Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Consumer News, Tips & Updates

Blogs

Consumer Smarts
By the P-I's Phuong Cat Le
· Court says AT&T can't force arbitration
· To reach a live person, press ...
· Homeowners sue Countrywide

Secret Ingredients
On food safety and public health by the P-I's Andrew Schneider
· Everyone seems to have a different villain in mind over man who's suing because popcorn butter flavoring damaged his lungs.
· People in Washington and Oregon have been infected with salmonella after eating raw alfalfa sprouts.
· Popcorn blamed for ruining lungs of man who ate several bags of ActII every day; Suit filed in federal court against many.

From the Blogosphere

All Consuming
From the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
· Elderly ripped off by relatives
· Minimum purchase for credit card use?

Consumer Reports Shopping Blog
· Please visit the Consumer Reports Money & Shopping Blog!
· Drink a toast to good value

The Consumerist
Shoppers bite back
· Get Ready For An Onslaught Of Food Advertising [Badvertising]
· Dell Doesn't Care Where You Live, Keeps Delivering Packages To The Wrong Address [Dell]

KOMO consumer news
· Most reliable fingerprint-scan locks
· Gasoline not the only rising cost for drivers

Recalls

FDA
Recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts
· Recall of Patak's Dopiaza Cooking Sauce (September 4)
· Trans Ocean Products Recalls Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon LOT No 54933-2 Because of Possible Health Risks (August 29)

Product recalls
From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
· Sony Recalls Notebook Computers Due to Burn Hazard
· Wolf Appliance Recalls Gas Ranges Due to Burn Hazard

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
Salmonella outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts
The latest outbreak of salmonella bacteria contamination from alfalfa sprouts is responsible for sickening nine people in Washington, some in King County, and four in Oregon, the state Health Department said.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008
Spokane man's suit claims popcorn led to lung disease
A Spokane man who says his lungs have been destroyed by cooking several bags of microwave popcorn every day sued Thursday over his condition.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2008
PSE seeks permission to boost natural gas rates
Puget Sound Energy files for a rate increase on natural gas prices, citing the higher cost of the fuel.

Mislabeled tuna salad prompts warning from QFC
Quality Food Centers is trying to track down shoppers who purchased five types of mislabeled tuna salad sold at some of the chain's supermarkets in Washington and Oregon.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2008
AT&T can't force customer arbitration
An AT&T customer can pursue a class action lawsuit against the company despite its arbitration clause, the state Supreme Court ruled.

Don't forget Sheryl Crow and Dave Matthews
Not going to Bumbershoot? Sheryl Crow and Dave Matthews offer an alternative.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008
Soak in these tips before heading out to Bumbershoot
A little planning and some tips from experienced festivalgoers can make for a smoother Bumbershoot experience.

Drug firm favors expensive eye treatment
WASHINGTON -- What does a company do when there's anecdotal evidence that two of its drugs are equally effective in treating a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, one costing patients $60 per treatment and the other $2,000?

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008
Port Orchard the winner in highest per capita lottery sales
A P-I analysis of data from the Washington lottery shows that Port Orchard stores sell the most lottery games per resident of any city, close to $750 per resident. Civic leaders had no easy explanation for the distinction.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008
Need a Bumberbreak? Try some full-length shows this week instead
Don't want to bother with Bumbershoot? Well, there are plenty of other options, from Oasis and Ryan Adams to Willie Nelson and Melissa Etheridge.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008
The Money Squeeze: Food costs will only increase from here
NEW YORK -- As prices for crude oil and other commodities ease, consumers have gotten a small dose of relief at the gas pump. But don't expect less pain at the grocery counter.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008
On Food: Set botulism fears aside and attend a free class on how to can safely
Interested in home canning? Worried about botulism? Here are some tips for safe canning and a free class.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
Impending bag fee brings change to grocery check stands
The upcoming 20-cent per bag fee which goes into effect in Seattle Jan. 1, already has brought dilemmas and changes -- some unforeseen -- to life at the supermarket.

Consumer Smarts: Buyer of a 'lemon' car can seek state help
Consumers who buy "lemon" vehicles can request arbitration through the state

Sales of indexed annuities under increased scrutiny
Sales of equity-indexed annuities, insurance contracts with an investment component, have come under increased scrutiny

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