News
Wichita Car Dealership Owner Judged for Selling Cars with Blown Airbags (No Longer Allowed to Sell in KS)
2024-12-09
In Wichita, Kansas, a significant event has unfolded that has far-reaching implications for the local car dealership industry. The Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office has taken a firm stand against a Wichita car dealership, Carnation LLC, due to a series of deceptive practices.

Uncovering the Deceptive Practices of a Wichita Car Dealership

Consumer Complaint Leads to a Massive Judgment

A consumer complaint served as the catalyst for a nearly $400,000 judgment against the Wichita car dealership. The Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office revealed that the owner of Carnation LLC, Kayode Ajibolade (also known as Olukayode I. Ajibolade), was accused of engaging in deceptive acts and willfully violating a previous consent judgment under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The details are astonishing. After purchasing a car, a consumer discovered an airbag simulator device that concealed the fact that the airbag had been deployed. Further investigation by the Consumer Protection Division found 12 more cars sold by Ajibolade and Carnation in the first quarter of 2023 with blown airbags. And yet, these crucial details were not disclosed when the cars were sold from the dealership's lot at 1301 E. Lincoln.This isn't an isolated incident. In 2019, Carnation LLC had already entered into a prior consent judgment with the DA's Consumer Protection Division, admitting to being deceptive by failing to disclose a blown airbag. The current case is a clear continuation of these unethical practices.

The Court's Rulings and Consequences

The court's findings were severe. In April, it was determined that Carnation's sales of 13 cars with undisclosed and concealed blown airbags constituted willful violations of the 2019 consent judgment and the KCPA. As a result, the dealership was ordered to pay $2,000.00 per car in restitution to each of the 12 consumers, totaling $24,000.00. This restitution was later paid by the dealership's bonding company. Additionally, Carnation was ordered to pay $390,000.00 in civil penalties, along with court costs and investigation fees.In the latest default judgment entered against Ajibolade on Nov. 22, he was found to be personally liable, "jointly and severally" with Carnation LLC, for the remaining balance of the judgment, $394,197. This led to the court's decision to revoke Ajibolade's license to do business and permanently prohibit him from selling cars in Kansas.

Buyer Beware: Tips for a Safe Car Purchase

In a news release on the judgment against Carnation LLC and its owner, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett emphasized the importance of buyer caution. He reminded buyers to exercise care when shopping for a used vehicle. Since devices can be used to conceal that a car is missing functioning airbags, even if inspected by a mechanic, it is crucial to also examine a Carfax or similar history of the vehicle before purchase. This can help identify accidents that may have resulted in the deployment of airbags.In addition, Bennett recommended that consumers perform a general online search of the VIN number of a prospective car purchase. This simple step can often reveal photos of prior damage to the car, providing valuable insights for a safe and informed purchase.
Artsy Kids Will Adore These Awesome Arts & Crafts Kits
2024-12-09
Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award Winner Crayola Paint Pendulum Kit is a fun way for kids to create paintings in a new way. Load it with different colors and let it swing. Testers found it easy to use once assembled. Ages 7+.

Unlock Creativity with These Award-Winning Toys

Crayola Paint Pendulum Kit

Kids can experiment with color-mixing and see how the force and angle of the swing affect the final artworks. It's a unique way to engage their creativity and imagination. This kit offers a new perspective on painting and allows kids to create something truly special.Kids just getting started on their artistic journeys will love these chunky crayons. Their egg-like shapes are easier for toddlers to grasp. The set comes with 12 different colors, and each one is equivalent to 14 regular crayons, so they'll last a long time. Ages 1+.

SCRIB3D 3D Printing Pen

It takes some time to get the hang of this 3D pen, but once mastered, young artists can experience 3D printing. They can control the speed of the filament, which is good as it can run out quickly. It comes with a QR code for more instructions and three colors of filament that charges via USB. No age recommendation given.Testers were immediately drawn to the Lakeshore Learning Trace & Draw Projector. Kids can pop in a slide and choose an image to project onto paper and then trace and color it. The set comes with 80 images on six slides that can be stored in the projector. It requires three C batteries (not included). Ages 5+.

Crayola Washable Palm-Grasp Crayons

These crayons are perfect for kids starting their artistic journeys. Their unique egg-like shapes make them easy for toddlers to hold. With 12 different colors, they'll provide plenty of creative options. Ages 1+.Tweens and teens can have fun designing their own stickers with the Phomemo Sticker Printer. They can print on thermal paper and decorate laptops, phones, lockers, and more. No age recommendation given.

Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks

For kids in need of a refresh of their art supplies, these tempera paint sticks are ideal. They offer a paint-like effect without brushes or water. The set comes with 12 different hues, and a sketch pad can be added for more creativity. No age recommendation given.With the Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad, kids can layer images and create new scenes. A light-up clipboard makes tracing easier, and it comes with colored pencils. However, it only has 10 sheets of tracing paper, so more may be needed. It comes in two themes and requires three AA batteries (sold separately). Ages 6+.

Make It Real Mini Pottery Studio

In our tests, kids loved using the pottery wheel and included tools to make mini creations like a tiny trinket dish or flower pot. It uses air-dry clay and a domed wheel with templates. The wheel charges with USB, and there are 10 projects to get them started. Ages 8+.For those always crafting, the Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit offers more than 300 pieces in different colors. It includes pom poms, fuzzy sticks, and more to inspire creativity. Ages 6+.

ALEX Toys Paper Bag Puppets

Preschoolers can easily make five different paper-bag animals with this kit. It's made with stickers and other paper shapes that can be glued onto the bags. Afterward, they can use the puppets for imaginative play. Ages 3+.This set by STMT allows kids to customize their own art journal with stickers and other supplies. It comes with watercolor and paint tubes, a watercolor pad, and a spiral-bound journal. Ages 8+.

Posca Paint Marker Set

Older kids can personalize almost anything with these best-selling paint pens. Amazon users love the quality of the colors and how they work on various surfaces and dry quickly. No age recommendation given.After Taylor Swift's Eras tour, the Just My Style Alphabet Beads Bracelet Making Studio is popular. It has more than 2,000 beads for expressing personal styles. Ages 6+.Kid testers were captivated by the Skillmatics Foil Fun. It comes with foam stickers and shiny foil, and kids can rub the foil onto the stickers for a color transfer. It has 10 backgrounds and various themes. Ages 4+.The Fashion Plates Superstar is a fun option for both kids and adults. They can mix and match the plates, rub a crayon over them, and color the images. It's compact and great for on-the-go. Ages 6+.Marisa (she/her) has covered parenting topics for Good Housekeeping since 2018. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter and enjoys local bar trivia.Watch NextAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
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Spotify Officially Discontinues Car Thing Streaming Devices
2024-12-09
Spotify, a leading name in the music streaming industry, has made a significant move by officially discontinuing its Car Thing, the in-car streaming device. This decision has left many users puzzled and seeking answers. TechCrunch was the first to receive confirmation from the company on this matter.

Unraveling Spotify's Car Thing Discontinuation

Background and Launch

In February 2022, Spotify introduced the Car Thing with the aim of enhancing music control in cars that lacked built-in infotainment systems. It was seen as a promising device that would bring the convenience of Spotify's vast music library to the car. However, within a year, the company decided to discontinue it.This decision was mainly due to low demand and supply chain issues. Despite its initial promise, the market response was not as strong as expected, leading Spotify to take this difficult step.

User Reactions and Refund Process

When Spotify announced the shutdown, it faced a significant backlash from users. Many felt that they should be refunded for the $90 price tag they had paid for the device. In response, the company has provided a window of opportunity for customers.Customers now have a little more than a month to contact customer service and provide proof of purchase in order to receive a refund. This has been a crucial aspect for those who were disappointed with the discontinuation and wanted some form of compensation.

Aftermath and Recommendations

After the discontinuation, users with the device are advised to reset the factory settings and dispose of it according to their local electronic waste guidelines. This ensures that the device is disposed of properly and does not pose any environmental hazards.It is also a reminder of the importance of carefully considering technological purchases and their lifespan. In this case, the Car Thing did not meet the expectations set by both Spotify and its users.Overall, Spotify's decision to discontinue the Car Thing has had a significant impact on its users. It serves as a lesson for both companies and consumers in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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