The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Super Bowl 2012: More violent, sexist ads

By Rita R. Robison

Ads during Sunday’s Super Bowl cost $3.5 million for a 30-second spot, up from last year's $2.7 million.

Although the 2012 offerings seemed to have fewer ads where people were slapped or knocked down, the display again was marred by violent images.

Do advertisers and public relations firms think it’s acceptable to show ads depicting violence and sexism, where people head butted and bikini-clad women are shown because mostly men watch football?

Here are my awards for the worst ads airing during this year’s Super Bowl:

Unnecessary violence:

Dannon thinks it will sell yogurt by having a woman head butt a man, knocking him to the floor, after he won’t share the container of yogurt. In a Doritos ad, a man suspects his dog of killing and burying the family cat. The dog gives him a bag of Doritos to keep it quiet. The Voice stars think by fighting, breaking things, blasting out a wall, and having Betty White say a few words, you’ll watch their TV show. A sexy woman slaps a man, speaks in Spanish, whispers in his ear, dabs foam from a latte on a his lips, then it all melts away into the first time sensations of buying a Fiat 500.

Silliest:

Cars.com showed us a man so confident about researching cars on Cars.com that he’s grown an appendage with his head on it that comes out of his back. It’s his “confidence,” singing happily about the car in a high voice. Coke’s polar bear ads, one featuring a bear trying to keep the Coke away from the other bears, seemed silly. You have the best minds in the country working on these ads. Couldn’t they have come up with something meaningful? I also thought the Chevy Sonic ad was silly, with a car skydiving and bungee jumping. Bud Light focused on the silly again this year, with a dog fetching beer from the refrigerator and other places, attracting women along the way.

Instead of violent Snickers ads showing Betty White being tackled in a backyard football game during or Roseanne Barr being downed by a huge log, Mars made a big deal this year about introducing a new M&M with a chocolate colored shell, Ms. Brown. A partygoer accused her of being naked, and Mr. Red whipped off his shell.

Most sexist:  

Teleflora may have hit an all time low with a sexy woman getting dressed, then saying through red-pursed lips, “Give and you shall receive.” Go Daddy.com takes two guys to the “cloud” populated with scantily clad women. The McLendon Hardware offering shows a father giving advice to his son before his wedding. It sounds like it’s going to be sexual information about what he should learn to do to please his wife, but instead it’s about getting good tools. In “A Dream Car for Life,” Kia uses a scantily clad flag girl and fills the stands bikini clad women. H&M spent 30 seconds slowly moving over David Beckham’s tattooed body, and briefly, his briefs.

Most irritating:

GE’s offered several ads to pump up the company’s image. If GE was going to spend that kind of money, they should have thought of something interesting.

Unfortunately, the Super Bowl featured ad after ad for violent movies, which along with the violent ads and player clashes, added to the overemphasis on violence. Among the movies advertised were “John Carter,” “Star Wars – Episode 1 in 3-D,” “The Avengers,” “G.I. Joe,” and “Act of Valor.”

For more information on the best and worse Super Bowl ads, see The Wall Street Journal’s “Super Bowl Ads 2012.” To vote for your favorite ads, go to NBC Sports Network’s “Super Bowl Admeter.”

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Which stores are opening first for Black Friday sales?

Retail stores are racing to see who can open earliest for this year’s Black Friday sales, with some opening on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.

Kmart is taking the lead this year, opening at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Toys R Us is in second place with a start time of 9 p.m., one hour earlier than 2010. Wal-Mart takes third, opening at 10 p.m. on the big Turkey Day.

Here is a list of opening hours for 15 major merchants from CouponSherpa.com, along with a special deal each is offering. Remember that hours are subject to change and some states don't allow stores to open on Thanksgiving Day. For a detailed guide to Black Friday store openings and hours, check out CouponSherpa.com.

Ace Hardware - Midnight Friday

Enter to win a Craftsman 5-drawer Tool Center.

A.C. Moore - 5 a.m. Friday

Free $10 gift card to the first 50 customers.

Bealls - Midnight Friday

First 100 customers per store have a chance to win an iPad2, $250 gift card or $5 Bealls Bucks.

Best Buy - Midnight Friday

Best Buy will distribute entry tickets up to two hours before midnight.

Half Price Books - 7 a.m. Friday

First 100 people per store receive a tote bag and $5 gift card.

JCPenney - 4 a.m. Friday

Free collectible Disney snow globe, while supplies last.

Kmart - 6 a.m. Thanksgiving

Earn 20 bonus points for every $1 spent, twice the normal amount.

Macy's - 4 a.m. Friday

Shop online all day Thanksgiving.

Office Max - 6 a.m. Friday

Save $15 on a $100 VISA or MasterCard gift card.

Kohl's - Midnight Friday

Receive $15 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend, through Nov. 27, with coupon from Black Friday flier.

Old Navy - 9 a.m. Thanksgiving and midnight Friday

Free Kodak Easyshare Sport waterproof digital camera bundle with $40 purchase (while supplies last).

Rite Aid - 7 a.m. Thanksgiving at select stores through 11:59 p.m. Friday

$10 reward when you buy a $50 Home Improvement gift card.

Sears - 4 a.m. Friday

Pick up a Real Deal Coupon Book with over $3,000 in savings that start Nov. 27 (while quantities last).

Sports Authority - 5 a.m. Friday

First 80 people in line at each Sports Authority receive Bonus Bucks valued between $10 and $500.

Target - Midnight to 11 p.m. Friday

Learn about unadvertised deals by texting "MORE TVs" to "Target."

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Labor Day: How are you doing?

By Rita R. Robison

Life in America is good – if you have a job or enough money to pay for your food, shelter, and clothing.

As a consumer writer, Labor Day reminds me of how effective American corporations have been in turning the message about what our nation is into what’s good for them – the country must have less government spending and fewer regulations.

The continual pounding of this message in the media by the right is creating a dismal depression among Americans. The propaganda is telling people that the country is headed in the wrong direction – all so that the wealthy can elect conservative leaders who will cut regulations.

What’s good for corporations isn’t good for consumers.

I was shocked recently to learn that corporations want to keep secret how many of their workers are located overseas. Between 2000 and 2009, multinational corporations cut 2.9 million jobs in the United States and added 2.4 million overseas.

It’s troubling that corporations are doing so well while consumers continue to struggle, with 4 million people unemployed and millions losing their homes.

Is there any hope?

This week, thousands of nurses and their supporters rallied in the nation’s capital and at 60 protests in 21 states to demand that Wall Street pay for the financial crisis it created.

Led by National Nurses United, the group is asking for a half-percent federal tax on Wall Street transactions, which would generate up to $350 billion a year to help Main Street get back on its feet.

What a great idea.

Also on the positive side, Yes Magazine! offers these steps forward:

• Bills in state legislatures that support job sharing, a green economy, health care exchanges, and more show that some states passed laws to benefit consumers.

• The first law in the United States establishing rights for domestic workers – privately employed nannies, housekeepers, and elder-care providers – went into effect in New York state in November.

• After the attack in Wisconsin on workers’ rights, in state after state, the Americans whose rights and services are being cut are rising up against the decades-long shift of wealth and power to corporations and the very wealthy.

• A worker-owner catering cooperative is established in Austin, Texas.

• Seattle passes a city resolution in support of public employees and collective bargaining.

• In these difficult economic times, people are coming together in small groups – called common security clubs, mutual aid groups, resilience circles, or unemployment support groups – to form and strengthen relationships.

So, best wishes to you on Labor Day. It’s a good day to remember the labor movement, turn off the television, and get out and enjoy the end of summer. I’m looking forward to skipping the continual negative messages today put out by the media about America that are casting a pall on our nation.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

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: Enjoying an updated waterside walkway

On Thursday, I joined 300 others in the Olympia, Wash., area to attend the rededication of Percival Landing after a $3 million renovation.

The newly refurbished waterfront walkway on Budd Inlet is wonderful. The boardwalk area is expanded, and a meeting place called Harbor House and two shelters have been added.

Irene Christy, a friend of mine and fellow member of the Thurston County League of Women Voters, got the idea for a way to have public access at the end of Budd Inlet, the southern most tip of Puget Sound.

Irene convinced then Olympia City Commissioner Tom Allen to consider the project if state funding could be obtained. She also encouraged Washington State Land Commissioner Bert Cole to have the state buy waterfront properties with aging warehouses at the site and allow the City of Olympia to build the walkway.

It’s great when different levels of government and citizens can work together to create such an excellent public facility. We don’t have much waterfront access in our state, so this project is appreciated.

My worst: Dealing with Comcast about my monthly charges

Without notice, my Comcast bill went up substantially. I have been paying $99 a month, a bundled charge; $33 for my landline phone service, $33 for Internet access, and $33 for cable television.

The last time Comcast jacked up the price, I signed a two-year so I could get the bundled service again.

I had to call twice before I could get the monthly charge reduced. And, I had to “sign” another two-year contract, which I did over the phone. Strange.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

BBB: Use caution before signing up for a technology buy-back program

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Today’s technology is constantly being replaced by updated models with newer, more exciting features. To keep up with the latest technology, more and more retailers are offering consumers buy-back programs.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to weigh the pros and cons of these programs before spending their money.

Typical programs require a one-time fee that is paid at the time of the original gadget purchase. As long as your gadget is in good condition, many buy-back programs allow you to trade-up items such as your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and television for a percentage of its current value. Usually, this credit will come in the form of a gift card that can be used toward the purchase of a newer model.

"If you are an individual that likes to stay on top of the latest and greatest technology, then a buy-back program may be for you," Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, said in a statement. "But, as with anything else, you will need to do your research to find out if the program is worth the cost."

The BBB recommends that consumers consider the advantages and disadvantages before taking part in a retailer’s buy-back program:

Buy-back programs can provide a sense of insurance on your product. Buy-back programs guarantee a resale value, meaning they act as insurance against loss of value. But like any insurance policy, its true value can become hard to define. Before becoming a member of a buy-back program, make sure to read the fine print. Many buy-back options have conditions that could keep you from being able to sell back your used gadget.

Remember that the deal usually favors the retailer. In exchange for your old gadget, your return often will be given as a gift card. The plan and gift card mean you’re required to use the retailer for your next technology purchase. In addition, you may end up paying triple the sales tax when the exchanges are done. While sales tax rules vary from state to state and buy-back programs vary from program to program, you’re the one responsible for paying the tax. By paying the tax once when you buy the gadget and again when you return it, and then again when you use the gift card, you could end up paying triple sales tax.

Gadget-buy backs may be a problem the forgetful or the disorganized. If you haven’t saved your original receipts, power cords, and manuals, you could be at a loss or your payout could be less than expected. Most buy-back programs insist that the original items be brought back to the store at the time of the exchange.

Mobile phone contracts aren’t covered. When you purchase a new phone and add the retailer’s buy-back program, you can resell your phone back to the retailer for the agreed on dollar amount. However, your cell phone provider will keep billing you for the length of your contract.

You can compromise your identity. Many electronic items such as your smartphone or laptop can hold large amounts of personal information. If this information gets into the wrong hands, your identity could be stolen. Be sure to fully wipe out all personal data.

You could get more for your electronic gadgets elsewhere. Reselling electronics isn’t new. Many consumers use sites like eBay and Craigslist to sell their gadgets. In most cases, you could get more for your electronics by using these sites than opting for a retailer’s buy-back program.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Complaints to Better Business Bureau up 10% in 2010

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers filed 1.1 million complaints against North American businesses in 2010, reflecting a 10 percent increase over the previous year, according to an annual report released today by Better Business Bureau.

See my WalletPop article, “Cable and Satellite TV, Cell Phones Top List of BBB Complaints,” for more information.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Do you like the Food Network?

I don’t watch much television, but recently I’ve been watching the Food Network. Or should I call it the Big Food Fight Network.

I’ve seen battles among food truck cooks, grillers, cupcake chefs, and cake chefs of all kinds. And then, there’s the great Iron Chef contests.

The symbol of the crossed French knives, the knife slashing sounds, and the chairman’s confrontational comments makes it seem like a battleground instead of a kitchen.

Then Guy Fieri eats his way through diners, drive-ins, dives and says everything tastes fantastic.

New programs this fall will be “Food Feuds,” where chef Michael Symon will settle old food rivalries, and “Meat & Potatoes,” where Rahm Fama is supposed to track down the best meat in the country.

I don’t see any helpful information on the Food Network to help people overcome their weight problems, learn about nutrition, or improve their cooking skills.

During the Iron Chef contests, dishes are made that are so way out there that most people wouldn’t make them at home – even if they could figure it out.

Do you make foods you learn about from the Food Network? Let me know in the Comment section below.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Did you think video clip ‘Woman Hit in Face by Watermelon on TV Show’ was funny?

I happened to be watching television when Anderson Cooper, anchor of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°, played a clip of a woman getting smacked hard in the face with a small watermelon on the TV show “The Amazing Race.”

Cooper thought it was funny. He said he played it about 40 times.

I thought it was terrible. I cringed the first time I saw it. I didn’t want to see it again. Watermelons are hard. It must have hurt the women terribly.

Cooper did say the woman was all right.

Newslite quoted her as saying after the accident: "I can't feel my face, I have the worst headache ever."

Did you think the video was funny? Click on one of the links above to see the video, and let me know your opinion in the comment section below.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumers file thousands of complaints against satellite TV providers

In the past three years, more than 53,000 customers have complained to the Better Business Bureau about satellite TV providers, with 39,000 of those complaints filed against DirecTV and 13,000 filed against Dish Network.

Many complaints stem from fees and terms outlined in the customer agreement. The BBB recommends that TV viewers planning to make the switch to satellite should read the fine print closely.

DirecTV has more than 18 million customers in the United States, and Dish Network has more than 14 million. The complex policies and fees that are sometimes unique to satellite service has led many customers to complain to the BBB about the contractual obligations outlined – but often overlooked – in the fine print of their agreement, reports the BBB.

Many BBB satellite-providers complaints are about steep cancellation fees. If customers aren’t satisfied with their service or they can’t afford the cost after the introductory period, it isn’t easy to cancel because the early termination fees can run into hundreds of dollars.

Following are examples of common complaints the BBB receives about satellite TV providers:

• Early termination fees – Consumers report paying cancellation fees of more than $600. Commonly, the customer thought that the company didn’t provide the services promised, and they shouldn’t have to pay to cancel service they weren’t happy with or didn’t receive. In some cases, the customer claims they weren’t aware of the policy or that a sales representative misrepresented the terms.

• Introductory offers – Many promotions will offer a lower price or premium channels for an introductory period, after which the customer will be charged the full price. Some consumers state their monthly bill increased substantially more than they anticipated. Others state they were promised gift cards for signing up that never materialized or rebates that couldn’t be redeemed immediately.

• Billing issues – Some consumers state that they were charged for services they didn’t order – such as pay per view movies – or were charged for services which they thought would be free. Consumers also cite issues with returning the receivers to the company and still being charged. In some cases, the unexpected charges were the result of expiring introductory rates or offers.

• Service issues – Consumers also have contacted the BBB over reception quality issues, channel offerings, or difficulties in getting equipment repaired.

• Upgrades resulting in contract extension - Some consumers were upset to learn that when they upgraded their service or equipment, it resulted in a contract extension, and they were later charged fees for early cancellation.

When signing up for satellite TV, the BBB recommends that consumers:

• Get it all in writing – Don’t just take a salesman, installer, or customer service representative’s word for it. You might also be speaking with a third-party retailer, and the verbal promises may not show up in the final customer agreement with the satellite provider.

• Read the terms and conditions carefully – Pay close attention to the terms on introductory offers, equipment costs, and the cancellation policy.

• Check every bill closely – The sooner you spot inaccuracies in billing, the better. Even if you have your account set up to automatically charge your credit card or debit your checking account, always review your monthly bill closely for any new or unusual charges.

• Mark your calendar – Put important dates down on your calendar such as when you need to cancel introductory promotions for premium channels and the end of your contract.

• File a complaint with the BBB – Consult the terms that you agreed to and if you’re unable to reach an agreement with your satellite provider, file a complaint with the BBB in your area. Both Dish Network and DirecTV consistently respond to complaints, and BBB has been able to help consumers receive refunds in many cases, according to the BBB.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Season finale of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ was horrible, senseless violence

For years, I watched no television. I stopped watching because I had a tendency to watch poor quality programs just because I wanted to know the end.

When I started making videos, I wanted to be able to see my work on TCTV, our local access station. So I became a Comcast subscriber.

I watch CNN and occasionally Oprah and Dr. Phil. Recently, I began watching "Grey’s Anatomy" and "House."

Last night, I was extremely distressed by the two-hour season finale of "Grey’s Anatomy." It was a terribly violent program.

In "Sanctuary" and "Death and All His Friends," a gunman breaks into the hospital and shoots doctors and interns. For two hours. It was terrible.

First, the story idea itself was flawed. Have a season finale showing about a dozen people getting shot and several dying? What’s the point in that? It appeared as though the idea was to offer something bloody and dramatic to improve ratings.

Second, it was a terrible show to watch. A deranged man, whose wife had died at the hospital, just kept shooting people in the locked-down hospital. It was way too much violence. I'm sorry that I started watching the program. The writers get you interested in a program, then they do a terribly, terribly violent program for two hours. It was horrible.

Third, the Seattle Police Department looked uncoordinated, unprepared, and ineffective. In addition, the way the scenes were set up, some staff person, Owen perhaps, could have tried to take the gunman out. It didn’t happen.

The creator of the show, Shonda Rhimes, wrote on the post "Shonda Rhimes on ‘Sanctuary’ and ‘Death and All His Friends’" that the show was extremely difficult for her to write.

Rhimes said it hurt her to write it. It hurt me to watch it. It was so terrible I was afraid I would have nightmares.

My advice to Rhimes. Next time, if it upsets you so much to write a terribly violent show like the one you wrote, then don’t write it, don’t produce it, and don’t show it to the American public. Use your intuition. Save the TV viewing audience from mindless, senseless violence. There’s enough of it around in real life, in the movies, and on a wide-variety of violent TV programs.

TV could be such a great medium for educating people and moving society forward. However, once again, it was used for mindless violence. It’s what TV and movie makers do. Over and over again.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist