ConsumerSafety.com

Starbucks stock has reportedly lost half its value over the past 12 months. A weakening in the economy has something to do with it, as well as a new competitor of sorts… McDonalds.

McDonalds? Yeah, I said the same thing at first. But after thinking about it for a moment, I guess it did not sound that strange after all. You see, I have been drinking McDonalds’ coffee for the past two years of my own volition – meaning, I like it. In fact, I like it a lot (with 9 sugars and 5 creams in my large, please). It, like Starbucks, both beat the heck out of gas station or restaurant coffee. But often times Starbucks coffee tastes burned or over roasted to me. However, I still enjoy coffee drinks at Starbucks, even if their regular coffee has now has a new rival. But, that is exactly where McDonalds plans to take aim – in the specialty coffee drinks market.

Last week I heard that a Starbucks in Seattle is now offering a cup of coffee for a dollar. It is called a “short”. I would assume that it is shorter than their “tall”, which I have always known as their shortest. Perhaps Starbucks is getting serious, now that McDonalds is. It will be interesting to see how the beans roast on this one.

How could a video game pose a potential health threat you might ask? – apart from gaining weight, due to lesser exercise from sitting in your comfortable chair, playing your favorite video game…

There are potential health hazards you may not have known of before.

Did you know people have died from excessive video gaming?

Yes, it’s true, unfortunately people have died or can get very unpleasant experiences from playing video games excessively.

Or did you know people actually get addicted to video games?

There are even specialized clinics in China where people can recover from their video gaming addiction.

Be very aware that you’re potentially placing yourself at risk if you don’t keep an eye out for yourself and even more importantly your children.

Some excerpts from guidelines issued by one of the biggest giants in the video game industry:

WARNING – Seizures

Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV or playing video games, even if they have never had a seizure before.

Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition should consult a doctor before playing a video game.

Parents should watch their children play video games. Stop playing and consult a doctor if you or your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Convulsions
• Altered vision
• Eye or muscle twitching
• Involuntary movements
• Loss of awareness
• Disorientation

To reduce the likelihood of a seizure when playing video games:

• Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible.
• Play video games on the smallest available television screen.
• Do not play if you are tired or need sleep.
• Play in a well-lit room.
• Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour.

WARNING – Repetitive Motion Injuries and Eyestrain

Playing video games can make your muscles, joints, skin or eyes hurt. Follow these instructions to avoid problems such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, skin irritation or eyestrain:

• Avoid excessive play. Parents should monitor their children for appropriate play.
• Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don’t think you need it.
• If your hands, wrists, arms or eyes become tired or sore while playing, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop and rest for several hours before playing again.
• If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after play, stop playing and see a doctor.

Source: Nintendo WII Safety

In the ongoing saga over whether HD DVD or Blu-ray will be the ultimate DVD standard, Blu-ray just moved ahead with backing from Warner Brothers Studios. Currently Blue-ray represents about 70% of the market.

We’ll find out soon enough if the format battle will finally be over, it surely will make things easier for the consumer and prevent any inconvenience due to movie releases only being available in one particular format.

Sometimes I get my oil changed at Wal-Mart or Kwik Kar because the trouble saved with messing with the under pan on a Lexus is worth the extra money. But with my Suburban, I do it myself because it is so high off the ground it doesn’t need to be jacked up. It takes less than 15 minutes, and I save enough money for a dinner out.

There is nothing wrong with using an oil change services provider, unless…

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Well, at least for the state New York – being trapped due to flight delays may in the future not be as horrible as it can be now.  Under a new state law that is expected to take effect on January 1st, called the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights, airlines must provide “fresh air” and “adequate food and drinking water” and there are violation penalties involved for the airliners… up to $1,000 per passenger.

This is an interesting development and hopefully passengers will receive some more deserved respect and better service in the future.

The Fisher Price Power Wheels Hummer had great reviews from Wal-Mart purchasers, so I decided to give it a try as a Christmas gift for two of my little ones. Retailing for $394 at Wal-Mart, it was sold out and not available before December 24th. However, my wife found one at Toys-R-Us for about the same price, plus there was an incentive for 15% off when purchasing with a new Toys-R-Us credit card. As much as I hate credit cards, I bit and they had me hooked.

I was out the door after taxes for about $368; not bad comparatively. The credit card statement arrived from Chase a couple of weeks later, and I paid it off immediately.
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Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

January 2, 2007
Alert #08-532

ATVs Recalled By KYMCO Due to Suspension Failure; Riders Can Lose Control of Vehicle

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.
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Yesterday, Jan. 1, was the first date that you could apply for coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes. They will take the digital-TV signals and convert them to analog so that your current or older analog set will still be usable after analog transmitters are turned off on Feb. 17, 2009.

The boxes are expected to sell for between $50 to $70. You may apply for two $40 coupons to use toward the purchase of these boxes, one coupon per box. The coupons expire 90 days after they are issued, so BE SURE you are ready to make your purchase before you apply…
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Due to a new federal safety rule that is effective January 1, 2008, passengers are no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. Batteries are still allowed in their respecitve devices, regardless of whether checked or carry-on (in plastic bags), or extra batteries can be loose if carried on. That impacts notebook computers, mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and other personal consumer devices that use lithium ion batteries.

Here is what the US Department Of Transportation says on their website:

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