Wednesday 22 August 2007

UL Warns of Counterfeit Surge Protectors


plugged
Originally uploaded by michale
NORTHBROOK, IL--(Marketwire - August 21, 2007) - Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is notifying consumers and retailers that surge protectors bearing the brand name "Fussion" bear a counterfeit UL Mark for the United States. The surge protectors have not been evaluated for safety by UL and are not eligible to bear the UL Mark.

On the packaging:

The surge protectors have six outlets and display a counterfeit UL Mark on the packaging. Model PBR-4506 appears on the package with the brand name "Fussion."

On the Product:

A molded marking on the back of the surge protector identifies the unit as Model MDE-28.

Hazard: The product does not contain a ground wire or surge protection. It has undersized wire and insulation that does not meet UL's Standard for Safety for surge protectors. Using the product could pose a potential electric shock or fire hazard.

What you should do: UL recommends that users stop using these surge protectors immediately and return them to the place of purchase.

Source: Underwriter's Laboratory Inc.

Monday 20 August 2007

How to Spot a Fake Guitar


guitar
Originally uploaded by keela84
As a musician, I can tell the difference in timbre and tonality of a good guitar and a substandard one. There is something about the hum of a well made guitar--warm and blanketing--that the light tin of a lesser version can't match.

That said, my first guitar cost $90 and was from a discount shop. I learned to play 'Miss American Pie' and the entire Beatles catalog on it, and it treated me well until I upgraded.

When my brother started playing, he decided to try and buy a high-end guitar right away. Looking for a good deal, though, turned up some pretty bad counterfeits.
Getting fooled on something like that is a bummer, so here are some tips to make sure you buy the best:

Gibson Leads the Fight Against Counterfeit Guitars

And to report anything suspicious:
Internet Crime Complaint Center


-LiliAna A.

Sweepstakes Scam


Junk mail
Originally uploaded by Fernando Miceli
When I was young, I would look at the pile of junk mail on our foyer table with delight. All those bright yellow and red envelopes, telling us we'd won thousands! I wondered why my mother was throwing them away, thinking of all the lonely Barbie dolls I would never call my own. Once I ripped one open and it told me to buy a bunch of magazines. I got seriously confused, because, if I had a million dollars, magazines would not be first on my list. Perhaps the jolly grey-haired grandpa in the photo thought that was a good idea for me, but I had bigger aspirations.

Forbes ran a great piece on avoiding Sweepstakes scams this week. It's a good read.

-LiliAna A.

Thursday 16 August 2007

How Fine is Your Wine?

Did you hear that they are faking wine now?

I adore wine--particularly the very unloved rose, which is not too sweet nor bitter. It gets a bad rap, I think because it's pink. But, as Kay Thompson cooed in her ineffable portrayal of a fashion editor in Funny Face, "think pink!"

Or not. I understand if Chianti is your thing, just please leave me and my inferior wine alone. What are your favorite wines with meals and desserts?

Statistics
Is your Wine as Fine as it Looks? (Money Week)
90% Fake Wine (Fermentation News)

Update:
Sleever Intl. just developed a heat shrink label with integrated holograms that will help ensure the authenticity of wines. It can't verify that vintage, but it will make you much happier with your newer labels. Read the story here.


-LiliAna A.

Thursday 9 August 2007

Welcome!

Welcome to the family room! This blog is dedicated to home and family. We will cover everything from how to decorate a small bedroom, to quick recipes to what toys are being recalled.