More than half of all new cars purchased today are sold under a lease agreement. Why? Americans have a love affair with cars. We like them big, fast, shiny and luxurious with all the bells and whistles—TV monitors, 12-disc CD changers, moon roofs, heated seats, navigational systems. We want it all. Problem! Cars with all the bells and whistles come with a healthy price tag. Even with repayment terms on new cars ranging from five to eight years, the monthly payment on new cars has proven to be a burden on the average American family’s budget. Solution! In an attempt to continue to sell cars at double-digit profits to a growing economy of people living on the brink of financial ruin the auto industry is pushing leases.

Business series

OCT. 14—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series at 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “How to Prepare for a Behavior Based Interview.” Mary Jane Kolic of KJ & M Associates will discuss how to prepare for behavior and competency-based interviews, which are being used by many employers to reduce the costs and risks associated with poor hiring decisions. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141.

(NNPA)—Three years ago when a coalition of civil rights organizations called for a foreclosure moratorium, their plea for struggling homeowners went largely ignored by mortgage lenders, loan servicers, and mortgage investors. Since that call for action, more than 2.5 million foreclosures have occurred and another 5.7 million more are imminent. Additionally and as previously reported, nearly one in 10 homeowners is now either in foreclosure or more than 60 days past due on their mortgage and nearly one in five homeowners is under water, owing more money than their home is now worth.

On any given day during regular business hours, customers can find Vonda Harris Cade discussing the performance of high quality wheels, inspecting breaks or dealing with distributors. A woman functioning in a male dominated industry, Cade has owned and operated Alpha and Omega Wheels in the Verona/Penn Hills area since 2005.

ON DISPLAY—Vonda and Sponce Cade show off their wheels. (Photo by Rossano P. Stewart)

Known for carrying the largest selection of after market wheels, Cade says people of all ages, gender and nationalities travel from around the area to utilize the services of Alpha and Omega to enhance the appearance of their vehicle.