Chrysler’s new CEO Robert “Big Bob” Nardelli, formerly of Home Depot, has started cutting costs at Chrysler. The first to go will be the popular PT Cruiser, says the WSJ.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Double B Foods Recalls 98,000 Pounds Of Sausages On Fears Of Listeria
By 11.18.07
Double B Foods is recalling 98,000 pounds of their pastry-covered smoked sausage rolls called Kolaches on fears that they may be contaminated with listeria. Listeria monocytogenes is a nasty bug that can kill babies and the elderly, while leaving everyone else stricken with fever, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and other assorted abdominal pains. A full list of affected products and states, after the jump.
Toys R Us Advertising Date Rape Drug Laced Aquadots As A "Door Buster"
By 11.16.07
We’ve been getting several complaints today about Toys R Us’ “Door Buster” newspaper ad. They’re still advertising the GHB-laced Aquadots, despite the recall. (Right next to some ominous-looking Thomas & Friends toys, we might add.)
By 11.16.07
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Recalls: Jetmax Children’s Wooden Storage Rack (death by falling over and landing on child’s neck), 1998-2007 Honda Civics (rupturing, exploding, ejecting natural gas tank), 2007-2008 Forest River Flagstaff and Rockwood camping trailers (cable shaft breaking), GEM NEV 2007 Electrical Cars (parking brake failing), Thule utility trailers (axle falling off), 2008 Polaris Victory / Vision motorcycles (stalling),
By 11.15.07
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Recalls: Roost Birch Bark Wrapped Candles (fire, probably not a good idea to put a candle inside a flammable container), Bon-Ton Children’s Bath Robes (burn), Coffee Masters Chipper With Coffee Biscotti (undeclared protein derived from milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and/or soybeans allergens), 2001 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierras (defective crankshaft), 2007 Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent (increased risk of head injury), 2001 Saturn L Series (timing chain separating), Tiffin RVs (refrigeration coolant leaks), 2004-2007 SUZUKI / GS500 and 2002-2007 SUZUKI / GZ250 (reflectors not reflecting enough).
What To Do With A Recalled Toy
By 11.14.07
In the best scenario, you’ll never make it out of the store with a recalled toy—if you manage to find one still on the shelves, retailers (at least the big ones) will likely catch it at check out because the UPC code will have been flagged. But for those times when you do end up with something that has to go back to the Island of (Really) Misfit Toys, here are some things to consider to reduce problems on your end.
E.Coli Meat Just Gets A "Cook-Only" Label Slapped On
By 11.14.07
It’s legal for meat companies to sell meat with food-poisoning bacterium E. coli on it, as long it’s labeled “cook-only.” The result, say anonymous USDA inspectors speaking with the Chicago Tribune, is higher levels of E. coli are tolerated in the plants.
By 11.13.07
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Dollar Store children’s sunglasses (lead), Nike Football Helmet Chin Straps (they can break), Iceberg Enterprises folding chairs (falling), Del Rey tortillas (nausea), Tortilla land Beef Tamales (pieces of metal), Napastyle Romano Pitchers and Tumblers (lead), Kroger Light Caesar Salad Dressing (undeclared milk, eggs, and anchovies).
Recalled Toys Featured In Walmart's Holiday Catalog
By 11.13.07
One of the unintended consequences of so many toy recalls is that holiday catalogs, printed far in advance, are now full of recalled toys.
By 11.12.07
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Recalled: CareFree warm mist humidifiers by Hunter Fan Co., due to water leaks that could start a fire. [Los Angeles Times]
9 Children Hospitalized After Eating GHB-Filled Aqua Dots
By 11.12.07
The CPSC says 9 children have been hospitalized after eating Aqua Dots beads. The craft toy contains a glue that breaks down in party drug GHB when ingested. The toy was made by a Chinese factory, whose license was suspended following the recall. Reportedly, the toxic glue cost 1/3 less than the glue they were supposed to use.
Curious George Dolls Finally Recalled For Lead Contamination
By 11.9.07
About a month ago, the Center for Environmental Health announced that they’d found high levels of lead in an unrecalled Curious George toy. The manufacturer, Marvel, refused to recall the doll because they said they needed to confirm the tests.
By 11.9.07
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US Airways had the most consumer complaints of any airline for the month of September, with 2.13 complaints for every 100,000 passengers. [Phoenix Business Journal via Consumerama]
By 11.9.07
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Babies R Us Wendy Bellissimo Collection Convertible Cribs (entrapment, strangulation), Dollar Store Children’s Fashion Sunglasses (lead), Coby Electronics spheroid DVD/CD/MP3 Players (fire), Honda HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA Lawn Mowers (fire), Yamaha AC Power Adaptors used with keyboards and digital drum sets (shock).
By 11.8.07
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AquaDots (contain chemical that turns into date rape drug GHB after you eat it), Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and Heat Pumps (PTHP) (fire), “Robot 2000” collectible tin robot (lead), Dizzy Ducks Music Box (lead), Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Top (lead), Duck Family Collectible Wind-Up Toy (lead), Dollar Store Super Wheels (lead), Dragster and Funny Car toy (lead), Northern Tool & Equipment “Big Red” Wagons (lead).
Delta's Atlantic Southeast Airlines Is America's Worst Airline
By 11.7.07
The Department of Transportations Air Travel Consumer Report was released Monday and it confirms what we’ve all been thinking: Delta’s Atlantic Southeast Airlines is just stunningly terrible.
Recalled Date Rape Drug-Filled Toy Looks Pretty Cool
By 11.7.07
This is but one of millions of magical scenes you can create with Bindeez, a popular Australian toy whose beads were found to be metabolizable into rave party drug GHB. Low doses of GHB are said to induce, “euphoria, increased enjoyment of movement and music, increased libido, increased sociability and intoxication,” the same feelings we’re getting by looking at the splendor-laden craft project!
By 11.7.07
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Swimways “Skippy” Pool Toys (laceration), Hunter Fan Warm Mist Carefree Humidifier (fire), Polaris Industries Snowmobiles (fire), Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats (Salmonella).
