By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Looking for inspiration for April Fools’ Day? Try these gems of wisdom. 1. “The Top 100 April Fools’ Day Hoaxes of All Time” – Museum of Hoaxes 2. “Google April Fools' Day Gags from 2000 to 2010: a History” – eWeek.com 3. “10 Office... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Be extremely careful if you’re going to buy Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia and commemorative items following the death of American movie star icon, warns the Better Business Bureau. For more information, see my article on AOL’s Consumer Ally “Planning to Buy Elizabeth Taylor Memorabilia? Don’t... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Each year, travel scams cost American consumers $12 billion annually. To avoid disappointment and losing money, see my AOL Consumer Ally article “Spring Break Travel? Do Your Homework First to Avoid Travel Scams.” Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Lasko Products Inc. is recalling about 4.8 million box fans. An electrical failure in the fan's motor poses a fire hazard to consumers, Lasko and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced in a statement. Lasko has received seven reports of fires associated with... Read more →
By 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: Getting the money from the... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialists A 12-month-old boy sucked on the wick from an oil lamp. Immediately, he began choking and his lips started turning blue. The ambulance dispatcher and poison center worked together to be sure the youngster was treated appropriately. After an overnight stay in the hospital,... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Today, I received an e-mail from Elisabeth MacNamara, president of the League of Woman Voters of the United States, commenting on the first anniversary of health care reform. MacNamara said: Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act. You’re 1 today, and wow what a year it... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Synthetic food dyes should be banned and warnings need to be placed on products containing the dyes until the colors are removed. That’s the position of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. FDA hearing In response to a letter from the center,... Read more →
About 18,000 gasoline-powered backpack blowers and mister dusters are being recalled by Maruyama U.S., an importer. Manufactured in Japan, the blower’s gas tank can split and leak fuel, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Maruyama has received 25 reports of leaking tanks. No injuries have been reported. The recall involves... Read more →
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: New outfits from Diva Boutique My niece Suzi Coombs had a trunk show, featuring Joseph Ribkoff fashions, at her shop in... Read more →