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By Martin H. Bosworth
ConsumerAffairs.com
OBAMA PROMISES DOUBLED FUNDING FOR PRODUCT SAFETY
Even after millions of recalls, major news stories and a mounting toll of deaths and injuries caused by unsafe products, the issue has been largely ignored by the presidential wannabes. But in an Iowa news conference, Barack Obama has promised to double the funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) if he is elected. The Illinois Senator says he'll also increase the number of agency inspectors, impose tougher penalties on companies importing unsafe toys, and mandate that U.S. inspectors be on-site in countries like China to ensure that products are safe before they ship out.
CONGRESS KILLS THRILL RIDE SAFETY MEASURE
Consumer safety advocates and families hoping to see stronger regulation for potentially dangerous amusement park rides got another spin on the merry-go-round this week, as the House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce voted to kill legislation that would give the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) greater oversight over roller coasters, Ferris Wheels, and other park fixtures. Congressman Ed Markey has tried for seven years to win passage of tougher safety measures but now that Democrats are in control of Congress, guess what? Industry lobbyists got their way once again.
More product safety news...
• Sleuths Find Asbestos in CSI Toy CBS doesn't respond to consumer groups' warning.
• Menu Foods Denies Acetaminophen Found in its Cat Food But company won't disclose results of UC-Davis tests.
• Merck Recalls Children's Vaccines Possible sterilization problems with 1.2 million doses.
• Vermont Sues Canadian Importer Of Lead Jewelry Some tested jewelry had 556 times the 'safe' level of lead.
• Noisy Toys Can Be Dangerous Too Electronic gadgets can quickly damage young ears.
The week's recalls...
• Toyota Recalls Some 2007 Tundra Pickups
• Dollar Tree Baby Toys
• AutoZone Booster Cables
• Hooker Bunk Beds
• Infantino Teethers
• Codeena Princess Children's Jewelry
• Robbie Ducky Water Globes
• Fishing Games Sold at Grocery Stores
• Billy Goat Outdoor Vacuum
• Thomas Built School Buses
• United Scientific Horseshoe Magnets Used in Schools
• ROMI SCUBA Regulators
• Fitness Quest Eclipse Elliptical Trainers
• QVC Recalls Cook's Essential Electric Toasters
• Sauder TV Stand Sold at Wal-Mart
• AtHome America 4-Wick Candles
• Gamenamics Air-Powered Hockey Tables
• Farouk Recalls WEE CHI Hairstyling Irons
BITTER CHRISTMAS FOR VICTIMS OF COMPUTER LAYAWAY SCAM
Norma Chapman wanted nothing more than to buy her son a computer for Christmas to help him with his education. But she, like many others, lost thousands of dollars to
Financing Alternatives, a "computer layway" company that promises cheap computers but often doesn't deliver. While Chapman struggles with bankruptcy and keeping her
son fed and clothed, Financing Alternatives owner George Christian, full of Christmas cheer, is decorating his palatial Virginia home as if nothing was wrong, taking time out to call the police when our Joe Enoch paid a holiday visit. Although Virginia authorities
are seeking millions of dollars from Christian, the odds of Chapman and other victims ever getting their money back appear bleak.
A note to our generous readers: Many of you emailed volunteering to supply the Chapman family with a computer. An anonymous donor has come forward and is giving the Chapmans a brand-new laptop, loaded with the latest versions of Linux Ubuntu, Mozilla Firebox and Open Office. Thanks to everyone who wrote. Please channel your support to your local charities, who need you more than ever this year.
More scams and outrages...
• Car Warranty Scams Target Seniors High-pressure tactics used to sign up unwary seniors.
• Student Loan Company Agrees to End Kickbacks to Schools New code of conduct bars false, misleading marketing.
• Connecticut Derails Title Insurance Kickback Scheme Companies agree to pay $700,000, customers to be reimbursed.
• Payday Lenders Trumpet False Claims, Critics Charge Lenders claims working families worse off in states that ban payday loans.
• States Challenge R.J. Reynolds Cigarette Ads Cartoon characters promote smoking to young people.
SENATE PASSES NEW MILEAGE STANDARDS BILL
The Senate has passed the first major hike in fuel economy standards in thirty years, mandating the automotive industry to raise the average mileage standard for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
The bill was watered down by the removal of tax hikes for the auto industry and greater emphasis on finding alternative renewable fuel sources, and Senators beholden to the auto industry promised to fight giving the Environmental
Protection Agency more control over regulating auto emissions. The House is expected to pass a similar bill next week, and President Bush has promised to sign the final version.
More automotive news...
• Nationwide Average Gas Price Just Under $3 Unleaded regular was $2.29 last year at this time.
• Crash Tests Predict Fatalities In Cars, Not Trucks Results similar for both government and privately-funded tests.
ANONYMOUS BLOGGERS RETAIN PROTECTION IN TEXAS COURT CASE
Whistleblowers and outspoken won another round this week when a Texas appeals court ruled that an unknown blogger criticizing
a medical center's practices was protected by the First Amendment. The court held that revealing the identities of third-party Internet posters would provoke a "chilling effect" on free speech. The ruling adds to a growing consensus of opinion that
parties seeking damages against invisible critics need to bring hard proof to the table in order to prove their cases.
SENATE PASSES HOME LOAN REFORM BILL
The Senate voted 93-1 to overhaul the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan standards to help homeowners struggling with adjustable-rate or subprime mortgages refinance into fixed loans.
The new rules lower the amount of money a borrower needs to put down for an FHA loan, and raises the loan limit from $362,000 to $417,000. President Bush supports the measure, but the bill
must be reconciled with similar legislation in the House that has higher loan limits and even more flexible terms for borrowers, which the White House opposes.
More financial news...
• Consumer Groups Want One-Stop Complaint Center for Banks Consumers must now sort through five federal agencies.
• Survey: Americans Not Saving Enough Impulse spending, economic problems cited as obstacles.
• AVANDIA MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
A new study finds that treatment of older patients with some diabetes medications -- including Avandia -- may cause more harm than good. The study found Avandia and similar medications had a significantly increased risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure and death in older patients, compared with the use of other hypoglycemic drugs. Patients taking Advandia should talk to their doctor about the study.
More health news ...
• Survey Finds At-Risk Consumers Interested in OTC Statin FDA committee considers making lovastatin OTC.
• Merck Recalls Children's Vaccines Possible sterilization problems with 1.2 million doses.
• Study: Shingles Virus Common among Healthy Adults More adults should get shingles vaccine, researchers conclude.
• Texas Sues Drug Manufacturer Blamed for West Coast Deaths Apothecure Inc. sold injectable pain killer meant for treatment of gout.
• Too Much Sugar May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk Exact mechanism unknown but research highlights risk.
• Winter Months Increase Radon Danger Odorless gas is second-leading cause of lung cancer.
• Noisy Toys Can Be Dangerous Too Electronic gadgets can quickly damage young ears.
• FDA Finds No Increased Heart Risk From Prilosec, Nexium Heartburn drugs safe to use, agency finds.
• Heart Attack Symptoms May Differ in Women Women not as likely to experience chest pain, study finds.
LOOK, DUDES -- DUDS!
Yep, they're lining up in the wings, ready to twirl and prance their way out of your heart. Tune in next week, same time, same place, for the 12 Duds of Christmas 2007 -- the products and services that sent consumers' blood pressure soaring over the last 12 months.
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