Deaths and Injuries From Drawstrings
August 31, 2007
I never gave this a second thought, but apparently drawstrings can be a ’strangulation hazard.’
The drawstrings on children’s clothing can catch on playground equipment, bus doors or cribs. Playground slides are a leading cause for these incidents.
Velco, snaps, button and elastic closures are low risk alternatives to drawstrings. Please take a minute to check out the attached guidelines (PDF) by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It illustrates specific examples of how children have become hung up on a slide, fence, crib, school bus hand rail, etc.
It’s a low probability accident, but being informed is the best defense against the unexpected.
-BD
Product Recall: Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Case
August 31, 2007
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases because the printed ink on the outer packaging of the wood case contains lead. Also, some of the black watercolor paint contains excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
Manufactured in China, about 27,000 units were sold in the United States at Toys “R” Us stores from October 2006 through August 2007 for about $20.
Action: Consumers should immediately take the product away from children and return the item to the nearest Toys “R” Us store for store credit.
Contact Toys “R” Us at (800) TOYSRUS/869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.toysrus.com
Related Links:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release
Safety Recall: Cosco, Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer Child Seats
August 31, 2007
Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) is issuing a voluntary safety recall for certain Cosco, Safety 1st and Eddie Bauer brand child restraint systems manufactured during November 2003 through December 2005.
Although no injuries have been reported, there is a potential for the harness adjustment strap to loosen during use. If this were to occur, the harness may be loose around the child, possibly increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The model number and date of manufacture may be found on a sticker located on the side or back of the child restraint system.
Cosco: Alpha Omega, Alpha Omega Elite: 22150, 22155, 22180, 22269;
Eddie Bauer: 3-in-1, Deluxe 3-in-1, Deluxe Convertible: 22740, 22750, 22755, 22756, 22757, 22770;
Safety 1st: Alpha Elite, Alpha Omega, Alpha Omega Elite, Alpha Sport, Intera, Enspira: 22151, 22450, 22451, 22452, 22453, 22455, 22460, 22480, 22481
ACTION: DJG will contact all registered owners and provide them with information on how to obtain a free repair kit to replace the harness adjustment strap. Those consumers who have not registered their product should visit www.djgusa.com or call 800-219-0509 to order a free repair kit. The affected seats should not be returned to the retailer.
Use this link to learn how to inspect child seats purchased in the United States or Canada.
What Are Your Kids Doing With The Video Camera?
August 30, 2007
Brothers who worked at a New Jersey grocery store filmed a music video. Now, A&P files million dollar defamation lawsuit against their former employees.
According to Associated Press:
A&P claims the video by Mark and Matthew D’Avella motivated at least one ‘disgusted and distressed’ customer to boycott the supermarket because of the video’s ‘repulsive acts.’
The brothers - styling themselves as a group called Fresh Beets - hit each other in the crotch with beets at one point, and stand with bananas suggestively hanging out of their pants at another. They briefly appear with their pants at their ankles (wearing boxers). One pretends to urinate on some greens.
“This customer, understandably, was disgusted and distressed by the scenes depicted in the video,” the suit reads. “Also understandably, this customer informed A&P that she would not be shopping in its stores in the future owning to the repulsive acts depicted and performed by defendants in the rap video. Given the false and disparaging statements and depictions concerning A&P and its products within the rap video, it is likely that numerous other customers of A&P will have similar reactions.”
The brothers were fired Aug. 23 and the lawsuit was filed Aug. 24 in state Superior Court in Flemington.
One might argue that the there’s enough lack of common sense to go around.
- While the brothers didn’t identify the store in the video, they did some questionable acts.
- The supermarket chain is certainly blowing this out of proportion. The video might never have caught the attention of the national media had they not kept their corporate lawyers on a tighter leash.
- What about the father who still works as Produce Manager in the store? Will he face retribution from the store or hit a glass ceiling in terms of future career advancement at the store/chain?
Lesson learned. Keep an eye out for what your brood is doing.
-BD
Related Links:
The Fresh Beets blog
Associated Press “A&P Sues Brothers Over Vegetable Video”
Commentary and Lyrics at Perishable Pundit
Some U.S.-Americans Don’t Own Maps
August 30, 2007
According to this Miss Teen America contestant, some U.S.-Americans don’t own maps. Miss South Carolina explains it in this brief video:
Wow. On behalf of all past, former and future U.S.-Americans… I apologize.
Thankfully, there are U.S.-Americans who don’t hesitate to take a jab at other U.S.-Americans when they’re down. Check out these parody videos:
Miss South Carolina reports a car accident …
“Our daughter is a great public speecher.” …
I’m grateful for being a U.S.-American.
-BD
Team Knight Rider
August 27, 2007
Huh? How did I miss Team Knight Rider? I thought I watched every crappy adventure show put out by Hollywood.
Fifteen years have past since Michael Knight and KITT roamed the California countryside, eliminating obstacles and persons under the guise of FLAG, the Foundation for Law and Government. Now, Michael Knight is replaced by five, cunning yet clever operatives, and KITT is replaced by five other sophisticated, “talking” cars. The year is 1997, and the five operatives and cars travel around the country aboard a C-4 transport jet. They are members of FLAG and their missions are sanctioned by the intelligence community.
[Source]
ROFL
Forgettable characters and vehicles with names like Plato, K.A.T. and Attack Beast. Only lasted one season (1997-1998). I was a newlywed then. Guess I was too busy moving into new house and stuff.
Thankfully, at least one fan is keeping the spirit alive at TeamKnightRider.com.
Classic moments from the original Knight Rider (in my twisted opinion):
Three basic needs. [Listen]
K.I.T.T. is a poligamist. [Listen]
Threesome? [Listen]
K.A.R.R. is willing to try anything. [Listen]
Grumpy K.A.R.R. doesn’t like being approached from the rear. [Listen]
Butt Michael seems to like being approached from the rear. [Listen]
Once K.A.R.R. gets a rock-in, there’s no stopping him. [Listen]
Who’s on top? [Listen]
Heat of passion. [Listen]
Does K.A.R.R. like it rough? [Listen]
K.I.T.T. getting catty. [Listen]
Tender wake up in each other’s maintenance bay. [Listen]
A cuddle isn’t good enough. [Listen]
K.A.R.R. is needy. [Listen]
Is there anything Michael wont do? [Listen]
Lies. Damned lies. And Mechanics. [Listen]
In the end, humans do it better. [Listen]
Alright, enough twisted tales. Might I suggest you check out these…
David Hasslhoff - Don’t Hassle The Hoff T-shirt
Knight Rider Legacy: The Unofficial Guide to the Knight Rider Universe
Recall: Lead Paint Hazard from Bombs
August 26, 2007
