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Consumer Reports
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Current headlines from Consumer Reports:
- $40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available
The much-awaited $40 DTV converter from Dish Networks—which is essentially free, except for shipping charges and taxes, after a government-issued $40 coupon is applied—is now available directly from the company, although supplies are limited, according to Dish's website. The TR-40 has been an item of significant interest ever since Dish announced earlier this year that it would offer a feature-laden box—including analog pass-through and VCR control—that would essentially be free to consumers after a government-issued DTV coupon was applied. The box is now available at the Dish website, via phone at 1-888-638-9912 or through participating DISH Network retailers. There's a $9 charge for shipping and handling, and taxes will vary by location. [Note: We're in the process of updating our free Ratings of DTV converter boxes. But the TR-40 came too late to be included in our most recent testing. We'll be doing our best to get our hands on one and see how it performs compared to the other DTV converter boxes we've tested. In the meantime, check our free "Guide to DTV converter boxes" for help in finding converter boxes. — Ed.] The TR-40 is the first converter we've seen priced at $40, the amount of the coupon. The box has many of the same features as the company's DTVPal we've tested, including analog pass-through, an auto-tune timer for programming VCR recording, a seven-day electronic program guide, and a set-up wizard. (The TR-40 even appears outwardly similar to the DTVPal, seen above.) There's also a pop-up signal-strength screen that can be used to troubleshoot reception. The DTVPal is priced $20 higher. There's no word how many of these boxes will be available. —James K. Willcox
- CPSC fines clothing companies for failing to follow drawstring guidelines
Some children's clothing makers and retailers can't seem to grasp the fact that drawstrings on kids' clothes are a serious choking hazard, particularly when they go around the necks or hoods of jackets or sweatshirts. More than a dozen years ago the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued guidelines warning about the potential strangulation hazard of drawstrings on children's jackets, sweatshirts and other outerwear garments, but for some reason these garments are still being recalled on a regular basis. The latest round of recalls occurred earlier this month and included several thousand children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets sold by TJ Maxx, Marshalls and other major retailers. The CPSC says the makers of the clothing voluntarily recalled the items. The manufacturers were Raw Blue Sportswear of Moonachie, NJ; Request Jeans of New York; and Kids with Character, also of New York. Interestingly, the CPSC released this latest round of recalls on the very same day it announced that nine different firms had agreed to pay a total of $355,000 in civil penalties for knowingly failing to report to the CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that their children’s hooded sweatshirts, jackets or sweaters were sold with—you guessed it—drawstrings at the hood and neck. From January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 deaths and 48 nonfatal incidents involving entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings. Although the standard is voluntary, the agency has recently been enforcing the drawstring guidelines by seeking a recall of any clothes that fail to comply. "This is something the agency watches for and recalls when we find it, because the risk of strangulation is very real," CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese told us earlier, following another large drawstring-related recall of children's clothes. The guidelines highlighting the strangulation dangers have been on the books for more than 12 years now, so we're not sure why so many children's clothing manufacturers and retailers are still violating them. It would be nice if this latest round of civil penalties helped convince everyone in the children's clothing industry to stop making and selling products with drawstings around the head and neck altogether. If not, it might be time for the government to adopt mandatory guidelines for drawstrings in children's outerwear. In the meantime, parents need to be extra vigilant when buying sweatshirts, jackets and other outerwear garments for their kids. The CPSC recommends that parents or caregivers inspect their children's clothing and completely remove the hood and neck drawstrings from all upper outerwear, including jackets and sweatshirts, sized 2T to 12. The CPSC's technical staff has concluded that merely shortening the drawstrings may still present a strangulation hazard. The agency also recommends that consumers purchase children’s outerwear that has alternative closures, such as snaps, buttons, Velcro and elastic. Parents can also help by reporting the sale of any children's drawstring items to the CPSC, with such details as store, brand name, manufacturer, size and where it was made. Also notify the store manager and company—and comment on this blog as well. Retailers must do a better job making sure they are not stocking their shelves with this type of clothing. The latest recalls: 5,740 hooded sweatshirts by Raw Blue Sportswear, of Moonachie, N.J. 1,200 drawstring hoodies by Request Jeans, of New York, N.Y. 1,200 BongoCheetah girls jackets by Kids with Character of New York, N.Y.
- Connecticut Sets Example for Teen Driver Safety
Teen drivers die in fatal motor vehicle crashes at a rate which is three times for drivers ages 35-49. Hence, motor vehicle crashes remain the number-one killer of children under the age of 18. These young novice drivers are at elevated risk on the road because they have not yet developed the judgment and driving skill that comes with experience. Most states have implemented a three-stage graduated licensing system, in which the new driver obtains initial experience in lower risk conditions, such as driving with a parent, driving with a restricted number, or no passengers, and driving only during the day. Although most states have some form of graduated licensing program, the details of each of the programs varies widely across the country. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also provides a rating of the graduated licensing system in each state. As of August 1st, 2008, 16- and 17-year-olds learning to drive in Connecticut will have new driving and training laws as well as tough new suspensions for violations. These new requirements include: Instead of a paper style learner’s permit, new drivers will receive a newly designed license document which incorporates the security features in other DMV license credentials. 16- and 17-year-old teens must take a longer more comprehensive test. Drivers under 18 must be off the road by 11:00 PM. Parents of those obtaining a learner’s permit must attend two hours of instruction on teen-driving laws before their teen takes his or her driving test. On-road training is doubled from 20 to 40 hours. Increased penalty for teen drivers’ and their passengers not wearing seat belts. Increased suspension periods for 16- and 17-year-olds for reckless driving and vehicle racing. 60-day license suspension for speeding and 30-day suspension for use of cell phone while driving. Teens that violate the provisions of the graduated license rules will lose their privileges for 30 days. Suspension of license for at least one year upon referral to the DMV by the arresting officer for operating under the influence. Will be required to complete a mandatory Substance Abuse Training Program (SATP). During the first six months of licensure, 16- and 17-year-old drivers can not have any passengers in the vehicle except for a licensed driving instructor, a parent or legal guardian, or a licensed person providing instruction who is at least 20 years old and whose license has not been suspended in the previous four years prior to training. During months seven through 12 of licensure, the only passengers allowed in the vehicle are members of the driver’s immediate family. A full description of the new laws and other information can be found on the Connecticut DMV Web site. If you are a parent of a soon-to-be teen driver, you might want to consider the benefits of having this type of graduated program. If you live in a state in which there are not strict enough guidelines, you may want to consider restricting teen driving privileges yourself in the interest of their safety and your...
- Q&A: Should I have my home tested before I put it on the market?
Q: We have an older home and want to sell it. Should we test for radon, mold, and lead prior to trying to sell our house? Would this help us stand out in a tough market? We spoke with three regional vice presidents of the National Association of Realtors—each with more than three decades of experience selling homes in up and down markets. "Buyers want to get their own tests, and they tend not to believe the seller's tests," says Mary Davis, a Realtor in River Edge, New Jersey. Downers Grove, Illinois-based Realtor John Veneris, agrees, adding homebuyers should "wait until the general inspection to resolve any problems." Robert Bailey, a Realtor in Santa Cruz, California suggests that before homeowners put their house on the market, they get an idea of what problems exist by doing a general and pest-control inspection, along with a visual inspection for such problems as mold. (Keep in mind that mold-testing kits proved generally ineffective in Consumer Reports testing. However, lead and radon kits fared better although quality varied in some cases very widely between brands.) But time and money invested in home repairs and regular maintenance can pay off when it's time to sell. Water damage and cracks in the foundation won't go away and could be a deal-breaker. A general professional home inspection is not required, but recommended as part of the selling process. And a property condition disclosure form is required in 44 states and the District of Columbia, according to NAR spokesman Walter Molony. Buyers should be aware that Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming do not require this form, but federal law mandates that any seller of a house built prior to 1978 must disclose if lead paint was used for the interior or exterior.—Kimberly Janeway Essential information: Find out why staging your home may help close the deal and how to get the most for your house in a soft market.
- Diesel: A cleaner option?
In a previous blog, we discussed hybrid vehicles and their pros and cons. Diesel is another alternative fuel that may give you improved fuel economy, plus more diesel vehicles are making their way into the marketplace. Modern diesel engines have come a long way since the smelly, noisy oil burners of the 1970s. They get great fuel economy, but now are much quieter, more powerful and about as clean as most gasoline engines. In 2006, the government required cleaner diesel fuel, called ultra-low sulfur diesel, which in turn allowed automakers to install emissions control devices such as catalytic converters on diesel cars. Other technology, such as high- pressure, common-rail direct injection and turbocharging have boosted power and reduced diesels’ tendency to rattle like marbles in a can. In addition, any diesel engine can run on biodiesel, a fuel made from the oil of soybeans, rapeseed, or other biomass. These vegetable oils are treated with lye to make them more viscous. The result is a nontoxic, nonexplosive, and biodegradable fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel. With an additional fuel system and tank, older diesel engines can also run on vegetable oil and even recycled vegetable oil from restaurant fryers, for example. In some European countries, diesels account for more than half of all new car sales. Pros Diesels get about 30 percent better fuel-economy than gasoline powered cars and have lots of pulling-power, called torque. Many diesel engines also have a reputation for durability, because they are built with heavier components to withstand higher compression. Cons Diesels often cost more to buy than similar gasoline-powered models, and diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. New models that use urea injection to reduce emissions have to have this system refilled with each oil change. Despite becoming more popular, diesel is still only available at about 30 percent of U.S. gas stations. For more information on alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
- Ratings: Bluetooth headsets for one and all (ears)
You see it more frequently now. That sharp-dressed man or woman walking down the street, talking, wildly gesturing and maybe even laughing hysterically—with seemingly no one around them. Blame it on Bluetooth technology. Wireless headsets are becoming much more affordable and shrinking in size so they're barely noticeable. But Bluetooth headsets are doing more than making cell phone users appear to be (apparently) talking to themselves. They're letting mobile music listeners cut the cord as well. Consumer Reports has just posted updated Ratings of Bluetooth headsets (available to subscribers). Tested headsets ranged from $30 to more than $100 for the smaller, inconspicuous types. But among those 25 new models, four are stereo headsets for use with phones that have built-in music players. They're usually heavier than mono headsets, but some of the stereo models (such as the Jabra BT3030, seen at right) feature a wireless remote control, eliminating the need to fumble with your cell phone's MP3 player buttons. If you're in the market for a wireless headset, check out our latest Bluetooth headset Ratings report to see how mono and stereo wireless headsets fared in our tests. Our Quick Recommendations (available to subscribers) highlight our top picks. And if you're new to the world of wireless walking and talking, be sure to read our wireless headset buying advice which will help you choose the right model for your needs.
- Number of motorcyclist fatalities continues to rise
A positive downward trend in the number of overall motor vehicle fatalities over the past few years has been disrupted by a disturbing rise in the number of motorcycle riders killed in accidents. Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, said that in 2007 the overall number of traffic fatalities fell to 41,059, the lowest number since 1994. In addition, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.37, the lowest fatality rate on record, she noted. Unfortunately, motorcycle fatalities continued a 10-year increase, reaching 5,154 in 2007, the highest number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started collecting fatality crash data in 1975. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 13 percent of all traffic deaths and, in 2007 alone, the number of motorcycle riders or passengers killed on the nation’s roads increased 6.6 percent over the previous year. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are also on the rise—there were 103,000 in 2007 compared to 88,000 a year earlier, an increase of 17 percent. To draw attention to the growing number of motorcycle mishaps, the DOT has made motorcycle safety a centerpiece of its end-of-summer campaign, "Over the limit. Under arrest" to curb drunk driving, and has created several public service announcements on the topic. One of the ads (see image) features a motorcyclist being pulled over by the police. When he's approached by an officer, the rider lifts his visor and beer comes spilling out of his helmet. Of course, the message is that motorcycle accidents are no laughing matter. Indeed, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased as the number of states requiring helmets has declined. In 1975, 47 states required riders to wear helmets but now only 20 do, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. As we've written before, Secretary Peters rides a motorcycle herself and is an advocate for helmet safety. Motorcycle safety has taken on an added urgency as more drivers turn to the bikes to combat high gas prices. NHTSA is promoting its "Share the road" campaign to educate drivers of both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles in ways to coexist on the highway. In a play on words one ad says, "Objects in mirror are more vulnerable than they appear." The message is intended to alert drivers of cars, SUVs and trucks that motorcycles may be difficult to see because of their smaller size and that motorcyclists are more susceptible to potential accidents and injuries. At Consumer Reports we've been writing about motorcycle safety for years. The tips we offered in an article we published in 1981 still resonate today. You can read more about motorcycles and scooters on our Cars blog or join a discussion on the topic in our forums.
- Baby bottles without bisphenol A
Exeprt advice and recommendations on baby bottles, bisphenol A, and BPA free baby bottles from Consumer Reports.
- Buzzword: IMBYs vs. NIMBYs over wind power
What it means: Short for "In My Backyard", the IMBY buzzword inverts the more established NIMBY label. While NIMBYs oppose developments like airports, utility lines and prisons, a combination of practicality and altruism makes IMBYs favor projects other neighbors find dangerous, dingy, or otherwise undesirable. Why the buzz? Whooshing wind turbine blades have become one of the leading edges of IMBYism, as homeowners install residential wind-power systems and communities allow large wind power companies to site wind turbine complexes on public land. In 2008, an estimated 48 billion kWh of electricity will be generated in the United States, enough to power 4.5 million households. (Big wind farms in Texas, California, and other wide-open states still produce most of the nation's wind power.) But the small wind turbine market—defined as systems that produce from 1 to 100 kWh—grew 15% in 2007, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), and wind generators are moving from small systems that charge batteries on sailboats and recreational vehicles to ones powering individual homes, farms, and small businesses in suburban and even urban settings. Even arbiters of style are into wind, as evidenced by this August 6th, 2008 story in The New York Times about designer Philippe Starck's ultra-modern rooftop turbine. But some critics see the wind-backing IMBYs as more selfish than selfless. On August 18, the Times ran a cover story entitled "In Rural New York, Windmills Can Bring Whiff of Corruption" detailing numerous conflicts between neighbors (and some conflicts of interest among politicians) swirling around wind turbine placement. Across the U.S. NIMBYs complain that wind turbines mar vistas and reduce animal habitat when built in low-population areas and offshore sites; in urban areas, they're rapped as merely loud and unaesthetic. Animal lovers protest the fact that bats and birds can fly into their rotating blades. (Visit www.stopillwind.org and www.windtsop.org for more arguments, and AWEA's FAQ page for some counter-arguments—including sections on hazards to humans and child-safety precautions around wind turbines.) Ron Stimmel, small wind advocate at AWEA, doesn't argue aesthetics. But on the noise front, he cited a test results showing that from a distance of 300 feet, a Bergey Windpower 10 kW BWC Excel wind system like the one pictured at right generated a 54-55 decibels of sound with the wind blowing 25 mph. Stimmel also cited a National Academy of Sciences study showing that wind turbines cause just three out every 100,000 human-caused bird deaths. But the study also reads: "While estimation of avian fatalities caused by wind-power generation is possible ... it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the incremental contribution of wind-powered generation to cumulative bird deaths in time and space at current levels of development." Bat fatality data, the report notes, are even sparser. But if sales are any indication, more IMBYs are getting behind the small wind movement despite these concerns. Stimmel also urged Congress to extend federal tax credits (similar to the current 30% tax credit on solar energy systems) to help defray a backyard wind turbine's $12,000 to $60,000 cost. At the local level, Arizona, California, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Vermont are offering additional tax rebates or credits that will help continue to fuel small-wind installations--to the relief of some residents, and the resentment of others.—Daniel DiClerico Essential information: Learn more about local utility and state rebates and tax credits for alternative energy systems and how to purchase wind-generated and other green power that's fueling an explosion in "green-collar" jobs. Also, read our report on Neighbor Disputes in the September 2008 issue of Consumer Reports for advice on keeping up relations with the Joneses across a wide range of possible disputes.
- Hybrid vehicles: Best in fuel economy
Green and alternative-fuel vehicles are starting to become a large part of the automotive market and with gas prices continuing to rise, some are beginning to justify their higher price tags. But which type of alternative vehicle should you buy? The answer may depend on where you live and how you drive. We’ll look first at hybrids, then in future blogs, we’ll discuss diesel and ethanol. Hybrids have returned the best fuel economy figures in Consumer Reports tests. They combine the power of a gasoline engine with electricity from batteries driving an electric motor. Today’s hybrids never need to be plugged in. There are two main types of hybrids on the market today: full hybrids and mild hybrids. Full hybrids run at low speeds on just electricity and don’t start the gas engine until the car reaches 10-20 mph in normal driving. Mild hybrids always augment some of the gas engine’s power when the car is moving, shutting it down when the car stops. Mileage varies widely. In coming years, some hybrids may have a diesel instead of a gas engine to save even more fuel, and some will be able to be plugged in to maximize the electric mode. Pros Hybrids are widely available, and don’t require any consumer behavior change. Some hybrids are also eligible for tax rebates, and in some states their drivers may to use carpool lanes, even with one occupant. The benefits are saving fuel, and reducing emissions. Cons Most hybrids cost more to buy than comparable nonhybrids. And since fuel economy varies widely, not all hybrids live up to their reputation for super-high gas mileage. Some models use hybrid technology to boost performance instead. For more information on hybrid vehicles, see How hybrids work. For more information on alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
- Toshiba’s new XDE Upconverting DVD player: No Blu-ray killer
Despite earlier statements that it had developed a standard-def DVD technology that would render Blu-ray high-def players obsolete, Toshiba instead last week launched an upconverting DVD player—the XD-E500—that the company claims will surpass the performance of other upconverting standard-def models. The player, priced a $149, appears to be an interim step between standard upconverting players, priced about $80 to $100, and Blu-ray high-def models, which cost $300 or more. Despite earlier proclamations following the demise of the Toshiba-backed HD DVD high-def format, at a press event announcing the player Toshiba went out of its way not to compare the picture quality of the XDE (eXtended Detail Enhancement) model with that offered by Blu-ray players, instead saying that the XD-E500 offers a “near-HD experience.” None of the standard-definition upconverting players we've tested—which can convert the 480i video contained on all regular DVDs to simulate 720p, 1080i, or even 1080p—offer picture quality comparable to a Blu-ray high-def model. The player has three different picture modes: “sharp,” which analyzes the picture and adds edge enhancement; “color,” which produces more vivid blues and greens; and “contrast,” which the company says can make darker scenes or foregrounds more visible without “washing out” the picture as many conventional contrast adjustments do. Both the color and contrast modes are combined with the sharp mode’s detail enhancement. Although it was rumored that the new player would use the Cell processor, a powerful microprocessor jointly developed by Toshiba, IBM and Sony for use in the Sony PlayStation 3 video game system, Toshiba confirmed to CR that the player doesn’t use that chip, which is supposed to be employed in other Toshiba products, such as TVs, this year. The player can upconvert source material from 480i to 1080p, and can output 24p (24 frames per second, the native frame rate of film) if it’s available on the DVD. Toshiba tells CR that it presently has no plans to license the XDE technology to other manufacturers. Stay tuned for for more information about Toshiba's new XDE player. We'll be getting one in and testing its performance against other standard-def upconverting models, as well as a high-def Blu-ray player. —James K. Willcox
- Diving-related injuries on the rise as sport becomes more popular
Olympic fans enjoying the diving displays at this summer's games in Beijing may have heard the story about one competitor's accident when she was a teen in training. Ten years ago, Nancilea Foster was badly injured in a diving accident that broke her jaw, knocked out nine teeth, shattered her cheek and sinus bones and caved in part of her nose. Foster was able to recover from her injuries to compete for the U.S. in the 3-meter springboard event (placing eighth), but not all diving mishaps end so happily. According to a new study, there were more than 111,000 diving-related injuries to people under the age of 19 that required a trip to the emergency room from 1990 through 2006. Put another way, there is one such diving-related injury somewhere in America every 90 minutes or 6,500 annually. Collision with a diving board or platform was the leading cause of injuries (44 percent) and the odds of injury caused by contact with the diving board increased dramatically if a child or adolescent was performing a flip, handstand or backward dive. Injuries to the head and neck (38 percent) and face (22 percent) were the most common. The most frequent diagnoses were lacerations (34 percent) and soft tissue injuries (24 percent), according to the study published in the August edition of the journal Pediatrics. “Based on our findings, the largest age group of injured divers was 10- to 14-years-old," said study co-author Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and an associate professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. “Although this group made up the largest number of injured divers, 10- to 19-years-old were more at risk for an injury to the extremities. Boys were two times more likely to experience a head or neck injury or a fracture.” Recreational and competitive divers alike are at risk. “There is a need for increased prevention efforts to lower the risks of diving-related injuries among children and adolescents,” says Lara McKenzie, principal investigator at CIRP and a co-author of the study. “The recent growth of the sport of diving, coupled with the increasing complexity and difficulty of dives, has resulted in a greater potential for both competitive and recreational diving-related injuries.” “Parents, pediatricians, coaches, lifeguards and trainers need to be aware of the types of injuries seen during recreational and competitive diving, as well as the risk factors,” says McKenzie, who is also an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The study recommends these strategies for preventing diving-related injuries: Provide adult supervision and make sure a lifeguard is present. Make sure there are visible depth indicators around the pool. Install soft pool bottoms, if possible. Remove obstacles from swimming areas of lakes, rivers and oceans. Educate children about diving board safety. Educate children on proper diving techniques, especially when attempting new and unusual dives. Educate children to prevent them from jumping into shallow or cloudy water. Teach competitive divers stretching and strengthening to help prevent shoulder injuries. The study—the first to examine recreational and competitive diving-related injuries—was based on data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is operated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and provides information on consumer product-related and sports and recreation-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States. More on diving safety Swimming and diving safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Water safety tips from the American Red Cross.
- 10 Questions for ... Barb Schwarz, professional stager
In this installment of 10 Questions for . . . , Associate Editor Kimberly Janeway interviews Barb Schwarz, staging guru and CEO of Stagedhomes.com. Schwarz explains staging and how it helps to sell houses. Who coined the phrase “home staging?” I invented the industry 36 years ago. I had an interior design business and then went into real estate in the early ‘70s and was shocked at the way the houses looked. I started thinking about decorating houses to sell them. I used my theatre experience to set the scene. Staging is preparing your home so that the buyers can imagine living there with their own things. But most people have too much stuff and they don’t think to put it away. I’ve taught more than one million realtors and decorators about staging via my seminars. But don’t potential buyers like a house that’s neat but lived in? Just because you lived in a home one way isn’t the way you sell it. A home becomes a house, then a product to get top dollar. That’s why you do the staging—so the buyer doesn’t look at the stuff, but looks at the space. What does a stager actually do? First, I chat on phone with the potential client and then visit the home. I bring my credentials and pictures of my work. I take notes and photos and then I’ll write a proposal. I work on full homes, vacant homes. I have inventory for rent. Usually in lived-in homes you don’t have to buy or rent anything. Staging includes cleaning, packing up stuff, rearranging and moving furniture from one room to another, displaying art, and maybe even painting rooms. Packing up stuff? What happens to the stuff? The homeowners might have to get portable storage or box it up and put it in storage and get rid of it for now. Or they can have a garage sale or give things to charity. Tell me more about staging. What are the steps? 1. Get it clean (stager arranges this or owner does it) 2. Make it clutter-free (seller or stager does it) 3. Use color wisely. Put soft colors, neutrals, on the walls and floors. This expands the size of the room. No red bedrooms, no purple. Put the punch in accessories. 4. Compromise. When you can, put the money in something that’s in poor condition, such as replacing a vinyl kitchen floor that’s in bad shape. But if the bathroom counter is pink, diffuse it and go retro by hanging black hand towels, putting up a new white shower curtain, and painting the walls white. 5. Creativity. Staging is not about spending money. I can stage homes with a ball of rope and a pair of clippers. Angle the bed so that it opens walls and makes the room look bigger. Use nice sheets and pull back the bedspread to show off the sheets. 6. Communication. What is each room communicating to the buyer? Do we have to change the message? Is the room calm, peaceful? 7. Commitment. The seller has to be committed and say they can do this and not be afraid of changes.
- Average gas prices--August 18, 2008
Gas prices decline another week. National retail fuel price averages Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.74 ↓ .07 Diesel fuel/gallon $4.21 ↓ .15 Regional regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week East Coast $3.70 ↓ .10 -New England $3.73 ↓ .11 -Central Atlantic $3.73 ↓ .11 -Lower Atlantic $3.67 ↓ .08 Midwest $3.71 ↓ .02 Gulf Coast $3.60 ↓ .09 Rocky Mountain $3.89 ↓ .07 West Coast $3.98 ↓ .08 -California $4.04 ↓ .08 Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/18/08 For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas.
- Free TV—on your cell phone?
Here's an interesting story from the Associated Press this morning regarding television on cell phones. U.S. TV broadcasters are working on a new standard (called ATSC-M/H) that will allow cell phones (and other mobile devices) to receive and display over-the-air digital TV signals, which nearly all stations will be using by February 2009 as part of the transition to DTV. TV on your cell phone isn't entirely new. U.S. cell phone service providers have been offering—for extra monthly fees—TV "channels" (such as ESPN and CNN) on certain model phones, like the Samsung SCH-u620 (Verizon), the LG Vu (AT&T) and the Samsung Instinct (Sprint Nextel). In fact, "live" TV is one of the Instinct's jazzy features that make it a much more entertaining touch-screen phone than the iPhone. (See our "head-to-head" match-up, "iPhone 3G vs. Instinct," and video for more information.) But such services aren't beamed directly to the phones, but carried via the carrier's cellphone network. By potentially cutting out the carrier as middleman, ATSC-M/H would potentially allow next-generation mobile devices to receive free digital TV. (Like current "off-the-air" analog broadcasts, the new "free TV" service could be supported by advertisers.)
- Protecting your investment: Refrigerators
The average refrigerator lasts 14 years or longer—plenty of time to forget the spoilage and mess that can happen if it simply stops working. While you have few DIY options if it starts acting up, these routine maintenance tips can maximize its life and minimize repair-related down time: Keep refrigerator and freezer gaskets clean to keep cold air in. That and holding open the doors as little as possible—especially with a houseful of kids—can also take a big bite our of your utility bills, since refrigerators compete with dishwashers as the biggest energy hogs in the kitchen (and both of them vie with plasma TVs for the title of top energy user in the entire house). Check for simple solutions before calling a pro. The owner's manual typically includes a troubleshooting section. If the manual covers multiple models, be sure to mark which is yours, along with the serial number, while paperwork from the purchase is still handy—often a challenge later. Also be sure to save that paperwork as long as you own the fridge. Serial numbers can be found on the inside walls of the refrigerator or freezer compartments, attached to the cabinet door jambs, or behind the kick plate at the bottom of the unit. Protect your warranty by calling the right person. If you need help and the fridge is still under warranty, be sure to contact a manufacturer-authorized repair service. Otherwise, work done within the warranty may not be covered. Have model and serial numbers ready when you call, and get receipts for all work performed. A specific serial number can also help you determine the age of your fridge. One Illinois-based energy consultacy has created this Refrigerator Dating Page that lets you input your brand, serial and model number to learn its exact age. See the "How we test refrigerators" video above to get more insight into your icebox's innards. Even more model-specific expertise and empathy is available in one of the 141 topic threads in the Refrigerators section of our of our Appliances Forum. Many manufacturer Web sites also often host forums with advice on specific models.—Ed Perratore Essential information: Subscribers can see our complete advice recycling products that are beyond hope. Should you need to shop for a new refrigerator, start here.
- Do hybrids pay?
Hybrid technology is spreading to both cars and SUVs, but in most cases you’ll pay dearly for the privilege of electric assist, and all hybrids are not created equally. Using our owner cost estimates, we checked out the actual cost of owning a hybrid over time. Of the seven hybrids we recently tested, we found that three, the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Honda Civic Hybrid, save owners money compared with their all-gas alternatives, while others depend on tax breaks to break even. Overall, hybrid costs range from $4,250 in savings to a $1,750 deficit over five years, compared with their most similar gas counterparts. The Toyota Prius costs thousands more to buy than either the Toyota Corolla or the Toyota Matrix, but it costs less to own than either: $250 less than the Corolla, and $4,250 less than the Matrix 2.4. The four-cylinder Toyota Camry XLE and Camry Hybrid cost about the same to buy. The Hybrid gets 34 mpg overall versus 24 mpg for the non-hybrid Camry. More expensive hybrids with smooth, powerful V6 engines, such as the Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander cost hundreds more to own over five years than their gasoline counterparts, even though they save thousands of dollars in fuel costs. Hybrids’ fuel savings are real, however. The base Prius delivered an excellent 44 mpg overall, the highest of any five-passenger vehicle we have ever tested. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which achieved the best fuel economy of any current SUV we’ve tested, can save you nearly $700 per year in gasoline costs, compared with the V6 model. For more information on hybrid vehicles, see How hybrids work. To learn about alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.
- Fiesta issues safety alert for Blue Ember gas grills
Earlier this month, Fiesta, the maker of Blue Ember gas grills issued a safety warning about potential fire hazards that could result from improper grill assembly. If the firebox is incorrectly placed onto the grill cabinet in a way that routes the burner hose behind the heat shield -- instead of in front -- the hoses can fail from exposure to excessive heat. Hose failure can result in a serious grill fire. According to the manufacturer, there has been one incident of a grill fire resulting from an improper assembly, which caused some minor property damage. Although there has been no recall issued, the company's web site warns consumers of the hazards of improperly assembling Blue Ember grills and gives clear, illustrated instructions on proper routing of the burner hose. The company told us that they have made some design changes to their grills that would make them more difficult to assemble incorrectly. They will also ship all units with notices alerting consumers to the importance of routing the burner hose in front of the heat shield. Fiesta told us that they discovered problems with Blue Ember grills that were put together by a retailer's assembler. They claimed to know of no incidents of improper assembly by a consumer. Ironically, we do. A former test engineer who used to test grills for Consumer Reports, bought a Blue Ember grill model FG50069 from The Home Depot. We rated this model a CR Best Buy in our lastest report on grills. The engineer reported to us that, "you put this grill together as per the instructions, the gas hose could easily drape in the wrong place, melt and start a fire." And his did. "The hose completely melted shooting flames up into the firebox. "Although he has put together and tested at least 100 grills while working for us, he got this one wrong. He checked and rechecked the instructions but couldn't find anything that warned about hose placement. We discovered that the instructions have since been changed. Fiesta asked us to help get the word out to consumers who may have improperly assembled Blue Ember grills. We are happy to oblige, but we think the Consumer Product Safety Commission should issue a safety alert to ensure that the word is spread beyond our readership. We also think that retailers who sell Blue Ember grills should post notices at the point-of-purchase that would alert consumers to this safety issue. Fiesta told us that it is reaching out to customers in their database to alert them about the potential hazard. If you have experienced problems with gas grill fires or other safety issues, please comment on this posting. You can report any product safety problem through the link on this site. The information you share will help us accomplish our mission of reducing the number of unsafe products on the marketplace. --Don Mays
- Protecting your investment: Refrigerators
Protect Your Investment: Refrigerator The average refrigerator lasts 14 years or longer—plenty of time to forget the spoilage and mess that can happen if it simply stops working. While you have few DIY options if it starts acting up, these routine maintenance tips can maximize its life and minimize repair-related down time: Keep refrigerator and freezer gaskets clean to keep cold air in. That and holding open the doors as little as possible—especially with a houseful of kids—can also take a big bite our of your utility bills, since refrigerators compete with dishwashers as the biggest energy hogs in the kitchen (and both of them vie with gas plasma TVs for the title of top energy user in the entire house). Check for simple solutions before calling a pro. The owner's manual typically includes a troubleshooting section. If the manual covers multiple models, be sure to mark which is yours, along with the serial number, while paperwork from the purchase is still handy—often a challenge later. Also be sure to save that paperwork as long as you own the fridge. Serial numbers can be found on the inside walls of the refrigerator or freezer compartments, attached to the cabinet door jambs, or behind the kick plate at the bottom of the unit. Protect your warranty by calling the right person. If you need help and the fridge is still under warranty, be sure to contact a manufacturer-authorized repair service. Otherwise, work done within the warranty may not be covered. Have model and serial numbers ready when you call, and get receipts for all work performed. A specific serial number can also help you determine the age of your fridge. One Illinois-based energy consultacy has created this Refrigerator Dating Page that lets you input your brand, serial and model number to learn its exact age. More model-specific expertise and empathy is available in one of the 141 topic threads in the Refrigerators section of our of our Appliances Forum. Many manufacturer Web sites also often host forums with advice on specific models. —Ed Perratore Essential information: Subscribers can see our complete advice recycling products that are beyond hope. Should you need to shop for a new refrigerator, start here.
- Refurbished electronics: A bargain shopper's guide
TVs, digital cameras, laptops, and other electronics gear that have been returned to a retailer or manufacturer, supposedly restored to good-as-new condition, and then re-sold at bargain prices are starting to look respectable—especially to budget-conscious shoppers. Refurbished goods (also called "reconditioned" or "remanufactured") are even being touted as "green," since they might otherwise be on their way to the landfill. It's not just fly-by-nights selling gently used gear. Last fall, big-box retailer Target's web site began offering "pre-owned electronics," starting with seldom-discounted Apple iPods. Crutchfield.com, a reputable vendor that has been top-rated in Consumer Reports' annual Ratings of best electronics retailers, sells returned electronics from GPS to TVs at its online Outlet Store. Amazon.com, another consistently well-rated retailer, has been selling refurbished gear on its warehousedeals.com site since 2004. Among major manufacturers offering their own refurbished electronics are: Apple, via its Special Deals section of its web site Dell, via its online Outlet store and dfsdirectsales.com, Dell's financing division Epson, via its online Clearance Center HP, via its online Business outlet Sony, via its online Outlet store There's no shortage of products for these and other vendors to refurbish. Up to one in five consumer electronics items sold are returned, according to technology consulting firm Accenture, and a mere 5 percent or so of those returns are defective. More than two-thirds of electronics returned to retailers work fine.
Headlines last updated at Aug 21, 2008 15:19:48pm.
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