Choice (Chippendale, Australia) articles from March 2008

Choice (Chippendale, Australia) archives from March 2008

Get tough on junk food.(consumer awareness)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Saturday 15 March is World Consumer Rights Day--and this year's theme is 'Junk Food Generation'. It will promote a global consumer campaign to end the marketing of unhealthy food to children. In Australia today, at least one child in five...

Dumping bottled water: bottled water has been criticised for being eco-unfriendly--and it has other disadvantages too.(+ TAP WATER BEST)
March 1, 2008... Australians spend around $385 million a year on bottled water, and vast amounts of greenhouse gases are generated from manufacturing the PET bottles, bottling the water, transporting it and refrigerating it. And with more and more people opting...

Win! Choice best buy espresso machine!(Consumer news)
March 1, 2008... When you've read the article on espresso machines, page 34, just answer this simple question and you'll be in the running to win our Best Buy machine: * An espresso is: 30 mL? 60 mL? 120 mL? To enter online, go to...

Getting tough on yogis: for many of us, yoga is simply a great way to stretch and get toned. While we may not know our camel from our cobra, for those with a real passion for the ancient practice, it's important that classes adhere to tradition.(+ TRAINING THE TRAINERS)(yoga training for fitness instructors )(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Fitness Australia and the Yoga Teacher's Association of Australia (YTAA) have teamed up to announce new national guidelines requiring fitness instructors to undertake a minimum amount of yoga training in order to teach yoga. The new guidelines...

Many people unaware of internet data tracking.(+ INTERNET PRIVACY)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A recent poll conducted by the University of California and the University of Pennsylvania has revealed that US consumers are largely unaware that websites can sell their personal information to marketing companies, as well as track and monitor...

Tougher laws needed for complementary medicine: hundreds of weight-loss drugs on the market aren't tested for efficacy before they reach consumers, according to a new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia.(+ WEAK CONSUMER PROTECTION)
March 1, 2008... CHOICE has often said it, and now researchers from Melbourne's La Trobe University are also arguing that existing controls on the supply and promotion of complementary medicines in Australia are weak, leaving consumers vulnerable to...

Ban lifted on GM canola.(+ GM DILEMMA)
March 1, 2008... A ban on genetically modified (GM) canola crops was allowed to lapse in NSW and Victoria early this year--a move that could make it difficult for consumers to choose GM-free products. The commercial production of GM canola has been banned...

Traps of reverse mortgages: a new report finds most borrowers with a reverse mortgage don't fully understand how it works.(+ REVERSE MORTGAGES)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ian (not his real name) is a retired pensioner in his 70s. He took out a reverse mortgage to assist his son's business, consolidate some debts, renovate his house and buy a new car. The approved credit limit was...

Jumping the gun on organics: the release of preliminary results from a study of organic produce has organic supporters shouting the findings from the rooftops.(+ ORGANIC FOOD)
March 1, 2008... The reported preliminary findings suggest organic produce has 40% more antioxidants than non-organic produce, plus higher levels of vitamin C and beneficial minerals such as iron and zinc. It also suggests that organic milk can contain 60% more...

Switching bank accounts easier.(+ WIN FOR CONSUMERS)
March 1, 2008... In a win for CHOICE and consumers, Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has fast-tracked a plan to make it easier for customers to switch everyday bank accounts. A 'listing and switching' service will be available to consumers, whereby banks will be...

Taste-drive your food.(edible strips for tasting food)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A US marketing company has invented edible strips that contain the flavour of new food products, as mapped out by scientists. The strips can be attached to magazines like perfume ads, feeding readers' curiosity with flavours like glazed...

DIY disease detection.(Do It Yourself blood testing kit )(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A finger-prick blood testing kit that detects early signs of disease could be available within 10 years, say US researchers. The technique relies on the fact that each organ in the body secretes a set of proteins into the blood, creating what's...

Who on Earth Cares?(Australian Conservation Foundation's campaign)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Who on Earth Cares is an Australian Conservation Foundation campaign aimed at showing our leaders that the community wants immediate action on climate change. Put yourself on the 'I care' map or make your own commitment for a action on www....

Little laptop, big value.(+ PORTABLE PC)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's barely half the size and weight of even a slimline laptop computer, but the Eee PC from ASUS has all the features you might expect in a larger PC. The Eee name stands for 'easy-to learn, easy to work, easy...

Have cot, will travel.(Baby Nation and Kinderkot cribs)(Product/service evaluation)
March 1, 2008... Normal portable cots can be fairly bulky, even when folded up, so in fact travelling with them isn't always convenient, especially if you're camping or out on a picnic. Small travel cots like the BABY NATION and KINDERKOT help address that...

A bike; B grade.(Mini A Bike)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This mini aluminium folding bike seems like a great alternative to a scooter. It's eye-catching, has inflatable tyres, weighs less than 6 kg, folds cleverly into a compact package and comes with its own carry bag....

Great recipe but half-baked ...(Beyonwiz DP-S1, personal video recorder)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... At first glance, the BEYONWIZ DP-S1 seems ideal. It has a DVD player plus two high-definition (HD) digital tuners that deliver good-quality reception and can record two channels at once. You can also use the BEYONWIZ to watch movies and listen...

Ceramic cooktops.(Coming)
March 1, 2008... If you're going for an electric cooktop, the most popular option is a ceramic cooktop with radiant elements. Cooks love its streamlined good looks, easy-to-clean surface, good cooking performance and midrange price tag. CHOICE tested 12 radiant...

Clothes dryers.(Coming)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... If buying a clothes dryer only springs to mind when it's been raining for a week and you have no dry towels, your buying decision may well be determined by a good price. But if you plan on getting more than the odd run from your dryer, a gas...

106 cm televisions.(Coming)
March 1, 2008... CHOICE tested six televisions of this size with an LCD screen and three with a plasma screen. Each type has some particular characteristics, but for the most part there are relatively small differences when it comes to overall image quality....

Restaurant hygiene.(Letters & Emails)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Your November 2007 article failed to mention that currently there's no industry-relevant qualification required to register or operate a restaurant, commercial catering operation, bakery, takeaway or nationally...

How fair is Fairtrade?(Letters & Emails)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... * I am a recently reformed chocoholic, chocolate crazy, until I read to my horror of the atrocities of child slave labour. The food of heaven, produced in hell. It was enough to turn me right off. These days chocolate has a decidedly bitter...

Are the courts the only answer?(Letters & Emails)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Upon reading your latest review on mobile phone servicing I thought I'd share my experience. Some years ago I had a problem with a mobile phone from Ericsson that was still under warranty--it was clearly a warranty claim. Both the local...

Thank you, CHOICE.(Letters & Emails)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... * Thanks to your comprehensive report on health funds, we're now saving around $800 a year. I've been a loyal subscriber for about 18 years, but had never written to express my gratitude for your fantastic work that has helped us make very good...

Retractable dog leads.(LETTER OF THE MONTH)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... * You did an excellent article on retractable dog leads that helped me decide on the one I will buy. From a risk management point of view, it's wise to purchase one with at least 25% overcapacity on the weight question. [ILLUSTRATION...

Gabriella Marenco wants to let other people who have problems with their Sony camera know that she found Sony Centre staff "very professional and helpful" when her Cybershot camera suddenly stopped working after three years.(Thumbs up!)
March 1, 2008... Gabriella Marenco wants to let other people who have problems with their Sony camera know that she found Sony Centre staff "very professional and helpful" when her Cybershot camera suddenly stopped working after three years. Unhelpful camera...

Jackie Bazzo gives her Thumbs up to Mirabella.(Thumbs up!)
March 1, 2008... Jackie Bazzo gives her Thumbs up to Mirabella, which sent her two glass lampshades to replace those she'd broken, plus one spare--all free of charge.

Leonie Jones is impressed with Electrolux.(Thumbs up!)
March 1, 2008... Leonie Jones is impressed with Electrolux, which replaced her 14-month-old washing machine with a new one after she'd waited for a replacement part for two weeks already and was looking at another four-week wait.

Recycled drinking water: myths and facts: recycling our waste water for drinking could help with water shortages, but are there any truths in the dirty name-calling?(Home: Water supply)(Cover story)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's where Australia is at. Toowoomba residents voted down a proposal to recycle waste water for drinking in 2006, with 62% opposed. Taking this message on board, Goulburn in NSW is undertaking lengthy community...

Nothing to crow about: thirty years of intensive farming practices mean expensive organic and free-range chickens don't taste any better than a standard factory chook.(Food: Chicken)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For a special family occasion there's nothing like a roast chicken dinner with baked pumpkin and crunchy roast potatoes. So what's the tastiest chicken? Do the more expensive organic and free-range chooks really...

Switch services and save: CHOICE's guide to getting the most out of banks, credit cards and insurance. With interest rates going up, you'll benefit from the money you save.(Money: Switching services)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rising inflation, interest rates and high property prices mean that, for most of us, minimising the cost of 'staple' financial services like bank accounts and insurance is important. And when some of these services...

Ready to drink? Alcopops are the drink of choice for underage drinkers--their sweet flavours mask the taste of alcohol. Almost a third of CHOICE's teenage testers couldn't detect alcohol in a Vodka Mudshake.(Health: Alcopops)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many health and advocacy groups are concerned about the influence of premixed alcohols--known as ready-to-drinks (RTDs)--on teenage alcohol use. An RTD is part spirit or wine and part non-alcoholic drink, such as...

Is the price right? As little as $40 will buy you a computer-generated valuation for your home, but one company says about a third of all property reports aren't within an acceptable range. CHOICE investigates.(Home: Property valuations)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Before you buy or sell property, find out its real value from the pros." "Get a current market price estimate as used by some of Australia's largest financial institutions." "Eliminate the guesswork." These are...

For a long life, know your numbers! You keep daily tabs on all kinds of numbers. Your phone numbers, Medicare number, all your PINs, tax file numbers ... But do you keep track of the really important numbers that add up to good health?(Health: Body numbers)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've been to your doctor, had some tests done, and been given the all-clear--or perhaps not. But the results may as well have been written in a foreign language. What aspects of your health are the tests measuring?...

Caffeine society: be your own barista--you need a good espresso machine and freshly ground beans.(Test: Espresso machines)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many people reckon the smell of coffee is even better than the taste. Grinding the beans then using them to make a brew means you get to enjoy both aroma and taste at their freshest and best. The good news is you...

Mobile minefield: confusing plans and disappearing networks conspire to make choosing a mobile phone a complex business.(Test: Mobile Phones)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As highlighted in our 2007 Shonky Awards, mobile phone plans are anything but easy to understand. The table (pages 42-43) shows the recommended retail price of each model because it's the only consistent way to show...

The cutting edge: buying a good cook's knife doesn't have to carve up your budget.(Test: Cook's knives)(Buyers guide)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Modern kitchens have more gadgets than any other room in your home. As convenient as many of them might be, there's still one object that'll get more use than everything else combined... the humble kitchen knife....

What's new in the laundry? New washing machines have plenty of snazzy features--but it's still hard to find one that's water-efficient and rinses well.(Test: Washing machines)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the recent emphasis on using less water and the introduction of the water efficiency label for washing machines, the test for rinse effectiveness was introduced to stop manufacturers from gaining water...

Be prepared? Many of the first aid kits CHOICE tested could leave you ill-prepared when an accident strikes.(Test: First aid kits)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When an accident strikes at home, you may need to stop major bleeding, deal with a serious burn, treat a snake or spider bite, give first aid to someone with a fractured limb, or deal with a foreign body in a wound...

Knocking spots off: getting to the stain quickly, and having a good carpet cleaner should get you out of trouble.(Test: Carpet cleaners)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Life is a messy business. Whether you've had mud trodden through your house or a glass of wine upended on your brand new carpet, you'll be looking for a carpet spot cleaner--and fast. But is it worth buying a...

Reels on wheels: in-car DVD players may seem like a good idea for keeping kids occupied, but read this before buying one--for safety's sake.(Test: Car DVD players)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They don't offer much of a cinematic experience (not that your five-year-old will have much of a discerning eye), but due to their ability to keep squabbling kids entertained in the car, portable car DVD will be high...

Recalls & bans.(List)
March 1, 2008... Nowadays there are so many product recalls we may not be able to print all of them in CHOICE. For comprehensive recall information go to the Product Recalls Australia website: www.recalls.gov.au. If you don't have web access, Call the Product...

Productivity Commission signals major changes to consumer law.(+ CONSUMER POLICY REVIEW)
March 1, 2008... CHOICE welcomes the Productivity Commission's draft report on the review of Australia's consumer policy framework. Its main recommendations aim for fairer, safer and more efficient consumer markets. However, we think it fell short on some key...

Consumers' protection from unsafe products must improve.(+ PRODUCT SAFETY)
March 1, 2008... In December, we dubbed 2007 the Year of the Toxic Toy. We hope, in 2008, Australian consumers will finally get the product safety system they need. In 2007, millions of toys around the world were recalled for being unsafe. Unfortunately,...