The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: Slim-Fast canned shakes recalled due to possible health risk

All Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans are being recalled due to the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Unilever United States Inc. said the products may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a microorganism that may cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

The recall involves all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code, or UPC number.

No other Slim-Fast products – such as powdered shakes, meal bars, or snack bars – are part of the recall.

See the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announcement for details, which includes a link that lists all ready-to-drink recalled products.

The company is in the process of identifying and correcting the production issue, and will resume production and shipment of the product when the issue has been addressed and corrected.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged to discard them immediately.

Call Unilever at 800-896-9479 for information or details on how to obtain a refund. The Consumer Services Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

To learn about other recalls, see www.recalls.gov for details.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best consumer experience: New gloves from REI

After I lost a pair of gloves (with fingers) and one of my mittens (no fingers), I went to Macy’s to see if I could find a pair of gloves at a good price. I was hoping to find some on sale. I didn’t get lucky.

Then I thought about ordering some gloves from REI. I’ve just become an affiliate of REI, a program where I receive a small payment for each item ordered through my blog. I looked through REI’s eco-sensitive clothing offerings to see what I could find.

I selected the REI Recycled Fleece Grip Gloves for $24.50. I ordered them on Monday, and they arrived on Thursday – just in time for the freezing weather.

The gloves are terrific, warm and comfortable. And another thing I like about them; they aren’t smelly. Some new clothes have a strong chemical smell – these don’t.

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My worst consumer experience: New payment policy and slow service at Kits Cameras

Recently, Kits Cameras adopted a new policy: You must pay for your photos when you order then, not when you pick them up.

I think this is a bad policy. You don’t have the opportunity to review your photos before you pay for them.

Several times, I explained that I wanted to wait until I saw the photos before I paid; the sales associates agreed.

However, this week, they insisted that I pay in advance. I was upset. Then, to make matters worse, a trainee fumbled around for 15 minutes trying to figure out the amount of my bill.

I plan to write the CEO about this policy. It doesn’t make sense.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

‘Brain drain’ predicted – again – as boomers get ready to retire

Before the Great Recession, the Internet and newspapers were abuzz with articles about the bad shape American companies and government agencies would be in when large numbers of baby boomers retired.

With so many people, including boomers, out of work, the topic hasn’t come up much lately. In fact, many articles have been written about boomers working well beyond retirement age.

However, in a recent report, Ithaca College sociologist Stephen Sweet says, as millions of baby boomers prepare to retire, “the inevitable talent drain threatens to alter the national economy.”

The report – "The Pressures of Talent Management" – examined talent management practices at 696 organizations across the 10 leading sectors of the economy.

“Four of every ten employers surveyed anticipate the aging workforce will have a negative impact on their business over the next three years,” said Sweet.

However, 77 percent of employers surveyed had not analyzed projected employee retirement rates or assessed employee career plans.

In 2000, baby boomers represented the largest portion of the U.S. labor force at 48 percent. By 2010, they're projected to shrink to 37 percent of the workforce. As a result, some economists are predicting a shortage of 10 to 15 million workers in the coming decade, with large numbers of inexperienced workers in a dwindling labor pool.

U.S. companies need to start planning for this loss of workers, Sweet said, adding:

Employers should take advantage of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of employees nearing retirement, while at the same time meeting business needs by keeping experienced talent longer and ensuring business continuity.

That’s good advice. Boomers need flexibility, such as being able to work part time, if they stay in their jobs, or if they look for new ones.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Airlines slapped with precedent-setting fines for tarmac delay

Continental Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines have been fined $100,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation for their roles in causing the passengers on board Continental Express flight 2816 to remain on the aircraft at Rochester (Minn.) International Airport for an unreasonable period of time on Aug. 8, 2009.

Continental also provided a refund to each passenger and offered additional compensation to acknowledge his or her time and discomfort. In addition, the department assessed a civil penalty of $75,000 against Mesaba Airlines, which provided ground handling for the flight, for its role in the incident.

These precedent-setting enforcement actions are the first enforcement orders punishing carriers for extended tarmac delays, as well as the first time a carrier acting as a ground handler for another airline has been punished for failing to properly help passengers leave an aircraft during an unreasonably long tarmac delay.

“I hope that this sends a signal to the rest of the airline industry that we expect airlines to respect the rights of air travelers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will also use what we have learned from this investigation to strengthen protections for airline passengers subjected to long tarmac delays.”

The Aviation Enforcement Office’s investigation found that all three carriers violated the law that prohibits unfair and deceptive practices in air transportation for their respective roles in the incident, in which a Continental Express flight from Houston to Minneapolis/St. Paul operated by ExpressJet was diverted to Rochester due to bad weather in Minneapolis.
 
The aircraft reached Rochester about 12:30 a.m. and the passengers were stranded aboard the aircraft until approximately 6:15 a.m. when they were finally deplaned into the terminal.

In November 2008, the department proposed a rule to enhance airline passenger protections, including a provision that would require airlines to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays and incorporate them in their contracts of carriage.  A final rule is expected by the end of this calendar year.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

‘Capitalism’ the movie calls for consumer action

Having missed the opportunity to see Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story” when it briefly played at local movie theaters, I was pleased to see it’s being shown at our local alternative theater.

As a consumer specialist who’s written about consumer issues for three decades, I think the movie has a lot to offer.

When I studied consumer economics at Washington State University and The Evergreen State College, the role of the consumer in the economy was emphasized. Consumers have power in the economic system and a role to play that’s as important as the roles of business and the government.

However, consumers don’t often use their power. Instead, they identify with the producer interests of the companies they work for. Consumers don’t join groups and work for their economic interests. They’re influenced by advertising and capitalistic rhetoric.

While “Capitalism” did a good job of reporting on the abuses of the capitalistic system, especially what went wrong to create the Great Recession, it was outstanding in its call to consumer action.

We need to create new systems that help working people, the people on Main Street not Wall Street.

Look for groups that are working in your community on issues such as affordable housing, health care, the environment, economic justice, and simple living.

To find a Public Interest Research Group in your state, see the Web site of U.S.PIRG.

National groups that are worth working with are: Public Citizen, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and the Environmental Working Group.

We can improve the economic situation of consumers in this country. But we need to get back the power that has been usurped by corporate interests.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best consumer experience: Good customer service at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

When I went to a Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts store in Sacramento with my daughter to buy some material, we received good customer service.

We were looking for broadcloth for two children’s costumes. A sales associate, who we were able to locate quite quickly, showed us where to find it. She also explained what broadcloth is and what fabrics were similar.

The woman who cut out fabric also was courteous. She also told us about her job, her interest in sewing, and when and where Jo-Ann’s was founded.

When we checked out, the cashier was friendly.

All in all, a good consumer experience.

My worst consumer experience: Confusion about a tip at a coffee shop

While my daughter was at work, I went to Temple coffee shop in Sacramento to work on my blogs.

The first day was fine. Nice staff, good atmosphere, excellent hours.

However, on the second day, I had problems about the tip.

Temple doesn’t accept credit cards, only debit cards. And they charge 35 cents for the use of a debit card.

The clerk handed me the device used for making charges and told me the green screen was about the tip. I didn’t understand what he meant. I knew he wanted me to decide about a tip, but I hadn’t seen the “green screen” tip option and I didn’t know how to use it.

I typed in my security code. “No, no, no,” he said, deleting the information. Then I figured out I was supposed to enter information on the size of the tip.

I usually don’t give tips to clerks who stand behind a counter, unless it’s a coffee shop I go to regularly. Since an issue was being made about the tip, I entered 50 cents and went on to the next screens to compete the transaction.

The clerk was snappy and unfriendly. Not a good consumer experience.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 worst toys of 2009

W.A.T.C.H., World Against Toys Causing Harm, has announced its 2009 10 Worst Toys list. It includes:

1. Disney-Pixar Wall-E Foam Rocket Launcher
2. Moon Board Pogo Board
3. Curious Baby Curious George Counting – My First Book of Numbers
4. The Dark Knight Batman Figure
5. X-Men Origins Slashin' Action Wolverine
6. Lots to Love Babies – “Mini Nursery”
7. Just Kidz Junior Musical Instruments
8. Cat “Rugged Mini”
9. Pucci Pups Maltese
10. Spy Gear Viper-Blaster

See “2009 '10 Worst Toys’ List” for details on why these toys were selected and what W.A.T.C.H. thinks needs to be done to improve toy safety.

W.A.T.C.H. is a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation founded by Edward M. Swartz, a trial lawyer and child safety advocate. W.A.T.C.H. has been issuing its worst toy list since 1973.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch your wallet on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

"Black Friday is soooo close. It’s my favorite holiday!!!"

"Debating whether or not to enjoy Black Friday shopping. Nothing really needed, just enjoy the thrill of the hunt."

"Old Navy started their Black Friday sales this morning [Tuesday]!"

That’s what three consumers writing on Twitter said about Black Friday, the big shopping day after Thanksgiving that got its name because it was the day that retailers started making money after being in the "red."

Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will attract up to 134 million shoppers this year, up from 128 million last year. According to the National Retail Federation, 57 million people say they will definitely hit the stores while another 77 million are waiting to see what retailers are planning before heading out the door.

Cyber Monday is a term coined by Shop.org in 2005, when retailers noticed a large increase of people shopping online on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

But don’t be stampeded into spending a lot of money this weekend or on Cyber Monday just because of all the news in the media about Black Friday and "how important it is to give the economy a much-needed boost."

The article "Dirty Secrets of Black Friday" describes these problems shoppers may run into on the big shopping day:

• Limited quantities.

• Derivatives offered, models that have a few less features than a standard model in that product line.

• No information on what Black Friday sales are offered online.

• Online deals that don’t get shipped.

• Rain checks that don’t result in the cheap Black Friday deal.

Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization, urges consumers to not get wound up in the hype about Black Friday:

So let me get this straight. One year after the financial sector took our economy to the brink of collapse, we’re rooting for Wall Street’s success, which depends on the willingness of consumers to spend as much as they can – most likely more than they can afford, since that’s how the financial sector makes its money– during the worst economy in 26 years and while 10.2 percent are unemployed? Sounds like some seriously misplaced priorities.

So make a plan for your holiday gift giving and spend only what you can afford. It will reduce your holiday stress and make for a happier new year.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Gas grills being recalled due to fire and burn hazards

Perfect Flame SLG Series Gas Grills, about 663,000 in the United States and about 1,700 in Canada, are being recalled due to possible burn hazards to consumers.

Manufactured in China by Lucas Innovation Inc. and imported by L G Sourcing Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C., the grill’s burners can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The firm has received about 40 reports of fires from the burners deteriorating and about 23 reports of the lids catching fire. The firm is aware of one report of an eye injury requiring surgery and 21 incidents of minor burns to the hands, arms, or face, according to the commission.

The recalled grills are SLG series "Perfect Flame" brand outdoor propane or natural gas grills. The grills are stainless steel and painted black or gray metal.

See the commission’s announcement for the model numbers involved in the recall. The model number can be found in the compartment under the cooking chamber. No other Perfect Flame model numbers are included in this recall.

The grills were sold at Lowe’s retail outlets nationwide from September 2005 through May 2009 for between $200 and $550 (U.S.) and in Canada from December 2007 through May 2009 for between $200 and $250 (Canada).

Consumers should immediately stop using the grills and contact L G Sourcing to receive free replacement burners and, depending on the model of the grill owned, a free replacement lid, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at 888-840-9590 anytime or visit www.lowes.com.

To learn about other consumer products that are being recalled, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best consumer experience: Customer service at one Verizon Wireless store

 

Although I’m satisfied with the cell phone I bought several years ago, I’m considering getting a new one because the one I have emits a fairly high level of radiation. See the article "Are You Using a Cell Phone That Emits High Levels of Radiation" to find out how to tell how your cell phone ranks in emissions.

When I went to the Verizon Wireless store in Lacey, Wash., to shop for a new cell phone, the customer service was good. When you walked in, it was clear that you needed to sign up at a computer screen to get in line for an appointment.

A customer service representative walked around and talked to the consumers who were waiting. He was able to answer questions for people who needed information but weren’t ready to sign up for plans.

He told me that since Verizon wants me to sign a two-year contract, several free phones are available to me online. If I signed up again at a Verizon store, I’d have to pay sales tax.

My worst consumer experience: Customer service at another Verizon Wireless location

In Olympia, Wash., Verizon has a kiosk-type outlet in one of the malls. I went there to shop for a new cell phone.

I waited a half hour before I figured out that you had to sign up for an appointment. The employees didn’t make eye contact with consumers who walked up. I waited for an additional hour and a half before my appointment came up. When people arrived at the kiosk, I told them about the sign in procedure. They were thankful someone informed them about it.

When I finally got my turn, the sales associate told me that I couldn’t get a free phone. I found that surprising since Verizon had been mailing me information about free phones. I left and went to the Verizon store described above.

I’ve been satisfied with my Verizon service, and Verizon gets higher ratings for coverage and fewer dropped calls than its competitors. However, I’m disappointed by the phones they offer for sale in terms of their emissions.

In the rankings by the Environmental Working Group, Verizon didn’t have one phone on the top 10 list of the cell phones with the least emissions.

The top phone on the list is the Samsung Impression SGH-a877. It’s sold by AT&T. I don’t think I’d like being an AT&T customer.

I checked the database for the top 10 Verizon phone in terms of emissions. Most of them are BlackBerries and SmartPhones. I don’t want one of those due to the extra charges for the Internet.

What to do?

I guess I’ll think it over for a while.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist