I’m looking for a new cell phone.  For some reason shortly after my contract ended on my current phone- the ringer stopped working.  A little while later my husbands did the same thing.  Seems a little fishy to me- I think the company is trying to get us to sign new contracts so we can get new phones.  Anyhoo- we’ve been looking for new cell phones and I checked out SJA Mobile today.  It’s important to shop around before making any decisions, so that is what we have been doing.

It seems like with all of the recalls lately that I have been posting more recall alerts than tips and tricks.  Oh well, it’s important to try to get the word out.  Here are three more recalls I got an email alert for.  And be sure to stop by CPSC to sign up for your own alerts.

1. Electrical Wire Splices Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

2. Cervélo SA Recalls Bicycle Forks Due to Fall Hazard

3. Venmar CES Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard

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1. Electrical Wire Splices Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2008
Release #08-367

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 624-4320
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Electrical Wire Splices Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Electrical Wire Splices (also known as Butt Splice Connectors)

Units: About 53,000

Manufacturer: Molex, of Lisle, Ill.

Hazard: The splice can fail to hold the wires adequately together, posing a shock and fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Gardner Bender has received one report of a recalled butt splice failing to hold wires together. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled butt splices are used to connect electrical wires to one another. They are typically used for wiring small electrical appliances, like audio equipment, or in automotive applications. The splices are yellow insulated vinyl and measure about one inch long and ¼ inch wide. They were intended for use with 12-10 AWG wire. 12-10 is stamped on the side of the splices. Model numbers 10-126, or 21-126, and Gardner Bender are printed on the product’s packaging. They were sold in packages of 8 or 50.

Sold at: Electrical distributors, hardware stores, and home centers nationwide from June 2005 through April 2008 for between $1 and $5.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using products that contain the recalled butt splices and contact the firm for free replacement splices.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Gardner Bender at (800) 624-4320 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gardnerbender.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08367.html

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2. Cervélo SA Recalls Bicycle Forks Due to Fall Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2008
Release #08-368

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 296-3137
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Cervélo SA Recalls Bicycle Forks Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wolf SL Carbon Fiber Bicycle Forks

Units: About 5,800

Importer: Cervélo SA, of Switzerland

Manufacturer: True Temper Composite Material Products Co. Ltd, of Guangzhou, China

Hazard: The forks steerer can break during normal use, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer serious injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Cervelo has received 12 reports of forks cracking or breaking, resulting in one consumer suffering a broken wrist and another suffering minor abrasions.

Description: The recalled forks have a clear coating over black painted carbon fiber, with the words “Wolf Superlite” and related logo just below the crown on each fork leg, and the letters “SL” on each leg above the fork blade dropouts. There is a True Temper CRT(tm) logo on the inside of both fork legs. The recalled forks could have been included on the following bicycle models: R3, R3 SL, Soloist Carbon, Soloist Carbon SL, and certain P3 Carbon framesets and complete bicycles.

Sold by: Independent bicycle retailers nationwide from November 2005 through July 2007 for about $475.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles equipped with the recalled forks and contact their authorized Cervélo dealer to have a free replacement fork installed.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cervélo toll-free at (866) 296-3137 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cervelo.com/WolfSLRecall

Media Contact: Peter Donato at Special Assignment Inc. at (416) 964-6118.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08368.html

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3. Venmar CES Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2008
Release #08-369

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 698-6283
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Venmar CES Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Light Commercial Heat Recovery Ventilators

Units: About 3,400

Manufacturer: Venmar CES Inc., of Saskatoon, Canada

Hazard: The motors in these units can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Venmar CES has received three reports of ventilator motors overheating, resulting in fires which caused property damage.

Description: Light Commercial Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed to exchange air between the inside and outside of a building or home in order to provide fresh air. The recall includes the following brand names and model numbers:

Brand: Model Number
Flair: 150/300 Compact, 300/600 Compact
Venmar: 6LC, HRV600i, 12LC, HRV1200i
PrepAir: PrepAir600i, PrepAir1200i
vane: 6LC, 12LC
Carrier: 62AA-064—101XX, 62AA-127—101XX
York: VIXRDXXA01
Heil: VRC 300 Compact, VRC 600 Compact
Aston: HRV600i, HRV1200i
Broan: HRV650, HRVl150
Venmate: 600H, 1200H

The “X” in the model number can be either a letter or a number. The model number is written on a silver or black label on the outside panel.

Sold by: Heating, plumbing and building supply distributors nationwide from January 1991 through July 2007 for between $1,700 and $2,000.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off the ventilator, disconnect it from the power supply, and contact Venmar CES to schedule a technician to install a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Venmar CES toll-free at (866) 698-6283 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Sunday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.venmarces.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08369.html

Do any of the floors in your home need some work done to make them look their best?  If they do, my tip for you is to check out Dalworth.com.  They specialize in carpet cleaning, marble polishing, Hardwood Floors Dallas and even allergy free mattresses.  Be sure to check out their site for all of the details.

I have two recalls to share with you today.  After you check these out and make sure you don’t have the products- be sure to go to CPSC to sign up for your own email alerts.  These alerts come out much quicker than you will hear about the recalls on the news, so be sure you sign up.

1. Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Release #08-364

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 462-2426
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits

Units: About 11,000

Importer/Distributor: Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401″ are printed on the battery.

Sold at: Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08364.html

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2. Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Release #08-365

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 261-1644
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Amsterdam Bicycles

Units: About 1,500 (about 9,500 bicycles were recalled on July 22, 2008)

Importer: Electra Bicycle Company, LLC, of Vista, Calif.

Hazard: The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle’s chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Electra has received four reports of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one report of minor cuts and abrasion from a fall.

Description: This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. “Electra” and “Amsterdam” are printed on the bicycle’s frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with “EL” or bicycles with chainguards marked “06/08″ are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Sold by: Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if his/her bike is included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at (800) 261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.electrabike.com (pdf)

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08365.html

Are you in need of having any closed captioning work done?  At Video Caption Corporation you can have some closed captioning services done.  They provide this service to corporations, schools, independent producers, libraries, broadcast agencies, churches and government agencies.  Whatever you need- they will work to be able to provide you with the service you are looking for.  Make sure to check out Video Caption Corporation.

I enjoy going to get my nails done from time to time.  Actually, it’s probably been several years since I have had my nails done.  The reason- it’s expensive and we’ve had to cut certain things out of our budget.  I was looking at some Rubis products today though- and while they may seem a bit pricey- in the long run it would be cheaper to purchase your own manicure tools.

Time got away from me yesterday and I ran out of time to post this recall.  I wanted to get it posted anyways just in case you haven’t seen it yet.  Make sure you stop by CPSC to sign up to get your own email alerts.  You never know- it could save a life if you find out about a recall before an injury happens.

Rossignol Recalls Snowboard Bindings Due to Strap Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 2007 Rossignol HC Snowboard Bindings

Units: About 3,500 pairs

Manufacturer: Rossignol Ski Co., of Park City, Utah

Hazard: The t-nuts that attached the buckles to the straps on the snowboard’s bindings can detach, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves 2007 model year Rossignol snowboard bindings. Models included in the recall are: HC 750, HC 1000, HC 2000, HC 3000, HC Mini, HC Amber, HC Diva, HC Harmony, HC Sonar, HC Zena and Jones Brown.

Sold at: Snowboard, ski and sporting good stores nationwide from August 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 and $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bindings and take them to a Rossignol snowboard retailer for inspection and free replacement t-nuts. Consumers can also contact Rossignol to have a repair kit mailed to them. T-nuts marked in red-ink or with an embossed dot have been repaired.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rossignol at (888) 243-6735 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.rossignol.com. Consumers can also send an email to the firm at snowboardconsumer@mountaincenter.com

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08363.html

I got an email the other day about the following story:

“Last Friday evening, I arrived home from work, fed Chloe, our 24 Lb.
dachshund, just as I normally do. Ten minutes later I walked into the
den just in time to see her head inside the pocket of Katie’s friend’s
purse. S he had a guilty look on her face so I looked closer and saw a
small package of sugar-free gum. It contained xylitol. I remembered
that I had recently read that sugar-free gum can be deadly for dogs so
I jumped on line and looked to see if xylitol was the ingredient. I20
found the first website below and it was the one.

Next, I called our vet. S he said to bring her in immediately.
Unfortunately, it was still rush hour and it took me almost 1/2 hour
to get there. Meanwhile, since this was her first case, our vet found
another website to figure out the treatment. S he took Chloe and said
they would induce her to vomit, give her a charcoal drink to absorb
the toxin (even though they don’t think it works) then they would
start an iv with dextrose The xylitol causes dogs to secrete insulin
so their blood sugar drops very quickly.

The second thing that happens is liver failure. If that happens, even
with aggressive treatment, it can be difficult to save them. S he told
us she would call us.

Almost two hours later, the vet called and said that contents of her
stomach contained 2-3 gum wrappers and that her blood sugar had
dropped from 90 to 59 in 30 minutes. S he wanted us to take Chloe to
another hospital that has a critical care unit operating around the
clock. We picked her up and took her there. They had us call the A S
PCA poison control for a case number and for a donation, their doctors
would direct Chloe’s doctor on treatment. They would continue the iv,
monitor her blood every other hour and then in 2 days test her liver
function. She ended up with a central line in her jugular vein since
the one in her leg collapsed, just as our regular vet had feared.

Chloe spent almost the entire weekend in the critical care hospital.
After her blood sugar was stabilized, she came home yesterday. They
ran all the tests again before they released her and so far, no sign
of liver damage. Had I not seen her head in the purse, she probably
would have died and we wouldn’t even had known why.

Three vets told me this weekend, that they were amazed that I even
knew about it since they are first learning about it too. Please tell
everyone you TALK TO about xylitol and dogs. It may save another life.”

So I went and checked the story out on snopes.com- because I always check out stories like this before passing them on.  And it turns out that it is true.  Sugar Alcohol Xylitol can be deadly for our dogs.  So, be sure to keep your gum where the dogs can not reach it.  And if they do get into it- remember it is an emergency situation.  See snopes.com for the full answer.

If you use video conferencing for your business you will be very interested in this information.  At LifeSize you can get Videoconferencing equipment in high definition.  That means you don’t have to travel for business trips- which are costing more and more all the time.  You’ll save time and money.  Plus the quality will be great so it will feel like you are really there.

Wow- this has been a busy week for recalls. I have two more to share with you. I am so glad I get the email from CPSC to alert me whenever there has been a recall. For some reason I can’t include all of the information like I usually do- my blog won’t publish it when I try. But here is the basic information you need.

1. Fire and Burn Hazards Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08359.html

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2. Progress Lighting Recalls Indoor Light Fixtures; Lights Can Unexpectedly Fall Posing an Impact Hazard

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08360.html