Business News - taracreji: October 2012

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Honda recalls 2002-2006 CR-V for fire risk

By DEE-ANN DURBINDETROIT -- Honda Motor Co. is recalling CR-V crossovers from the 2002 to 2006 model years because an electrical switch in the driver's side door could melt and cause a fire.

Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall Saturday.

The government agency said owners should park CR-Vs from those model years outside until the recall is performed, to avoid any property damage from a fire. A fire could start even when the ignition is off and the CR-V is parked.

The problem involves around 268,000 vehicles. Honda said rain or other liquids could enter through a driver's open window and damage the master power switch on the door. If that happens, the switch could overheat and melt, causing a fire.

Honda said owners have reported four fires, but have been no injuries or crashes associated with the issue.

The company will begin contacting owners next month and will repair the vehicles for free.

It was the third major recall this week for the Japanese automaker, which usually sits near the top in J.D. Power and Associates' annual rankings of vehicle quality.

Earlier this week, the company said it was recalling 820,000 Civic compact and Pilot SUVs from the 2002 through 2004 model years because the headlights can fail. CR-Vs were recalled earlier this spring for that same issue.

Honda also said this week that it's recalling 600,000 Accord midsize cars because a faulty power steering house can leak and cause a fire. That recall affects Accords with V6 engines from the 2003 to 2007 model years.

NHTSA also announced earlier this week that it's investigating complaints that Honda Odyssey minivans and Pilot SUVs can roll away after drivers remove the ignition key. That investigation involves vehicles from the 2003 and 2004 model years.

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Friday, October 5, 2012

Meat prices on the rise

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK -- Whether it's from the butcher shop or the deli counter, most Americans base their meals around meat.

But with prices for pork and beef expected to rise next year butchers are saying that consumers will have to pay more or get used to 'new cuts'.

"What happened in the last increase is people went from eating a lot of primals to NY strips, the porterhouses, they went to eating secondary cuts," said one local butcher.

The warnings are already out there about the coming sticker shock for dinner tables and restaurants.

The summer drought has sent feed prices soaring, meaning farmers and butchers are already charging more for popular cuts of beef and pork.

Some farmers are starting to switch to cheaper types of feed to save money.

Julie Gray Stinar runs a small farm, raising hens, hogs and cattle.

A third of her costs goes to animal feed, which is mostly corn and soy.

Prices for chicken and pig feed have sky-rocketed since July.

"It was $14.77 on July 2nd, now it's $16.79 so it's gone up by two dollars in two months.

Shoppers are preparing themselves... With some already deciding what is worth the extra money, and what isn't.

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Peanut butter recall expands, includes major retailers

MARY CLARE JALONICKWASHINGTON -- A recall of peanut butter and other nut products has some of the country's largest grocery stores pulling store-brand products off their shelves.

New Mexico-based Sunland Inc. has expanded its recall of peanut butter and almond butter to include cashew butters, tahini and blanched and roasted peanut products. The company, which sells its nuts and nut butters to large groceries and other food distributors around the country, recalled products under multiple brand names last month after salmonella illnesses were linked to Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter, one of the brands it manufactures.

In addition to Trader Joe's, the recall over the past week has included some nut butters and nut products sold at Whole Foods Market, Target, Safeway, Fresh & Easy, Harry and David, Sprouts, Heinen's, Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and several other stores. Some of those retailers used Sunland ingredients in items they prepared and packaged themselves.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there have been 30 salmonella illnesses in 19 states that can be traced to the Trader Joe's peanut butter. No other foods have been linked to the illnesses, but Sunland recalled other products manufactured on the same equipment as the Trader Joe's product.

Some of the brand names included in the recall are Target's Archer Farms, Safeway's Open Nature, Earth Balance, Fresh & Easy, Late July, Heinen's, Joseph's, Natural Value, Naturally More, Peanut Power Butter, Serious Food, Snaclite Power, Sprouts Farmers Market, Sprouts, Sunland and Dogsbutter.

Sunland's recall includes 101 products, and several retailers have issued additional recalls including items made with Sunland ingredients.

Those sickened reported becoming ill between June 11 and Sept. 11, according to the CDC. Almost two-thirds of those who became ill were children under the age of 10. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 hours to 72 hours after infection. It is most dangerous to children, the elderly and others with weak immune systems.

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Online: CLICK HERE for a full list of recalled items.

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Anonymous donor to help group buy Slave Theater

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The deadline has come and gone for the Kickstarter fund-raising campaign to buy the Slave Theater in Brooklyn.

The New Brooklyn Theater Group in Bedford Stuyvesant wants to buy the building and convert it into a performing arts center.

They needed $200,000.

The campaign ended at 10 p.m Thursday, and the group had only raised $40,000 when an anonymous donor came forward to help them purchase the building.

The donor is a community member who understands the importance of the theater for the neighborhood and pledged to help them buy the property at auction on November 5.

The theater fell into disrepair and has been sitting vacant.

In it's heyday, Judge John Phillips had murals painted throughout, depicting proud moments in black history.

The judge's estate owns the theater and is willing to sell.

The New Brooklyn Theater Group wants to build a three-stage theater and convert the lobby into a cafe and art gallery.

Now, because Kickstarter did not meet it's goal, backers will not be charged for their donations.

For more information, visit NewBrooklynTheater.com.

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FDA: Antidepressant Budeprion is ineffective

MATTHEW PERRONEWASHINGTON -- Teva Pharmaceuticals has stopped shipping its generic version of a popular antidepressant after a federal analysis showed the pill does not work properly.

The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it asked Teva to withdraw Budeprion XL 300 after new testing showed the drug releases its key ingredient faster than the original drug Wellbutrin XL 300, made by GlaxoSmithKline.

A spokeswoman for Teva said the company stopped shipping the drug last Thursday.

The action contradicts the FDA's previous update on the issue in 2008, when regulators said the drugs are essentially the same. That review came after hundreds of patients complained that Teva's drug did not work as well or caused side effects like headaches, anxiety and insomnia.

In 2007, the website ConsumerLab published an analysis of the two drugs, indicating Budeprion XL released 34 percent of its active ingredient in just two hours, compared to 8 percent for the original drug. ConsumerLab is a small privately-held company that independently tests drugs and nutrition products.

"We're proud we were able to help uncover this problem, but it's unfortunate that it's taken the FDA five years to get the product removed," said Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab. "I believe the majority of generics are fine, but there are certainly situations where some aren't equivalent."

Generic drugs approved by the FDA are required to be chemically equivalent to the original products, producing the same medical effects in patients.

The FDA said Wednesday that its initial, incorrect ruling was based on tests of the 150 milligram version of Budeprion, under the assumption those results would also apply to the 300 milligram version. The agency said that approach "is no longer appropriate."

"Based on the information we had available at that time we concluded that the 150 milligram strength was doing what it should, and that it was acceptable to extrapolate those findings to the 300 milligram strength" said Barbara Davit, director of bioequivalence for FDA's office of generic drugs. Agency officials said they decided to perform their own study after continuing to receive complaints about Budeprion XL 300.

The FDA said it completed its study of the two drugs in 24 adult patients in August, and notified Teva of the findings last month.

"The role of patients and health care professionals in sharing their experiences with generic versions of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg contributed to further studies, which led to this action," said Dr. Gregory Geba, the FDA's director for generic drugs.

Patients with a prescription for Budeprion XL 300 should contact their doctor for instructions on how to proceed, the FDA said.

Wellbutrin, known chemically as bupropion, is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The FDA approved the first generic versions of Wellbutrin XL in 2006. Most doctors switch patients from branded drugs to cheaper generic versions when they become available, since generic drugs can cost from 30 to 80 percent less.

Budeprion XL is a once-a-day pill made by U.S.-based Impax Laboratories Inc. and sold by Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

"FDA's guidance affects the bioequivalence rating of the product and does not reflect any safety issue," said Denise Bradley. "Teva's first priority is to our patients and providing them with quality medicines."

Four other generic drugmakers market 300 milligram versions of Wellbutrin: Anchen, Actavis, Watson and Mylan. The FDA has not tested the equivalence of those drugs, but said it has asked the drugmakers to conduct their own studies and submit them to the agency by March 2013.

FDA officials said patients taking the 300 milligram dose of Budeprion account for just 2 percent of the U.S. market for the drug.

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Medicare fines coming over readmitted patients

RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVARWASHINGTON -- If you or an elderly relative have been hospitalized recently and noticed extra attention when the time came to be discharged, there's more to it than good customer service.

As of Monday, Medicare will start fining hospitals that have too many patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge due to complications. The penalties are part of a broader push under President Barack Obama's health care law to improve quality while also trying to save taxpayers money.

About two-thirds of the hospitals serving Medicare patients, or some 2,200 facilities, will be hit with penalties averaging around $125,000 per facility this coming year, according to government estimates.

Data to assess the penalties have been collected and crunched, and Medicare has shared the results with individual hospitals. Medicare plans to post details online later in October, and people can look up how their community hospitals performed by using the agency's "Hospital Compare" website.

It adds up to a new way of doing business for hospitals, and they have scrambled to prepare for well over a year. They are working on ways to improve communication with rehabilitation centers and doctors who follow patients after they're released, as well as connecting individually with patients.

"There is a lot of activity at the hospital level to straighten out our internal processes," said Nancy Foster, vice president for quality and safety at the American Hospital Association. "We are also spreading our wings a little and reaching outside the hospital, to the extent that we can, to make sure patients are getting the ongoing treatment they need."

Still, industry officials say they have misgivings about being held liable for circumstances beyond their control. They also complain that facilities serving low-income people, including many major teaching hospitals, are much more likely to be fined, raising questions of fairness.

"Readmissions are partially within the control of the hospital and partially within the control of others," Foster said.

Consumer advocates say Medicare's nudge to hospitals is long overdue and not nearly stiff enough.

"It's modest, but it's a start," said Dr. John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. "Should we be surprised that industry is objecting? You would expect them to object to anything that changes the status quo."

For the first year, the penalty is capped at 1 percent of a hospital's Medicare payments. The overwhelming majority of penalized facilities will pay less. Also, for now, hospitals are only being measured on three medical conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.

Under the health care law, the penalties gradually will rise until 3 percent of Medicare payments to hospitals are at risk. Medicare is considering holding hospitals accountable on four more measures: joint replacements, stenting, heart bypass and treatment of stroke.

If General Motors and Toyota issue warranties for their vehicles, hospitals should have some similar obligation when a patient gets a new knee or a stent to relieve a blocked artery, Santa contends. "People go to the hospital to get their problem solved, not to have to come back," he said.

Excessive rates of readmission are only part of the problem of high costs and uneven quality in the U.S. health care system. While some estimates put readmission rates as high as 20 percent, a congressional agency says the level of preventable readmissions is much lower. About 12 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who are hospitalized are later readmitted for a potentially preventable problem, said the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, known as MedPAC.

Foster, the hospital association official, said medication mix-ups account for a big share of problems. Many Medicare beneficiaries are coping with multiple chronic conditions, and it's not unusual for their medication lists to be changed in the hospital. But their doctors outside sometimes don't get the word; other times, the patients themselves don't understand there's been a change.

Another issue is making sure patients go to their required follow-up appointments.

Medicare deputy administrator Jonathan Blum said he thinks hospitals have gotten the message.

"Clearly it's captured their attention," said Blum. "It's galvanized the hospital industry on ways to reduce unnecessary readmissions. It's forced more parts of the health care system to work together to ensure that patients have much smoother transitions."

MedPAC, the congressional advisory group, has produced research findings that back up the industry's assertion that hospitals serving the poor, including major teaching facilities, are more likely to face penalties. But for now, Blum said Medicare is not inclined to grade on the curve.

"We have really tried to address and study this issue," said Blum. "If you look at the data, there are hospitals that serve a low-income patient mix and do very well on these measures. It seems to us that hospitals that serve low-income people can control readmissions very well."

Under Obama's health care overhaul, Medicare is pursuing efforts to try to improve quality and lower costs. They include rewarding hospitals for quality results, and encouraging hospitals, nursing homes and medical practice groups to join in "accountable care organizations." Dozens of pilot programs are under way. The jury is still out on the results.

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Zuckerberg: Facebook tops 1 billion users

Eyewitness NewsSAN FRANCISCO -- Facebook has topped 1 billion users, but the past few months have not been easy.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg says that the company is going through a bit of a rough patch following its rocky initial public offering.

Zuckerberg updated his Facebook status on Thursday to announce that the social networking site has more than 1 billion active users each month. He thanked users and said that he is committed to making Facebook better.

The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has had a difficult time of late. There were trading glitches the day it went public in May and concerns since then about its revenue potential. It's also facing lawsuits from disgruntled shareholders.

Zuckerberg said in a "Today" show interview Thursday that "we're in a tough cycle now and that doesn't help morale, but people are focused on what they're building."

Last month Zuckerberg gave his first interview since Facebook's shaky IPO and since that time he's been working hard to boost confidence among investors and the public.

Zuckerberg told Matt Lauer during the "Today" interview that Facebook's future is about mobile, an area it's been criticized for not capitalizing on quickly enough.

The 28-year-old executive also continued to reassure that he is the right person to lead Facebook, as some on Wall Street have questioned whether he has the ability to lead a large public company.

"I take this responsibility very seriously," he said.

Facebook Inc.'s stock gained 45 cents, or 2.1 percent, to $22.28 in premarket trading. The shares closed at $21.83 on Wednesday, off 43 percent from its $38 IPO price.

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Comptroller says MTA on right fiscal track

A train arrives to the Astor Place station early Friday, Dec. 16, 2005 in New York. (AP Photo/ Dima Gavrysh)

MICHAEL GORMLEYALBANY -- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is on the right track fiscally after years of crises forced fare and toll increases that will continue to sting urban and suburban bus and subway riders, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says.

DiNapoli, in a study of the MTA's fiscal plan, said Tuesday that the fares and tolls are scheduled to rise at three times the inflation rate. He said the MTA's plan calls for fares and tolls to rise 7 percent next year and another 7 percent in 2015. If approved, the fares and tolls will have risen 35 percent since 2007, DiNapoli said in his role as auditor of state agencies and public authorities.

DiNapoli said the MTA also is facing other fiscal hurdles, among them a legal challenge to the politically divisive payroll tax that's keeping the transit system operating.

"Ridership is rising and the MTA's finances are stabilizing, but there are areas of concern," DiNapoli said, noting the authority has strengthened its finances over two years. "Fare and toll hikes continue to outpace inflation, placing a burden on working men and women across the metropolitan region."

In a statement released Tuesday, MTA Chairman Joseph J. Lhota noted DiNapoli recognizes the cost-cutting and other measures of the authority.

"His report recognizes the significant financial challenges the MTA faces in the near term, the aggressive steps we have taken to meet them, and our ongoing efforts to address longer-term challenges, including identifying funding sources for our 2015-2019 Capital Program," Lhota said.

In September, the MTA indicated it may reduce or even eliminate its discount on pay-per-ride MetroCard fare payment cards. The New York Daily News had reported Lhota told a business forum that he is preparing to release a menu of fare options in October. The MetroCard provides a 7-percent discount for every $10 spent.

DiNapoli's findings include:
- The MTA between now and 2016 will face annual budget gaps of $487 million to $1.4 billion, which will be closed by scheduled fare and toll increases and spending cuts.

- Ridership was 1.64 million last year, the highest level since 1950, and is expected to grow.

- Long Island Rail Road ridership remains less than its peak before the recession of 87.5 million riders in 2008.

- Metro-North ridership increased for two years in a row to 80.4 million riders in 2011. A new high is expected this year, with ridership expected to grow by 4.3 percent.

- Overtime pay and health care costs continue to rise.

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ONLINE: mta.info

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iPhone 5 vs. Android

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Consumer Reports has just finished testing the iPhone 5. With 4G, it's now as fast as the fastest Android phones, but there are still plenty of differences. Here are the pros and cons of Apple versus Android.

In TV commercials, Samsung makes fun of Apple fans - claiming that Android phones have had better features and capabilities than the iPhone 5 for ages. Back in the labs, Consumer Reports puts all the phones through their paces, assessing each one's features and options.

First - display. Everyone wants a big screen to watch movies, play games, and use apps.

While the iPhone 5's four-inch screen is Apple's biggest yet, it can't compare with the screens on many Android phones.

"Voice-control is another area of competition. Here Android capabilities are quite good, though they're no match for Siri, who can understand and execute more complex commands," Mike Gikas of Consumer Reports said.

Next up, navigation.

"Android has more detailed maps, better traffic info, and more customization. Apple has a few glitches, and until those are worked out, Android carries the day," Gikas said.

With everyone using their phone to take pictures, how do the cameras affect your Apple-or-Android choice?

While both the iPhone and some Android phones have the ability to take panoramic stills, Consumer Reports finds when it comes to photo and video quality, the iPhone 5 outperforms the Android competition.

What if you want to talk on the phone and connect to the Internet over the cellular network at the same time? All 4G phones can do that, but not the iPhone 5 on Verizon or Sprint.

So while the iPhone 5 gets many things right, so do a lot of the top-rated Android phones - making them worth consideration.

Due to significant improvements over the iPhone 4S, the new iPhone 5 is now among Consumer Reports' top-rated phones, up with the Samsung Galaxy S-3 and the Motorola Razr.

For more information, visit Consumer Reports at http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2012/10/apple-iphone-5-test-results.html

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Connecticut gets $121 million for high-speed rail

Eyewitnesss NewsMERIDEN, Conn. -- State and federal officials on Monday announced $121 million in federal funding for a high-speed rail project between New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts.

The 62-mile project calls for service every 30 minutes during peak periods and every 60 minutes at other times. Speeds would reach up to 110 miles an hour.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office projects 1.26 million riders annually by 2030.

"Achieving this milestone means we can complete the design and construction of new track, signal and communication systems, bridge and station infrastructure improvements between New Haven and Hartford and provide an economic boon for the region," Malloy said.

The $121 million will be combined with $174 million in state bond financing. The funding announced on Monday brings to $191 million the federal commitment to the project. In total, $365 million in state and federal funding has been committed to the Connecticut portion of the New England rail system.

Service is expected to begin in 2016, when service aboard 12 trains a day will be increased to 34, or 17 round trips.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said that although Congress must figure out how to reduce the federal debt that totals more than $16 trillion, funding for New England high-speed rail should be exempt from spending cuts because the regional rail system promotes economic development.

"There's no question that federal spending has to be restrained but this project is multi-year and multi-use and is a wise use of federal funding to support a critical transportation system that benefits the entire New England region," he said. "It deserves priority."

Malloy, members of Connecticut's congressional delegation and federal and state transportation officials announced the funding in Meriden on Monday afternoon.

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Holiday sales expected to rise 4.1 percent in 2012

ANNE D'INNOCENZIOWASHINGTON -- Americans are expected to spend more during what's traditionally the busiest shopping season of the year, but they're not exactly ready to shop 'til they drop like they have been in the past two years.

The National Retail Federation, the nation's largest retail trade group, said Tuesday that it expects sales during the winter holiday shopping period in November and December to rise 4.1 percent this year. That's more than a percentage point lower than the growth in each of the past two years, and the smallest increase since 2009 when sales were up just 0.3 percent.

The projections are an important indicator for retailers that depend on the last two months of the year for up to 40 percent of their annual sales. But the estimates also offer valuable insight for economists who closely watch consumer spending, which accounts for up to 70 percent of economic activity.

The holiday shopping season is one gauge of not only the shopping habits, but also the mindset of the average American during what has turned out to be a slow and uneven economic recovery. Right now, people are feeling better about rising home prices and a rebounding stock market, but job growth is still weak and prices for everything from food to gas are higher.

"In all the years, this is the most challenging year doing a forecast," said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, based in Washington, D.C. "There are so many uncertainties."

No one's feeling those uncertainties more than U.S. shoppers. Darlene Johnson of Silver Spring, Md., says her outlook has improved in the last few months. The value of her 401(k) retirement plan has risen. Home sales where she lives are up again, and her neighbors are getting higher prices for their houses.

Still, Johnson, who's been grappling with higher food and gas prices, says the economy is still not stable enough for her to splurge during this holiday shopping season.

Last year, she overindulged and spent about $5,000. It took until this past May to pay down her credit card debt. As a result, this year, she plans to cut her holiday spending to $1,500.

"I felt too much pressure financially," said Johnson, who works for the National Institutes of Health, a government agency that's a conglomerate of research centers. "I am not going to do it to myself again."

It's Americans' worries about the economic uncertainty that led the National Retail Federation to predict slower growth during the winter holiday shopping season than the increase of 5.6 percent and 5.5 percent in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Still, the forecast is higher than the average growth of 3.5 percent for November and December over the past 10 years. And it continues a growth trend that began after holiday sales fell 4.4 percent in 2008 during the middle of the recession. (The federation for the first time is counting online sales and sales from the auto parts and accessories business. It has revised every year's holiday figures from 2000 to reflect the change.) The federation's forecast also is still more optimistic than the International Council of Shopping Centers, a mall trade group that last week said it predicts a 2.9 percent increase. It's also higher than the 3.3 percent growth estimated by ShopperTrak, a Chicago-based analyzer of retail foot traffic, last month.

The forecasts come as retailers wrap up what's expected to be a strong back-to-school shopping season. There have been no official numbers out on sales for that shopping period, which is typically the second biggest shopping season of the year and a barometer for what people are willing to spend during the winter holidays. But Ken Perkins, president of RetailMetrics LLC, said he expects revenue at stores opened at least a year to be up 5 percent for the combined August and September months.

But predicting holiday spending is never easy. Take last year's holiday period. Overall sales were strong, but sales don't tell the whole story: Retailers' profits were eroded because they had to do a lot of discounting to get shoppers to spend, particularly during the final weeks before Christmas.

And all the economic variables that will likely have an impact on this year's shopping season make predicting sales that much more difficult. Among them, the worry that the U.S. economy will fall into another recession next year. That's when tax increases and deep government spending cuts will take effect unless Congress reaches a budget deal.

Retailers and economists are hoping history doesn't repeat itself. The last time there was such a budget battle, in August 2011, it ended with the country losing its top credit rating, nervous investors fleeing the stock market, and shoppers taking a break from buying.

Still, Americans are more optimistic than they have been in a long time. Consumers' confidence rose to a seven-month high in September even as the unemployment rate has been stuck at around 8 percent, according to the Conference Board. Gallup Poll, which tracks consumer confidence daily, also registered a pickup in confidence last month to the highest level since May. The upcoming presidential election seems to be having an impact on how shoppers' view the economy, economists say.

Adding to that, Americans have seen their stock portfolios grow as The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index has surged more than 15 percent this year. And national home prices were up in July 1.2 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller index released last week. That's the second straight year-over-year gain after two years without one.

Still, some economists question whether the higher level of confidence among Americans is sustainable. Confidence has been bouncing around since the recession and the current level is still well below what's considered healthy. Moreover, the spike in confidence has yet to translate into a surge in spending.

"You have to be confident to spend, but because you're confident doesn't necessarily mean you'll spend," said Dennis Jacobe, chief economist at Gallup Poll.

For their part, retailers already are being cautious. John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, says retailers are expected to increase holiday hiring by 6 percent to about 700,000 for the October through December period compared with a year ago, when that figure was 660,200. That's well above the 324,900 hired during the financial meltdown in 2008, but still below the 746,800 level in pre-recession 2006, and well under the nearly 850,000 seasonal workers hired during the height of the dot.com boom in 1999. NRF predicts merchants will hire between 585,000 and 625,000 seasonal workers for the holidays. That's in line with last year's 607,000, according to the trade group's measure.

And they're already starting to offer enticements to lure holiday shoppers. Kmart, a division of Sears Holdings Corp., Toys R Us and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have announced last month they're either lowering or waiving the upfront services fees for their interest-free pay-over-time program. All three said the moves were in response to complaints from shoppers.

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Will you pay Facebook to 'promote' your posts ?

By BARBARA ORTUTAYNEW YORK -- Facebook has long declared that it's "free and always will be." And it still is - unless you want more friends to see what you have to say.

The social media giant is rolling out a feature in the U.S. that lets users pay to promote their posts to friends, just as advertisers do. Facebook has been testing the service in New Zealand, where it tries out a lot of new features, and has gradually introduced it in more than 20 other countries. Facebook said Wednesday that promoting a post - such as announcing a garage sale, charity drive or big news like an engagement - will bump it higher in your friends' news feeds.

"Every day, news feed delivers your posts to your friends. Sometimes a particular friend might not notice your post, especially if a lot of their friends have been posting recently and your story isn't near the top of their feed," wrote Abhishek Doshi, a software engineer at Facebook, on Facebook's news site.

Facebook didn't say how much it will cost to promote the posts, only that it's considering a range of prices as part of the test. On Wednesday, though, some users could see $7 as a cost per each update that they want to promote.

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American Airlines cancles flights to fix loose seats

DAVID KOENIGNEW YORK -- American Airlines is cancelling dozens of flights as it scrambles to fix seats that could pop loose during flight.

Airline officials said late Thursday that they had come up with a fix for the seats, and they began pulling 48 Boeing 757s out of service to make repairs. All the planes should be back in service by Saturday.

The seat repairs, however, could inconvenience thousands of passengers. American said the work caused it to cancel 50 flights on Thursday and 44 on Friday. Each 757 that American operates in the U.S. has 188 seats.

It's the latest black eye for American parent AMR Corp., which is operating under bankruptcy protection and trying to fend off a takeover by US Airways Group Inc. Flight cancelations and delays surged in September, which American blamed on a slowdown by pilots who are unhappy that American canceled their labor contract.

Since last week, seats have come loose on three American Airlines flights involving 757s that had been recently refurbished. The seats had been removed and reinstalled as part of the work.

Federal officials said they are continuing a safety investigation into the events at the nation's third-biggest airline.

American originally said the problem was due to a clamp that holds rows of seats to tracks on the aircraft floor.

But officials offered a new explanation Thursday, saying that a combination of wear, poor design and even soda spilled into the tracks caused pins to pop out of the grooves.

The airline has used the same seats for 20 years without incident until now, said David L. Campbell, American's vice president of safety.

"The fundamental design of this seat is not as robust as some of the latest designs," Campbell said in an interview.

A spokesman for the seat manufacturer, Weber Aircraft LLC, declined to comment beyond saying that his company is still investigating.

A spokesman for American said later that Campbell agreed that removing and reinstalling the seats might have hastened their failure to stay in place.

Campbell said the new fix will consist of installing an additional locking mechanism that was designed by American's engineers and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA issued a statement saying that it approved of American's decision to conduct more inspections. The agency said its safety investigation was continuing and it would "take additional action as appropriate." The agency is likely to examine whether American adequately inspected the seats after the cabin-refurbishment jobs.

Todd Curtis, a former safety engineer with Boeing and director of the Airsafe.com Foundation, said American made the right decision to inspect more planes once it discovered the extent of the problem.

No other airlines have reported loose seats. United Airlines doesn't use the same seat, and US Airways uses different hardware to mount seats, said officials for those carriers.

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AP Airlines Writer Scott Mayerowitz in New York contributed to this report.

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New Red Lobster menu ups non-seafood dishes

CANDICE CHOINEW YORK -- Red Lobster isn't just for the seafood lover in you. It's also for that person in every group who just wants a chicken dish.

The chain that brought seafood to the masses is hoping to broaden its appeal by revamping its menu on Oct. 15 to boost the number of dishes that cater to diners who don't want seafood, including lighter options such as salads. Red Lobster also is increasing the number of dishes that cost less than $15 to attract customers who have cut back on spending.

The chain, which is owned by Darden Restaurants Inc., says a quarter of the items on its menu will be non-seafood dishes, up from 8 percent. And the number of lower-cost entrees will rise to about 60 percent from 40 percent.

A lot hinges on Red Lobster's makeover. After a long streak of healthy growth that began in the late 1980s, the casual dining segment has struggled to grow in the past few years because of oversaturation of those restaurants. People also are eating out less or opting for places such as Five Guys burgers, Panera Bread Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. that fall somewhere between traditional sit-down restaurants and fast-food chains. Red Lobster in particular has struggled, with traffic at restaurants falling in 12 of the past 24 months.

When asked about the risks involved making such a dramatic change to the menu, Clarence Otis, CEO at Darden, which also owns Olive Garden, says: "the biggest risk would be to not change."

THE MENU

The idea behind Red Lobster rolling out more non-seafood options is to eliminate the "veto vote," or that one person in a family or group of friends that rules out Red Lobster because they don't like seafood.

Since opening its doors in 1968, Red Lobster has always had a steak dish or two on the menu. If people want a salad, the current menu offers a Caesar. That's it. But diners who aren't in the mood for seafood likely want a little more variety. So when the chain began the revamp about two years ago, it started by figuring out how to best fill in the gaps.

"We thought, what are the areas we're missing?" says Michael LaDuke, Red Lobster's executive chef.

Last summer, LaDuke and his team of chefs spent two weeks in Charlotte, N.C. to test about 50 dishes in three restaurants. They wanted feedback from diners, but also from the kitchen staff on any problems they encountered executing the dishes. For example, they decided that pineapple salsa should be prepared twice a day, instead of once, to keep it fresher.

Once various adjustments to sauces and cooking times were made, the test was broadened to 40 of its more than 700 restaurants in North America. Diners who ordered the new items were given surveys to fill out whether they liked the dish, what they would change and whether they'd get it again.

One of the dishes that made the cut is a Parmesan-crusted Chicken Alfredo that's served over corkscrew pasta; it's for diners who want a chicken dish that's a little more decadent. The Island Grilled Mahi-Mahi and Shrimp, clocking in at a modest 510 calories, is for those who want to go lighter.

Pork chops are on the menu for the first time. Ditto for the Roasted Vegetable Skewers, the first vegetarian entree that isn't salad or pasta. And there are now three salads, including the Bar Harbor Salad, which has dried berries, pecans and blue cheese.

Speaking about the broader casual dining industry, Raymond James analyst Bryan Elliott says such updating is necessary for survival.

"Food is a bit of a fashion business, there's change that evolves steadily over time," he says. In other words, he says companies are simply putting on a "more contemporary set of clothes."

Cee Chappell-Bates, a 50-year-old resident of Columbus, Ohio, says she'd be willing to tag along to Red Lobster with her husband and children more often if there were a wider variety of dishes.

"As a family, we've gone probably two or three times in the past year. But they've been known to go without me too," she says, noting that she hasn't liked the texture of most seafood since she was a kid.

THE PRICES

Red Lobster's latest update comes at a difficult time. Since 2005, consumers have been eating more meals at home and increasingly looking for cheaper options when they do eat out.

As a result, "value deals" that were popularized by fast-food chains like McDonald's have become more common in the casual dining industry. Applebee's, for instance, rolled out its "2 for $20" promotion in the summer of 2008 at the height of the downturn; the response was so strong that it earned a permanent spot on the menu the following February. Chili's made a similar deal a permanent part of its menu in August 2010.

"The consumer, it's no secret, is financially constrained," says Salli Setta, executive vice president of marketing at Red Lobster. "When they do go out to eat, price is much more of a factor."

Darden, based in Orlando, Fla., has been slow to emphasize affordability at its chains. At Olive Garden, the company says the "Taste of Tuscany" promotion earlier this year was a flop because it didn't underscore value enough. And a $1 price hike for its "Festival of Shrimp" at Red Lobster didn't go over well either. Sales figures fell 1.8 percent and 3.9 percent for the chains respectively in the quarter.

The company's results have suffered, too. In its latest quarter, Darden said profit rose 4 percent primarily because new locations boosted revenue. But sales at restaurants open at least a year - a key indicator of health because it strips out the impact of newly opened or closed locations - fell 2.6 percent from a year ago.

Darden has since vowed that affordable prices will play a bigger role in its marketing. During its road show of new Red Lobster menu items at 40 restaurants across the country, the company tinkered with prices to see which ones might stick; they found that $15 was an important psychological threshold.

"There's a difference between $14.99 and $15.50 and the difference is more than 51 cents," says Dave Pickens, the company president.

Of course, the chain is betting that there are times when customers are willing to pay a little extra: The NY Strip Steak & Rock Lobster Tail still costs $32.99. And a new "Four-Course Feast" comes with a soup, salad, entree and dessert; the meal cost $15.99.

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Best deals for shoppers in October

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Retailers and shoppers might have Black Friday circled on their calendar, but that's still a calendar page and 54 days away.

So now's the time to know what to buy and what to back off from buying in the month of October.

First for Halloween, it's no trick that you can find treats on costumes, but only if you wait to buy the week before Halloween.

"Stores like Hot Topic, Joanne Fabric, Kids Stores, The Childrens Place, They could take up to 80 percent off," said Lindsay Sakraida.

And if you're costume of choice are jeans, you're in luck. With back to school in the rearview, it's the best month for discounts on denim.

"Many apparel retailers will be taking up to 70 percent off their back to school denims," adds Sakraida.

And hot prices on cool wheels. October is the best month if you're in the market for a new car, but only on last year's 2012 models.

"Experts predict you can save 10 to 20 percent off on older models, especially if it's a model that's been discounted," adds Lindsay.

And raise your glasses for less as fall harvest makes October a great time for deals on wine.

Also look for deals on cruises, what's being billed as the World's Largest Cruise Sale starts the week of the 21st.

But dealnews.com/ says the biggest tip in October - be patient. When it comes to appliances and electronics simply wait for November.

"We'll see their best prices the entire year in November and specifically black Friday weekend. TV's, laptops, tablets even, DSLR cameras, even large kitchen appliances, and cookware are better in November," adds Lindsay.

One more deep discounted item is anything outdoors like plants or outdoor furniture. If there's any selection - you can get big time money off.

But the big tip, it's just 54 days until Black Friday. If you can wait to buy that tv, or computer, or large appliance do it.

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JetBlue offers free flights for disgruntled voters

In this July 14, 2009 file photo, a JetBlue plane taxis on the runway in front of sunbathers on Constitution Beach in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file)

SAMANTHA BOMKAMPIn a marketing gimmick that piggybacks on next month's presidential election, JetBlue is offering a way for Americans to make good on threats to leave the country if "the other guy" wins.

The New York airline said Wednesday that it will give away 2012 seats, or 1,006 round-trip flights, for customers that come out on the losing end of the battle between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

Travelers who visit JetBlue.com/ElectionProtection and pick their choice for President will be entered into the contest to win a (temporary) escape outside the U.S. JetBlue's international routes include Mexico and the Caribbean.

The free flight would not include taxes, fees or a hotel.

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LIPA trustees renew power plant contract

Eyewitness NewsLONG ISLAND -- Despite opposition from environmentalists, Long Island Power Authority trustees voted to approve a new 15-year-old contract for dozens of National Grid power generators.

The contract, valued at over $241 million a year, includes the option to upgrade the three largest plants while saving about $2 million annually. Tuesday's vote was 8-1.

Newsday says the contract provides LIPA with access to 50 different National Grid generating units at 12 locations, including big steam plants at Northport, Port Jefferson and Island Park.

LIPA and supporters says the pact is needed in order to keep the lights on and meet regulatory capacity requirements. They say it also helps further the overhaul of plants to cleaner-burning power.

Environmentalists say the contract locks-in fossil-fuel plants and limits LIPA's ability to transition to cleaner energy.

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US jobless rate falls to 7.8 percent, 44-month low

CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABERWASHINGTON -- The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent last month, dropping below 8 percent for the first time in nearly four years and giving President Barack Obama a potential boost with the election a month away.

The rate declined from 8.1 percent because the number of people who said they were employed soared by 873,000 - an encouraging sign for an economy that's been struggling to create enough jobs.

The number of unemployed Americans is now 12.1 million, the fewest since January 2009.

The Labor Department said employers added 114,000 jobs in September. It also said the economy created 86,000 more jobs in July and August than the department had initially estimated.

Wages rose in September. And more people started looking for work.

The revisions show employers added 146,000 jobs per month from July through September, up from 67,000 in the previous three months.

The 7.8 percent unemployment rate for September matches the rate in January 2009, when Obama took office. In the months after Obama's inauguration, the rate rose sharply and had topped 8 percent for 43 straight months.

The decline in the unemployment rate comes at a critical moment for Obama, who is coming off a weak debate performance this week against GOP challenger Mitt Romney.

The September employment report may be the last that might sway undecided voters. The October jobs report will be released only four days before Election Day.

"An overall better-than-expected jobs report, consistent with most recent data that suggest the economy is gaining some momentum," said Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets, in a note to clients. "The sizeable drop in the unemployment rate could lift the president's re-election chances following a post-debate dip."

After the jobs report was released, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 65 points in the first half hour of trading. Broader stock indexes also rose.

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note climbed to 1.73 percent from 1.68 percent just before the report. That suggested that investors were more willing to take on risk and shift money from bonds into stocks.

The job market has been improving, sluggishly but steadily. Jobs have been added for 24 straight months. There are now 325,000 more than when Obama took office.

The number of employed Americans comes from a government survey of 60,000 households that determines the unemployment rate. The government asks a series of questions, by phone or in person. For example: Do you own a business? Did you work for pay? If not, did you provide unpaid work for a family business or farm? (Those who did are considered employed.) Afterward, the survey participants are asked whether they had a job and, if so, whether it was full or part time. The government's definition of unemployed is someone who's out of work and has actively looked for a job in the past four weeks.

The government also does a second survey of roughly 140,000 businesses to determine the number of jobs businesses created or lost.

The September job gains were led by the health care industry, which added 44,000 jobs - the most since February. Transportation and warehousing also showed large gains.

The revisions also showed that federal, state and local governments added 63,000 jobs in July and August, compared with earlier estimates that showed losses.

Still, many of the jobs the economy added last month were part time. The number of people with part-time jobs who wanted full-time work rose 7.5 percent to 8.6 million, the most since February 2009.

But overall, Friday's report dispelled some fears about the job market.

The "U.S. could be growing jobs at a marginally faster pace than feared mid-summer," Guy LeBas, a strategist at Janney Capital Markets, wrote in a research note. "Even with the issues in Europe and slowing production in China, U.S. economic activity does not look to be bearing the brunt of global downside, at least not anymore."

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Historic Kenny's Castaways music club closes doors

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK -- A historic New York City music club that nurtured Bruce Springsteen's early career has closed its doors.

Willie Nile and the Smithereens were the headliners Monday night at the Kenny's Castaways farewell show.

Nile tells The New York Times that he recognized a young man with a scruffy beard sitting at the bar one night in the early 1970s. It was Springsteen, who had just released his first record, "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J."

Nile was signed to Arista Records in 1980 after impressing record executive Clive Davis with a set there.

The Fugees, Patti Smith and Yoko Ono have also performed at the club.

Co-owner Maria Kenny says the club's rent in Greenwich Village more than doubled in the last five years.

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Victoria's Secret now selling items at Cowboys Stadium

Eyewitness NewsARLINGTON, Texas -- How 'bout them undies?

Victoria's Secret on Monday will open a store at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington featuring lingerie and other clothing promoting the NFL's most valuable team. Dallas Cowboys executives will be on hand for the unveiling of the co-branded women's items including tees, sweats, hoodies, tank tops, underwear and sports bras.

Victoria's Secret says it's the first time the company has opened a store at a professional sports venue. Forbes magazine this month named the Dallas Cowboys the NFL's most valuable team for the sixth consecutive year, worth more than $2 billion.

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FOR MORE NEW YORK SPORTS CLICK HERE TO VISIT ESPN NEW YORK

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New York City releases poorly performing schools list

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- The Bloomberg administration has released its latest hit list for shutting down poorly performing schools.

It includes 16 in the bronx, a dozen in Brooklyn and four each in Manhattan and Queens.

The 36 schools that received grades of F, D or a third consecutive C could be shut down for good if things don't improve.

Last year, 11 of the 20 schools that ultimately made the list are in the process of closing or are already closed.

Here's the complete list of schools:

Bronx P.S. 154 Jonathan D. Hyatt M.S. 203 Young Leaders Elementary School Performance School J.H.S. 125 Henry Hudson The Bronx Mathematics Preparatory School P.S. 064 Pura Belpre P.S. 132 Garret A. Morgan P.S. 230 Dr Roland N. Patterson MS 142 John Philip Sousa Globe School for Environmental Research P.S. 006 West Farms P.S. 050 Clara Barton The School of Science and Applied Learning Mott Haven Academy Charter School Bronx Community Charter School

Brooklyn

P.S. 067 Charles A. Dorsey P.S. 167 The Parkway Middle School for Academic and Social Excellence J.H.S. 166 George Gershwin P.S. 174 Dumont P.S. 224 Hale A. Woodruff J.H.S. 302 Rafael Cordero P.S. 073 Thomas S. Boyland P.S. 165 Ida Posner General D. Chappie James Middle School of Science J.H.S. 291 Roland Hayes I.S. 349 Math, Science & Tech

Manhattan

J.H.S. 013 Jackie Robinson M.S. 45/S.T.A.R.S. Prep Academy P.S. 133 Fred R Moore P.S. 132 Juan Pablo Duarte

Queens

J.H.S. 008 Richard S. Grossley P.S. 140 Edward K Ellington I.S. 059 Springfield Gardens P.S. 156 Laurelton

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Indictment: Madoff fraud stretches back to 1970s

Bernard Madoff, chairman of Madoff Investment Securities, returns to his Manhattan apartment after making a court appearance Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK -- New York prosecutors say the multibillion-dollar fraud carried out by Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff began as far back as the early 1970s.

The revelation comes in a rewritten indictment boosting charges against four long-time employees of the investment firm Madoff ran from his Manhattan offices.

A November 2010 indictment alleged a conspiracy to defraud Madoff's clients began in 1992.

The newly written indictment was revealed Monday. It adds new charges of bank fraud and new tax offenses to several people who worked with Madoff.

Authorities say thousands of investors lost roughly $20 billion in the fraud as Madoff failed to put their money into markets. Madoff pleaded guilty to fraud charges and is serving a 150-year prison sentence in Butner, N.C.

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PATH fare hikes take effect Monday

Eyewitness NewsJERSEY CITY -- PATH train riders are now shelling out more for their trips.

Starting at 3 a.m. Monday, the price of a one-way ride on the interstate transit line operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey went up a quarter to $2.25 per trip. It marks the second phase of a toll and fare increase package approved by the authority in August 2011.

PATH riders who use the PATH Smart Card can get a discount to a one-way fare of $1.70, off the $2.25 fare. But cash customers and those using Metrocards will pay full fare.

PATH riders are also paying more for multi-day passes. The seven-day Smart Link pass now costs $3 more, or $24, while the 30-day Smart Link pass is $73, up $8.

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Debate continues over vacant lot in East Flatbush

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The fight continues in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, over what will be built in a vacant lot.

Plans to build a hotel on East 59th Street and Foster Avenue had residents concerned about the kind of clientele it would attract.

But now the tide is turning.

It's is a great example of the power of a protest, as the owner of the property has now come to the table to work with residents on what business should be developed in the neighborhood.

The vacant lot looks the same as it has for several months, boarded up and padlocked, except for one key difference. The lot is now for sale. The owner, Danny Mehta, had planned to develop a hotel, but has had a change of heart.

Residents took to the streets in protest back in May after plans for a small budget hotel were being discussed. Community leaders worried about who would come to a hotel in a neighborhood full of auto body shops and salvage yards.

New York Councilman Jumaane Williams spear-headed the efforts.

"I think this is a sort of great example of the community coming together and being united and saying we want more for our community," he said. "And I think eventually the owner heard that and decided to say I'm going to come together and work with the community."

The lot is listed with a local realtor and community activist Roy McKenzie, who says the owner is now committed to being a good neighbor.

"He's been working with us very, very well. He had given us three months to try and sell the property," he said. "And he's also say well, guess what, if you have something going, he will extend it."

Williams took suggestions from residents about what they would like to see in the space, which ranged from drug stores to bakeries. Letters have been sent to close to a dozens companies. we will keep you posted.

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Spirit Airlines raises fee on gate-checked bags

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- Spirit Airlines customers will soon need to plan ahead to save money.

Starting November 6, the carrier will charge a $100 fee if passengers need to check their carry-on baggage at the gate.

The airline says the fee is intentionally high to discourage fliers to wait until the last minute.

Spirit charges for all bags that do not fit underneath a seat.

Spirit says fliers checking bags in advance can pay as little $20 a bag.

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Popcorn recalled over possible listeria contamination

Eyewitness NewsNEW JERSEY (WABC) -- A gourmet popcorn retailer is recalling bags of popcorn over possible listeria contamination.

The recall, from Englewood, New Jersey-based Dale and Thomas, involves ready-to-eat varieties of more than two dozen flavors of the "Popcorn, Indiana" brand, sold in various sizes of red bags.

Each had a best by"date between February 4 and March 12 of 2013.

Customers who bought the recalled products are being told to either return it to the place of purchase or throw it away.

Those seeking more information can call Dale and Thomas at 866-940-7936 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email the company at Recall@DaleAndThomasPopcorn.com.

Here is the list of the recalled items:

Aged White Cheddar, 0.8oz bag, UPC: 843571004233, exp: 2/5/2013

Aged White Cheddar, 3.5oz bag, UPC: 843571000532, exp: 2/11/2013, 2/16/2013, 2/25/2013, 2/27/2013, 3/9/2013, 3/10/2013

Aged White Cheddar, 8oz bag, UPC: 843571000785, exp: 2/5/2013, 2/11/2013, 2/16/2013, 2/17/2013, 2/18/2013, 2/25/2013, 2/26/2013, 2/27/2013, 3/9/2013, 3/10/2013

Aged White Cheddar, 8.3oz bag, UPC: 843571002956, exp: 2/4/2013, 2/5/2013, 2/11/2013, 2/17/2013, 2/18/2013, 2/25/2013, 2/26/2013, 2/27/ 2013

Aged White Cheddar, 9oz bag, UPC: 843571000785, exp: 2/18/2013, 2/25/2013

Almond Biscotti, 6.5oz bag, UPC: 843571003809, exp: 2/16/2013, 3/4/2013

Almond Biscotti, 7oz bag, UPC: 843571003854, exp: 3/3/2013, 3/4/2013

American Cheese, 7oz bag, UPC: 843571004134, exp: 2/4/2013, 2/12/2013, 3/9/2013

Apple Crisp, 8oz bag, UPC: 843571003243, exp: 3/4/2013

Bacon Ranch, 3.5oz bag, UPC: 843571001942, exp: 2/18/2013, 3/6/2013, 3/9/2013, 3/10/2013

Bacon Ranch, 7.75oz bag, UPC: 843571001935, exp: 2/18/2013

Bacon Ranch, 8.3oz bag, UPC: 843571003007, exp: 2/12/2013, 2/18/2013, 3/6/2013

Black & White Drizzle, 6oz bag, UPC: 843571002345, exp: 2/9/2013, 2/13/2013, 2/23/2013, 3/3/2013

Caramel, 7.4oz bag, UPC: 843571003045, exp: 2/16/2013, 3/12/2013

Caramel, 8oz bag, UPC: 843571002369, exp: 2/4/2013, 2/16/2013, 3/3/2013

Caramel Roasted Peanuts, 7oz bag, UPC: 843571003861, exp: 3/3/2013

Chocolate Peanut Butter, 5oz bag, UPC: 843571003786, exp: 3/6/2013, 3/9/2013

Chocolate Peanut Butter, 5.5oz bag, UPC: 843571003847, exp: 2/5/2013, 2/20/2013, 2/23/2013, 2/24/2013, 3/6/2013

Cinnamon Sugar Drizzle, 5.5oz bag, UPC: 843571003052, exp: 3/6/2013, 3/9/2013

Cinnamon Sugar Drizzle, 6oz bag, UPC: 843571002352, exp: 2/19/2013, 2/24/2013, 3/10/2013

Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip Drizzle, 5.5oz bag, UPC: 843571003076, exp: 3/6/2013, 3/9/2013

Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip Drizzle, 6oz bag, UPC: 843571002338, exp: 2/10/2013, 2/12/2013, 2/23/2013

Kettlecorn, 9.75oz bag, UPC: 843571000150, exp: 2/6/2013, 2/17/2013

Kettlecorn, 14oz bag, UPC: 843571000693, exp: 2/6/2013

Kettlecorn Multipack, 0.7oz 8-pack bag, UPC: 843571001676, exp: 2/4/2013

Salt & Pepper, 6.9oz bag, UPC: 843571003557, exp: 2/12/2013, 3/10/2013

Wasabi Reserve, 5.5oz bag, UPC: 843571002048, exp: 2/18/2013, 3/6/2013

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10 Things to Do When Business Slows Down Over the Holidays

Best credit cards for debt

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- The economy may still be wavering, but not the banks. They're still sending consumers plenty of credit-card offers with enticing rewards, cash-back offers, and low interest rates. Consumer Reports just analyzed more than 50 cards, including ones that are good for those struggling to pay off their credit-card debt.

Robert Muthumbi says he hasn't bought his kids a Christmas tree in two years and eating out is a rare treat - all in an effort to chip away at 10-thousand dollars in credit-card debt.

"I've been really making efforts to pay them down, two or three times more than what the minimum payment that is due," Muthumbi said.

But with interest rates on his cards at 16 and 22 percent, he says he's barely making a dent.

For families like the Muthumbis, Consumer Reports recommends transferring the balances to a card with a lower APR.

"You can often find cards with very low interest rates, even down to zero, for balance transfers. But look carefully at the terms because they can vary a lot from card to card," Greg Daugherty of Consumer Reports said.

You're often charged a balance transfer fee - usually three to four percent up front. And the zero percent or low APR often lasts only 12 to 18 months.

Consumer Reports found the Chase Slate card is good for people who can pay off the balance quickly. It has zero interest for 15 months and no transfer fees in the first 60 days.

"But if you calculate that you won't be able to pay off your debt that quickly, you're better off with a card with a low, fixed interest rate," Daugherty said.

Consumer Reports found one of the best such credit cards is the PenFed Promise. It currently has a low APR of 4.99 percent on transfers made before the end of the year and has no balance transfer fee. Be aware you need to be a member of the PenFed credit union, which can cost 15 dollars.

If Robert does transfer his balances, Consumer Reports recommends he try to get another card for any new purchases. He'll need to pay that one off in full every month to avoid going deeper in debt.

If you pay off all your credit card bills each month, Consumer Reports says a better choice for you is a card that offers rewards or cash back. A good choice is American Express Blue Cash Preferred. If you pay a 75-dollar annual feed, you get six percent back at supermarkets, three percent back on gas and at department stores and one percent back everywhere else.

Get more information at ConsumerReports.org.

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Focus On The Positive Side of Internet Business

Gas prices jump 6 cents on New Jersey toll roads

Eyewitness NewsTRENTON, N.J. (WABC) -- After several months of gas prices going up, we're seeing an unsettled trend in New Jersey.

One week after gas prices dropped six cents from $3.82 to $3.76 along the New Tersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, they jumped back up six cents Friday morning.

Analysts expected lower prices at the pump, mostly due to falling crude oil prices and stations switching over to less expensive winter blends.

The price of regular unleaded gasoline went up after two week of decline. That followed 10 straight week of price hikes after10 weeks of decline leading up to summer.

The highways offer some of the cheaper gas in the area, and motorists are taking note.

"I live on Staten Island, but I try to fill up in Jersey every chance I get," driver Tony Ablavskiy said.

Gas prices only increase once a week on the two highways, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. The Authority surveys 100 gas stations, located off the highway, every Wednesday and Thursday to determine an average statewide price, and implements the increases Friday morning. The service area per-gallon cost cannot be more than 3 cents above that average price.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CHEAP GAS PRICES NEAR YOU

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Jewish, Christian groups buy pro-Muslim subways ads

Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK -- Two religious groups will hang ads urging tolerance alongside anti-jihad advertisements in New York City subways that equate Muslim radicals with savages.

The ads by Rabbis for Human Rights - North America and the Christian group Sojourners will go up Monday.

The New York Times reports that they'll hang in the 10 Manhattan subway stations where the anti-jihad ads implying enemies of Israel are "savages" appear.

The rabbis' ad says: "In the choice between love and hate, choose love. Help stop bigotry against our Muslim neighbors."

The Christian ad says: "Love your Muslim neighbors."

On Wednesday, another group, United Methodist Women, placed pro-Muslim ads in the subway. They say: "Hate speech is not civilized."

The American Freedom Defense Initiative is behind the anti-jihad ads.

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T-Mobile USA to merge with MetroPCS

Eyewitness NewsBERLIN -- The parent company of T-Mobile USA says it is merging its cell phone business with MetroPCS Communications.

Deutsche Telekom AG says its board of directors and the supervisory board have approved the merger Wednesday. It says the board of MetroPCS has also accepted the deal.

It says Deutsche Telekom will hold 74 percent of the new business. MetroPCS's shareholders will have the remaining stake and receive a payment of about $1.5 billion.

The companies confirmed they were in talks Tuesday. Analysts said the deal could shore up two struggling players in the U.S. wireless industry.

The combination with Dallas-based MetroPCS, which has 9.3 million subscribers, still leaves T-Mobile USA - the country's fourth-largest cellphone company with 33.2 million subscribers - trailing the market's No. 3, Sprint Nextel Corp.

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