Sunday, July 31, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Junk Fax Protection Act Enacted
On July 8, a new federal law went into effect regulation junk faxes. The law sets up a string of criteria when a business is allowed to send you junk faxes. Gee, thanks, Congress. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Should Doctors Disclose Goodies Received From Drug Companies?
If your doctor received $5000 in perks from a drug company, would you want to know it, particularly if he/she prescribed a drug from that company for you? Vermont is the only state that requires disclosure, but the companies have found a way around the requirements. Is it time for more disclosure? For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Study Links Aspartame to Cancer
What is it about artificial sweetners and bad health effects? A new study found that rats that ate low doses of aspartame (the sweetener in Equal, NutraSweet, and others) had a greater chance of getting leukemia and lymphoma. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Abusive Debt Collection Tactics on the Rise
Even if you are on the "do not call" list, you may still hear from a debt collector. And, according to the Washington Post, some of the tactics being used include threats of jail, and improper withdrawals of money from your bank account. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Study: Echinacea Does Not Fight Colds
Contrary to popular belief, a medical study released today says that herbal remedy, echinacea, does not help speed recovery from cold symptoms. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Use the Net to Find Local Bargains
Walt Mossberg, the WSJ's technology editor, reviews two online sites that help you spot bargains locally: Cairo.com and shoplocal.com For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Postage Rates Could be Tied to CPI
Postage rates are already slated to go up two cents to 39 cents. But, under a proposed law passed by the House, future rate increases could be tied to the increase in the consumer price index. So if inflation returns, you may need to shell out more for postage too. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.50% Change Service Providers Over Bad Service
Whether it is bad customer service at your bank, phone company, insurance company, airline or other service industry, almost half those surveyed said that casued them to switch services. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Microsoft to Check Your Computer for Counterfeits
Software piracy is a no-no, and Microsoft is determined to find out if you are using a counterfeit copy. Next time you go to update Windows, it will check the authenticity of your version of Windows. If not legit, you will be given a chance to turn in the old software and update to a legitimate version. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Ultra High Speed Net Coming to Rural America
A new company is beginning a test to deliver ultra-high speed Internet and cable service to small communities around the country. Speeds are up to 25 times faster than conventional cable. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.How Many Credit Cards is Too Many?
Can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to credit cards. Apparently, yes, but there is no fixed number. This article also offers tips to help you keep your credit rating high. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Deconstructing Credit Scores
To get a higher credit score, is it better to max out one credit card, and have little charged on the others, or to spread out your charges more evenly. According to this article, Fair Isaac, the credit score gurus, says that maxing out will hurt your credit score, while spreading the charges won't. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Windows Vista to Succeed Windows XP
Just about a year from now, Microsoft will unveil its latest version of Windows. This one is called Windows Vista. Beta testing begins in a couple of weeks, so expect to read many reports of its functionality. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Got Cheap Gas?
Well, maybe "cheap" is not the right word. Cheaper gas is more accurate. Smart Money offers tips on what the best time of day to buy gasoline is, and points out some of the online resources to help save money every time you fill up. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.NYC Sues 3 Cell Companies Over Ads
The cellphone ads say "free", but the fine print explains that nothing is really free. While that may be par for the course for many advertisers, the NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs says not so fast to three cell companies: Sprint, Nextel, and T-Mobile. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Barcode-scanning Cellphones Coming
Imagine you are at an electronics store and you see a DVD player for $199. Is that a good price? Is it a good player? In the future, you will be able to scan the barcode of the item, and instantly see how much it costs online, and how consumers have rated it. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Laser Tattoos to Replace Produce Stickers
You know those little stickers on fruit and vegetables that never come off easily? They may be a thing of the past if a new laser technology takes hold. A Georgia company has created a laser that will put a tattoo on produce, including its ID number, possibly date, and more. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Use Care in Choosing a Discount RE Broker
If the thought of paying five or six percent of the eventual selling price of your home has you thinking about using a discount real estate broker or service, you better ask a lot of questions, and know exactly what you are getting or not getting. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Visa/Amex Cut Ties with CardSystems
The data processor that accidentally exposed 40 million credit card numbers to possible ID theft recently, just lost two of its biggest clients: Visa and American Express. Will MasterCard and Discover pull the plug next? For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Kids Taught a Diet Ate Better Years Later
A new study suggests that youngsters who are taught to eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol got more of their calories from healthy foods years later (compared to other kids who were just taught generally about nutrition). What are you teaching your children? For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure
Can something that tastes so good actually be good for? Well, in the case of dark chocolate, a new report says it may actually help lower your blood pressure, and improve your sensitivity to insulin. For more consumer news visit, Consumer World.
Healthier (?) White Bread to be Introduced
Two major national bakeries, including Sarah Lee and the makers of Wonder Bread are making over white bread into a healthier food. The new brands are said to be "whole grain" and contain as much fiber as whole wheat bread. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Consumer Reports Rates Showerheads
Some water-saving showerheads you find in hotels are just awful. It feels like there is no pressure, and very little water sprinkles out. Now Consumer Reports has tested various showerheads and rated them based on force, coverage and feel, primarily. See which ones are the winners in this story. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tips on Cutting Car Rental Costs
If you plan to rent a car this summer, be prepared for not only high gas prices, but high rental costs as well in many markets. Here are some tips from the Wall Street Journal on how to save money when renting a car. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Utah Unveils Kids Anti-Spam Registry
In what may be a first of a kind law, Utah has just begun a registry where parents can list certain email addresses accessible by their children. Once on the list, any email advertising promoting gambling, porn, alcohol, tobacco, or anything else illegal in Utah is prohibited. Fines of $1000 to $5000 apply on a sliding scale. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
CA Seeks Constitutional Ban on Eminent Domain Abuses
The Supreme Court recently made a controversial ruling that local muncipalities can seize a private owner's property and sell it to a private developer who would pay more taxes to the locality. Now the California legislature is seeking to amend the state constitution to ensure the power of eminent domain only be used for "public uses", not private ones. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Your Cellphone Calling Records for Sale Online
You can find anything you want on the Internet, and you can even buy someone else's cellphone calling records. Often these are obtained illegal through an insider at the cell company, or by the data gatherer impersonating the owner of the phone line. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Dell Shuts Customer Help Messageboards
In a surprise move, Dell closed down its messageboards where Dell users share tips and offer solutions to problems to other users. Dell wants people to use their official customer support services. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Don't Let 0% Car Financing Blind You
Zero percent financing can be very enticing, but don't let it blind you to the big picture: how much you paying for the car in the first place. Low rate financing on a car priced higher than it should be is not bargain. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.CSPI Calls for Health Warnings on Soda
Warning: Consumption of this sugary soda can make you fat and cause other health problems. If the Center for Science in the Public Interest gets its way, one might see such warnings on soda bottles, the way cigarette packages contain dire warnings about cancer. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
New Virus Exploits London Bombings
A new virus, launched just days after the London bombings, seeks to exploit the tragedy. The email appears to have an attachment with a movie clip of the bombings. In fact, it is a program that attempts to use your computer as the means of sending out spam. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World .
CT-AG Sues Over Deceptive Trial Memberships
The Connecticut AG has sued Trilegiant, a unit of Cendant, over alleged deceptive practices in the way the company signs up people for its various clubs. The AG alleges they use misleading checks sent in the mail for small amounts of money, which when cashed, enrolls the depositor in certain membership programs, such as Shoppers Advantage, AutoVantage, Travelers Advantage, or others. The AG says his office has received hundreds of complaints about these practices and automatic renewals of memberships. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Drivers Using Cellphones More Accident Prone
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that drivers who use cellphones are four times as likely to get into a serious crash compared to non-phone users. Hands-free phones were not necessarily safer. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Coalition Tries to Define "Spyware"
A coalition of consumer and industry groups are trying to come up with a definition of "spyware" as a starting point for determining which types of software cross the line. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Blue Light May Reduce Gum Disease
You know that halogen light the dentist uses when he whitens your teeth? It turns out that it might have pleasant side effect. A dentist has discovered that it kills certain bacteria in the mouth, which can cause gum disease. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Man Arrested for Wi-Fi Signal Poaching
A Florida man was arrested for sitting outside someone's home and tapping into that person's Internet connection via wi-fi. This is one of the first known cases of such an arrest. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Google Wins "Typosquatting" Dispute
An arbitrator has found in Google's favor over several disputed domain names that deliberately misspelled the search engine's name. It was alleged that the fake Google sites could infect a user's computer with malicious software. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Log Cabins Create Home Woes
Maybe they're fine for Oprah and Tom Cruise, but ordinary people who build log cabin homes (poorly) can wind up with extraordinary problems. Learn from others' mistakes. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.United Airlines Drops Penalties on London Tix
If you have already purchased tickets to London on United Airlines, they are waiving penalties fees for changes through July 22. Other international airlines are do so as well. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Credit Card Companies Raising Minimum Payments
This may sound like a bad thing, but it is a good thing. Under pressure from regulators and others, major credit card companies are raising the minimum required payment each month. With many companies only requiring payment of 2% of the outstanding balance, you wind up paying off credit card debts VERY slowly -- for decades! Paying more each month shortens the length of credit extension. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Disney to Market Cell Services to Kids
Just what parents wanted to hear: next year Disney will be offered cell phone services through Sprint, aimed at kids. Will your toddler be demanding a Mickey Mouse cellphone soon? For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Your Cellphone May be Able to Track You Soon
Soon it will no longer be "can you hear me now," it will be "can you find me now." Tomorrow's cellphones may be equipped with GPS navigation so you can see on the screen where you are, and possibly others will be able to find you too (obviously that could be good or bad). For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
One-Third Have No Retirement Savings
A survey just released by Experian shows that more people are worried about their finances. They should be because the study also showed that a third of Americans have put away zilch for retirement. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Ford Matches GM's Employee Discount Offer
Just after GM extended its popular employee discount offer on cars until August 1, Ford Motor Company matched the offer on Ford brands. So if you haven't driven a Ford lately.... For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.GM Extends Employee Discount Promo Til 8/1
GM just announced that it is extending its popular "employee discount" promotion until August 1. The other leading automakers are expected to follow suit. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
French or Faux French Enhances Products' Image
Want to make a product seem more chic or sophisticated? Add a little French or something that sounds like French on the packages. That is what some cosmetics companies are doing. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Oregon Senate Passes Phony Degree Bill
Better start looking for that the little asterisk on the resume if you are hiring someone in Oregon. The state senate there just passed a bill that would allow purchased college degrees to be listed on resumes if they are accompanied by a fine print disclaimer. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
This Guy Claims to Own Words
Can a person own a word, and sue you if you use it? A Chicago man claims to own the word "stealth". What chutzpah, you say? He owns that too. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Slingbox Streams Your TV to You Wherever You Are
Slingbox by SlingMedia is a brand new $249 gadget that allows you to access your home cable TV channels, or a program you may have recorded on your TiVo, from anywhere in the world. It basically is a piece of hardware that takes your TV signals and sends them over your high-speed Internet connection to your laptop or other computer you may have with you wherever you are. It streams the video surprisingly well, apparently, with few freezes or jerky pictures. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
New-Fangled Parking Meters Snitch on You
Electronics may be a wonderful thing, but not when it comes to parking meters. The latest parking meters are just too smart. When there is time left on the meter, and the previous parker pulls away from the spot, the smart meter resets itself to zero. Other meters signals the parking police when time runs out. Read more about these new-fangled meters. For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Note: Some news links may expire one week after posting.Telephone Excise Tax May be Repealed
Could it be? Good news for consumers about their phone bills? Don't hold your breath, but Congress may repeal the excise tax on telephone bills. This was supposed to be a temporary tax to finance the Spanish-American war, which was over 100 years ago! For more consumer news, visit Consumer World.
