A recently issued rule from the FDA would overhaul and expand the agency’s fight against the sun’s radiation. The proposed regulation would require sunscreen makers to test for effectiveness against UVA rays, which unlike UVB rays, do not burn the skin; UVA instead gives us an attractive bronze that can cause cancer.
Government Policy
What Part Of "Do-Not-Call" Do Skeezy Telemarketers Not Understand?
By 8.25.07
Meet Bluegreen, a Florida time-share company that regularly skirts the Do-Not-Call Lista by offering a $50,000 raffle. By entering the raffle, unsuspecting consumers give Bluegreen – and over a dozen of their affiliates – permission to contact them, even if they subscribe to the Do-Not-Call List. We explain how this is technically legal, after the jump.
Comcast Tries To Sterilize, Decapitate BitTorrent
By 8.25.07
Comcast is reportedly stabbing at the heart of the file transfer protocol BitTorrent by preventing users from seeding torrent files. Seeds are completed BitTorrent downloads shared with other users; without seeders, the BitTorrent protocol does not work, much the way a garden can’t grow without seeds. Comcast’s draconian throttling solution utilizes a program from Sandvine that affects all files distributed through BitTorrent, regardless of whether the shared file is an illegally downloaded movie, or a legal distribution of Linux. From TorrentFreak: The throttling works like this…
Walmart To Test 20% More Toys
By 8.24.07
According to the Washington Post, Walmart will test 20% more toys in an effort to crack down on toy safety. Nu Wexler from Walmart Watch accused them of missing the point:
“Wal-Mart’s not addressing the larger problem of why Chinese toy suppliers are cutting corners with lead paint and melamine,” spokesman Nu Wexler said, referring to a harmful additive found in pet food made in China. “It’s because they’re under enormous pressure from buyers like Wal-Mart, and they’re sacrificing child safety to keep costs low.”
Walmart has hired three firms to help it ramp up the testing. Walmart says:
“We know this is an issue at the top of mind with our customers, and we know we can play a role to reassure them that we have great, safe toys in our stores,” said Laura Phillips, Wal-Mart’s merchandise manager overseeing toys.”
By 8.24.07
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Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers (fire), Calligaris ICE Bar Stools (falling).
FTC Asks For Diet Pill Spammer's Assets Frozen
By 8.23.07
OMG, HGH isn’t raised by “Hoodia” pills promoted by spam? Still, the FTC ordered a restraining order and asset freeze. That’s good. Only thousands of more spam-kings to go, two of which spring up every time you shut one down. [FTC]
By 8.23.07
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Basic Editions-brand Girls’ Clothing Sets (entrapment), Priddy “Trucks” Shaker Teether Books (choking), Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses (entrapment), AC Adapters sold with Network Hard Disk Drives (burn), J.C. Penney Windsor Spindle-Back Side Chairs (fall), Los Angeles Salad Company Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots (bacterial infection)
FDA Plans To Study Effects of Direct-To-Consumer Prescription Drug Ads
By 8.23.07
Direct-to-consumer drug ads show pretty pictures of people laughing while running through fields of flowers and enjoying romantic dinners and such while a monotone voice speaks about side-effects like diarrhea, blot clots, and death. You’re watching, but are you really listening?
TSA Confiscates Pudding, Misses Knife
By 8.23.07
Ah, the dangerous liquids ban. We’re all so much safer because of it.
Mattel Sues Porn Site Over "Barbie" Trademark
By 8.23.07
The El Segundo, Calif., toy maker sued Global China Networks LLC in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday over its Web site, http://www.chinabarbie.com. Global is a limited liability company organized in Florida and maintains a post-office box in New York, according to the complaint.
By 8.23.07
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Britax Decathlon child safety seat (belt adjuster popping out of position).
By 8.22.07
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Address Books and Journals (lead), Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food 5lb Bags (salmonella), one unaccounted for Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula Dry Dog Food 50lb Bag (salmonella).
Thomas And Friends Railroading Parents On Shipping Charges For Recalled Toys
By 8.22.07
The maker of Thomas the Tank Engines recalled for lead poisoning promised to send a replacement toy and refund parents the full cost of shipping back the recalled toys, but several parents are angry after receiving less-than-full reimbursement checks.
Meijer Uses Receipts To Warn Customers They Bought Products Recalled For Botulism
By 8.22.07
Instead of just printing coupons on the receipt, Meijer put this warning, using purchase history tracked to her credit card, that reader Sarah may have purchased products recalled for botulism.
Melamine Found in Chinese-Made Walmart Dog Treats
By 8.22.07
Remember the dog treats that Walmart quietly pulled from its shelves instead of recalling? Walmart’s own tests have shown they were tainted with melamine, the same chemical that killed all those pets back in March. Fun.
Will Spitzer's Proposed Child Protection Laws Work?
By 8.22.07
As we mentioned earlier, Elliot Spitzer, the governor of New York, seems a bit miffed about the whole lead recall thing. He’s issued a press release about some “initiatives” he’s taking in response to the recent recalls because he feels the CPSC doesn’t have enough power to deal with the problem.
By 8.22.07
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Hampton Direct Magnetic Toy Train Sets (lead).
Lawsuit Says Mattel Should Pay For Lead Testing
By 8.21.07
A lawsuit filed Monday asks Mattel to pay for lead testing to determine if children have been exposed to lead from the millions of recalled toys.
