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Home-equity offer may be unnecessary

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, September 1, 2004.

DEAR BOB: Recently I received an unsolicited letter from my bank offering me a "pre-approved" $100,000 home-equity credit line at no cost for the first year. After that, there is a $50 annual fee. I have about $250,000 equity in my home. Although I don't need any money, as my wife and I have plenty of liquid investments, it would be nice to have a home-equity credit line, with its checkbook sitting in the drawer. The interest rate is at the prime rate. Should we accept this offer? – Derek D.  more...

Reader tips rescue window retrofit

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Wednesday, September 1, 2004.

Several weeks ago, we answered a question from a man who wanted to know if he could retrofit double-paned window sashes in the window openings of his older home.

Our response was, "Certainly." We then gave him suggestions about how he might accomplish this project.

However, we neglected to take into account the increased weight of the window created by the double-paned glazing. Two readers caught our oversight and another reader related her experience with double-glazed windows.  more...

Wheelchair user sues over theater's seating policy

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, September 1, 2004.

Robin Fortyune is a C-5 quadriplegic who requires both a wheelchair and an aide to attend movie theaters. Robin and his wife, Felicia, attempted to view a first-run film at the American Multi-Cinema (AMC) Theater.

The 4:45 p.m. screening was well attended. AMC "over-sold" tickets for that show. Fortyune and his wife arrived about 20 minutes before showtime. The auditorium has four wheelchair spaces, each adjoined by a companion seat.

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