ABC 7 News - 7 On Your Side Blog

Fears

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:03:00 EST

FEARS! I used to get the jitters when I had to confront someone who either took advantage of or took someone's money. Even when you're prepared, you're never really prepared for what can happen. It's a normal reaction but for some it's paralyzing. That's where anxiety and stress disorder therapist Jerilyn Ross comes in. A few years ago there was a lot of hype about the big cicada brood that overtook the nation's capital. Surprisingly someone called our hotline in desperation. She had a fear of bugs and the cicada invasion had her so afraid she couldn't step out into her backyard. We always say no problem big or small. We should add unusual! We did find help for this woman and tonight we feature her again on our show "Inside 7 On Your Side" on NewsChannel 8 at 8:30pm. Check it out . By the way I still get the jitters sometimes.

Miami Heat

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Every year it happens. A gigantic collective of Investigative Reporters and Editors across the country get together and talk shop. Convention-esque…but productive and proactive none the less.

And when it’s in Miami…well, it makes it all the better. Ross and I sat in on panels, discussions, Q&A’s…it’s a little like going back to school, but the refreshers and story ideas we garnish are worth it.

It was funny to be in Miami, and have it be cooler than back here in DC...but we avoided the heat wave all weekend, I mean our hotel was right on the water.

But it’s nice to be back. And we are ready to pick up the pace once again. Remember to stay cool, drink lots of fluids, and call us if you need help.

Hoder

Dentist Responds to Patients

Mon, 19 May 2008 12:16:00 EST

The dentist behind Kids Teeth LLC has come clean with his patients. Was it before or after our story? Hard to tell because the "new" letter he's sent to patients is not dated. It tells the real reason why he is taking time off from his practice. In our report Dr. Ophir Alalouf sent a letter to his patients telling them he was taking time off to further his education and to spend time with his family. He didn't tell them his license was suspended for over billing and over treating kids. After our story we received a copy of another letter he sent out. Click here to read it.

FUNNY MONEY

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:51:00 EST

Can you spot the real thing? Crooks are getting a lot more sophisticated and technology is helping them do it. You'd expect financial institutions to stay one step ahead of the game but sometimes the money seems so real it's hard to tell the difference. Check out the story. If you get passed phony money you could be out of pocket. Check your money before you leave the store or your local bank. Click here to see the US Secret Service website: "Know Your Money"

Thanks to Our Web Team: Changes are looking good.

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:54:00 EST

Following up on yesterday's blog. You can now find many more "7 On Your Side" investigations on our "7 On Your Side" home page. Our web team has also been busy making changes to the discussion boards. It looks good. Check it out by clicking here. You can view the top discussion boards of the day. Or you can find discussions by viewing individual stories and then click on the top discussions of the day. It's all here for you to exchange thoughts and ideas. It can be lively...just keep it "clean". Cheers, ROSS

Searching for Stories. Where the Heck Is It?

Wed, 14 May 2008 20:16:00 EST

We often get people asking us where they can find a previous 7 On Your Side Investigation. Normally you can find it on our website. Our stories are usually on our 7 On Your Side page but it appears stories older than 6 months drop off into the digital world. If you are looking for an old story try using our keyword search along the top right corner of our website or try Google. For example: Someone called asking where they could find the "Lead in Dinnerware" investigation that we had done. The last time I checked it was on our website but when I looked again it was gone. So I typed in dinnerware on WJLA's keyword search and voila! There it was. I also logged onto the Google search engine and typed in "lead in dinnerware" and again there it was. In both cases I was able to click on the link and watch it. Look on our 7 On Your Side page first and if you can't find what you're looking for, give Google a try. Our website didn't work so well when looking for our investigation into Metro buses speeding and running red lights but when I typed in "metro bus, 7 on your side, and red lights" into Google, I found some stories there linking us back to a place where you could watch the story. "Inside 7 On Your Side" Also we are still having problems with streaming our show "Inside 7 On Your Side" that runs Tuesday's at 8:30pm on Newschannel 8. However the shows are archived on our "7 On Your Side" page along the right hand column. Happy hunting. ROSS

FOREIGN FOOD FEARS

Mon, 12 May 2008 18:49:00 EST

We are doing a story about the labeling confusion over the food you buy in your local supermarket. Consumers are a lot more aware of the international marketplace and the hazards it poses. According to the FDA'S website, the government agency regulates $49 Billion dollars worth of imported food every year and every year it seizes shipments at the border because of various health hazards. Click here for FDA Import Alerts. To find out more about the FDA's food plan click here. Most recently consumers have become more concerned about products coming from China because of lack of control over manufacturing processes. This raised awarness about safety concerns has also prompted calls for better labeling on products so that consumers can easily see the country of origin and make informed decisions about what they put on their tables. We are not saying all imported food is unsafe or dangerous to eat. Just make the information readily available. We found there is little consistency in labeling and no requirements to list the source. Even when you call the customer service numbers listed on the products you can't always be assured of finding out the country of origin. However, some companies like Nestle "Juicy Juice" which had no information on the label had recorded information on it's product information line. Listen to the company's recorded message to the below.

The FDA is overburdened and can't possibly be everywhere in every country checking every lot sample. Some manufacturers have their own quality control and while they may not make it abundantly clear on their labeling where the product is from they claim to have controls in place to ensure the food is safe. The Grocery Manufacturers Association weighs in on foreign food safety in this release. The Center for Science in The Public Interest weighs on foreign food labeling. Statistics from the FDA show that a decade ago show that it is inspecting half as many food imports as the agency did a decade ago. Number of FDA field investigators and number directed to food inspections: 1,317 and 625, respectively
• Volume of import products inspected by FDA (for all FDA-regulated products) for last decade (by fiscal year):

1997 - 1.5%
1998 - 0.9%
1999 - 0.7%
2000 - 0.5%
2001 - 0.4%
2002- 0.8%
2003 - 1.3%
2004 - 1.0%
2005 - 1.0%
2006 - 0.9%
2007 (estimated) - 0.7% or a total of 118,400 exams ROSS

WATCH AND LEARN

Wed, 07 May 2008 17:18:00 EST

Hats off to the store manager of JC Penney in Forestville, Maryland. Click here to see the story. Shawn Blanks represents his company well and knows how to head off a problem. He did not pass the buck, if fact, he laid them out! $2800.00! The problem originated with a separate division within his store; The Custom and Design Center. It failed to correct an error in a timely manner and no one was available to talk with us. When Mr Blanks found out about the issue he took action to make a JC Penney customer happy. The problem was obvious and he didn't make the customer wait any longer to get a much deserved refund. He did what we don't often see; he showed leadership and true management skills. Blanks didn't play the "blame game", didn't make excuses and; as leader of the retail team, he made them all look good. Thanks. That's how it should be done! ROSS

Outlandish Accusation About Suspended Dentist Report

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:03:00 EST

TO WATCH STORY CLICK HERE Folks it's late and I'm just reading an email that I received from a viewer. It's so outlandish and laced with slanderous accusations against us and others that I just had to share it. I will not post the person's name and phone number, since the man who wrote it chose to send it in an email to me. Unless of course he has the courage to stand by his convictions and put his name to it here. What follows are the ridiculous accusations and my response to him. EMAIL TO ME: "Your internet posting stated that the report about Dr. Alalouf was not a popularity contest rather it is about the facts. However, your report this afternoon was very light on facts. You chose only to present one side of the story and did a very nice job of providing a platform for Dr. Barrons (sp?), a competitor of Dr. Alalouf, who is trying to destroy Dr. Alalouf. In 2007, there were over a dozen dentists who were subject to disciplinary action by the MD board - why didn't you report on those folks? Frankly, it is no secret that Dr. Barrons is the one that gave the consent decree regarding Dr. Alalouf to the media. How much did Dr. Barrons pay you to run that report?" MY RESPONSE TO SENDER:

We tried to present Dr. Alalouf's side of the story but he was having nothing to do with it. If what you suggest is true then the Examining Board is in league with Dr. Barren and is therefore by your suggestion corrupt. If you read the order you will see there were several other dentists who weighed in with second opinions similar to Dr. Barrens. If you feel so strongly about it, go to our blog and post your comments, so that everyone can read your concerns. Dr. Barren DID NOT bring this story to me and HE DID NOT PAY US! I got the decree on my own and heard from parents long before I had even heard of Dr. Barren. We don't get paid to run our reports and since you've made such a strong accusation about me accepting money for a story I have a good mind to post your comments along with my response. (and here it is) Feel fear to weigh in on our blog I'm sure it will create some interesting discussion.

Pediatric Dentist Suspended

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:36:00 EST

We are running a story about Doctor Ophir Alalouf's license suspension tonight at 5pm on ABC7. April 30/08.

TO WATCH STORY CLICK HERE.

For the record, we tried several times to get Dr. Alalouf's comments and we were turned away. We are reporting on the board's findings, the other side of the story is Dr. Alalouf's. It's great that some patients were happy with his work. That is what he is supposed to do and what he is paid to do. We are reporting on what was found to be improper work done on children and failing to perform in a manner consistent with standard ethical practices in the dental profession as laid out by the

Click below to read the Consent order for Dr. Alalouf:

licensing body. I've read some blogs about the reporting we are doing at 7 On Your Side, calling me an ambulance chaser and "skewed reporting", say what you like. The facts speak for themselves and IN FACT Dr. Alalouf signed his name to the facts laid out by the dental board and waived his right to appeal the findings and to examine witnesses.
He even chose to stay hidden from us while his wife spoke openly to 7 On Your Side on camera.
This is not a popularity contest about whether or not you like Doctor Alalouf, it is about fact. Dr Ophir Alalouf DDS We are very concerned about the way the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners chose to handle this case. When we asked for an interview the spokesperson, Murray Sherman, told me that they would want the questions in writing, want us to agree not to stray from those questions, want the interview done "live" (remember we are doing a story for a 1 hour newscast there are other stories that need to be told besides this one) but in the end they declined to be interviewed and couldn't answer some of our questions because they couldn't talk about the process! I told them I thought their original conditions were absurd! This board is charged with protecting the public! You would think it would want to come forward to go on camera and tell us why the investigation was launched and it took action. That speaks volumes about the mandate of the board. Mr Sherman remained as responsive as he was able to our requests for a copy of the order and questions concerning notification requirements etc. There's no requirement that dentists notify their patients when they are suspended. Parents say that needs to change. Bottom line: Perhaps the legislature needs to take a look at the rules and regulations governing the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. It obviously needs more resources. This investigation took 6 YEARS to complete! These orders are not easily accessible on the website you have to call the board to get them. That needs to change and it is, we are now told more information will be made available on their website. In the meantime to get a copy of the order just click above. To inquire about other dentists call the board at 410-402-8500. -Ross McLaughlin 7 On Your Side.

Wireless Hotspots

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:23:00 EST

Is your computer at risk? Wireless routers left unsecured can leave computers on the network vulnerable to snoops and to people looking for confidential information. It doesn't take much effort to get inside the network to see personal information. Take a look at our story. You may think our guy was hacking but he says no. However, if he can get into your system who else can? Protect yourself. For more information visit www.ssnbreach.org WE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS ON OUR SHOW TONIGHT "INSIDE 7 ON YOUR SIDE" NewsChannel 8 at 8:30pm. We're on every Tuesday!

Charity Event

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:56:00 EST

It's not all work. Sometimes we are asked to help out at charity events and get to meet some great people. This picture was taken April 17 at Mercedes Benz of Alexandria. We were asked to help emcee an event where the dealership was giving money back to several community groups. From left to right That's me in the "bright" tie, Brian Mitchell former Redskins Football player, Jim Larranaga, coach of the George Mason Patriots men's basketball team, Shawn Hoder (7 On Your Side Producer) and Audrey Mulholland who helped organize the event.

Metro is Paying Attention

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:02:00 EST

This blog is meant to bring you more information. If we can do it, so can Metro and it has. Metro posted some comments about our recent investigation into bus accidents. Shawn Hoder, the other half of 7 On Your Side,( photographer, producer, poet, fix it guy, window washer, driver, etc he does it all!) was browsing the internet and came across the link so he sent it to me. Our Metro story made a point about how the agency needs to work more closely with police to comply with Metro'ls own policy for alcohol and drug testing following more serious accidents. Metro felt it was important to augment what we said about that. Doesn't make what we said wrong. It just gives Metro an opportunity to list more reasons why the target isn't being met. Check it out by clicking here. ROSS

Summer Softball

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:22:00 EST

The crack of the bat, the skid of the sand, the sounds of the season. It's time to go outside and play. The weather is perfect and the timing is right. The WJLA/NewsChannel 8/Politico/iRides softball team is ready. For many years now, we have taken part in the MMSL, a media softball league that grows in popularity every year. We are the Allbritton Philibusters, or Phillies for short. This is an open invite to you, our viewers. Maybe you want to come out and see Bruce DePuyt smack a double down the right field line. He did it last year alot. His batting average was over 500. But it's not just the guys... As a matter of fact, I would say the ladies are much more important. Look at Brianne Carter. She plays a solid 2B, and knows how to wear those softball socks. Or Jennifer Donelan, come on...any gal willing to wear eye black. You know she's got game! So, it's a beautiful Saturday morning and you need something to do. Come on out. Enjoy watching a wooden bat softball league featuring all of the local media. Admission is free, and both Bruce and Bri love to sign autographs. So, bring your pics, pens, and politeness. We'd be happy to have you. Times, schedules, and locations are all here. HODER

They are listening now!

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:32:00 EST

You've been heard! You called. We listened. Verizon responded. We have received more than 60 hotline calls about the Verizon FiOS free TV offer and the problems you've been having with your Verizon bills. I have listened to all those calls, logged them and forwarded them to Verizon. I am now getting calls back on the hotline from some of you saying that Verizon called, answered your questions, resolved some billing issues and gave shipment dates for the free TV. For those of you emailed us (and there were plenty!) , I have forwarded those complaints to Verizon too. Thanks Verizon, for listening to us and to our viewers. Keep watching 7 On Your Side. Ross