Verizon Gouges Customers

This customer inadvertently incurred nearly $400 of international direct dial calls to South America for less than an hour's worth of time (more than $5.00 per minute whereas an international calling card rate is about 10 cents per minute ). Verizon did not advise the customer before or after the call what the rate or charge was. Nor did it post the actual charges until over three weeks after the calls so the customer couldn't see the charges for all that time. A complaint was filed against Verizon PA with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and now Verizon is being urged to improve its services.

What hurts the customer cannot help the company in the long run.

On Market rise, we sell Sunoco Logistics

In today's news...it's good to see the market rally. We sold Sunoco Logistics last week, realizing a gain of all things! Wanted to increase cash position and because it is a partnership, the tax accounting for it is not simple. Simple is good.

Market Tanks further, IHNOW buys Crown Holdings

In last week's news... the market tanks further and IHNOW buys Crown Holdings, CCK, based in Phildelphia.

"Crown Holdings, Inc. is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of packaging products for consumer goods. The Company’s primary products include steel and aluminum cans for food, beverage, household and other consumer products, and metal caps and closures. These products are manufactured in the Company’s plants both within and outside the United States, and are sold through the Company’s sales organization to the soft drink, food, citrus, brewing, household products, personal care and various other industries" from google finance

The IHNOW portfolio has taken a hit in the tumbling stock market but is diversified in mostly strong companies with an anchor or significant relation to the Philly region; and we have confidence, albeit less solid than we would like, that these companies' true higher values will be recognized once the economy turns around

Market Tanks; IHNOW Acquires Urban Outfitters

In today's news...we buy Urban Outfitters, the lifestyle clothes retailer, its roots and headquarters in Philly, showing steady stock price rise and today, with the market tanking, taking a 3% hit itself.

IHNOW Buys GlaxoSmithKline

In today's news...IHNOW purchases GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical and health care products manufacturer and marketer. Company is trading about $44 per share, near the low of its $40 to $54 52 week range. Employs many in the Philadelphia area.