your help -- didn't mean to send you the question, twice.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:01 Shirley LeyVa

1:02

Dennis Rockstroh:

It;s OK. It's OK.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:02 Dennis Rockstroh

1:02

[Comment From NguyenNguyen: ]

If I work the next day then it's all fine. They'll just add up the hours and I get my OT, however, if I'm the next day then that extra 2 hours of OT will be regular pay. May I ask what's the law about working overnight.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:02 Nguyen

1:02

[Comment From DEVINDEVIN: ]

Regarding Nguyen's OT question: Each business establishes a work day and a work week. If Nguyen's company's workday ends at 12 a.m. then the two hours would be the next business day and would not be overtime. But if he went to work at 3:00 p.m. that day then the hours between 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. would be overtime because he already worked two hours in that day.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:02 DEVIN

1:03

Dennis Rockstroh:

Egads, we have run out of time. Thanks for coming by to chat with me. It was fun. Let's do it again.

Monday July 21, 2008 1:03 Dennis Rockstroh

1:03