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Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pier 1 tea lights, light holders can catch fire
It’s never good when unintended parts of a candle or a candle holder are flammable.
Unfortunately, that is the case with a couple of products that were sold at Pier 1 Imports in 2009.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today, Jan. 14, recalled Pier 1’s Silver Glitter Tea Lights and Gold Glitter Tea Lights and Ceramic Santa Tea Light Holders, because both pose fire hazards.
In the case off the tea lights, or little candles, the flame can ignite the glitter inside and create little balls of fire. The flame from the tea light also can ignite the Santa tea light holder.
These products were each sold for about $10.
For more information on these products or how to get a refund, call (800) 245-4595 or visit www.pier1.com.
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Netflix to be streamed through Wii
All the cool video game consoles are doing it.
As of this week, Wii has joined PlayStation 3 and Xbox in their ability to stream Netflix videos to your TV screen. The service should be available this spring.
CNBC noted that the move is a win for Netflix and a win for Wii. It greatly increases the number of people who can use Netflix’s service for $9 a month, and helps make the video game consoles more in demand.
And, most importantly for our concerns, it should be a win for the consumer as well in that it provides yet another movie-watching option.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
FBI warns of Haiti donation scams
Like with other high-profile disasters before it, the tragedy in Haiti has brought out the best in some people and the worst in others.
As for the latter group, CNN had an article Wednesday, Jan. 13, noting that the FBI is advising people to “be very skeptical of any unsolicited appeals (for aid to Haiti) they receive or find on the Internet.”
To this end, CNN is directing readers to its list of legitimate organizations providing aid for the victims of Tuesday’s earthquake. Here is that list.
The news group also listed general tips from the FBI, Scam.Busters and the Better Business Bureau to help make sure your donations go where you want them to go.
Also today, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray reminded people who wish to text donations that standard texting fees may apply.
“Some wireless carriers have indicated that text messaging rates will be waived for donations made for certain earthquake relief efforts,” Cordray said.
“Others are even willing to match some donations. But consumers can’t know if this applies to them personally unless they ask questions before giving.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Scams to watch out for
Slap Chop? PedEgg? What infomercial products are worth your late-night cash?
Consumer Reports had an awesome article in the February issue, discussing 15 items being sold on infomercials and how they perform.
The magazine’s reviews are especially helpful with these products because when we usually see them advertised, we may not be at the peak of our decision-making ability.
I know for myself, sitting in the dark on my couch in the wee hours, I have considered bundt pans and dicers that I would never consider buying in a store.
But they are right there, only a phone call away, and the sales people seem convinced they can make my life easier. And, wait! You can get a second one for free if you act now!
For those of you who have considered similar purchases, here are a few of CR’s more notable reviews for these “enticing” products.
Slap Chop: This slicer and dicer is one I almost bought the other day, despite the annoying sales guy. But CR noted many negatives, including chopping unevenly, harder foods getting trapped in the blades, splash guards getting misaligned and the fact that lots of slapping the plastic top can get your hand pretty sore.
Snuggie: Although this has become a popular item on infomercials and in stores, CR staffers were underwhelmed. Many found it tough to walk in and noted that it sheds in the wash. “After 10 cycles, the fabric had bare spots between pills and clumps.”
ShamWow: The $19.95 towel advertises that it soaks up “20 times its weight in liquid,” but CR found it only held around half of that. Testers were unimpressed by that claim, although they it can do well on motor oil and for drying a dog.
PedEgg: This callous and dead-skin fighting foot file is worth the cost (about $10) according to the CR team. They note it did better overall than a pumice stone. They do recommend using it over a waste basket, since some filings escaped.
For the complete story on these products and many more (including Magic Jack, Ab Circle Pro and Debbie Meyer Green Bags), pick up the magazine (which is out now) or subscribe online.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Savings, Scams to watch out for
Free software for Facebook users
USAToday.com noted this week that Computer-security giant McAfee and Facebook have teamed up to provide free Internet Security Suite software to millions.
The software offers PCs protection from viruses, spyware and other online threats.
For Facebook users, of which there are 350 million, who sign up to be a fan of McAfee on Facebook, McAfee will give a six-month subscription of the software.
After those first six months, Facebook users will be eligible for a discounted subscription.
Another security software (as noted by tbill below), AVG, is consistently free.
Another freebie to be gained online is training on Microsoft Office software products.
The More With Less Today site reported that Microsoft offers a host of 2007 and 2003 classes for free on its site.
Just visit the Microsoft site for more information.
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Fashion, home improvement sales start
JCPenney started a weeklong sale today, Jan. 14, called “Style Stock Up,” offering guys’ tops and jeans from Arizona (brand) for 50 percent off, select women’s clothes up to 50 percent off and half off Simply Sports apparel and sheets.
There also is a storewide clearance of 70 percent off select items in every department. And online there is 50 percent off furniture and mattresses.
Lowe’s and The Home Depot are both offering home improvement deals today through Monday for Lowe’s and through Wednesday for Home Depot.
Lowe’s has lowered the price on select fixtures, insulation and more, and has snow blowers and seasonal heat on sale.
Lowe’s also has a good online feature that allows you to place an order on Lowes.com, select In-Store Pickup and have your order ready at the store in 30 minutes.
Home Depot’s sale features paint, products for the bathroom, and discounts on kitchen cabinets and overall remodeling.
Both home improvement stores also have sales on appliances, but if you are going to upgrade to energy-efficient models, you might wait a month or so to try to get in on the Cash for Appliances project.
Those Ohio rebates aren’t available yet, (and they aren’t retroactive), but will be soon. As soon as they are, I will let you know on this blog and in the paper.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
