The story of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes offers many teachable moments. Consumers were convinced that Theranos offered a simpler way to get blood testing. Distributors like Walgreens partnered with Theranos believing that the company was offering a viable solution. Investors bought into the Theranos promise and put millions into the company. News media was quick… Continue reading Lessons from Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes
Category: Consumer News
Apple iCloud iPhone iPad Photos Missing Not Synchronizing
In the past three days, I’ve had three different people experiencing problems with photos disappearing from their devices and missing from iCloud. I usually hear from my Apple customers once every 5 years when it’s time to upgrade to a new device. So, hearing from three in one week, all having the same problem, seemed… Continue reading Apple iCloud iPhone iPad Photos Missing Not Synchronizing
Understanding the High Cost of Medications and Pharmaceutical Drugs and What We Can Do About It
In this video, Robert Reich explains why prescription drug prices are so high in the United States, and how we can make them more affordable.
Samsung Launches New “Moving On” Commercial (17 May 2018)
On 17 May 2018, Samsung released an updated version of their “Moving On” commercial (shown below). The ad is visually well done, and probably achieves its goal of making the Apple iPhone look like a poorly designed, frustrating, outdated smartphone. The ad also pokes fun at the Apple retail support experience. What the viewer may… Continue reading Samsung Launches New “Moving On” Commercial (17 May 2018)
Buyer Beware: Purchase Contracts Changing Without Notice – Kia Motors Canada
There’s an unfortunate ongoing problem in our mostly unregulated free marketplace whereby a vendor promises something to a customer, but in the sales contract there’s a disclaimer stating that the company can change the agreement at any time without notice to the customer. In other words, the customer is agreeing to a binding agreement that… Continue reading Buyer Beware: Purchase Contracts Changing Without Notice – Kia Motors Canada
“Happiness” – A short film about the world we’ve left behind
The 2017 short film “Happiness” by Steve Cutts depicts a world that is familiar but quickly fading from memory as our new world takes shape in 2020 as we address a global viral pandemic. It’s helpful to look back on the lives we were living and realize that despite our current hardships, perhaps the way… Continue reading “Happiness” – A short film about the world we’ve left behind
HEALTH – Avoiding Tumors Caused by Excessive Cell Phone Usage RF Emissions
Summary In a 2017 safety test commissioned by CBC News Canada, it was discovered that normal cell phone use results in dangerous tumor causing radiation exposure that exceeds the safety guidelines. When mobile phones are placed in a pocket, essentially against the body, radiation emissions were 300% to 400% greater than if phones are 1/4″ (5 mm)… Continue reading HEALTH – Avoiding Tumors Caused by Excessive Cell Phone Usage RF Emissions
Facebook Scam – Stalker Application or Creeper Program is Hoax and Password Stealing Phishing Scheme
Technology > Facebook Support Summary. The following Facebook report is from technology specialist Gregory Johnson. Moments ago, I had a friend of mine post a message to my Facebook wall stating “I’ve just seen who STALKS me here on Facebook. You can see who stalks you too!” A link was provided to a website other… Continue reading Facebook Scam – Stalker Application or Creeper Program is Hoax and Password Stealing Phishing Scheme
Progressive Snapshot Driving Tracker
Effective Living > Transportation | Technology Update: 5 Apr 2023 The article below was originally posted on 16 Dec 2010 with the name: “Progressive Auto Insurance SnapShot Device Analyzes Safety of Driving Patterns.” Now with over 15 years of experience as a Progressive customer, having experience a few claims under the automotive and renter’s insurance… Continue reading Progressive Snapshot Driving Tracker
Smilebox – Product Review and Consumer Complaints
UPDATE: 10 Mar 2021 The document below was originally posted on 25 Oct 2009. As of March 2021, the information is over 10 years old. It remains here for archival purposes to document some of the work we have done over many decades in identifying and addressing consumer issues. We are not currently providing consumer… Continue reading Smilebox – Product Review and Consumer Complaints
Wrapsacks Reusable Gift Wrapping Bags Save Time and the Planet
Activism > Environment Summary. Wrapsacks.com offers reusable gift bags that save time and the planet. Earth Impact. The Wrapsacks website explains the benefit of their products. Wrapsacks are a reusable alternative to disposable paper gift wrap. This paper-based industry generates sales of $5.1 billion per year and an equivalent amount of waste. Although recycled paper… Continue reading Wrapsacks Reusable Gift Wrapping Bags Save Time and the Planet
Paper or Plastic?… Neither
This past week, Wal-Mart started a new campaign in our area of offering reusable bags for $1 each. The bag is similar to some I’ve seen costing as much as $10. According to an included information card, this bag has the following special characteristics: It is 100% recyclable It is made from 85% recycled materials… Continue reading Paper or Plastic?… Neither