Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm237683.htm

South Florida Bakery Issues Recall for Publix Bakery Coconut Macaroons (Coquitos)
Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:04:00 -0600

South Florida Bakery is issuing a voluntary recall on all lot codes of Publix Bakery Coconut Macaroons (Coquitos). The UPC may be found on the back label below the Nutritional Facts panel.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm237683.htm

JFC International Inc. Recalls “Frozen Capelin” Due To Possible Health Risk
Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:37:00 -0600

JFC International, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is recalling all of its un-eviscerated Frozen Capelin because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm238089.htm

Brand Castle, LLC Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Egg In Icing Of Licensed Rice Krispies Treats Holiday Village Kit Distributed Through Michaels Retail Stores Only

Contact:
James Zeilinger
216-292-7700

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 23, 2010 - Brand Castle, LLC is recalling its licensed Rice Krispies Treats Holiday Village Kit. This recall was initiated because the icing component of the kit contains undeclared egg; no other components of the kit are affected. People who have allergies to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Approximately 20,000 of the recalled Holiday Village Kits were distributed to Michaels retail stores in the U.S. and Canada. This Holiday Village Kit is not produced by the Kellogg Company, although the product does contain Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. There is no labeling issue with the Rice Krispies.

The product comes in a 23.5-ounce cardboard package, marked with a UPC Code of 8-44527-02106-9 and is identified with the following expiration dates: 15 Oct 2012; 16 Oct 2012; and 02 Nov 2012.

One (1) allergic reaction has been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that an incorrect icing pouch was packaged with the Holiday Village Kits. This recall is limited to the Holiday Village Kit and does not include the Train, Snowman or Holiday House kits.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Brand Castle, LLC at 216-292-7700 from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm ET, Monday – Friday or www.craftycookingkits.com9.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm238001.htm

American Regent Initiates Voluntary Recall of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP 4 mg/mL, 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial

Contact:
Walter Tozzi, R.Ph., M.S., M.B.A.
Sr. Director of Professional Services
631-924-4000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 20, 2010 - American Regent is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of the following:

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 4 mg/mL, 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial
NDC # 0517-4930-25

Lot #’s Exp. Dates
8811 12/2010
9093 02/2011
9195 03/2011
9296 04/2011
9419 06/2011
9505 07/2011
9649 09/2011

PLEASE NOTE: This recall, initiated on December 20, 2010 to the User Level, is for these lots only. No other lots of the 30 mL MDV or other sizes of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 4 mg/mL, are subject to this recall.

This voluntary recall was initiated because some vials of these lots either contain particulates or have the potential to form particulates prior to their respective expiration dates. American Regent is undertaking this recall in consideration of the potential for safety issues if these lots of product are administered to patients.

The product was distributed to wholesalers and distributors nationwide.

Hospitals, infusion centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities should not use American Regent Inc., Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP, 4 mg/mL, 30 mL Multiple Dose Vials with the above lot #’s for patient care and should immediately quarantine any product for return.

“Patient safety is our primary concern, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect patients from any potential safety risks,” said Mary Jane Helenek, President and CEO of American Regent.

While American Regent continues to investigate this issue, the company is taking precautionary action and initiated this voluntary recall. American Regent has informed the FDA of its actions and is maintaining ongoing discussions with the agency.

As is standard practice, and as stated in the Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP Product Package Insert, “Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.”

American Regent will credit accounts for all returned product with these lot #’s. Those with questions about the return process, please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-645-1706: Monday thru Friday from 8:30AM to 7:00PM ET.

Hospitals, infusion centers, clinics and healthcare providers, or patients with other questions may contact the Professional Services Department at 800-645-1706.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems should be reported to American Regent, Inc. via email at PV@luitpold.com, by fax to 610-650-7781 or 610-650-0170 or by phone at 1-800-734-9236. Adverse reactions may also be reported to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online9, or by returning the postage paid FDA form 350010, by mail to [MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or via fax [1-800-FDA-0178] or phone 1-800-332-1088

Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection, USP is manufactured by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is distributed by American Regent, Inc. (Shirley, NY).

Source: Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Weekly Harvest Newsletter

Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - December 29, 2010

Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh

News & Resources
* Conservation Reserve Program Celebrates 25 Years
* California Appellate Court Upholds Pesticide Drift Case
* Biodiesel Tax Incentive Retroactively Extended
* California Ag Vision 2030 Unveiled
* Consumer Survey Finds Families Buying More Organic Food
* Study Says Rotation, No-till Can Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Funding Opportunities
* Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative
* Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant
* Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Internship Grant

Coming Events
* Organicology
* NOFA Vermont Winter Conference
* Beginning Farmer & Rancher Conference

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News & Resources

Conservation Reserve Program Celebrates 25 Years
USDA is marking the 25th anniversary of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a voluntary program that encourages agricultural landowners to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover. Landowners receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term conservation practices on eligible farmland. To date, the total national CRP stands at 31.3 million acres enrolled in nearly 738,000 contracts. “Although it was designed to address soil erosion, CRP has become one of the standouts in the USDA arsenal of conservation programs by continuing to provide significant economic and environmental benefits beyond its original intent,” noted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/12/0671.xml

California Appellate Court Upholds Pesticide Drift Case
This week California’s 6th District Court of Appeal in San Jose upheld an organic herb farmer’s right to sue a pesticide applicator over contamination of his crop, and let stand the $1 million award a jury
handed the grower two years ago, reports San Jose Mercury News. The decision is significant, agriculture and law experts say, because it strengthens the case for organic farmers or anyone else harmed by pesticides to seek legal recourse, even if the pesticide is legally applied. While state law restricts pesticides from being sprayed on neighboring properties, which is known as pesticide drift, the law doesn’t deal specifically with pesticides that disperse into the air after application and end up someplace else, as happened in this case. Attorneys for the pesticide applicator, Western Farm Service, argued that since the company had not run afoul of state law, Jacobs Farm did not have the right to sue. The Court of Appeals, in its 32-page ruling, dismissed that argument and contended that the jury could hold the pesticide company liable for tainting the organic crops at Jacobs Farm.
http://www.mercurynews.com/central-coast/ci_16923749?nclick_check=1

Biodiesel Tax Incentive Retroactively Extended
On December 17 President Barack Obama signed H.R. 4853, legislation that among its provisions retroactively extends the biodiesel tax incentive through 2011. According to The Biodiesel Board, the biodiesel tax incentive is structured in a manner that makes the fuel price competitive with conventional diesel fuel in the marketplace. The lapse of the tax incentive on December 31, 2009 has had a detrimental impact on the domestic biodiesel industry. Conversely, retroactive reinstatement and extension of the tax incentive through 2011, as provided for in H.R. 4853, is widely expected to increase U.S. biodiesel production.
Related ATTRA publication: Biodiesel Use, Handling, and Fuel Quality (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=310)
http://www.biodiesel.org/news/pressreleases/20101217_PresidentSignsBill.htm

California Ag Vision 2030 Unveiled
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture reached a milestone in the Ag Vision process on December
16th when it unveiled the California Ag Vision 2030 recommendations. “The Ag Vision recommendations reflect the combined needs of California’s farmers and ranchers and those stakeholders interested in our food system,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “Collaboration among these groups is key to creating a sustainable future within the agricultural sector. I congratulate everyone who has participated in this process.” The Ag Vision recommendations reflect a consensus among representatives from the environmental, labor, food access and nutrition communities as well as California’s farmers and ranchers. The policy recommendations address such issues as environmental regulations, invasive species, agricultural workforce, conservation, and adaptation to climate change. The complete report is available online(http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision/docs/Ag_Vision_Final_Report_Dec_2010.pdf).
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision/

Consumer Survey Finds Families Buying More Organic Food
In spite of the sluggish economic recovery, U.S. families continue to buy more organic products than ever before and from a wider variety of categories, according to findings from the latest consumer study jointly sponsored by the Organic Trade Association and KIWI Magazine. In fact, 41 percent of parents report they are buying more organic foods today than a year ago, up significantly from 31 percent reporting organic purchases in 2009, according to the U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes & Beliefs 2010 tracking study. The survey, conducted between Aug. 11 and 27, 2010, also found that parents buy organic because they see organic products are generally healthier, address their concern about the effects of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics on children, or provide a means to avoid highly processed foods and/or artificial ingredients.
http://www.organicnewsroom.com/2010/12/consumer_survey_finds_41_of_pa.html

Study Says Rotation, No-till Can Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Using no-till and corn-soybean rotation practices in farm fields can significantly reduce field emissions of the greenhouse
gas nitrous oxide, according to a Purdue University study. Tony Vyn, a professor of agronomy, found that no-till reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 57 percent over chisel tilling, which mixes crop residue into surface soil, and 40 percent over moldboard tilling, which completely inverts soil as well as the majority of surface residue. Using a corn-soybean rotation instead of continuous corn decreased nitrous oxide emissions by 20 percent in the three-year study. Vyn said the reduction could be even greater, though, because for the long-term experiment, both continuous corn and rotation crops were fertilized based on the needs of continuous corn. “There is more nitrous oxide emission coming from agriculture than the tailpipes of cars and trucks,” Vyn said. “And there is likely to be more nitrous oxide emission if we increase nitrogen application rates to increase cereal yields.”
Related ATTRA publication: Sustainable Corn and Soybean Production (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=98)
http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2010/101220VynNitrous.html

>> More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)

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Funding Opportunities

Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals for new conservation projects that support comprehensive efforts already underway to improve the water quality and overall health of the Mississippi River from North-Central Minnesota
to the Gulf of Mexico. As part of its Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative, USDA is providing up to $40 million in financial assistance for new partnership projects in 43 priority watersheds in 13 states. USDA will use a competitive process to distribute the available funding through existing conservation programs such as the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative and the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program. USDA published its Request for Proposals in the Federal Register, with a list of the eligible watersheds as well as information about where project proposals should be submitted. Federally recognized Indian tribes, state and local units of governments, farmer cooperatives, producer associations, institutions of higher education and other nongovernmental organizations can download the RFP (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-11-29/html/2010-29958.htm).
Project proposals are due on or before January 28, 2011.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/12/0668.xml

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant
Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s 2011 Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant seeks to strengthen our local food system by supporting female farmers, ranchers, and processors who plan to create innovative, sustainable solutions to producing or marketing obstacles in the High Country. Applicants may apply for funding for projects or educational opportunities in sustainable food and agriculture.
Proposals must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2011.
http://www.brwia.org/

Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area Internship Grant
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area partner sites may apply for grants of up to $3,000 to pay up to 70 percent of the wages of a summer intern. Interns may be hired to complete a specific project such as educational programs, interpretation, marketing, graphic design, preservation, conservation and/or agricultural related. Intern projects proposed must stem from and support development of at least one of the six key interpretive themes as outlined in the SSNHA Interpretive Plan. The six key interpretive themes include The Fertile Land, Farmers and Families, The Changing Farm, Higher Yields: The Science and Technology of Agriculture, Farm to Factory: Agribusiness in Iowa and Organizing for Agriculture: Policies and Politics.
Applications are due February 1, 2011.
http://www.silosandsmokestacks.org/home/uploads/documents/2011%20Intern%20Grant%20App.pdf

>> More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)

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Coming Events

Organicology
February 10-12, 2011
Portland, Oregon
Organicology is an interactive educational format created by four organic trade organizations, and offering curriculum designed to advance trade knowledge across a broad front. Seed producers, farmers, distributors and retailers, researchers and educators, chefs, food policy activists, and eaters of great food: all find topics of interest and sources of inspiration at Organicology. The 2011 conference will continue focus on sustainability, farming and seed issues as well as an addition of education and interchange around the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the farm bill.
http://www.organicology.org

NOFA Vermont Winter Conference
February 12-14, 2011
Burlington, Vermont
The NOFA-VT Winter Conference is the pre-eminent gathering of Vermont’s local food community, and the highlight of the season for those who are interested in all things organic, local and sustainable. Join over 1500 farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, localvores, educators, and citizens in re-localizing Vermont’s food system and leading the nation.
http://nofavt.org/annual-events/winter-conference

Beginning Farmer & Rancher Conference
February 6-7, 2011
Orlando, Florida
This meeting for beginning farmers and ranchers is held in conjunction with the annual American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference. Attendees at both conferences will have the opportunity to attend the sessions at each other’s conferences. The event includes tours, general and breakout sessions.
http://www.start2farm.gov/2011BFRConf.pdf

>> More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/)

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New & Updated Publications
Persimmons, Asian and American
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=10

Local Foods No. 5 — Hot Peppers (Chili Peppers)
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=348

Label Rouge: Pasture-Based Poultry Production in France
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=224

Question of the Week
I am building a new lambing barn. What are some resources for building energy efficient barns?
http://bit.ly/dSn8Ra

Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php

ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php

Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/427/personal2.asp?formid=signup

Comments? Questions? Contact us
http://attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html
Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives

Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html).

Visit the NCAT Web site for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php

University of Toronto Sky Garden uses the BIOTOP system

But with space in Toronto at such a premium, where can you find a place to plant?

Try looking up. Way up. If you’re on campus in the heart of U of T Engineering,
you just might spot a leafy green or two.

Tucked under the clouds atop the conjoining rooftops of the Galbraith and Sanford
Fleming buildings is the Sky Garden.

What’s the Best Way to Turn a Parking Lot into a Garden?

WOOSTER, Ohio - An old asphalt parking lot might not seem like a good place for
a garden.

But in urban areas it can be. It tends to be cheap open land. And an Ohio State
University expert on intensive small-scale horticulture has started a three-year
study on what works best there.

Joe Kovach, who specializes in maximizing fruit and vegetable production in limited
spaces, is comparing three ways to do it in empty, abandoned parking lots: in giant-sized
pots and in raised beds on top of the blacktop, and in trenches cut right through
it.

Robot harvests food in the city by Julie Dillon

“This was a piece I did a few months ago for ‘Crossed Genres’ “Science in my Fiction”
publication. A robot has been carefully tending gardens planted on abandoned highway
overpasses.”

How one urban farmer battled red tape to sell local food and flowers in LA

Kolla enhanced her soil with organic compost and planted it with dozens of annual
and perennial varieties not usually sold by commercial florists. She invested about
$15,000 in a truck and materials, including seeds, soil mix, and a market stand.

“I had 14 rows, 15 feet each, of annuals such as sweet peas, ranunculus, cornflowers,
anemones-dainty, old-fashioned flowers that people seem to really respond to because
they are so quaint,” Kolla says.

Holsman Selected To Chair Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture

The Missouri General Assembly’s newly established Joint Committee on Urban Agriculture
held its first organizational meeting on Thursday afternoon.

On the agenda for the
committee’s inaugural meeting was election of a chairperson and vice-chair, as well
as the approval of a slate of nominees to serve on a technical advisory subcommittee.

When it came time to select a committee chair, Representative Tom Loehner (R-Koeltztown)
nominated Representative Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City).
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Stories here:
City Farmer news [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=fclqmpbab&et=1104159765423&s=1304&e=001mT_mac9QftB_hXZ0EPGpUmFz_VaPL_xb5UyGUIsNnTi6c8t5Fozlketgitm4un734X6366kZ9pBF_UlxKW8071C9p83HpC8SO9QVavGFeFZyN6tWXvYudA==]
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Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
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NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2010
Release #11-082

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 888-3139
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

American Honda Recalls Snowblowers Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Honda Snowblowers

Units: About 18,500

Importer: American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The fuel tank joint and o-ring located on the underside of the fuel tank can seep or drip fuel over time, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Honda has received 90 reports of fuel either seeping or dripping. No fires have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Honda snowblowers with model numbers and frame serial numbers listed below. The snowblowers are red and black. The frame serial number is located on the rear of the machine just below the engine. The name Honda and the model number are located on the side of the front scoop.

Model | Frame Serial Number
HS724 | SZBE-1037913 through 1046577
HS928 | SZAS-1151080 through 1169012
HS1132 | SZBF-1018734 through 1025998

Sold at: Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide from April 2005 through November 2010 for between $2,000 and $3,400.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowblowers and contact any Honda Power Equipment dealer to arrange for a free fuel tank joint and o-ring replacement. Registered owners of the recalled snowblowers will be mailed a notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (888) 888-3139 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.hondapowerequipment.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11082.html

********************************************************

‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html

* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety

* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc

* Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety

* See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

40 Extraordinary Things Happening Right Now

Posted: 02 Jan 2011 09:01 PM PST

Extraordinary Things Happening Now

Right now is a phenomenon. Right now extraordinary things are happening.

Right now…

1. A soldier of sorts is diligently fighting the fight so you don’t have to.
2. Someone who suffered from a severe injury last year is back on their feet.
3. A small group of people are building something that will soon make the impossible possible.
4. Somewhere on Earth a double rainbow is stretched from one end of the horizon to the other.
5. One of the next Billboard-chart-topping musical artists is patiently rehearsing in her garage.
6. A piece of literature is being written that will eventually change your perspective on life.
7. Young children all over the world are singing and dancing before they even realize there is anything that isn’t music.
8. A friend is helping a friend rise above thoughts of suicide.
9. Someone is thinking what you’re thinking, but hasn’t said anything yet either.
10. Two people in your hometown are falling in love.
11. Somewhere someone is admiring a breathtaking sunrise, and somewhere else a surreal sunset.
12. People of various religious backgrounds are in temples, churches, masques and other places of worship praying, wholeheartedly, for world peace.
13. Someone who has struggled with their weight for the last several years is standing on a scale and smiling.
14. Hundreds of cute elderly couples are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
15. A baby girl just took her first few steps without falling.
16. Two best friends are laughing so hard they aren’t even making any noise.
17. A future world leader is in grade school at recess.
18. Someone is in the process of sincerely forgiving a seemingly unforgivable act.
19. There’s a kid studying hard somewhere who aspires to get to where you are in life.
20. A firefighter is running into a burning building to rescue a perfect stranger.
21. Someone in your vicinity genuinely wants to be your friend.
22. A young mom is lying in a hospital bed and holding her newborn baby twins for the very first time.
23. Someone is taking a shower and singing happily at the top of their lungs.
24. There is someone out there who smiles when they think of a specific moment they once shared with you.
25. An alcoholic just celebrated one full year of sobriety.
26. Volunteers in major cities all over the world are working at homeless shelters caring for those who are less fortunate than themselves.
27. A young man is pulled over on the side of the road helping a young woman change a flat tire.
28. A high school athlete just broke her own personal record.
29. Two teenagers just received their very first kiss ever from each other.
30. A husband and wife who were drowning in debt five years ago proudly hold a balance of zero on their credit cards.
31. Someone is hugging a friend who desperately needs it.
32. A new small business owner just wrapped up his first profitable year working for himself.
33. A grandfather is holding his granddaughter’s hand and they’re both smiling from ear to ear.
34. Someone just placed their spare change in the charity collection cup at the grocery store.
35. A small group of friends are sitting around a table sharing funny stories and cheerfully reminiscing about the good old days.
36. A breast cancer patient just found out her cancer is in complete remission.
37. Someone out there is missing you and looking forward to your next visit.
38. Honest people are working for various government entities to help protect your basic human rights and civil liberties.
39. An emergency room surgeon is in the middle of saving his patient’s life.
40. Someone is holding the door open for the person behind them.

Right now is a new beginning. Right now is an opportunity.

Do something extraordinary.

If you enjoyed this article and are seeking further inspiration, I highly recommend Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace and
Gives Me Hope: 127 Most Inspiring Bite-Sized Stories.

Photo by: NASA

subscrib to email updates from
Marc and Angel.com

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm238528.htm

The Ritedose Corporation Announces the Voluntary Nationwide Recall of 0.083% Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 3 mL Due to Mislabeled Unit Dose Vials

Contact:
The Ritedose Corporation
803-935-3995
recall@ritedose.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 30, 2010 - The Ritedose Corporation is conducting a voluntary recall of 0.083% Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 3 mL (in 25, 30, and 60 unit dose vials). This product is a prescription inhalation solution, administered via nebulization, for the treatment and maintenance of acute asthma exacerbations and exercise induced asthma in children and adults. This product is being recalled because the 2.5 mg/3 mL single use vials are embossed with the wrong concentration of 0.5 mg/ 3 mL and therefore, represents a potential significant health hazard. The following lot numbers manufactured by The Ritedose Corporation under NDC: 0591-3797-83, 0591-3797-30, and 0591-3797-60 are included in the recall: 0N81, 0N82, 0N83, 0N84, 0NE7, 0NE8, 0NE9, 0NF0, 0P12, 0P13, 0P46, 0P47, 0PF0, and 0S15. No other Albuterol formulations or products are included in this recall.

The product is packaged as a single use unit dose vials in a protective foil overwrap packaged in a shelf carton. Only the unit dose vials are incorrectly embossed as containing 0.5 mg/3 mL. The correct concentration of 2.5 mg/3 mL is labeled on the primary foil overwrap pouches and shelf cartons. This product was distributed nationwide and Puerto Rico.

Administration of this defective product could result in a range of potential health effects that spans from temporary and medically reversible to life threatening and death. There is significant concern that health professionals who read the incorrect embossed concentration may upwardly adjust the volume of product used resulting in an administered amount that is 5 times the recommended dose. In the hospital setting, the vials are often not accompanied by the rest of the packaging, making it more likely that such a dosing error could occur. Significant overdosing of a patient could lead to signs and symptoms of albuterol toxicity, which includes tremors, dizziness, nervousness, headache, seizures, angina, high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and rapid heart rates up to 200 beats/minute.

The Ritedose Corporation is working cooperatively with the U.S. FDA to implement a nationwide recall as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Consumers should immediately return the affected product to the place it was obtained (i.e. doctor’s office, pharmacy, etc.). Wholesalers and retailers should return the product to the following address:

Total Product Destruction
Attn: RECALL
8025 Howard Street
Spartanburg, SC 29303

For more information concerning this recall contact The Ritedose Corporation directly at phone: 803-935-3995 Monday through Friday 8am to 5 pm EST or by e-mail: recall@ritedose.com.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, or regular mail or by fax.

* Online:http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm

NEWS from CPSC and HC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2011
Release #11-084

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (801) 278-5533 collect
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Avalung Backpacks Recalled by Black Diamond Equipment Due to Suffocation Hazard

Name of Product: Avalung backpacks

Units: About 3,500 units

Importer/Manufacturer: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah

Hazard: The air intake tubing can crack under cold temperatures, causing the unit not to function as intended, posing a suffocation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The company has received one report of an air intake tubing cracking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the following Black Diamond 2010 Avalung backpacks (see chart below). These backpacks have an air intake system that the company states extracts air from the snow, allowing the victim of an avalanche to breathe while buried under the snow. The model name and color are printed on the side of the backpack. The PO number is printed on a white label inside the backpack.

Backpack Model | Color | Size | PO Number

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled backpacks and contact Black Diamond Equipment to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black Diamond collect at (801) 278-5533 anytime or visit the company’s website at www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com/AvaLungRecall

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1228

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11084.html

2009/2010 New York City Community Garden Report

In 2009, there were at least 490 community gardens in NYC.
· Approximately 80% of community gardens in NYC grow food.

· 65.6% of community gardens in NYC compost, and 20 of these gardens will accept
organic waste from the public.

· 43% of community gardens in NYC partner with at least one local school, and another
39% would like to.

Urban Farm Hub reports on Seattle Sheep Project

We have in total 19 sheep at various locations in King County- Tukwila, Redmond,
Renton - on land that has been generously offered up by private land owners. We
take turns checking in on the sheep, using Google Calendar to choose our check
on dates, we meet face to face monthly to talk about the status of the project and
what is upcoming for our collective flock. We use email to give daily reports on
the sheep and keep on task of our shepherding duties.

Partnership between Drury and Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition receives $300,000
for School Yard Gardens

Springfield, MO. Drury University and the Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition
(SUAC) have received a $300,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. The
three-year grant will fund The Dig In R-Twelve (DIRT) Project, which will plan and
install ten school gardens throughout the Springfield R-XII district. DIRT, in collaboration
with the Drury School of Education, will also provide and teach curriculum to address
core state education standards and use the gardens to complement classroom learning
by teaching healthy habits in a fun, active, hands-on environment. The grant also
includes funds to establish infrastructure for an urban farm in a low-income neighborhood.

Chicago program has given away more than one million seeds since 2008

Through the One Seed Chicago project NeighborSpace, Chicago’s land trust for community
gardens, has given away more than one million seeds since 2008. Every year three
seeds are put up for a vote and residents vote for their favorite and the winning
seeds is distributed absolutely free to everyone who voted.

The goal is to unite
the city in a celebration of gardening by giving seeds away for free to local residents.

2011: The Year of the Vegetable says Chairman of Burpee Seeds

Doylestown PA’s W. Atlee Burpee was just eighteen, when he started his own mail
order business in 1872. By 1888, he had transformed the family home “Fordhook Farms”
into his own experimental agricultural station where he grew and tested new varieties
of flowers and vegetables before offering them for sale in his catalog. When W Burpee
died in 1910, his was the largest seed company in the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=fclqmpbab&et=1104200061549&s=1304&e=001kN0YOMeo5oehxHVVsQ2vyzmcST8oTriInzfOxvmerLUTND8VZffCe1cal5MIupQ7P_SGE_NxG4QfSbZxcf-Cy9TStKrUaFhlceZsOxySTPBV3qxVqfy_6w==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
1978-2011

Weekly Harvest Newsletter

Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - January 5, 2011

News & Resources
* Chefs Pick ‘Local’ as Top Restaurant Trend of 2011
* Study Reveals Major Decline in Bumble Bees
* Wheat Growing Expected to Adapt to Climate Change
* Study Experiments with Best Way to Turn Parking Lot to Garden
* Plant Density Gene Could Increase Biomass Value
* Michigan Plans First Culinary Tourism Conference

Funding Opportunities
* Conservation Innovation Grant—Greenhouse Gas
* Federal State Marketing Improvement Program
* EPA Region 10 Strategic Agricultural Initiative

Coming Events
* New Mexico Organic Farming Conference
* Healthy Farms & Rural Advantage Conference
* GrassWorks Grazing Conference

__________________________________________________

News & Resources

Chefs Pick ‘Local’ as Top Restaurant Trend of 2011
The National Restaurant Association asked more than 1500 chefs, all members of the non-profit American Culinary Federation, to predict the top restaurant trends for 2011, and the resounding answer was local, reports delish. The top ten trends identified were:
1. Locally sourced meats and seafood
2. Locally grown produce
3. Sustainability
4. Nutritionally balanced children’s dishes
5. “Hyper local,” such as restaurants with their own gardens and chefs who do their own butchering.
6. Children’s nutrition
7. Sustainable seafood
8. Gluten-free food and being food allergy conscious
9. Simplicity/back to basics
10. Farm/estate-branded ingredients
http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/2011-will-be-year-of-the-local-according-to-nations-chefs

Study Reveals Major Decline in Bumble Bees
The first in-depth national study of wild bees in the U.S. has uncovered major losses in the relative abundance of several bumble bee species and declines in their geographic range since record-keeping began in the late 1800s. The new study appears this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “We have 50 species of bumble bees in North America. We’ve studied eight of them and four of these are significantly in trouble,” said University of Illinois entomology professor Sydney Cameron, who led the study. The national analysis found that the relative abundances of four of the eight species analyzed have declined by as much as 96 percent and that their surveyed geographic ranges have shrunk by 23 to 87 percent.
Related ATTRA publication: Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=75)
http://www.news.illinois.edu/news/11/0103bee_cameron.html

Wheat Growing Expected to Adapt to Climate Change
A new study shows that since 1839, North American wheat crops spread into regions with even wider temperature and precipitation differences than will arise over the next century as a result of climate change, reports Discovery News. This analysis by economist Alan Olmstead of the University of California, Davis, and economist Paul Rhode of the University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, suggests it will be possible to adapt to new wheat-growing conditions. The pair used a county-by-country record of wheat production in North America from 1839 to 2007 to document how wheat-growing conditions changed over time. They found that in 2007 the median annual temperature norm for areas of wheat production was 6.6 degrees Fahrenheit colder than in 1839, and that average precipitation was halved. Although U.S. wheat production may adapt successfully to climate change, Stephen Baenziger of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln expresses two concerns: first, that the future may bring not just warmer, but more variable, conditions, and second, that conditions may be much more difficult in other parts of the world. “I’m optimistic about wheat production in the U.S.,” he said. “ I’m far less optimistic about what it means when it gets hotter and drier in sub-Saharan Africa.”
http://news.discovery.com/earth/wheat-climate-change-agriculture-101227.html

Study Experiments with Best Way to Turn Parking Lot to Garden
An Ohio State University expert on intensive small-scale horticulture has started a three-year study comparing
three ways to maximize fruit and vegetable production in empty, abandoned parking lots: in giant-sized pots, in raised beds on top of the blacktop, or in trenches cut right through the asphalt. Joe Kovach’s study could boost the use of abandoned urban land. It could help people who live in urban food deserts grow more of their own tomatoes, spinach and other fresh produce. Kovach wants to see if depaving only the trenches is a simpler but still-productive option than depaving; if waist-high pots are easier to tend than ankle- or knee-high raised beds; and what sort of freezing, drying or overheating problems might come up in any of the systems. The study area also includes an urban polyculture demonstration site featuring “ecologically designed” mixed-crop plots that maximize biological diversity, minimize pest problems and earn the equivalent of nearly $100,000 an acre a year.
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/6049/OSU-Urban-Farming-Study-Whats-the-Best-Way-to-Turn-a-Parking-Lot-into-a-Garden?.htm

Plant Density Gene Could Increase Biomass Value
Scientists
at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation have uncovered a gene responsible for controlling key growth characteristics in plants, specifically the density of plant material. Denser plants have more biomass without increasing the agricultural footprint, meaning farmers and ranchers can produce more plant material from the same sized field. Plants that have increased density hold great potential to be used to produce biofuels, electricity and even advanced materials, like carbon fiber. Research targeting plants that are grazed by animals has historically focused on reducing lignin production within the plant. However, increasing lignin in non-food crops, such as switchgrass, may be desirable for increasing the density of the biomass and producing more feedstock per plant and, therefore, more per acre. This research was recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
http://www.noble.org/Press_Release/2010/10-062.html

Michigan Plans First Culinary Tourism Conference
The Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, a partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Travel Michigan and the Michigan Restaurant Association, will hold a conference entitled “Creating Michigan Culinary Destinations” on January 10, 2011 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. This one-day event will bring together a diverse range of Michigan businesses in an effort to network and share ideas to promote, enhance and celebrate Michigan’s many culinary assets. Culinary tourism is defined as “the pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences.” According to the Travel Industry Association, culinary tourism is a growing trend of the travel market as people are increasingly planning their travel around authentic, educational and entertaining food and beverage experiences.
http://www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125—247360—,00.html

>> More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)

__________________________________________________

Funding Opportunities

Conservation Innovation Grant—Greenhouse Gas
For the purpose of this CIG funding, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks to stimulate the application of greenhouse gas benefiting practices on agricultural land. The grantee would secure the participation of agricultural producers, determine baseline values of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or carbon sequestration,
verify the implementation and maintenance of GHG benefiting practices, and determine GHG benefits (additionality) so that these benefits can be successfully registered in a commonly recognized carbon registry. Beyond this, successful applicants will develop linkages between these registered carbon credits with existing or newly emerging market structures. NRCS intends to make funding available through its regular EQIP program to contract directly with participating producers to incentivize the application of GHG benefiting practices. NRCS will accept applications for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed 3 years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities including federally recognized Indian tribes, State and local units of government, and non-governmental organizations and individuals. Applications are accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Islands Area.
Applications are due February 11, 2011.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/pdf_files/CIG_FY_2011_Announcement_for_Program_Funding-GHG.pdf

Federal State Marketing Improvement Program
FSMIP provides matching funds on a competitive basis to assist eligible entities explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system. FSMIP funds a wide range of applied research projects that address barriers, challenges, and opportunities in marketing, transporting, and distributing U.S. food and agricultural products domestically and internationally. Proposals from state governments
and institutions of higher learning may address issues throughout the marketing chain including direct, wholesale, and retail. Proposals may involve small, medium or large-scale agricultural entities but should potentially benefit multiple producers or agribusinesses. Proposals that address issues of importance at the State, multi-State), or national level are appropriate for FSMIP. Proprietary proposals that benefit one business or individual will not be considered for funding. FSMIP also seeks unique and innovative proposals on a smaller scale that may serve as pilot projects or case studies useful as models for other States. Of particular interest are proposals that reflect a collaborative approach between the States, academia, the farm sector and other appropriate entities and stakeholders. FSMIP funds of up to $100,000 may be awarded for projects of 1 to 2 years’ duration.
Applications are due February 17, 2011.
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FSMIP

EPA Region 10 Strategic Agricultural Initiative
States, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian tribal governments and Native American Organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, local governments, individuals, and international entities are eligible to apply for Strategic Agricultural Initiative grants to promote the transition to reduced-risk pest management practices in agriculture to protect human health and the environment. Projects may not exceed $140,000 per award. Project activities should support the adoption of reduced risk pest management practices, and/or ecologically based Integrated Pest Management through Education, extension, demonstration, or studies in Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington).
Applications must be received by February 21, 2011.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ECOCOMM.NSF/Agriculture/sai-2011/

>> More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)

__________________________________________________

Coming Events

New Mexico Organic Farming Conference
February 18-19, 2011
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Join Farm to Table, NMDA, NMOCC, and NMSU for the Southwest’s premier conference for Organic Agriculture. OFRF’s Jane Sooby will keynote. The event includes 36 workshop sessions on organic production and marketing, over 40 exhibitors, health fair and delicious organic luncheon.
http://www.farmtotablenm.org/fts/248/

Healthy Farms & Rural Advantage Conference
February 18-19, 2011
Columbus, Nebraska
Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society hosts a wide range of speakers covering interests ranging across the spectrum at this annual conference — from production to marketing to conservation in farming & beyond. Keynote speakers this year are Chuck Hassebrook, the executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs, and Abe Collins of New World Security.
http://www.nebsusag.org/conference.shtml

GrassWorks Grazing Conference
February 13-15, 2011
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Join your fellow graziers, neighbors, colleagues and friends at the 2011 GrassWorks Grazing Conference. The theme, “Grounded in Grazing,” reflects this year’s focus on soil as well as the down-to-earth nature of the event and its participants. The agenda includes keynote speakers, a farmer showcase, and a tradeshow.
http://grassworks.org/?110340

>> More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/)

__________________________________________________

New & Updated Publications
Persimmons, Asian and American
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=10

Local Foods Series No. 1 — Seed Spices
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=344

Label Rouge: Pasture-Based Poultry Production in France
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=224

Question of the Week
What are some resources for determining the value of various cuts of beef based on hanging weight and other factors?
http://bit.ly/gjBVLc

Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php

ATTRA Webinars

Insuring Diversified and Specialty Farms: Is USDA’s AGR-LITE Insurance Program Right for You?
January 20, 2011
10:00 AM Central Time
http://attra.ncat.org/webinars2011/agr-lite/

Organic Apple Production and Marketing (A Beginner’s Guide)
January 27, 2011
12 Noon Central Time
http://attra.ncat.org/webinars2011/apples/

ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php

Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/427/personal2.asp?formid=signup

Comments? Questions? Contact us
http://attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html

Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html

Visit the NCAT Web site for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php

1. Quoizel Inc. Recalls Outdoor Hanging Lantern Due to Fall Hazard

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2011
Release #11-085

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 316-2589
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Quoizel Inc. Recalls Outdoor Hanging Lantern Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Outdoor hanging lantern

Units: About 150

Importer: Quoizel Inc. of Goose Creek, S.C.

Hazard: The glass lantern can separate from the top support ring and fall, injuring people who are nearby.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recall involves outdoor hanging lanterns labeled as “Northridge” in the Quiozel 2009 Catalog with the model number #AGNT1912K. The lantern is made of black aluminum; yellow, orange and white glass; and red, orange and beige agate stones. It is 19.5” tall and 12” diameter. The model number is located on the side of the lantern’s box, on a tag attached to the lantern, on the instruction sheet and on the lantern’s ceiling mount.

Sold at: Specialty lighting retail shops and online from June 2008 to January 2010

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the outdoor hanging lantern and contact Quoizel Inc. for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Quoizel Inc. toll-free at (877) 316-2589 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.quoizel.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11085.html

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2. ITT Water Technology Recalls Pumps Due to Electric Shock/Electrocution Hazard

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2011
Release #11-086

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 325-4204
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm’s Media Contact: (847) 460-8620

ITT Water Technology Recalls Pumps Due to Electric Shock/Electrocution Hazard

Name of Product: Sump Pumps and Effluent Pumps

Units: About 21,000

Importer: ITT Water Technology, Inc., of Seneca Falls, N.Y.

Hazard: Sump pumps installed without ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection can pose an electric shock or electrocution hazard if touched by the consumer. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE ONE OF THE RECALLED PUMPS AND IT IS PLUGGED IN, DO NOT TOUCH IT, THE WATER AROUND IT OR THE SURROUNDING FLOOR AREA.

For additional information on GFCIs, see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/099.pdf

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recall involves Goulds, Red Jacket and Bell & Gossett Pumps used in residential applications to pump wastewater and sewage. The pumps are sky blue or red and display the brand names Goulds, Red Jacket or Bell & Gossett. These pumps were installed in new construction or as replacement pumps between December 2009 and July 2010. The models are:

Goulds: ST, PE, PS, PV, GWP, SDSST
Red Jacket: RSC, REP, RWW, RVW, RWP, RSDSST
Bell & Gossett: SC, 1EC, 2WC and 2VW, MWP and MSDS

Sold through: Goulds, Red Jacket and Bell & Gossett distributors nationwide from December 2009 to July 2010 for between $280 to $700.

Manufactured in: The pump is manufactured in the United States and the accompanying cord was manufactured in China.

Remedy: If you have purchased a sump pump between December 2009 and July 2010 and it is sky blue or red, you may have a recalled pump. DO NOT TOUCH THE PUMP, THE WATER AROUND THE PUMP OR THE FLOOR SURROUNDING THE PUMP. To verify if your pump is one affected by this recall, immediately contact ITT Water Technology on the toll-free number below. If your pump is affected, a technician will be sent to your home to replace or repair the pump.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact ITT Water Technology toll-free at (866) 325-4204, or visit the firm’s website at www.goulds.com, or www.redjacketwaterproducts.com or www.bellgossett.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11086.html

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3. Christmas Tree Shops Recalls Oven Rack Guard Due to Fire Hazard

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2011
Release #11-087

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 287-3232
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Christmas Tree Shops Recalls Oven Rack Guard Due to Fire Hazard

Name of Product: Oven Rack Guard

Units: About 430

Importer: Nantucket Distributing Co. Inc., of Union, N.J.

Manufacturer: Gong Ming Xia Cun Plastic Mfy, Bao An, China

Hazard: The product cannot withstand the high temperatures stated on the packaging and can overheat posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received nine reports of the product causing smoke or catching fire. Of those nine reports, three consumers reported property damage and five reported injuries, such as headache, sore throat, nausea and eye irritation from smoke.

Description: The recalled Oven Rack Guard is intended to be placed on an oven rack to prevent burns on the arms or wrist when placing items in or removing them from an oven. The Oven Rack Guard is off white in color, 18 inches long and contains five metal snaps that secure the Oven Rack Guard to the oven rack. The SKU number is 66262 and the UPC number is 15697769. Both numbers are located on the package.

Sold at: Christmas Tree Shops primarily in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions in October 2010 for about $3.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to any Christmas Tree Shop location for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Christmas Tree Shops toll-free at (888) 287-3232 with calls accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, or visit the firm’s website at www.christmastreeshops.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11087.html

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‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html

* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety

* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc

* Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety

* See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc

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