Political talk and morning drive on AM 740 WSBR

 

 

As Christmas is approaching and Bill Lewis prepares to announce his New Years resolutions for 2013, interesting guests and timely topics will be on AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN the weekend of December 17th and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis can be found on AM 740 WSBR in south Florida. Hosted by Bill Lewis, the show broadcasts live weekdays at 7am.

Originally launched on AM 1400 WFTL in 2004, as the “Credit Restoration Consultants Hour,” Bill Lewis provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics. Throughout the years, Bill’s show strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In an effort to strengthen his listener base and to broaden the topics hosted, Bill launched The Credit Report with Bill Lewis upon moving to AM 1470 WWNN within the Beasley Broadcasting group.

Listeners were searching for help regarding a myriad of topics from credit repair, extreme coupon shopping, and foreclosure matters, but welcomed the political format that Bill introduced locally to a south Florida audience.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 3pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 21,950 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Lazaro Cabezas joins Quality Barber Shop of Davie

Now expanding in Davie, Quality Barber Shop is proud to announce the addition of Lazaro Cabezas, to its staff of experienced barbers.  Formerly with Carl’s Barbershop of Davie and Weston, Lazaro brings over four decades of experience to an already qualified team of barbers.

Taking what you love about the classic American barbershop and combing it with a level of service unmatched in the haircare industry, Quality Barber Shop has more competitive pricing than other local shops.

Their strict focus is meeting the grooming needs of today’s man.  From precision haircuts to hot lather shaves and grooming products exclusively for men, you will notice the Quality Barber Shop difference the moment you walk in the door.  From the warm inviting decor to the old fashioned barber chairs, comfort is their primary concern.

Their signature haircut is a real treat. For just $17, you will get a great haircut, hot lather neck shave and hot towel treatment.  You can enjoy a great conversation with your barber or kick back and watch your favorite TV show while having your hair cut.

Unmatched among local barber shops is the level of quality, service and value you will receive at Quality Barber Shop of Davie.

Their service does not stop with the simple haircut. In addition to great haircuts, they offer a full-service hot leather shave which includes layers of hot towels, a professional shave, moisturizing treatment and facial massage.

Quality Barber Shop also offers a complete line of men’s grooming products, including American Crew, Redken for Men, Jack Black, and Menscience.

Walk-ins or reservations are available at Quality Barber Shop of Davie to accommodate any lifestyle. Their hours are 8 am – 7 pm Monday – Saturday and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday.

Quality Barber Shop is an independent store operated by Maikel Pinedo, formerly with Carl’s Barber Shop of Davie.  Conveniently located at 11522 State Road 84, Davie, FL 33325, they serve clients within the Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation and Weston communities.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call Quality Barber Shop at (954) 306-2332.

Thanksgiving week on AM 740 WSBR and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN Thanksgiving week and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis can be found on AM 740 WSBR in south Florida. Hosted by Bill Lewis, the show broadcasts live weekdays at 7am.

Originally launched on AM 1400 WFTL in 2004, as the “Credit Restoration Consultants Hour,” Bill Lewis provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics. Throughout the years, Bill’s show strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In an effort to strengthen his listener base and to broaden the topics hosted, Bill launched The Credit Report with Bill Lewis upon moving to AM 1470 WWNN within the Beasley Broadcasting group.

Listeners were searching for help regarding a myriad of topics from credit repair, extreme coupon shopping, and foreclosure matters, but welcomed the political format that Bill introduced locally to a south Florida audience.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 3pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 21,950 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Rico Petrocelli to chair Broward County Housing Authority

 

Former Plantation councilman and Broward Republican Party Executive Director Rico Petrocelli has taken on a new role – Chairman of the Broward County Housing Authority. 

The real estate and management portfolio of the Broward County Housing Authority has grown to include 13 housing communities. Staff has grown to more than 95 professionals. Together with their housing vouchers program, the authority provides housing opportunities for nearly 12,000 Broward County elderly, disabled and family residents living in the private rental market.

The BCHA also offers services through the HUD-certified Housing Counseling Program.

“Congratulations to Rico on such an important achievement,” stated Richard DeNapoli, Chairman of the Broward Republican Party.  “He is such a great guy and highly deserving to be chairman of the housing authority.” 

Appointed by the governor, the five commissioners of the Broward County Housing Authority are not paid for their service and serve at his leisure.  Serving as vice-chairwoman is Mercedes J. Núñez.  Additional members include Sharon Day, Juan Selaya, and Jennifer Nicole.

Day is also co-chair of the Republican National Committee.

Petrocelli, the nephew of Americo Peter “Rico” Petrocelli – the retired Boston Red Sox shortstop and third baseman – is rumored to be eyeing the council seat of Plantation councilman Ron Jacobs in the upcoming March election. 

Fort Lauderdale Attorney Jim Lewis Enters Race for Broward State Attorney

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Jim Lewis has entered the race to unseat Mike Satz as Broward State Attorney in 2012.  A registered Republican, Lewis, 54, filed his campaign paperwork Wednesday with the Florida Division of Elections.

Best known for his representation of twelve-year old Lionel Tate in the murder of six-year old Tiffany Eunick, Lewis knows what it’s like to run for political office. He has unsuccessfully run for Florida Attorney General, Fort Lauderdale mayor, Fort Lauderdale city commission, Broward Public Defender, Broward Circuit Court Judge and state representative.

“I’ve learned from prior campaigns, most recently in my 2010 unsuccessful run for Florida Attorney General, that successful campaigns have to be well financed, organized, and run by professional campaign staff,” stated Jim Lewis.  “I have budgeted $300,000.00 for this campaign and have retained a professional campaign manager.”

Satz, a Democrat, has been Broward’s top prosecutor since 1976.  Lewis started his career in 1981 as a prosecutor in Orlando and later moved in 1987 to the state Attorney General’s Office, remaining until 1992.  He became a criminal defense lawyer in 1993, frequently defending criminal cases against Satz’s prosecutors at the Broward County Courthouse.

“As Broward’s State Attorney I will strive to be progressive, with a primary objective to find new and better ways to keep our community safe,” continued Lewis.  “For non-violent offenders, I want real attempts to rehabilitate low risk offenders instead of using valuable prison space on drug addicts and the mentally ill.”

Meanwhile, Satz welcomed the challenge.

“Anybody in public office knows that a formidable challenge is always a possibility and prepares for it,” stated Satz. “You get ready every time.”

Note:  The author is not related to Jim Lewis.

South Florida Credit Scores Drop in September

Credit rating agency Experian released Wednesday its second-annual “State of Credit” list of cities with the highest and lowest credit scores.

The study found that the cities with the worst average credit score were concentrated in the South, while those with the highest average score were centered in the upper Midwest.

According to CreditKarma.com, the credit scores of consumers in the Miami metropolitan statistical area dropped in September as they continued racking up significant personal debt.

The average credit score in the Miami area was 649 in September, down from a previous low of 652 in August. The trend was the same statewide, although other Floridians seemed to maintain better credit scores. The average Florida credit score was 654 in September, down from 657 in August.

The Sunshine State ranked 35th for credit score averages nationwide. California residents had the best average credit score, at 682, while those in Mississippi ranked at the bottom, at 626.

CreditKarma found that consumers in South Florida piled on debt in three significant categories.  In September, they had an average mortgage debt of $199,701, student loan obligations of $32,254, and credit card balances of $5,548.  This is an increase of 4 percent, 2.8 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, from the previous month.

The study also found that consumers in the Miami area ranked higher in mortgage and student loan debt, but had less credit card debt than others across the country.

Obtaining credit reports and correcting credit reporting errors is something for every consumer to seriously consider.  This is especially so in tough economic times.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as modified by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report under a narrow set of circumstances. 

If you are denied credit, goods, benefits, services, insurance, and/or employment, the credit reporting agencies of Equifax, Experian and Trans Union are statutorily mandated to provide a copy free of charge.  Absent these exceptions, consumers are entitled to one free “annual credit report” per year. 

Equifax can be contacted at (800) 685-1111 or www.Equifax.com; Experian can be contacted at (888) 397-3742 or www.Experian.com; and Trans Union can be contacted at (800) 916-8800 or www.TransUnion.com. 

For your free annual credit report, contact the central source at 877-FACT-ACT (877-322-8228) or www.AnnualCreditReport.com.  Follow the voice prompts and obtain your credit report for review.

It’s Official: Facebook to Start Charging Users

Now that I have your attention, the above statement is false.

Following yet another change at Facebook, a new version of an old hoax is spreading throughout the Internet warning users that the company will soon start charging for their service.

Starting early last week, many of my Facebook friends and fans sent private messages and texts seeking advice on whether they should join the new subscription service or move their friends to Google +

So widespread was the rumor that the subject was topic of numerous conversations during Presidency 5 and CPAC in Orlando last week.  Many politicians and political strategists were openly wondering whether they would now have to pay for someone to “Like” them.

In fact, several of my colleagues openly questioned this “new policy” while watching the Fox Presidential Debate and munching on Google candy in the media center of the Orange County Convention Center.

The rumor – which is spreading as a chain letter on Facebook – warns users that the world’s largest social network will soon start charging as a result of upcoming profile changes.  Notwithstanding the Facebook disclaimer that “It’s free and always will be,” hundreds of thousands have fallen for this hoax.

The posts have been reported in numerous languages and in numerous countries:

“IT IS OFFICIAL.  IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS.  FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING. DUE TO THE PROFILE CHANGES.  IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU.  PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON,  IF NOT YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED IF YOU DO NOT PAY.”

Another post offering various levels of Facebook membership:

“FACEBOOK JUST RELEASED THEIR PRICE GRID FOR MEMBERSHIP. $9.99 PER MONTH FOR GOLD MEMBER SERVICES, $6.99 PER MONTH FOR SILVER MEMBER SERVICES $3.99 PER MONTH FOR BRONZE MEMBER SERVICES, FREE IF YOU COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. WHEN YOU SIGN ON TOMORROW MORNING YOU WILL BE PROMPTED FOR PAYMENT INFO…IT IS OFFICIAL IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS. FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING DUE TO THE NEW PROFILE CHANGES. IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON IF NOT YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED IF YOU DO NOT PAY.”

Mashable.Com has reported that the widespread rumor is just that, a rumor.  Despite the recent changes, Facebook continues to maintain on its homepage, “It’s free and always will be.”

After all, Facebook is expected to generate over $4 billion in advertising revenue in 2011.  They would not be able to do this as a paid subscription service.  Users would abandon them in droves in search of free social networks like Google +

Among the changes revealed last Thursday at the F8 conference in San Francisco, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg discussed several new features covering everything from food to music.  One of the new features will provide a complete history of a Facebook users life on their profile page called “Timeline.”

“Timeline” will change a users profile page and will also display a large cover photo dominating it.  Facebook hopes this new service will better express who you are to others.

Even more interesting, “Timeline” will also allow Facebook users to check those who have defriended them.  This service has never before been available.

As a general rule of caution, Facebook users should not believe everything they read on their friends profile wall.  Although your friends may mean well, blindly copying and pasting false warnings and chain letters only allow rumors such as Facebook charging for its service to continue and thrive.

In dispelling other rumors: No, the Google candy available in the media room of the Fox Presidential Debate on Thursday did not contain transmitting devices. Therefore, you will not start glowing in the dark making you more searchable on Google search engines.

This is true – I was there and thoroughly enjoyed the candy bar provided by Google.

This Week on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on the air the week of September 12th on AM 1470 WWNN and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

Florida’s 34^th Senator and current U.S. Senate candidate George LeMieux will discuss his candidacy in the Republican race to replace Democratic Senator Bill Nelson.

Commander Michael Calderin of Broward County Crimestoppers will appear and discuss the recent reenactment of the homicide of BSO Sgt. Chris Reyka and the $267,000 reward being offered in the unsolved murder of a policeman.

Foreclosure defense attorney Carlos Reyes will appear and discuss the latest developments in the “robo-signing” controversy and investigations started by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

Talk show host and attorney Lisa Macci will appear and discuss her recent move to AM 1470 WWNN and “The Justice Hour with Lisa Macci.”

Tom Lauder of RedBroward will appear and discuss his political blog where “Making Broward See Red” is not such a hard job.

Chairman Richard Denapoli of the Broward Republican Party will appear and discuss Presidency 5 and the continuing commitment of the Broward Republican Executive Committee to ensure success in the 2012 presidential election.

Cooper City Commissioner John Sims will appear and discuss the David Nall libel litigation against the city as well as other local business.

Fort Lauderdale attorney Christine C. Gill will appear and discuss “September is National Coupon Month” and initiatives at maximizing your dollar when shopping for groceries and other household goods in tough economic times.

Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti will appear and discuss CyberVisor, the agency’s version of Twitter, and other initiatives of the largest fully accredited law enforcement agency in America.

Criminal defense attorney John Contini will appear and discuss the importance of criminal history records sealing when seeking employment in tough economic times.

Scott Spages will appear and discuss a special screening of the documentary: “Iranium the Movie” on Friday, September 16^th at Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale, under the Faith Forum program. 

Republican Party of Broward County Executive Director Rico Petrocelli will appear and discuss initiatives to grow the local party and upcoming events.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues.  Bill can be heard weekday’s at 9 o’clock on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida or by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.  Phone lines are open at (888) 565-1470. 

This Week on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on the air this Labor Day week on AM 1470 WWNN and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

For Labor Day, Republican National Committee co-chair Sharon Day will appear and discuss the recent resignation of RPOF chairman Dave Bitner as well as Presidency 5 later this month in Orlando.

Following Sharon, we will have appearances by Commander Michael Calderin of Broward County Crimestoppers, Tom Lauder of RedBroward where “Making Broward See Red” is not such a hard job, and Florida’s 34^th U.S. Senator George LeMieux.

The rest of the week will feature:

Foreclosure defense attorney Carlos Reyes will appear and discuss the latest developments in the “robo-signing” controversy and investigations started by the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti will appear and discuss CyberVisor, the agency’s version of Twitter, and other initiatives of the largest fully accredited law enforcement agency in America.

Talk show host and attorney Lisa Macci will appear and discuss her recent move to AM 1470 WWNN and “The Justice Hour with Lisa Macci.”

Chairman Richard Denapoli of the Broward Republican Party will appear and discuss Presidency 5 and his endorsement of Republican Party of Florida vice-chair Lenny Curry to succeed the outgoing Dave Bitner.

Cooper City Commissioner John Sims will appear and discuss the David Nall libel litigation against the city as well as other local business.

Criminal defense attorney John Contini will appear and discuss the importance of criminal history records sealing or expungement when seeking employment in tough economic times.

Republican Party of Broward County Executive Director Rico Petrocelli will appear and discuss initiatives to grow the local party and upcoming events.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues.  Bill can be heard weekday’s at 9 o’clock on AM 1470 WWNN in south Florida or by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.  Phone lines are open at (888) 565-1470. 

Starbucks is More Than Coffee

Joining the political circuit is none other than Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.  As part of his highly publicized blitz to end partisan gridlock in Washington D.C., Schultz will participate in a “Conversation with America” Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, September 6^th.

The nationwide telephonic Town Hall is being organized by “No Labels,” a non-profit organization that describes itself as a citizen-led movement aimed at pressuring elected leaders to set aside partisan differences and focus on solving the nation’s problems.

In addition to Schultz, the Town Hall will include No Labels Co-Founders Mark McKinnon and John Avlon.  Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, will also participate.

Schultz has written an open letter that will run as a full-page advertisement in the Sunday and Tuesday New York Times, and in the Tuesday USA Today.  In the letter, Schultz repeats his call for a boycott of political donations until the country’s leaders approve a “transparent, comprehensive, bipartisan debt-and-deficit package is reached that honestly, and fairly, sets America on a path to long-term financial health and security.”

Several large businesses including AOL, J.C. Penney, Pepsi, Whole Foods Market, the Walt Disney Company, J Crew, Zipcar, and NASDAQ have already taken the pledge. 

Moreover, over 1,800 individuals and nearly 300 pledges from business owners promising to do “everything possible” to accelerate job creation have been made.

In a letter released to all Starbucks gift card holders today, Schultz stated:

Dear Starbucks Friend and Fellow Citizen:

I love our country. And I am a beneficiary of the promise of America. But today, I am very concerned that at times I do not recognize the America that I love.

Like so many of you, I am deeply disappointed by the pervasive failure of leadership in Washington. And also like you, I am frustrated by our political leaders’ steadfast refusal to recognize that, for every day they perpetuate partisan conflict and put ideology over country, America and Americans suffer from the combined effects of paralysis and uncertainty. Americans can’t find jobs. Small businesses can’t get credit. And the fracturing of consumer confidence continues.

We are better than this.

Three weeks ago, I asked fellow business leaders to join me in urging the President and the Congress to put an end to partisan gridlock and, in its place, to set in motion an upward spiral of confidence. More than 100 business leaders representing American companies – large and small – joined me in signing a two-part pledge:

First, to withhold political campaign contributions until a transparent, comprehensive, bipartisan debt-and-deficit package is reached that honestly, and fairly, sets America on a path to long-term financial health and security. Second, to do all we can to break the cycle of economic uncertainty that grips our country by committing to accelerate investment in jobs and hiring.

In the weeks since then, I have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt stories of Americans from across the country, sharing their anguish over losing hope in the strongest and most galvanizing force of all – the American Dream. Some feel they have no voice. Others feel they no longer matter. And many feel they have been left behind.

We cannot let this stand.

Please join other concerned Americans and me on a national call-in conversation on Tuesday September 6th hosted by “No Labels,” a nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering cooperative and more effective government. To learn more about the forum and the pledges, visit www.upwardspiral2011.org

America is at a fragile and critical moment in its history. We must restore hope in the American Dream. We must celebrate all that America stands for around the world. And while our Founding Fathers recognized the constructive value of political debate, we must send the message to today’s elected officials in a civil, respectful voice they hear and understand, that the time to put citizenship ahead of partisanship is now.

Yours is the voice that can help ignite the contagious upward spiral of confidence that our country desperately needs.

With great respect,

Howard Schultz

Chief Executive Officer, Starbucks Coffee Company

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, contributions from business political action committees totaled $334 million in the 2009-2010 cycle, while individual donations from the business community were about $1 billion, split almost equally between the Republican and Democratic parties.

Since 1994, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has made campaign donations totaling $144,200, with $113,700 to Democratic candidates, $29,500 to special interest groups, and $1,000 to Republican candidates.

Interesting how this longtime supporter of the Democratic party is now attempting to become part of the process.

With 17,009 stores in 50 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and over 150 in Turkey, the Seattle, Washington, based Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world. 

Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6th, participants can RSVP at http://www.nolabels.org. The Town Hall meeting will be also streamed live.