ATYOURSERVICEATYOURSERVICEProviding links to websites, free programs, and other stuff. Articles
TAKING A BREAK
2008-05-14 14:22:00 I just want to let everyone know I will not be updating this blog again until either August or September. I appreciate all of you that stop by and I hope you will come back when I can start posting again.~Sandy G. More About: Break , Taking
RECALLS
2008-05-07 16:12:00 Twister Hammerhead Dune Buggies RecalledTJ Power Sports is recalling about 400 Twister Hammerhead Dune Buggies. The seat belt adjustment for the shoulder buckle can break during impact or stress, posing an ejection and injury hazard to driver and passenger.TJ Power Sports has received one report of a seat belt breaking that resulted in nerve damage to the rider's right arm.This recall involves the 'Twister Hammerhead' with model number UM150IIR and model year 2004. The dune buggies were available in red, blue, or green. 'Twister Hammerhead', the model number, and the model year can be found imprinted on the bar behind the driver and passenger seats.The buggies were sold through Twister dealers nationwide and online retailers from July 2004 through December 2004 for about $3,000. They were made in China.Consumers should stop using these dune buggies immediately and contact TJ Power Sports for instructions on how to receive a replacement seat belt.Consumer Contact: For additional...
FDA ORDERS ILLINOIS PET FOOD MAKER TO CLEAN UP ITS ACT
2008-04-29 11:16:00 Risk of botulism in Evanger's dog, cat foodThe Food and Drug Administration has issued an order requiring that Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc., in Wheeling, Ill., obtain an emergency permit from the agency before its canned pet food products enter interstate commerce.A recent inspection revealed significant deviations from prescribed documentation of processes, equipment, and recordkeeping in the production of the company's thermally processed low-acid canned food (LACF) products, the agency said.The FDA said the problems could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.More information & link to complete story: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/200 8/04/pet_food_recalls94.html~Sandy G. More About: Illinois , Pet Food , Clean , Maker
IS TONY SOPRANO CONTROLLING GAS PRICES?
2008-04-29 11:00:00 Attorney General suggests the Mob may be dabbling in energy marketsAre criminal elements controlling and manipulating the energy markets?It's not a question posed by a paranoid blogger, but by the Attorney General of the United States.In a speech in Washington this week, Attorney General Michael Mukasey said he not only believes its possible, but that in some instances criminals have been successful in their efforts to get inside the international energy market, where the price of oil and other resources are set on a daily basis.Speaking to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Mukasey said federal law enforcement agencies produced a classified threat assessment that raised the issue and outlined its ramifications. In the past, he said, organized criminal elements have tried – and occasionally succeeded – in gaining undue influence within the international financial system.More information & link to complete story: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/200 8/04... More About: Gas Prices , Tony , Tony Soprano , Soprano , Prices
RECALLS
2008-04-28 17:07:00 LawnBott Lawn Mowers RecalledKyodo America is recalling about 500 LawnBott lawn mowers. The cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer's foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade. Both instances pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.Kyodo America has received one report of a consumer lifting the mower from the ground and suffering minor lacerations from the moving blade.This recall involves LawnBott lawn mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000, and LB3200. The robotic lawn mowers freely and automatically cut grass by detecting the signal of a perimeter cable. The mowers have a docking station for recharging and a shiny plastic cover sold in red, green or blue. 'Evolution' or 'deluxe' is printed on the side of the mower.The mowers were sold by Kyodo America dealers nationwide from January 2006 through December 2007 for between $1,750 and $2...
EATING DISORDERS WIDESPREAD AMONG U.S. WOMEN, SURVEY FINDS
2008-04-24 11:00:00 Three-quarters of women display unhealthy thoughts or behaviorsSixty-five percent of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 report having disordered eating behaviors, according to the results of a new survey. The survey was conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina, in partnership with Self Magazine.An additional 10 percent of women report symptoms consistent with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, meaning that a total of 75 percent of all American women endorse some unhealthy thoughts, feelings or behaviors related to food or their bodies."Our survey found that these behaviors cut across racial and ethnic lines and are not limited to any one group," said Cynthia R. Bulik, Ph.D., William and Jeanne Jordan Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders in the UNC School of Medicine's department of psychiatry and director of the UNC Eating Disorders Program.More information & link to complete story: http://www.consu... More About: Women , Survey
RECALLS
2008-04-23 07:48:00 Beco 'Butterfly' Infant CarriersBeco Baby Carrier Inc. is recalling about 2,000 of its "Butterly" carriers. The buckles on the carrier shoulder straps can unexpectedly release tension, causing the strap to slip through, posing a fall hazard to the baby.Beco has received eight reports of the carrier straps slipping through the shoulder buckles. No injuries have been reported.The recalled infant carriers were sold under brand name “Beco Baby Carrier Butterfly.” The carriers have a black label with a green “b” logo on the left side and a butterfly on the right side. The label is sewn on the outside of the carrier. The following carrier styles are included in the recall: Mia, Pony Express, Carnival, Addison, Ethan, Sophia, Cameron, Ava and Joshua.The carriers were sold at specialty retail stores nationwide and internet sites from January 2008 through February 2008 for about $140.They were made in the USA and Dominican Republic.Consumers should immediately stop using the carrie...
RED ROSE AWARD FROM A GREAT FRIEND
2008-04-22 12:54:00 Tammy did it again....showed what a great friend and person she is. I want to thank her for this award. She is such a nice person! You really should check out her site if you haven't already done so - Mom Knows Everything.~Sandy G. More About: Great , Friend , Rose , Award , Red Rose
THE HEALTHY GEEZER - CHEWING GUM CAN CONTRIBUTE TO GAS PAINS
2008-04-21 11:00:00 Q. I get a lot of gas and someone told me it would help if I stopped chewing gum all the time (ex-smoker). That sounds like bunk to me. What do you think?A. It’s not bunk. When you chew gum, you swallow more often and some of what you're swallowing is air. In addition, artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol that is found in some gums can give you gas.But, what exactly, is gas?Most people produce between a pint and a half-gallon of gas each day. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen from swallowed air make up a large part of gas or “flatus.” Fermenting foods in the colon produce hydrogen and methane as well as carbon dioxide and oxygen.The unpleasant odor of some flatus is the result of trace gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, indole, and skatole, which are produced when foods decompose in the colon.We release gas upwardly by belching and downwardly by flatulence. When we swallow air and don’t release it by belching, the air will work its way down and out the rectum. About half... More About: Geezer , Contribute , Healthy , Chewing Gum , Chewing
ANTIOXIDANT USERS DON'T LIVE LONGER, STUDY FINDS
2008-04-20 11:00:00 Even worse, some antioxidants may increase risk of death The vitamin industry has spent millions promoting antioxidants as a way to improve health but a new review of studies found no evidence that the nutrition supplements extend life. Worse, the review authors said that some antioxidants could increase risk for death.The reviewers call for more regulation of the nutraceuticals industry, but an antioxidant researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that call for stricter monitoring overreaches the conclusions of the review.The researchers looked at 67 randomized studies and found that supplemental antioxidants do not reduce mortality and that some — including vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E — could increase mortality. The review combined evidence from more than 200,000 people."The harmful effects of antioxidant supplements are not confined to vitamin A," said review co-author Christian Gluud, M.D. "Our analyses also demonstrate rather convincingly that beta-... More About: Study , Live , Users , Antioxidant
RECALLS
2008-04-19 11:27:00 Honda Recalls 2003 Accords for Wiper MotorHonda Motor Co. has recalled 353,000 Accord sedans because of the possibility of corrosion in the windshield wiper motor.The Honda recall covers Accords from the 2003 model year.Honda reported that water seeping into the windshield wiper motor is the cause of the corrosion that can lead to an electrical circuit breaker inside the motor failing.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported on its Web site that "if the circuit breaker fails, it will cause the windshield wiper motor to become inoperative which can increase the likelihood of a crash in certain conditions."No injuries or crashes have been reported as a result of the failure. Owners may call Honda at (800) 999-1009 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).http://www.consumeraffair s.com/news04/2008/04/honda_recalls.htmlFo rd Recalls 2008 E-350sFord Motor Co. is recalling 3,331 2008 E-350 trucks with a 138-inch wheelbase because of a faulty drive shaft a...
STUDY: CHILDREN SHOULD NOT TAKE ANTIHISTAMINES FOR CHRONIC COUGH
2008-04-19 11:00:00 Side effects outweigh benefits in many cases Chronic cough can cut into children’s sleep and fray parents’ nerves. Although antihistamines can alleviate cough, possible side effects outweigh their benefits, say authors of a new review of studies from Australia.“In contrast to recommendations in adults with chronic cough, antihistamines cannot be recommended as empirical therapy for children with chronic cough,” conclude reviewers led by Dr. Anne Chang.The review adds to the growing body of evidence casting doubt on the use of a variety of medicines for children.More information & link to complete story: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/200 8/04/kids_cough.html~Sandy G. More About: Children , Study , Cough
STRING OF ILLNESSES AFFLICTS NUTRO-FED PETS
2008-04-19 10:46:00 Company insists its food is '100% safe' A worrisome health trend among dogs and cats across the country has surfaced in the past few months. Scores of pets from California to South Carolina have experienced sudden and recurring bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.Through an examination of reports submitted by readers, ConsumerAffairs.com has uncovered a common link among these pets: They all ate the same brand of food: NUTRO pet food.In all of the cases we've examined, the animals' conditions improved once their owners switched them to another brand of food."I've been feeding my chocolate Lab, Indy, NUTRO for almost four years," said Laura F. of Las Vegas, Nevada. "He's always been happy, healthy, and big. Recently I switched him to NUTRO (Natural Choice) Lite at my vet's request. Three weeks ago, he started vomiting uncontrollably."Laura said her veterinarian initially thought Indy had pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. The vet prescribed so... More About: Pets , String , Illnesses
WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS INVOLVING WIRE TRANSFERS
2008-04-18 14:40:00 Direct bank deposits also a warning signConsumers are being urged to keep an eye out for evolving email and internet scams, particularly those that solicit assistance in moving large sums of money through wire transfers or bank deposits.As technology develops, con artists are becoming more adept at using the internet to prey on their victims, hiding behind the internet’s anonymity while offering business opportunities that cannot be passed up or stories begging for a recipient’s compassion.“The Internet is a wonderful tool, but unfortunately unscrupulous individuals use it every day to scam victims out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars through every type of scam imaginable,” said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.McCollum said consumers, “should be very cautious of entering into any financial transaction with a stranger over the Internet and should report suspicious Internet activity to the authorities.”Earlier this week, a member of the McCollum’s staff re... More About: Watch , Scams , Transfers , Wire
IRS CLASS ACTIONS CHALLENGE LIFELOCK
2008-04-17 13:55:00 Identity protection guarantee "meaningless," suits argueAds touting Lifelock 's identity protection program are ubiquitous on the Internet and elsewhere. They're the ones in which the company's CEO, Todd Davis, brandishes his Social Security number in an open dare to identity thieves.The company provides a $1 million guarantee to its subscribers, covering out of pocket costs resulting from fraud or identity theft. It even takes over the process of dealing with banks and creditors to help consumers restore their credit in the event of fraud, the ads say.Sound too good to be true?According to two consumer class action suits, it's just that. The suits charge that the guarantee is riddled with fine print and loopholes.In one of the cases, Phoenix-area resident Byrl Lane and his attorneys argue that LifeLock, also based in Arizona, misleads its customers because the $1 million service guarantee it advertises "is riddled with restrictions, waivers and limitations."The Arizona Departmen... More About: Challenge , Class
RECALLS
2008-04-16 12:51:00 Hobby-Lobby Recalls Helicopter Battery ChargersHobby-Lobby Int'l is recalling about 3,200 lithium-polymer battery chargers and lithium-polymer batteries supplied with toy helicopters.The lithium-polymer batteries can ignite while charging, posing a fire hazard to consumers.The firm has received three reports of incidents, including a consumer who received serious burns to his hand when a battery ignited.The recall involves a lithium-polymer battery charger and batteries sold with the AT600 Falcon Helicopter kit. The recall also includes any spare battery (Model AT600B) or spare charger (Model ATS6046) purchased for this kit.The chargers, made in China, were sold at Hobby-Lobby.com from April 2006 through July 2007 for about $300 per kit. Spare chargers sold for about $15 and spare batteries sold for about $45.Consumers should stop using the recalled chargers and batteries immediately. Consumers can receive new batteries and a 'smart' charger that will shut down when the charging ...
PINK HEART TAG
2008-04-16 11:48:00 I copied this meme from Tammy at Mom Knows Everything.Cut and paste the following starting here.I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post on your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!) It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!The Strategist Notebook,Link Addiction,Ardour of the Heart , When Life Becomes a Book, The Malaysian Life, Yogatta.com,What goes under the sun,Roshidan’s Cyber Station, Sasha says, Arts of Physics,And the legend lives, My View, My Life,A Simple Life,Juliana RW,The Callalily Space,PetraSummer in Blue, Confessions of an... More About: Pink
SALMONELLA ILLNESSES LINKED TO RECENTLY RECALLED CEREAL
2008-04-15 10:30:00 Malt-O-Meal suspected in illnesses in 14 states At least 23 people in 14 states have been diagnosed with salmonellosis that was caused by the same strain of Salmonella that was found in the recently recalled unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereal s produced by Malt-O-Meal, according to the Food and Drug Administration.The recalled products were distributed nationally under the Malt-O-Meal brand name as well as under private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.The cereals have "Best If Used By" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") through March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809").Consumers should throw out any product in their homes from these recalled lots. Grocery stores and other retailers should promptly remove the cereals from their shelves.Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, fr... More About: Recalled , Recently , Illnesses
FDA FINDS HIGH LEVELS OF SELENIUM IN 'TOTAL BODY FORMULA'
2008-04-14 14:00:00 Dietary supplement products linked to adverse reactions The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found hazardous levels of selenium in samples of certain flavors of the dietary supplement products "Total Body Formula " and "Total Body Mega Formula."The FDA has received 43 reports of consumers from nine states who experienced serious adverse reactions using the supplements, which are popular with body builders.Last month, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use "Total Body Formula" in flavors Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor of these products after receiving reports of adverse reactions in users in Florida and Tennessee.The adverse reactions generally occurred after five to 10 days of daily ingestion of the product, and included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, deformed fingernails, and fatigue.Selenium , a naturally occurring mineral, is needed only in very small amounts for good health. S... More About: High
LINKS
2008-04-13 13:46:00 The following are links to some of my favorite sites:1. Hulu - Watch your favorite TV shows and movies for free.2. Baby Animals - Photos of all kinds of cute babies.3. Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery - Collection of Thomas Kinkade art work.4. The Hex Hub - Charts of Hexidecimal color codes.5. Spicypage - A social online community where anyone can share and talk about what websites or blogs they discover on the net. SpicyPage lets you post, comment on, vote on, and share your favorite sites or blogs with others. 100% powered by its members. Discover and bookmark the new and the best sites/blogs out there and connect with people of the same interest as you.6. Oh, Don't Forget - Send free text messages.7. Carbonite- Site where you can back up your computer online.8. Discovery Channel - The Discovery Channel online.9. Project Aware - A website by women, for women offering objective and comprehensive health information, especially related to menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.10. Ha... More About: Links
DRUGS IN THE DRINKING WATER: NOW WHAT?
2008-04-10 15:35:00 Consumers concerned about reports of prescription drugs in the waterWhen a major wire service reported last week that it found traces of prescription drugs in New York City's drinking water, it set off a chain reaction.In city after city, officials had to answer the same questions from consumers: Are there traces of drugs in the water, and if so, how did they get there and do they pose a threat?The Associated Press reported that it found trace concentrations of heart medicine, antibiotics, estrogen, anti-convulsants, a mood stabilizer and a tranquilizer in the water provided to residents of the nation's largest city.The drugs were found in very small amounts – so small in fact, that some experts dismissed their significance. But some scientists who have been studying the issue over a number of years believe the findings may pose a real, if long-term, threat.Dr. Craig Adams, the John and Susan Mathes Missouri Chair of Environmental Engineering at Missouri University of Science an... More About: Drugs , Water , Drinking
NEW GUIDELINES FOR STUBBORN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
2008-04-10 15:17:00 Patients who don't respond to normal treatments may benefit Getting blood pressure under control is sometimes as simple as losing weight and adding a daily walk. But for many others, it's not that easy.Patients who don't respond to normal treatment regimens are said to have "resistant" high blood pressure -- and until now, there hasn't been a broad medical consensus on how to handle such cases.New guidelines adopted by the American Heart Association may change that. Published online in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, the association's guidelines are the first consensus statement to define a condition known as resistant hypertension and to recommend an approach for evaluation and treatment.Hypertension is called resistant if a person’s blood pressure remains above goal despite their taking three medications to lower it. High blood pressure that is under control, but requires four or more medications to treat it is also considered resistant to treatment... More About: Blood , Guidelines , High Blood Pressure , Blood pressure
FORD EXPEDITION SUSPECTED IN FATAL OHIO HOME FIRE
2008-04-10 14:01:00 Is there a time bomb in your garage?A 2002 Ford Expedition parked in a homeowner’s carport is suspected as the cause of a fire in Madison County, Ohio that killed a woman and her two children.The Columbus Dispatch reported that the origin of the fire has been narrowed to a 10-foot space in the carport although investigators have not yet determined the cause.Peter Romans, who survived the fire that killed his wife and children, told investigators that the fire started in his parked Ford SUV, according to the news paper.The fire killed Billi Romans, 51; Ami Romans, 16; and Caleb Romans, 12. Their bodies were found near the back door of their house,Peter Romans, 47, escaped with minor burns and smoke inhalation.The 2001 Ford Expedition suspected of igniting the fatal blaze was included in the Ford Motor Company recall of 9.6 million vehicles equipped with a faulty cruise-control switch. the switch can “lead to a vehicle fire at any time,” according to the National Highway Traffic... More About: Home , Fire
RECALLS
2008-04-10 13:14:00 Interchange Robot Toys RecalledOKK Trading is recalling about 2,000 robot toys. Surface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.The recalled robot toys were sold as a four piece set with various colored robots each carrying a gun in one hand and a shield in the other. “Interchange Robot” is printed on the outside packaging of the product.They were sold at Dollar stores nationwide from October 2007 through December 2007 for about $1. The toys were made in China.Consumers should immediately take these robot toys away from children and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund.For additional information, contact OKK Trading toll-free at (877) 655-8697/OKK-TOYS between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.okktoys.com/ecommerce/General/ Default.aspx.http://www.consumeraffairs.c om/recalls04/2008/robots.htmlChrysler Recalls Sebrings, AvengersChrysler is recalli...
MITSUBISHI RECALLS 120,000 ENDEAVORS
2008-04-07 08:00:00 The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that Mitsubishi is recalling 120,00 Endeavors from the 2004 to 2006 model years because the ignition interlock system may fail.“The ignition key interlock cable may allow the interlocking cam to fall forward and allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the gearshift mechanism is not in the park position,” NHTSA warns on its Web site.Should a driver of one of the recalled Mitsubishi Endeavors fail to shift the transmission into park before removing the key and at the same time fails to engaged the parking brake, “the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur,” the safety warning concludes.The Japanese automaker has not provided NHTSA with a plan to remedy the ignition interlock problem nor has the company established a notification schedule. Mitsubishi dealers, however, will inspect and correct the problem when they receive repair details from Mitsubishi.Consumers may contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-423...
EVENFLO RECALLS DISCOVERY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
2008-04-07 07:51:00 Evenflo is recalling 1,038 Discovery infant child restraint systems because some of the restraints may not have a complete release handle which is located on the back of the seat, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).Federal safety regulators warn that the seat could separate from its base “potentially resulting in serious injury to the child.”The model numbers of the recalled seats are 3021769Z and 3021854Z. They were manufactured on February 4, 2008.Evenflo plans to notify owners of the defective child restraints of the recall and offer a free replacement seat. Owners of the child seat can contact Evenflo at 1-800-233-5921.NHTSA advises owners of the seats that they “should continue using the seat in the vehicle without the convenience base while waiting for the replacement seat to arrive.”The recall began in April. NHTSA reports that model numbers that “do not begin with '302' and end with a 'Z' are not included in this campaign.... More About: Systems
RECALLS
2008-04-03 01:43:00 Cabot Recalls Composite Deck CleanerCabot is recalling about 24,000 cans of its Composite Deck Cleaner. One of the components of the composite cleaner can react with metal foil residue on the packaging, releasing heat and chlorine gas. This poses a fire and inhalation hazard to consumers.Cabot has received one report of the composite cleaner's plastic container partially melting and emitting a chlorine odor. No injuries were reported.This recall involves the Cabot Composite Deck Cleaner #3502. The deck cleaner is a granular concentrate that, when mixed with water, is used to clean composite surfaces such as decks, railings, steps, fences and siding. It was sold in a 2-pound plastic container. The label on the container reads: 'Cabot Composite Cleaner' and has number 3502 at the bottom of the front of the label.It was made in the United States and sold at home improvement centers and hardware stores nationwide from February 2007 through February 2008 for about $20.Consumers should...
DIABETICS SHARE SAME RISKS AS HEART ATTACK SUFFERERS
2008-04-03 01:24:00 Early and persistent treatment necessaryPeople with diabetes have the same high risk for heart attack or stroke or cardiovascular death as people who’ve already had a heart attack, researchers reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.“The increased risk was observed in people at all ages with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were receiving insulin or other drugs to reduce levels of sugar in the blood,” said Tina Ken Schramm, M.D., lead author of the study and research fellow at the Gentofte Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark.“When people with diabetes do have heart attacks, they are twice as likely to die as non-diabetics,” Schramm added.“We’ve talked about ‘the lower, the better’ for cholesterol and blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart attack,” Schramm said. “Now I think we should be saying ‘the sooner, the better’ for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in diabetics.”In the population study of 3.3 million people ... More About: Share , Heart Attack , Attack
CONSUMER REPORTS PICKS 11 WORST CARS
2008-03-31 14:53:00 U.S. SUVs again fill many of the slots, though Toyota gets two picksConsumer Reports' annual list of the 11 worst cars in America is out. Automotive analysts for the magazine took a look at more than 260 vehicles in this year's evaluation and once again SUVs made in the U.S. dominated the field.Surprisingly, two Toyotas hit rock bottom as well and Chrysler placed three models on the list of infamy with the Jeep brand.The Consumer Reports list differs from ConsumerAffairs.Com's annual listings of the year's biggest automotive outrages and the worst used cars. The Consumer Reports listings represent the opinions of the magazine's analysts while ConsumerAffairs.Com's picks are based on the real-world experience of consumers who share their experiences.Here are the results for 2008, according to Consumer Reports:•Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: The Wrangler Unlimited is reported to produce poor ride and handling as well as dismal fuel economy, fit and finish.•Hummer H3 five-cylinder:... More About: Cars
RECALLS
More articles from this author:2008-03-22 11:53:00 QVC Toy Puzzle Vehicle Sets RecalledQVC is recalling nearly 200,000 toy puzzle vehicle sets. Surface paints on the puzzle pieces and components contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.The recall includes the 16 piece Puzzle Track Play sets also known as Battery Operated Puzzle Vehicle sets. QVC item number T16876 is printed on the exterior of the brown box packaging. The sets have plastic puzzle pieces that when put together form a track with a battery operated train, fire engine or school bus vehicle designed to run on the track. Miniature street signs, traffic cones, and a battery for the vehicle are also included in the sets.The sets, made in China, were sold by QVC televised shopping programs, Web page, toll-free number, and Studio store from September 2002 through December 2007 for about $20.Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy puzzle sets away from children and return to QVC for a full refund including shipping and handling. Co... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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