CLTV Local News: Tonya Archives

Tonya Archives

August 19, 2009

International Incident or Publicity Stunt?

Are we on the verge of an international incident that could change U.S. relations with India?

By now you’ve probably heard, Muslim actor Shah Rukh Khan, the “Tom Cruise” of Bollywood was questioned for 90 minutes by customs agents at Newark Airport last Friday after his name appeared on a security checklist.

He says routine security procedures were not followed and he felt embarrassed and uncomfortable having to find a U.S. national to vouch for him.

Ironically, he was on his way to Chicago to promote his new movie “My Name is Kahn.” It’s takes a look at the discrimination Muslims has faced in the U.S. since 9/11.

Continue reading "International Incident or Publicity Stunt?" »

Posted by Tonya Francisco on August 19, 2009 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

June 22, 2009

The Hidden Price You Pay For Speeding

Let me start by saying this is CRAZY!@#$%^&*().

I had to go to court the other day for a speeding ticket I got in Hillside. The police officer said he clocked me going 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. He told me I would probably get supervision from the judge because I had a good driving record.

Sure enough, I did! The judge stamped the ticket and told me to pay $50 plus court fees to get my license back.

Little did I know the court fees were $135. No, this is not a typo! By the time it was all said and done, I paid $185 for going 15 mph over the speed limit (not even in a construction zone).

Continue reading "The Hidden Price You Pay For Speeding" »

Posted by Tonya Francisco on June 22, 2009 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

April 8, 2009

Smoking: What Would Make You Quit?

How far is too far to go to get people to stop smoking?

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a new PSA (public service announcement) encouraging people to quit. It features a lost 3-year old boy crying because his mother has left him. Then a voice says, “If this is how your child feels after losing you for a minute, just imagine if they lost you for life.”

It’s been reported that some people like the spot, saying it’s a powerful message for an important issue. But others say it’s manipulative. One person called it “atrocious, offensive and irresponsible.” There are even those that are concerned that the boy in the spot was mistreated to make him cry.

NYC health officials argue the end justifies the means, saying “In order to motivate someone to quit, you have to provoke a strong emotional response.”

But is this ad provoking the intended response?

Posted by Tonya Francisco on April 8, 2009 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)