A Safe Way To Spring Ahead

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this Sunday morning at 2 A.M. Although most welcome spring, more than a few of us dislike the prospect of losing an hour's sleep. This might sound like petty griping, but the Harvard Medical School suggests that it's actually a safety issue. An article in the most recent issue of the Harvard Health Letter likens the loss of an hour's sleep from DST to jet lag and says it decreases focus, makes it harder for people to wake up in the morning and thus fosters increased rushing. The article lists the following precautions to lessen the risks associated with DST:

-Change your clocks early in the day on Saturday so you can get a headstart on the mental and physical adjustment.
-Get plenty of rest on Saturday and try not to alter your usual Saturday night bedtime and Sunday morning wake-up time.
-Don't nap on Sunday and wake up at the usual time on Monday.
-Keep a light schedule on Monday and minimize driving (if possible).
-Check or change the batteries in your smoke dectors.

Source: Harvard Health Beat, March 29, 2006.

Magnetix Toys Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 3.8 million of the Magnetix toy kits. Magnetix contains a set of plastic pieces and rods which can be linked together using magnets. Unfortunately, the magnets can fall out, and late last year an 18 month old boy died when he accidentally swallowed some of the magnets. These magnets caused the boy's intestines to twist together, and he died from the complications at Seattle's Children's Hospital.

Seattle televsion station KOMO TV 4 (ABC) started an investigation, and found more cases of children accidentally swallowing the magnets and needing emergency treatment. Nationwide, the CPSC has received 34 reports. Magnetix is made by Rose Art Industries, who have not issued any comments. The CPSC says stop using the magnetic sets and return the sets to Rose Art for a free replacement product suitable for young children under the age of 6. Rose Art can be contacted at 800-779-7122 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday or on the web at www.roseart.com.

Prospective National Show Looking For Families

Do you have a dream you can't afford? Do you have anything in your attic that might be worth something? Do you want to be on TV? Answer yes to all three, and you could be an ideal candidate for a new prime-time show coming to ABC.

Experts will help selected families sell their valuable treasures on eBay to make their dreams come true. The dreams have to be creative though -- no home or personal makeovers allowed.

If your dream is going to cooking school to learn how to make chicken napoleon, maybe you can sell your antique Napoleon Bonaparte books and your sweet Napoleon Dynamite talking action figure to make it a reality. To find out more, go to nationalfamilysearch.com.

10 Best Spring Break Spots

These spots are according to Expedia.com. Please visit Expedia for online travel arrangements.

For family spots, they list Orlando, San Diego, Tampa, Honolulu, and New York. The surprising omission is Anaheim for Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. New York is a trip that everyone should make once in their lifetime with the museums, theater and other cultural icons. Orlando and Tampa have lots of theme parks like Sea World (the alligator tastes like chicken) Busch Gardens, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, and the grandaddy, Disneyworld.

For a younger single crowd, Expedia lists Miami, Las Vegas, South Padre Island, Rivera Maya, and Daytona Beach. I am surprised that Lake Havasau did not make the list. (Maybe I am showing my age, since that was a hot spot when I was in college.) Anyway, I hope you enjoy the suggestions, and have fun on spring break!

HDTV Purchasing Help

Click here for a Seattle Times article with some helpful information about purchasing a high definition (HDTV) television. Many consumers are flat out confused by what HDTV is, and the best type of set to buy. Hopefully this article will help clear up some confusion.

Disney Princess Bracelet Keyrings Recall

This product was sold at retailers, including Wal-Mart and Walgreens from 2003 to 2005. The retail price was $3.00. The item number is #24405 and made by Monogram International (800-736-1941). The item was recalled due to high lead levels, which could be toxic if ingested by children. Please check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for more information (www.cpsc.gov).

Read This If You Donated A Vehicle To Charity

The IRS has changed the rules for claiming a tax deduction if you have donated a vehicle to a charitable organization. If you plan on claiming more than a $500 dollar value for the vehicle, you can no longer claim "fair market value" for the car. You can now only claim the amount made when the organization sells the vehicle, which is typically under the fair market value of the car.

In some cases, you can claim more than $500 snd use the fair market value of the vehicle. These situations will include if the organization improves the vehicle or keeps the vehicle for its own needs.

Click here for the complete article.

Infant Formula Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall for one lot of Gentlease powdered infant formula, which was found to contain metal particles up to 2.7 millimeters in size. If inhaled, these particles could pose a serious risk to an infant's respiratory system and throat.

The lot recalled is #BMJ19 (expiration date July 1, 2007) and involves 41,464 24-oz cans, distributed from December 16, 2005 on.

Consumers are urged to check the lot # and expiration date found on the bottom of the can. Those with the recalled product should not use the formula and should contact Mead Johnson at 888.587.7275 immediately.

For more information on this recall, visit FDA MedWatch.

WWE Big Time Moments

Dish Network customers can get their warmup for Wrestlemania by ordering WWE Big Time Moments for the low price of $.22 cents. This offer is available March 29 through April 2. See Dish Network for details and ordering.

Showtime Free Preview

Welcome to blog number 5. I have always been very cranky when I have missed out on news of general interest and free items. Inspiration always comes after a six pack of Mountain Dew. Ummmm......Dew....Anyway, for Direct TV customers, Showtime will have a free preview from March 31 through April 3. The show Huff will debut its new season, and the remake of Alfie with Jude Law will also premiere. Look for Showtime to offer incentives to sign up during this time. Visit www.directv.com for more information or www.sho.com for more information on Showtime.