Entry bubble Read the Fine Print

By: Nicole | August 29, 2008 | Category: General

Mouse DetectiveHave you ever wondered about the full page of microscopic text that flashes for .02 seconds at the end of a car commercial? Well, the folks behind MousePrint.org certainly have. In fact, they have taken the time to review lots of ads to see what information is hidden in the fine print, and they’re willing to share their discoveries.

The website doesn’t just cover car ads either. Their retail section can keep you up-to-date on which companies are downsizing their products to hide rising costs, and their sweepstakes section can give you the skinny on unlikely giveaways.

If you have a complaint about a misleading advertisement, you should contact the company first. If that doesn’t work, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue.

And while we’re on the topic, I have some fine print to share about myself. I’ve accepted a new position at the Federal Trade Commission. Don’t worry. I will still be hard at work empowering consumers, and I will be leaving you in very capable hands. Our new Friday blogger, Ginger, is sure to keep you on your toes.*


*Nicole cannot be held accountable for Ginger's ability to keep you on your toes. All previous claims from Nicole expire as of August 29, 2008. Sorry, no refunds.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: ads   advertisements   cars   claims   complaints   consumer   nicole   retail   shopping   sweepstakes  

 

Entry bubble Hotel Hygiene

By: Jake | November 19, 2007 | Category: Health

I go to Philly, I get sick. I go to San Diego, I get sick. Long story short, I travel, stay in a hotel, and I come home ill. I thought I was wearing myself down on the trips and the headache, sore throat and stomach ache were just the hometown allergens welcoming me home. That was until a friend sent me this blog post from the Consumerist.

The video is down now, but if you were to watch it you'd see sights scarier than anything you saw on Halloween. The hidden video camera investigation shows hotel maids in all five different hotels of five different chains in Atlanta rinsing and wiping glasses dry (sometimes with dirty bath towels and in one case wearing cleaning gloves they used to clean the toilet) and putting them out for the next guest.

The experts in the news report maintained that this is a serious health code violation since, of course, dirty glasses spread disease. Most of us don't pack glasses when we travel. Generally, I buy a gallon of water and other drinks and use glasses and ice in the hotel. I'd rather not buy dishwashing liquid and do dishes while on a trip, so from now on I'll just get smaller bottle drinks to be safe.

To be fair this could be an incident isolated to Atlanta and the rest of the nation's hotels put their glasses through a dishwasher--twice. But if you are like me, you see it was five different hotel chains and you can’t help but wonder.

If you stay in a hotel and suspect or see a hygiene problem, you should file a complaint with the hotel. If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint is handled or you see evidence of a larger problem, you should speak with the local health department. You can find local health departments by visiting the state health department website where the hotel is located.

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: complaints   department   health   hotel   hotels   hygiene