Consumer Reports articles from June 2009

Consumer Reports archives from June 2009

Recipe for safer food.(VIEWPOINT)
June 1, 2009... JEN AND JUSTIN Krieger flew to Colorado with their kids recently for a family vacation. But they never got to play. On their first day, 4-year-old David began to throw up and soon got worse. When his fever spiked during the night, his...

Never buy fur from a traveling salesman.(FROM OUR PRESIDENT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Words to save by, at least when we wrote them in 1938. Consumer Reports' current staff and readers offer money-saving tips on page 16. But first, a look at our advice from past rocky financial times. So much has changed, and so little. ...

Editor's note.(LETTERS)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... In our March issue, we noted that anecdotal user reviews at ConsumerReports. org cited some durability complaints for the Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 and Kenmore Progressive 27514 canister vacuum cleaners, both CR Best Buys. When we...

Ask our experts.(rustproofing and undercoating for cars, postdated check and television ratings )(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Are rustproofing and undercoating for cars worth the money? Lynne Langton East Hartford, CT A salesperson might try to pitch you those services when you're buying a new car, but don't bite. Today's new cars have much better corrosion...

Chip, chip, hooray?(UP FRONT)(Health Valley and Keebler cookies and the Great Value cookies )(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... Although none of the 13 packaged chocolate-chip cookies our trained sensory panelists recently tested will pass for homemade, some taste far better than others. The Ratings can help you avoid wasting "indulgence" calories you've saved up on...

How to cope with a warmer world.(UP FRONT)
June 1, 2009... CLOSE TO HALF of Americans say global warming threatens their future well-being and safety, according to a 2008 survey by researchers at George Mason University. Increasingly, evidence shows they're right. Here are some climate-related...

Steamed about 'sticky pricing'.(UP FRONT)
June 1, 2009... The costs of commodities have tumbled from their sky-high perch of last year, but prices at the supermarket haven't sunk in sync. Why? According to Lars Perner, assistant professor of clinical marketing at the University of Southern...

Use frequent-flyer miles wisely.(UP FRONT)
June 1, 2009... AS WITH MANY STOCKS, the value of frequent-flyer miles has been falling, and experts are offering timely advice. Tim Winship, FrequentFlier.com publisher, notes that the relative value of a mile is down from its longtime rate of 2 cents...

Coke vs. Coke: a tale of 2 sweeteners.(UP FRONT)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... Sharp-eyed cola fans might have noticed that sugar has crept back into some versions of their favorite beverage. In 185 Costco stores, shoppers have a choice of the usual Coca-Cola Classic, made in the U.S. with high-fructose corn syrup...

Menu mind games.(UP FRONT)(fancy lingo boosts sales)
June 1, 2009... Anyone who has been to a pricey restaurant has seen the highfalutin language: "cappuccino of forest mushrooms" for mushroom soup (Per Se, in New York City); "fork crushed" potatoes for mashed (The Foundry on Melrose, in Los Angeles); squab...

Wines: 10 reds get a green light.(UP FRONT)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... IN RECENT TESTS, our sensory experts found very good choices among two lesser-known varietals: Rioja, delicate red wine from Spain, and carmenere, similar to merlot and produced mostly in Chile. Good news for consumers on a budget: The...

Where to recycle electronics, free.(UP FRONT)(www.recellular.com and www.rbrc.org)
June 1, 2009... Today there's no excuse for throwing an old computer, TV, or cell phone into the trash. More and more manufacturers, spurred by state and local mandates, are letting you recycle old electronic items by dropping them off or mailing them back...

ShamWow: wow or sham?(CLAIM CHECK)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The claim. When we bought ShamWow, a heavily hyped cloth ("like a chamois, a towel, a sponge; works wet or dry"), an ad said it "holds 20 times its weight in liquid." At press time, that claim still appeared on some Web sites. But ShamWow's...

Lower your drug costs.(5-MINUTE CONSULT)
June 1, 2009... A 60-YEAR-OLD MAN who had been in good health went to the emergency room, complaining of nausea. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and early diabetes. ER doctors were able to relieve his nausea at the hospital, but...

Do you really need to 'detox' your colon?(CLAIM CHECK)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The claim. Makers of various items sold over the counter and online claim their products "cleanse" the large intestine, or colon. Proponents say that "detoxifying" with those products prevents waste from building up and toxic substances and...

Automobiles & equipment.(RECALLS)(General Motors various models)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... GM various models [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Transmission shift cable adjustment clip might not be fully engaged, and shift lever and actual position of transmission gear might not match. Driver could move shifter to "park" and remove...

Household products.(RECALLS)(Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Kidde XL fire extinguishers Pressurized cylinders could lose pressure and might not work properly in the event of a fire, posing risk to user and property. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PRODUCTS: 167,000 Kidde extinguishers sold at...

Children's products.(RECALLS)(State Farm Good Neigh Bears)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... State Farm Good Neigh Bears Eyes on bears can come off, posing choking hazard to young children. PRODUCTS: 800,000 stuffed bears with plastic eyes given away through State Farm agents and sponsored events from 9/05 through 3/07. ...

Beware of work-at-home stings.(MONEY)
June 1, 2009... THE FEDERAL TRADE Commission has gone after some 500 work-at-home schemes in recent years. Still, the recession and joblessness are mighty incentives for people to try programs that promise easy money. Our reporter sampled a few such offers....

How to squeeze a nickel: here's hoping you find new ideas among these staff and reader tips.(FEATURE)
June 1, 2009... Grow annuals from seeds. It's much easier to buy flats, but seeds are very inexpensive. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rather than buy plants, trade plant clippings with friends. They're free! I pay most of my bills electronically...

Boom time for cybercrime: the economy and online social networks are the latest fodder for scams.(COVER STORY)
June 1, 2009... ONE IN FIVE online consumers were victims of a cybercrime in the past two years, according to the latest CONSUMER REPORTS State of the Net survey. That means there's a strong possibility that your money will be added to the $8 billion we...

Just in the past year ...(COVER STORY)(the internet)
June 1, 2009... Credit-card breach. Heartland Payment Systems, of Princeton, N.J., a credit-card processor that handles more than 4 billion transactions a year, found malicious software in its database that resulted in the theft of consumers' creditcard...

Security software: a free 'suite' matches the best pay products.(COVER STORY)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... FAILING TO KEEP your computer safe from online threats can shorten its life and lead to the theft or corruption of data, including sensitive personal information. Yet our 2009 State of the Net Survey shows that 35 percent of U.S. households...

Laptops & desktops: netbooks offer a lighter, cheaper alternative to traditional laptops.(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2009... IT HAS LONG BEEN A TRUISM that a laptop can never be too thin or too light. And it has been just as true that such a slim-and-light model would set you back at least $1,500. But now, in the nick of time for cash-strapped consumers, netbooks...

Net-tops: small, affordable desktops.(FIRST LOOK)(Compaq Presario CQ2009F and Averatec D1130)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... The same economies that have produced small, cheap netbooks are spawning a generation of small, cheap desktop computers: net-tops. We tried out two with very different designs: Compaq Presario CQ2009F, $270. This sleek machine is the more...

5 home repairs you shouldn't ignore: use our expert advice to stop trouble in its tracks.(FEATURE)
June 1, 2009... YOU MIGHT BE TEMPTED to put off fixing your home until the economy rebounds. Rebuild the patio? Sure, right after your 401(k) rallies. But some problems, if left unchecked, can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs (rebuilding a foundation...

How to use the Canada Extra section.(Canada Extra)
June 1, 2009... Every month, Canada Extra provides Canadian pricing and availability information about products tested for that issue. The Ratings in this section are based on this month's reports, but they narrow your choices to the products that are sold...

Computers.(Canada Extra)(Directory)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Report, page 25; Ratings, pages 26, 27, 29 In previous reports of computers, we've found that most brands we test are sold in Canada. In lieu of a Ratings chart, we list here the brands of computers we tested with phone numbers and Web...

Gas grills.(Canada Extra)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2009... Report, page 46; Ratings, pages 48-49 Twenty-nine of the 39 tested grills are available, including 10 of the recommended models. In performance order, within types. (Types designated A, B, etc.) Brand...

2007-2009 Subaru models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... On 2.5-turbo-equipped vehicles, oil supply pipe might crack, causing oil to leak. That could result in an engine compartment fire. Models: 1,489 2009 Subaru Forester, 2007-2009 Subaru Impreza Sedan, 2007-2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon,...

2008-2009 Chevrolet Captiva and Saturn Vue.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Nut securing the power-steering line might loosen and could cause a power-steering fluid leak. A fluid leak on hot components might cause engine compartment fire. Models: 2,625 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer inspect and tighten...

1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The hose clamp that secures the power-steering fluid cooling hose to the power-steering cooler might not provide adequate clamping force. The loss of power-steering fluid might result in weakened power steering. Over time, that might damage...

2007-2009 Nissan models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... A component in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) located in the passenger-seat cushion might have been manufactured out of specification. Based on the conditions, that might cause an interruption of signal between the OCS and the...

2009 Kia Borrego.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Daytime running lights (DLR) might be affected by use of the turn signal. That is contrary to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. DLR lights should be unaffected by turn signal. Models: 27 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer...

2009 Chrysler models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Broken solder joint on printed circuit board of the power control module (PCM) might affect engine fuel pump relay performance. That might result in engine stall. Models: 140 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Journey,...

2007-2008 Chrysler models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... On vehicles equipped with manual transmission, parking break lever clutch drum might distort. That might reduce effectiveness of parking brake system. Models: 315 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro, 2008 Jeep Liberty. What to do: Have dealer...

2005-2007 Mitsubishi models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Bracket that is anchor point for left-rear fuel tank mounting strap might have been improperly manufactured during metal stamping process. Models: 2,366 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, 2005-2007 Mitsubishi...

2008-2009 Honda Civic.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Brackets that cover fuel hose connector are missing a nut. A damaged connector could lead to a fuel leak, increasing risk of fire. Models: 75 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer inspect affected vehicles and install a nut on fuel feed...

2001 Hyundai Elantra.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... If liquid is spilled in the area of the cup holder on center console, liquid might seep through console opening for the parking brake lever and drip onto the air-bag module connector. That might contaminate the air-bag control module. ...

2008-2009 BMW M3.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... If rapid deceleration occurs in vehicles with multistage downshifting, transmission software might perform a multistage downshift. When that occurs, positive gear engagement is interrupted. That might cause engine to stall. Models: 133...

2009 Cadillac CTS.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Software within Passenger Sensing System might disable front-passenger air bag when it should be enabled, or vice versa. Models: 453 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer reprogram passenger-sensing module.

2001 Honda models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Driver's air-bag inflator might produce excessive internal pressure. If air bag deploys, increased pressure might cause inflator to rupture, causing injury. Models: 218 Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Accord Sedan, Honda Civic Coupe, Honda...

2009 Saturn Vue.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Vehicles might have been assembled with incorrect right- and left-front steering knuckle. The tie rod ball stud could pull out of or fracture tie rod housing. Tie rod could separate from knuckle. Models: 31 vehicles. What to do: Have...

2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Vehicles might contain a front strut with an incorrectly manufactured radial knuckle. Over time, radial knuckle might fail, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Models: 118 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer inspect and, if...

2007-2008 Dodge Ram.(Recalls)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... On Ram 2500-3500 pickup trucks equipped with 6.7L diesel engine, silencer pad might sag and contact exhaust gas recirculation cooler. That might result in engine compartment fire. Models: 14,200 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer...

Compact sports sedans.(Canada Extra)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Report, page 52; Ratings, page 53 All of the tested upscale sports sedans and the crossover vehicle are available in Canada. Acceleration (sec.) Make & Price range 0-50 KM/H 0-100...

Contact info.(Canada Extra)(Directory)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... How to reach manufacturers in Canada. BBQ Grillware call local Lowe's www.lowes.ca Broil King 800-265-2150 www.broilkingbbq.com Broilmaster 800-851-3153 www.broilmaster.com Char-Broil call...

House paints & stains: low-cost coatings, including a self-priming paint, top our Ratings.(FEATURE)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2009... PEELING PAINT and cracked stain don't just look shabby. If left untreated, they can lead to expensive siding repairs and water damage inside your house. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether you do the painting yourself or hire a pro, using...

Roofing & siding: 19 top picks offer strength, style, and value.(FEATURE)
June 1, 2009... CURLED SHINGLES and cracked boards can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in water and insect damage. Our top picks for roofing and siding can protect your home for decades. They're also the most visible way to give your home a makeover now...

Forged knives make the cut.(Lab tests)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2009... MARTHA STEWART and Paula Deen might be stars in the kitchen, but their knife sets were also-rans in our latest tests. Although a blade set from Porsche raced ahead of many others, its $590 price tag kept it out of our Select Ratings. These...

Treadmills speed up the innovations.(Lab tests)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... New displays, iPod docks, and more-compact designs are among the latest features in treadmills. We recently tested eight new models that had some of those innovations. They don't quite match the machines we ranked as best overall in our...

Pricey mixers get whipped.(Lab tests)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Stand mixers are the go-to appliance for mixing big batches of cookie dough, kneading bread dough, and whipping cream until it's light and airy. For an extra $60 to $140, you can add attachments that transform the mixer into a grinder, ice-cream...

'Greener' roll saves you green.(Lab tests)
June 1, 2009... Our latest tests show that toilet paper made of recycled ingredients could help you save money as well as the planet. At just 8 cents per 100 sheets, Marcal's Small Steps was among the least costly, recycled or not. But don't expect top...

Smaller iPod.(FIRST LOOK)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Pluses. Apple's new Shuffle, $79, is now among the smallest 4-gigabyte players around, less than half the size of the old Shuffle. It can handle 1,000 songs. Apple included VoiceOver technology to compensate for lack of a screen. ...

Gas grills: our latest tests find that lower-cost models can outperform big-budget ones.(LAB TESTS)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2009... VALUE-PRICED GAS GRILLS can deliver performance that matches or beats that of pricier models, according to our tests of 40 models. The Fiesta Blue Ember FG50069-U409 and the Char-Broil Red 463250509, each $450, surpassed a $1,400 grill, the...

OutdoorChef grill failed safety test.(NOT ACCEPTABLE)
June 1, 2009... One of the safety checks we conduct on every gas grill we test determines whether the burners go out when we drop the lid from a height of about 6 inches above the closed position. Two OutdoorChef Roma 570 MX2 units failed the lid-drop test;...

BBQ 101: give food that smoky flavor.(CLOSE UP)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Barbecued beef, chicken, and pork take on an almost religious significance in some areas of the country, and in recent years there has been a revival of interest in smoking foods. The only way to get that authentic smoky barbecue taste is...

Independent service is more satisfying.(NEWS)
June 1, 2009... PEOPLE WHO TOOK their car to an independent mechanic for maintenance were generally more satisfied than those who went to dealership, according to our survey involving 349,000 vehicles. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eighty-four percent of...

Upscale sports sedans: the updated Infiniti G37 tops three new designs.(CARS)(Product/service evaluation)
June 1, 2009... DESPITE FACING strong competition from the redesigned Audi A4, Acura TSX, and others, the Infiniti G still came out on top in our tests and remains our highest-rated upscale sports sedan. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Infiniti has been...

The diesels are coming: modern, clean diesels have arrived, but will they save you money?(CARS)
June 1, 2009... WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD to testing clean diesel cars that claim impressive fuel economy, and we recently bought three of the latest models: the Mercedes-Benz GL320 SUV, the BMW X5 3.0 diesel SUV, and the BMW 335d sedan. [ILLUSTRATION...

Seeing double.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Rebecca Rogers, 44, has three "beautiful" children and a "fantastic" husband. She touts products that worked "wonders on my face and neck wrinkles": Resveratrol Ultra and Dermapril. Erin Kelly, 42, has three "amazing" children and a...

Black hole award.(SELLING IT)
June 1, 2009... This 21.3-ounce bonus pack may hold "33% More Than 16 oz Tub," but look how much space is left. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Double-check spell check.(SELLING IT)
June 1, 2009... Make that "alleviate." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Yup.(SELLING IT)
June 1, 2009... A Massachusetts reader who ordered an Ambir scanner praised the helpful labeling. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

When a book is a snore.(SELLING IT)
June 1, 2009... So we had this long dream about a white whale and a guy with an ivory leg... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Zzzzzz. ... ing!(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Right. Why would you want sleeping pills that made you sleepy? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Your vents are showing.(SELLING IT)
June 1, 2009... The copy selling this screen says, "Cover up unsightly garbage cans, air conditioning units, utility meters and more." But with those openings and a height of 27 inches, little is left to the imagination. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Odd couple.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The object above right is a "pet nail grooming rotary tool." And these products are frequently bought together because... buyers are using the tumbler as a dog dish? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]