For more than two decades, I've been an advocate for consumer rights, helping thousands of people fight back against uncaring and unscrupulous companies. I covered the topic as a broadcast journalist, developed a series of consumer empowerment seminars and then wrote a book on the subject titled, Unscrewed: The Consumer's Guide to Getting What You Paid For (Ten Speed Press, 2006).

Two years ago, we launched the "On Your Side" column in AARP Magazine . "On Your Side" has also expanded to include a presence on the AARP web site. In that time, more than 13,000 emails have flooded into our mailbox and we have saved more than $540,000 for readers of the magazine and web columns.

If you've got a consumer challenge you'd like to nominate for the magazine or web column, just email me. You can also drop by our AARP Community "On Your Side" online group to share your experiences with other AARP members.

Interests:

Flying, Tennis, Skiing

Music:

Almost anything that is well-written, well-produced and well-performed.

Movies:

Singing in the Rain, Rainman, Here Comes the Rain (What did you expect? I live in Oregon.)

Books:

Authors... Karen Joy Fowler, Elizabeth Engstrom, John Grisham, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer & Stephen Hawking

Television:

The McNeill-Lehrer News Hour, 60 Minutes, Nova & Mythbusters