A new study quoted by the LA Times says that the popular “Baby Einstein” videos don’t work—and may even stunt your child’s vocabulary.
Walmart Sells Can Included In Botulism Recall
By August 3, 2007
An article from the Hattiesburg American claims a Mississippi women bought a recalled can of hot dog chili sauce (the same product that has sickened 4 people with botulism) at a Walmart after the recall had been announced on July 19th, but before it had been widely publicized in the newspapers.
Disney Exits Winemaking Buisness Before Actually Entering It
By August 1, 2007
Plans to market a French Chardonnay under the brand name “Ratatouille,” have been shelved due to a “trickle of inquiries and complaints,” according to Disney spokesperson, Gary Foster.
At Least 450,000 Imported Chinese Tires Missing Important Safety Feature
By June 26, 2007
An importer of tires based in New Jersey is asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for help recalling 450,000 imported light truck tires from China, according to CNN Money. The tires are the focus of a lawsuit involving a fatal crash “in which two construction workers were killed and a third was severely injured when a van rolled over,” according to the New York Times. The lawyer representing the lawsuit claims that the company only came forward after being named in the suit. From CNN Money:
The tires, made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., have an insufficient or missing gum strip, a safety feature that helps prevent the tires from separating, the lawyers and a consumers’ group said in a statement. The group, Safety Research & Strategies, is urging retailers and wholesalers to stop selling the tires.
The importer says the tires were sold under the names Westlake, Telluride Compass and YKS.
When You Can't Trust Your Eyes, Trust A Test Disc
By June 9, 2007
Smart consumers don’t compare the picture quality of floor models when shopping for a new television; crafty salespeople try to subvert your senses with flashy media that highlights the strengths of expensive models. So how can you objectively judge which television has the best picture? Bring along your own test disc.
Evian Water Rejected By China For Containing "Excessive Amounts Of Bacteria"
By May 30, 2007
118 tons of Evian mineral water has been seized and impounded by Chinese Health Inspectors because it contained “excessive amounts of bacteria.” China has a different standard for bacteria than the one set by the World Health Organization and Evian does not make the cut.
Map of The World Based On Where Walmart Gets Its Products
By April 18, 2007
Kottke has linked a map drawn as if the size and existence of countries was based on how many products Walmart buys from their nation. China is huge, Europe is tiny, and Canada is less than the size of Alaska. —MEGHANN MARCO
Breyer's Ice Cream Has Tara Gum
By March 15, 2007
Remember the kid who liked Breyer’s Ice Cream because he could pronounce the ingredients? Milk, sugar… Can he pronounce “tara gum”?
Jack Black's Beard Lube
By February 16, 2007
This photo just arrived in our Inbox with little explanation or fanfare.
Consumer Reports Hates Elmo Too
By November 6, 2006
“The youngest children’s reactions ranged from disinterest to fear.” “Marc, 14 months, was interested in the toy at first, but lost interest quickly, opting instead to dig in the dirt. One-year-old Julia was scared of Elmo and cried whenever the toy was activated.”
Head-On Craze Reaches Boiling Point
By October 3, 2006
Temporal Thermometer. Apply directly to the forehead!
Hipster Swiss Army Knives
By June 26, 2006
The glorious Swiss Army Knife. The tool that makes us more human. Could this Could this piece of flawless design be made any more perfect?
Portable Cellphone Booth
By May 23, 2006
Mobile privacy booths for cellphone users. Inextricably set to an Aphex Twin track.
Man’s Overpriced Trash Can Ain’t Garbage
By May 3, 2006
When the odd silver trash can with foot-operated sits on a curb, awaiting scavenging or garbage man pickup, invariably we find the pedal slurred to one side. This critical component is often the first piece to blow on a trash can and results in the receptacle being left on the side of the street like so many teenager hookers before.
For Today’s On-The-Go Urinator
By March 22, 2006
Everyone’s had that horrible moment once in their life when they just had to go to the bathroom, yet couldn’t. Maybe you were stuck on a wide-open stretch of highway, or enduring the spasms of your bladder on an airplane when stuck in a delayed landing pattern. At first, you try to ignore it, but pretty soon, you can feel it practically bubbling up in your stomach, swimming around your molars. You’re certain if you don’t vacate immediately, geysers will start spraying out of your ears like a cartoon character.
