Resent articles by the "consumeraffairs.com" from The Free Libraryhttp://www.thefreelibrary.comen-usFarlex, Inc.Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:13:58 GMT360http://www.thefreelibrary.comhttp://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/static/TFLbyFarlex.gif17565Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FCC+Wants+More+Answers+On+Verizon+Termination+Fees-a01612100504
When word got out that Verizon was increasing its contract early termination fees (ETFs) toas high as $350 for its high-end phones, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wanted answers. And now that it's finally gotten a response, at least one Commissioner isn't happy with what they received.

Verizon's senior vice-president for regulatory affairs, Kathleen Grillo,...]]>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Airlines+Scramble+To+Cope+With+Christmas+Storm-a01612100488
A major winter storm blasting the Midwest has thrown last minute holiday travel into disarray, with airlines struggling to cope.

Continental Airlines said customers scheduled on flights to, from or through affected airports through Friday, December 25, 2009, are permitted a one-time date or time change to their itinerary without penalty. If a flight has been canceled, a refund in...]]>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pop-Up+Security+Warnings+Pose+Threats-a01612100487
Those computer pop-ups that drive us all nuts are more than just annoying: they can be dangerous.

The FBI is warning consumers that pop-up security messages that appear while you are online may contain a virus that could harm your computer, cause costly repairs or -- even worse -- lead to identity theft. The messages contain scareware -- fake or rogue anti-virus software that...]]>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Holidays+Can+Be+Deadly+For+Pedestrians-a01612100486
You know you shouldn't drink and drive, but health experts say you shouldn't walk, either. Holiday partiers, they say, should take a taxi.

“Alcohol impairs your physical ability to walk and to drive,” said Dr. Thomas Esposito at Loyola University Health System. “It impairs your judgment, reflexes and coordination. It’s nothing more than a socially acceptable,...]]>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Comcast+Settles+File-Sharing+Lawsuit-a01612099809
Comcast has agreed to settle a class action accusing the wireless provider of blocking access to peer-to-peer websites. The agreement brings an end to two years of litigation that sparked heated debate over whether Innternet providers should be allowed to filter content, and how much filtering they can get away with.

Lead plaintiff Jon Hart filed the lawsuit in November 2007,...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cressi+Recalls+Scuba+Regulators-a01612099757
Cressi is recalling about 200 of its Ellipse Black MC5 regulators.

Partial obstruction of the High Pressure (HP) port can produce an inaccurate reading on the pressure gauge, resulting in a slow descent of the needle in the pressure gauge. The inaccurate reading on the gauge poses a drowning hazard to divers.

The firm has received three reports of inaccurate...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Vintage+Verandah+Patio+Fireplaces+Recalled-a01612099756
W.S. Badcock Corp. is recalling about 1,250 Vintage Verandah patio fireplaces. A paint used to finish the exterior shell may catch fire, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

The company has received one report of the exterior shell catching fire. No injuries were reported.

The recalled fireplace is made of black metal with wire mesh sides, a black metal cap...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dollar+Tree+Recalls+Tool+Bench+Utility+Knife-a01612099755
Dollar Tree is recalling about 200,000 Tool Bench utility knives. The utility knife’s blade can slide past the blade support during use, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Dollar Tree has received one report of a laceration with the utility knife.

The utility knife is black or gray and measures about 6 inches long and about 1 ¼ inches wide. The package...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Frustrated+Shoppers+Can't+Find+Deep+Discounts-a01612099753
Over half of American consumers (50.4 percent) who haven't yet finished their Christmas shopping say that lack of discounts of 60 percent to 70 percent off have had a negative effect on their shopping experience this year.

According to the latest Christmas Retail Survey by America's Research Group (ARG) and UBS, lack of big discounts had a major effect on 22.2 percent of...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mintel+Predicts+Global+Consumer+Trends+For+2010-a01612099752
After weathering this year's global economic recession, consumers appear ready to reset and start fresh for 2010.

With that in mind, the experts at Mintel, a supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence, see seven key consumer behavior trends for the year ahead, looking at how this year's adversity created a new set of values. The forecasters believe resilience will...]]>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/California+Animal+Shelters+Overrun+With+Chihuahuas-a01612098797
It's a big problem that comes in a small package -- the "Chihuahua" problem.

California animal shelters are overflowing with the tiny dogs popularized by such movies as "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Legally Blonde." But animal control officials hope pet lovers in that state and others will give these Chihuahuas a home for the holidays.

"We probably have more...]]>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Outlook+For+2010+Housing+Market+Remains+Murky-a01612099754
Can homeowners finally begin to see some sustained increase in their equity in 2010? Though some forecasts have been slightly bullish, the most recent new and existing home sales reports present a mixed picture.

First, the good news.

On Tuesday the National Association of Realtors reported sales of existing homes surged 7.4 percent in November from the month...]]>