“Phishing,” also called “carding” or “spoofing,” is a high-tech scam that uses e-mail spam to trick consumers into giving out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, or Social Security numbers.

Phishers typically send deceptive emails that pose as online shopping sites, credit card companies, charities, and even banks, in efforts to trick people into giving out personal information.
(more…)

Most people are now aware that prolonged exposure to the sun is a dangerous proposition. While some sun “worshippers” choose to tempt fate (and skin cancer) by toasting themselves for hours without any type of protection in order to attain a “golden” tan, many millions of others (including parents) use massive amounts of “sunscreens” to shield themselves (and their children) from potential harm.

Sunscreens are heavily advertised by a number of manufacturers since the market is a lucrative one where companies stand to make huge sums of money if they can convince consumers that their particular product (or products) offers the best protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.
(more…)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that some 500,000 “Speedway” Cigarette Lighters manufactured in China are being voluntarily recalled by Speedway SuperAmerica LLC, of Enon, Ohio (retailer) because the flame can flare up or the lighter can catch fire when ignited, posing risks of unexpected fires and burn injuries.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.

The lighters were imported by Golden Star Group, of Walnut, California.
(more…)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Girl Inc., of Middleton, Wisconsin, a division of Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, California, have announced a voluntary recall of American Girl Children’s Jewelry made in China that contains high levels of lead.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.
(more…)

In structuring randomized controlled trials that target specific chronic medical conditions, researchers will, by necessity, come across a large number of individuals that suffer from comorbid conditions as well.

Clearly, when testing people with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol, or similar medical disorders, it is likely that a significant percentage of the potential subjects will have also developed one or more of the other conditions.
(more…)

A lawsuit brought by New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer on behalf of 49 states has been settled by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

GSK, the world’s second largest drug company, has agreed to pay 14 million to dispose of charges it fraudulently tried to delay competitors from marketing a generic version of its anti-depressant drug Paxil (also marketed as Seroxat) though frivolous patent-infringement lawsuits.
(more…)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Creative Innovations & Sourcing LLC, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, have announced the voluntary recall of about 8,000 Thunder Spin R.C. Road Rage Stunt Machine Toy Trucks because electrical circuits within the truck can overheat thereby posing a risk of fire.

The recalled products were manufactured in Hong Kong and sold by QVC Inc. nationwide from November 2005 through December 2005 for between $40 and $44.
(more…)

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, which manufactures Nestlé Country Creamery, is recalling two flavors of Nestlé Country Creamery Ice Cream purchased sold at Wal-Mart stores in Texas because the ice cream may contain egg not identified on the label.

The Nestlé Country Creamery flavors involved in the recall are Toll House® Chocolate Chip and French Vanilla.
(more…)

Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, Columbus, Ohio, is recalling its 6 oz. and 12 oz. packages of Filled Easter Eggs because they may contain egg whites, yellow #5, and yellow #6 that are not declared on the label.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs risk serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported to date.
(more…)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Electro Source LLC, of Vernon, California, are recalling some 231,000 Pelican Power Brick Battery Chargers because the charger’s circuit board can overheat and cause its plastic cover to melt thereby posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.
(more…)