I know there's a lot of competition in this category, but Linda Armstrong has the best description I've ever heard of a "runaround" with a lender.
We met Linda at NACA's (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) Save the Dream event in Ontario. It's a free mortgage counseling service that provides opportunities for struggling homeowners who need loan modifications.
Linda is about to lose her home in the San Fernando Valley. She just can't afford the payments, and the bank refuses to lower her interest rate.
I asked her what happened when she called the bank
If you've ever had dealings with a lender, it sounds too familiar.
TSA 'Fast Lane' Through Airport Security: Only a Few Will Benefit
1:32 PM January 18, 2012
TSA kicked off it's new "PreCheck" program at LAX this morning. It's an expedited security screening for frequent fliers on Delta and American Airlines.
If you qualify, it's great. We watched people get through the checkpoint in 30 seconds or less, without having to remove jackets, belts, shoes, or laptop computers.
But the only way to take part is by invitation from the Delta or American frequent flier programs, or by applying online through globalentry.gov.
A TSA spokeswoman says the airlines are only inviting passengers who travel frequently -- above a certain number of miles per year.
And if you apply online, you will have to pay a fee, undergo a face-to-face interview at the airport in advance, and submit fingerprints!
Viewer Peter Chaconas emailed:
When applying on-line, there is first an initial form to fill out and become a "member"....then the actual application form of more than 80 prompts to follow ...and a fee of $100...(and I'm not sure if that's a yearly fee or one-time only)
Any family members must have separate forms and meetings w/the TSA
The form sent my head spinning...The song "Tubular Bells" from the EXORCIST immediately flooded my declining grey matter....
Here's my story on it from this morning:
TSA says this is just a start. They hope to expand the program to more airlines and airports soon.
They will need to, in order to make it useful to the average Joe Passenger.
The best quote I've seen about Stephen Colbert, and I'm not sure where it came from: "Colbert = serious performer playing silly character; the media & political world = silly but pretending to be serious."
Hanging out at LAX, on the day before the day before Christmas, I found that everyone had a story.
We met a soldier, Daniel Huerta, on his way home for the holidays, with his new bride. They were celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple. He later told me he will be deployed to Afghanistan for a year, beginning in January.
We also ran into another couple, on their way to Chicago... They were late for their flight.
Finally, we saw one passenger who stood out because he looked so familiar.
Man Who Threatened Obama on Facebook Apologizes (VIDEO)
11:17 AM December 21, 2011
Jules Manson is a former Carson City Council candidate who received some unwanted attention from the U.S. Secret Service for a post on his Facebook page.
On Sunday, Manson became enraged that President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act. He believes the law will take away constitutional freedoms.
In his anger, Manson posted the following on his Facebook page: "Assassinate the f----- n----- and his monkey children."
The comments were republished all over the blogosphere. People were outraged.
Then, three Secret Service agents showed up at Manson's trailer park. They searched his place, his computer, and his car. They're also interviewing his relatives and friends as part of their investigation.
For years, it's been a tradition on the KTLA Morning News to make snow angels whenever it snows. Over the years, I have done thousands of them on live TV.
They're silly, but people love them. You could work for months on an investigative report and get only a lukewarm response from viewers. A few snow angels after a storm, and you get a slew of compliments.
Now, finally, there's a snow angel song. It was written by former KTLA Associate Director Giovanni Pirozzi, who has a group called "Dusty Blue Socks."
Driver Hit By Dodger James Loney: "He Could Have Killed Someone!"
9:56 AM December 9, 2011
Judy Eckerling describes the bizarre behavior of Dodgers first baseman James Loney, after he crashed his Maserati into her car and several others.
It happened on the 101 freeway near the Sepulveda offramp on November 14th.
Despite reports that Loney has apologized for what happened, Eckerling has yet to hear from him. She's had trouble even getting his insurance information.
The L.A. City Attorney's Office is waiting on a blood test for drugs and alcohol before deciding whether to prosecute him. A spokesman expects a determination to be made next week.