By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Neal Blitz, M.D., foot surgeon, asks the question "Are high heels really bad for your feet?" in a recent Huffington Post article. The answer is a resounding yes, he said, adding common problems associated with high heels and pointy toe shoes are bunions, hammer... Read more →
Americans across the country are celebrating Memorial Day with remembrance events, barbecues, trips, personal reflection, and shopping. President Barack Obama took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. AAA estimates that about 34.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist STIHL Inc. is recalling about 2.3 million gas powered trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap. The level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, allowing fuel... Read more →
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: Getting my lawn mowed For some reason, my lawn mowing company only mowed my lawn... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Chicago's North Michigan Avenue is the most popular destination for Memorial Day 2011, according to priceline.com's annual survey of the 50 top destinations for the holiday. In the nine years that priceline.com has published the list, Chicago has taken the top spot four times,... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Consumers can trust only 20 percent of the more than 1,700 sunscreens assessed for the 2011 summer season, according to the Environmental Working Group’s annual survey of sun products. Even with a wide array of sunscreens available on the market, consumers are faced with... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist On one of the first beautiful days of spring recently in Olympia, Wash., 30,000 people gathered to watch marchers dressed as eagles, crabs, bumblebees, flamingoes, parrots, fish, peacocks, frogs, turkeys, bats, butterflies, owls, turtles, the sun, and more. Others walked with floats they’d made,... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist Since I’m interested in coupons, I signed up for Groupon. The offers it sends me look good, but I have to pay money to get them. What is Groupon anyway? Groupon is a group buying club. By promising businesses a minimum number of customers,... Read more →
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist About 7,600 Katie Brown 12-piece tea light candle sets imported by Meijer Inc. are being recalled. The clear plastic candle holder can ignite, posing a serious burn and fire hazard to consumers. Meijer has received one report of the resin cup catching fire and... Read more →
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: Finding a new hotel in Bellingham The strong chemicals used in most motels really bother... Read more →