Sunday, February 21, 2010

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 25 new messages in 4 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

* Discount Wholesale G-STAR Jeans Diesel Jeans Armani Jeans Versace Jeans etc
brand jeans (http://www.vipchinatrade.com) - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/e0ff59e0da345e6b?hl=en
* Delivered unsafe item damaged me - 22 messages, 7 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/3012e11d0875cc7d?hl=en
* 7 Ways to Clean Your Shower on the Cheap - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/5b484d538453a006?hl=en
* Clueless, mooching relatives & Miss Manners - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/965c895abd171a11?hl=en

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Discount Wholesale G-STAR Jeans Diesel Jeans Armani Jeans Versace Jeans
etc brand jeans (http://www.vipchinatrade.com)
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/e0ff59e0da345e6b?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 8:47 am
From: yoyotrade


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==============================================================================
TOPIC: Delivered unsafe item damaged me
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/3012e11d0875cc7d?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 8:54 am
From: "Peter Crosland"


"john hamilton" <bluestarx@mail.invalid> wrote in message
news:hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org...
> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from
> a well known national department store.
>
> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted
> out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I
> did not want to pull it out using these.
>
> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep
> cuts along the back of three fingers.
>
> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal is
> if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared edge with a
> file.
>
> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and time
> again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably the way
> everybody else would try to lift it out.
>
> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
> happening again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a
> U.K. store.
>
> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity, since
> having to pay money might make them actually make them take notice and
> then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly
> happening.
>
> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
> contribution.


Ever heard of taking responsibility for your own actions? When opening
something like this the sensible way is to cut the corner seam so the box
can be opened rather like a flower. This makes it easy to re-seal if you
need to return the item. That way you can safely examine to goods before you
hurt yourself.Why do you think you can extort money from them to donate to a
charity?

Peter Crosland


== 2 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:10 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 14:29, "john hamilton" <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
> well known national department store.
>
> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
> There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
> want to pull it out using these.
>
> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
> along the back of three fingers.
>
> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal is if
> its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared edge with a file.
>
> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and time
> again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably the way
> everybody else would try to lift it out.
>
> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this happening
> again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.
>
> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity, since
> having to pay money might make them actually make them take notice and then
> carry out the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly happening.
>
> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
> contribution.

The supplier (UK national store) is responsible. Suggest you take item
and packaging to your local trading standards and demonstrate the
issue to them. Consumer goods should not have hidden hazards in supply
and packaging. £100 to charity seems rather modest. You are fortunate
it was back of fingers - with front of fingers, nerves, veins and
arteries could have been damaged - it seems like an issue that
warrants immediate attention to ensure no-one sustains such injuries.
If the 'national department store' has a local branch, demonstrating
it to them would be useful, but you should also immediately write to
their supply address pointing out the danger; mentioning their
subsequent possible liability from criminal negligence after the issue
has been brought to their attention is sometimes a wake-up call

Toom


== 3 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:14 am
From: "Rod Speed"


john hamilton wrote

> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a well known national department store.

> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using
> these.

> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts along the back of three fingers.

> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal is if its been stamped and not finished off
> along the sheared edge with a file.

> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and time again to other people. Because how I lifted
> it out is probably the way everybody else would try to lift it out.

> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this happening again.

You cant. Even buying only the most expensive products wont ensure that.

> The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.

And it was made in china.

> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,

And they will file the request in the round filing cabinet under their desk.

> since having to pay money

You cant make them do that.

> might make them actually make them take notice and then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this
> repeatedly happening.

Unlikely. Even if you can force them to pay that money, and you cant, its unlikey
that enough would do that to make it worth their while to fix the problem.

> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable contribution.

You could try setting fire to yourself outside the Italian HQ.

Your only real option is to wear gloves when getting it
out of the box in that situation and file the edges yourself.


== 4 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:18 am
From: Ste


On 21 Feb, 15:12, "Existential Angst" <UNfit...@UNoptonline.net>
wrote:
>
> This is an interesting scenario.  In the US, a group might or might not have
> luck litigating this.
> Sheeit, people have been awarded millions for coffee that was too hot, for a
> bug in a yogurt.

I like to remind people that McDonalds got stung for having coffee too
hot because many customers had been injured and had previously
complained, but they found that the heat was necessary to create an
alluring coffee aroma, and so therefore made an economic decision that
it was acceptable for people to get scalded.


== 5 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:20 am
From: "Rod Speed"


Existential Angst wrote:
> "john hamilton" <bluestarx@mail.invalid> wrote in message
> news:hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob
>> from a well known national department store.
>>
>> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
>> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap
>> knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using these.
>>
>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three
>> deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
>>
>> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how
>> metal is if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared
>> edge with a file.
>>
>> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and
>> time again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably
>> the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
>>
>> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
>> happening again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it
>> from a U.K. store.
>>
>> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,
>> since having to pay money might make them actually make them take
>> notice and then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this
>> repeatedly happening.
>>
>> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
>> contribution.
>>
>
> This is an interesting scenario. In the US, a group might or might
> not have luck litigating this.
> Sheeit, people have been awarded millions for coffee that was too
> hot, for a bug in a yogurt.
>
> Can you document any psychological trauma?
> If you can document any resulting ED or some such, not only can *you*
> sue, but your WIFE can sue as well, for loss of "conjugal privilege"
> or some shit.... No foolin....
>
> I saw a lawsuit for $10 mil for a slip/fall from a 75 y.o. lady who
> fell, and $5 mil from her hubby for the above loss....
> I said, Wow, dat old lady musta been some piece of......
> Which makes you wonder how a judge/jury might ascertain and verify
> said conjugal value of a particular spouse..... .hmmmm.....
>
> Related to your issue is how shit is packaged in the US -- objects are
> embalmed in thermo-molded plastic, so tough that you need *aviation
> snips* or an effing band saw to get the product out of the packaging.

I use the heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.

> How fragile senior citizens cope with this is beyond me.

They get someone to open it for them if they dont have heavy
duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.

> The situtation is so bad that this issue even reached our
> CongressWhores! Altho clearly not high on their graft-taking
> agenda.... I can't cite the exact name of the bill, as I just read
> this in passing in a NYC newspaper.
> I have called up a mfr or two, and told them: Dudes, I can lift 150
> lbs over my head, and run 5 miles.... and *I* can't open your fucking
> packages....

You can with heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.

> Just WHAT is the purpose to all this???

To stop people opening them in the store.

> And at what expense???

Peanuts, just a bit of plastic.

> No rational response, of course, and how could there be, as the
> corporate policy-makers are so well-shielded from consumers. Venting
> at a customer rep just makes their already-miserable lives more
> miserable. Presumably if 50% of the customer base lodged complaints,
> the statistics would carry some weight, but don't hold yer breath..

Not a chance with stuff made in china.

> I believe that this thermoplastic is tough enough, sharp enough to slit someone's wrist, if they slip in their
> efforts.

Thats why you use heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.

> Ultimately, I believe this is just another deliberate slap in the
> consumer's face by CorPirate Merka.

> Fuck you, fuck me, fuck everyone, as long as everyone just pays and
> pays and pays....

You'll burst something if you dont watch out.


== 6 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:22 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 16:54, "Peter Crosland" <g6...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> "john hamilton" <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote in message
>
> news:hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from
> > a well known national department store.
>
> > After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted
> > out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I
> > did not want to pull it out using these.
>
> > So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep
> > cuts along the back of three fingers.
>
> > Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal is
> > if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared edge with a
> > file.
>
> > This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and time
> > again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably the way
> > everybody else would try to lift it out.
>
> > How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
> > happening again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a
> > U.K. store.
>
> > My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity, since
> > having to pay money might make them actually make them take notice and
> > then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly
> > happening.
>
> > Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
> > contribution.
>
> Ever heard of taking responsibility for your own actions? When opening
> something like this the sensible way is to cut the corner seam so the box
> can be opened rather like a flower. This makes it easy to re-seal if you
> need to return the item. That way you can safely examine to goods before you
> hurt yourself.Why do you think you can extort money from them to donate to a
> charity?
>
> Peter Crosland- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Total nonsense - in an item supplied to a consumer, there should be no
hidden hazard in any reasonable action to remove it from the
packaging

Toom


== 7 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:22 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:14, "Rod Speed" <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
> john hamilton wrote
>
> > Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a well known national department store.
> > After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
> > lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using
> > these.
> > So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
> > Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal is if its been stamped and not finished off
> > along the sheared edge with a file.
> > This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and time again to other people. Because how I lifted
> > it out is probably the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
> > How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this happening again.
>
> You cant. Even buying only the most expensive products wont ensure that.
>
> > The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.
>
> And it was made in china.
>
> > My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,
>
> And they will file the request in the round filing cabinet under their desk.
>
> > since having to pay money
>
> You cant make them do that.
>
> > might make them actually make them take notice and then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this
> > repeatedly happening.
>
> Unlikely. Even if you can force them to pay that money, and you cant, its unlikey
> that enough would do that to make it worth their while to fix the problem.
>
> > Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable contribution.
>
> You could try setting fire to yourself outside the Italian HQ.
>
> Your only real option is to wear gloves when getting it
> out of the box in that situation and file the edges yourself.

Total nonsense - in an item supplied to a consumer, there should be no
hidden hazard in any reasonable action to remove it from the
packaging

Toom


== 8 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:26 am
From: spambait@milmac.com (Doug Miller)


In article <8b89a318-0818-4064-985e-06e301e040ca@j27g2000yqn.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <toom@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:

>The supplier (UK national store) is responsible.

Horseshit. The OP is solely responsible. It's not exactly an arcane secret
that objects made of sheet metal sometimes have sharp edges. Only a fool would
uncrate something by wrapping his fingers around an edge that he couldn't see,
and several others have already described how he *should* have uncrated it.


== 9 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:32 am
From: spambait@milmac.com (Doug Miller)


In article <hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton" <bluestarx@mail.invalid> wrote:
>Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
>well known national department store.
>
>After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
>There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
>want to pull it out using these.
>
>So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
>along the back of three fingers.

Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
objects sometimes have sharp edges.

Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.

Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
edges (see point 1 above).

Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
open a carton to remove its contents.

Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.


== 10 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:33 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:26, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> In article <8b89a318-0818-4064-985e-06e301e04...@j27g2000yqn.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <t...@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >The supplier (UK national store) is responsible.
>
> Horseshit. The OP is solely responsible. It's not exactly an arcane secret
> that objects made of sheet metal sometimes have sharp edges. Only a fool would
> uncrate something by wrapping his fingers around an edge that he couldn't see,
> and several others have already described how he *should* have uncrated it.

Total nonsesnse in terms of the law of negligence and legal liability.
There would have to be clear warning of the hazard of unpacking.

Toom


== 11 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:36 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:32, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> In article <hlrg0r$pl...@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton" <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> >Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
> >well known national department store.
>
> >After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
> >There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
> >want to pull it out using these.
>
> >So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
> >along the back of three fingers.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
> objects sometimes have sharp edges.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
> gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
> stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
> and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
> edges (see point 1 above).
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
> open a carton to remove its contents.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
> someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.


== 12 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:38 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:32, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> In article <hlrg0r$pl...@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton" <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> >Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
> >well known national department store.
>
> >After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
> >There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
> >want to pull it out using these.
>
> >So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
> >along the back of three fingers.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
> objects sometimes have sharp edges.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
> gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
> stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
> and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
> edges (see point 1 above).
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
> open a carton to remove its contents.
>
> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
> someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.

Total twaddle and nonsense in terms of the law of negligence and legal
liability.
For an item supplied to a consumer, there would have, at least, to be
clear warning of any hazard of unpacking.

Toom


== 13 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:45 am
From: spambait@milmac.com (Doug Miller)


In article <d908e694-1b28-4c79-b7b2-c5dfe29e4e74@l26g2000yqd.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <toom@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>On 21 Feb, 17:32, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
>> In article <hlrg0r$pl...@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton"
> <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
>> >Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
>> >well known national department store.
>>
>> >After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
>> >There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
>> >want to pull it out using these.
>>
>> >So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
>> >along the back of three fingers.
>>
>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
>> objects sometimes have sharp edges.
>>
>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
>> gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.
>>
>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
>> stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
>> and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
>> edges (see point 1 above).
>>
>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
>> open a carton to remove its contents.
>>
>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
>> someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.
>
>Total twaddle and nonsense in terms of the law of negligence and legal
>liability.
>For an item supplied to a consumer, there would have, at least, to be
>clear warning of any hazard of unpacking.

Does the law in the UK require prominent warnings, e.g. CAUTION! SHARP! on a
package of razor blades, or on a kitchen knife?

Some things are *inherently* dangerous, and only an ass fails to recognize the
risk.


== 14 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:53 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:45, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> In article <d908e694-1b28-4c79-b7b2-c5dfe29e4...@l26g2000yqd.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <t...@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >On 21 Feb, 17:32, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> >> In article <hlrg0r$pl...@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton"
> > <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> >> >Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
> >> >well known national department store.
>
> >> >After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
> >> >There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
> >> >want to pull it out using these.
>
> >> >So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
> >> >along the back of three fingers.
>
> >> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
> >> objects sometimes have sharp edges.
>
> >> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
> >> gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.
>
> >> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
> >> stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
> >> and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
> >> edges (see point 1 above).
>
> >> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
> >> open a carton to remove its contents.
>
> >> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
> >> someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.
>
> >Total twaddle and nonsense in terms of the law of negligence and legal
> >liability.
> >For an item supplied to a consumer, there would have, at least, to be
> >clear warning of any hazard of unpacking.
>
> Does the law in the UK require prominent warnings, e.g. CAUTION! SHARP! on a
> package of razor blades, or on a kitchen knife?
>
> Some things are *inherently* dangerous, and only an ass fails to recognize the
> risk.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

It was a gas hob, not normally associated with a guillotining
capability. As I've stated, there would be reasonable expectation you
could reach in and unpack it without sustaining injury. If there are
exposed razor sharp edges then there would normally be an obligation
to install eg, plastic sheathing over the edges to prevent injury.
Otherwise, a very clear warning of the dangers of unpacking would be
necessary. You are totally out of your legal shallows commenting on
the issue.

Toom


== 15 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 9:50 am
From: "Rod Speed"


Toom Tabard wrote:
> On 21 Feb, 17:14, "Rod Speed" <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
>> john hamilton wrote
>>
>>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas
>>> hob from a well known national department store. After taking the
>>> top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
>>> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap
>>> knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using these.
>>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three
>>> deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
>>> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how
>>> metal is if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared
>>> edge with a file.
>>> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time
>>> and time again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is
>>> probably the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
>>> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
>>> happening again.
>>
>> You cant. Even buying only the most expensive products wont ensure
>> that.
>>
>>> The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.
>>
>> And it was made in china.
>>
>>> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,
>>
>> And they will file the request in the round filing cabinet under
>> their desk.
>>
>>> since having to pay money
>>
>> You cant make them do that.
>>
>>> might make them actually make them take notice and then carry out
>>> the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly happening.
>>
>> Unlikely. Even if you can force them to pay that money, and you
>> cant, its unlikey that enough would do that to make it worth their
>> while to fix the problem.
>>
>>> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
>>> contribution.
>>
>> You could try setting fire to yourself outside the Italian HQ.
>>
>> Your only real option is to wear gloves when getting it
>> out of the box in that situation and file the edges yourself.
>
> Total nonsense

Your sig is sposed to be last, with a line with just -- on it in front of it.

> - in an item supplied to a consumer, there should be no hidden
> hazard in any reasonable action to remove it from the packaging

Then theres the real world...


== 16 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:01 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 17:50, "Rod Speed" <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
> Toom Tabard wrote:
> > On 21 Feb, 17:14, "Rod Speed" <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> john hamilton wrote
>
> >>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas
> >>> hob from a well known national department store. After taking the
> >>> top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
> >>> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap
> >>> knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using these.
> >>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three
> >>> deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
> >>> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how
> >>> metal is if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared
> >>> edge with a file.
> >>> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time
> >>> and time again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is
> >>> probably the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
> >>> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
> >>> happening again.
>
> >> You cant. Even buying only the most expensive products wont ensure
> >> that.
>
> >>> The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.
>
> >> And it was made in china.
>
> >>> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,
>
> >> And they will file the request in the round filing cabinet under
> >> their desk.
>
> >>> since having to pay money
>
> >> You cant make them do that.
>
> >>> might make them actually make them take notice and then carry out
> >>> the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly happening.
>
> >> Unlikely. Even if you can force them to pay that money, and you
> >> cant, its unlikey that enough would do that to make it worth their
> >> while to fix the problem.
>
> >>> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
> >>> contribution.
>
> >> You could try setting fire to yourself outside the Italian HQ.
>
> >> Your only real option is to wear gloves when getting it
> >> out of the box in that situation and file the edges yourself.
>
> > Total nonsense
>
> Your sig is sposed to be last, with a line with just -- on it in front of it.
>
> > - in an item supplied to a consumer, there should be no hidden
> > hazard in any  reasonable action to remove it from the packaging
>
> Then theres the real world...- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

And the law in the real world supports what I said. If you dispatch
something with hidden and unexpected hazards which injure someone
taking reasonable action as a consumer, then you are legally liable
for the injuries.

Toom


== 17 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:10 am
From: spambait@milmac.com (Doug Miller)


In article <0b583763-74f0-4779-a6cd-8ae5d8bfc965@q21g2000yqm.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <toom@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:

>
>It was a gas hob, not normally associated with a guillotining
>capability. As I've stated, there would be reasonable expectation you
>could reach in and unpack it without sustaining injury.

And as I've stated, that's complete rubbish.

Apparently you also managed to somehow reach adulthood without learning that
objects made from sheet metal sometimes have sharp edges.

> If there are
>exposed razor sharp edges

They *weren't* "exposed", goof. They were *underneath* the item.

<plonk>


== 18 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:16 am
From: Toom Tabard


On 21 Feb, 18:10, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
> In article <0b583763-74f0-4779-a6cd-8ae5d8bfc...@q21g2000yqm.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <t...@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
>
>
> >It was a gas hob, not normally associated with a guillotining
> >capability. As I've stated, there would be reasonable expectation you
> >could reach in and unpack it without sustaining injury.
>
> And as I've stated, that's complete rubbish.
>
> Apparently you also managed to somehow reach adulthood without learning that
> objects made from sheet metal sometimes have sharp edges.
>
> > If there are
> >exposed razor sharp edges
>
> They *weren't* "exposed", goof. They were *underneath* the item.
>
> <plonk>

expose - 'to leave uncovered or unprotected' - Oxford English
Dictionary.

It was obvious enough from your contributions that you are a plonker.
However, thanks for confirming that.
How self-perspicacious (That's in the OED too).

Toom

== 19 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:33 am
From: aemeijers


Toom Tabard wrote:
> On 21 Feb, 17:45, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
>> In article <d908e694-1b28-4c79-b7b2-c5dfe29e4...@l26g2000yqd.googlegroups.com>, Toom Tabard <t...@tabard.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 21 Feb, 17:32, spamb...@milmac.com (Doug Miller) wrote:
>>>> In article <hlrg0r$pl...@news.eternal-september.org>, "john hamilton"
>>> <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote:
>>>>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob from a
>>>>> well known national department store.
>>>>> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted out.
>>>>> There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but I did not
>>>>> want to pull it out using these.
>>>>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep cuts
>>>>> along the back of three fingers.
>>>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that sheet metal
>>>> objects sometimes have sharp edges.
>>>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that one should wear
>>>> gloves -- or at least use caution -- when handling objects with sharp edges.
>>>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that it's unwise to
>>>> stick your unprotected fingers (see point 2 above) into places you can't see,
>>>> and wrap them around the edges of a sheet metal object that may have sharp
>>>> edges (see point 1 above).
>>>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning the proper way to
>>>> open a carton to remove its contents.
>>>> Somehow, you managed to reach adulthood without learning that you -- not
>>>> someone else -- are responsible for your own foolishness.
>>> Total twaddle and nonsense in terms of the law of negligence and legal
>>> liability.
>>> For an item supplied to a consumer, there would have, at least, to be
>>> clear warning of any hazard of unpacking.
>> Does the law in the UK require prominent warnings, e.g. CAUTION! SHARP! on a
>> package of razor blades, or on a kitchen knife?
>>
>> Some things are *inherently* dangerous, and only an ass fails to recognize the
>> risk.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> It was a gas hob, not normally associated with a guillotining
> capability. As I've stated, there would be reasonable expectation you
> could reach in and unpack it without sustaining injury. If there are
> exposed razor sharp edges then there would normally be an obligation
> to install eg, plastic sheathing over the edges to prevent injury.
> Otherwise, a very clear warning of the dangers of unpacking would be
> necessary. You are totally out of your legal shallows commenting on
> the issue.
>
> Toom

Learn how to unpack a box, and/or wear gloves. Many times with stuff
stuck in foam blocks, you have to lay it over on a side and shake it
out, or even open the bottom of the box and push it out. Not sure how
big a 'hob' is, since that is a term seldom used on this side of the
pond, but if it was too large to tip over, you do like other posters
said and cut the box away from around it.
(Looks in Google- okay, that seems to be the UK term for what we call a
drop-in or countertop multi-burner cooktop. Reading your post again, if
only the knobs were exposed, you stuck your hand in the area that would
normally be inset into the counter top, where sharp edges would not be
unexpected.)

Write a letter to the store and the manufacturer if it makes you feel
better. Complain to whatever governmental body regulates consumer
appliances over there. Or waste your money hiring a
lawyer/barrister/solicitor, or whatever you call hired guns over in the
UK. Or just write it off as a painful lesson learned, and move on. Next
box you unpack, I'd wager you don't make the same mistake again.

--
aem sends...


== 20 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:38 am
From: "Existential Angst"


"Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7ud8akFk98U1@mid.individual.net...
> Existential Angst wrote:
>> "john hamilton" <bluestarx@mail.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob
>>> from a well known national department store.
>>>
>>> After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
>>> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap
>>> knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using these.
>>>
>>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three
>>> deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
>>>
>>> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how
>>> metal is if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared
>>> edge with a file.
>>>
>>> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and
>>> time again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably
>>> the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
>>>
>>> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
>>> happening again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it
>>> from a U.K. store.
>>>
>>> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,
>>> since having to pay money might make them actually make them take
>>> notice and then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this
>>> repeatedly happening.
>>>
>>> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
>>> contribution.
>>>
>>
>> This is an interesting scenario. In the US, a group might or might
>> not have luck litigating this.
>> Sheeit, people have been awarded millions for coffee that was too
>> hot, for a bug in a yogurt.
>>
>> Can you document any psychological trauma?
>> If you can document any resulting ED or some such, not only can *you*
>> sue, but your WIFE can sue as well, for loss of "conjugal privilege"
>> or some shit.... No foolin....
>>
>> I saw a lawsuit for $10 mil for a slip/fall from a 75 y.o. lady who
>> fell, and $5 mil from her hubby for the above loss....
>> I said, Wow, dat old lady musta been some piece of......
>> Which makes you wonder how a judge/jury might ascertain and verify
>> said conjugal value of a particular spouse..... .hmmmm.....
>>
>> Related to your issue is how shit is packaged in the US -- objects are
>> embalmed in thermo-molded plastic, so tough that you need *aviation
>> snips* or an effing band saw to get the product out of the packaging.
>
> I use the heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.
>
>> How fragile senior citizens cope with this is beyond me.
>
> They get someone to open it for them if they dont have heavy
> duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up chickens.
>
>> The situtation is so bad that this issue even reached our
>> CongressWhores! Altho clearly not high on their graft-taking
>> agenda.... I can't cite the exact name of the bill, as I just read
>> this in passing in a NYC newspaper.
>> I have called up a mfr or two, and told them: Dudes, I can lift 150
>> lbs over my head, and run 5 miles.... and *I* can't open your fucking
>> packages....
>
> You can with heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up
> chickens.
>
>> Just WHAT is the purpose to all this???
>
> To stop people opening them in the store.
>
>> And at what expense???
>
> Peanuts, just a bit of plastic.

Yeah, but there's a whole expensive technology and machine support for this.
I mean, it's gotta be ridiciulous/overkill when it gets to the
CongressWhores.

>
>> No rational response, of course, and how could there be, as the
>> corporate policy-makers are so well-shielded from consumers. Venting
>> at a customer rep just makes their already-miserable lives more
>> miserable. Presumably if 50% of the customer base lodged complaints,
>> the statistics would carry some weight, but don't hold yer breath..
>
> Not a chance with stuff made in china.
>
>> I believe that this thermoplastic is tough enough, sharp enough to slit
>> someone's wrist, if they slip in their efforts.
>
> Thats why you use heavy duty serrated edged scissors designed to cut up
> chickens.

Dats why I use a band saw -- a 16" DoAll, iffin anyone is innerested.....
I could also use a radial arm saw.....

>
>> Ultimately, I believe this is just another deliberate slap in the
>> consumer's face by CorPirate Merka.
>
>> Fuck you, fuck me, fuck everyone, as long as everyone just pays and
>> pays and pays....
>
> You'll burst something if you dont watch out.

Dats why I gotta run so much, to keep the g-d blood pressure down....
That, and Haagen Dazs Coffee ice cream....

I'd leave Merka, but..... then I'd be butt another victim of her foreign
policy....

But being oppressed by a South American junta might not be so bad -- I'd go
for the occasional military home-invasion and ass-beating over this chronic
and relentless mindfucking in Merka....
Mebbe I could be Hugo Chavez' boy toy.....
--
EA

>
>


== 21 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:43 am
From: "Rod Speed"


Toom Tabard wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote
>> Toom Tabard wrote
>>> Rod Speed <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote
>>>> john hamilton wrote

>>>>> Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas
>>>>> hob from a well known national department store. After taking the
>>>>> top of the packaging off it, it then had to be
>>>>> lifted out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas
>>>>> tap knobs, but I did not want to pull it out using these.
>>>>> So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three
>>>>> deep cuts along the back of three fingers.
>>>>> Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how
>>>>> metal is if its been stamped and not finished off along the
>>>>> sheared edge with a file.
>>>>> This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time
>>>>> and time again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is
>>>>> probably the way everybody else would try to lift it out.
>>>>> How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
>>>>> happening again.

>>>> You cant. Even buying only the most expensive products wont ensure that.

>>>>> The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from a U.K. store.

>>>> And it was made in china.

>>>>> My collegue suggests I should request £100 to be sent to a charity,

>>>> And they will file the request in the round filing cabinet under their desk.

>>>>> since having to pay money

>>>> You cant make them do that.

>>>>> might make them actually make them take notice and then carry out
>>>>> the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly happening.

>>>> Unlikely. Even if you can force them to pay that money,
>>>> and you cant, its unlikey that enough would do that to
>>>> make it worth their while to fix the problem.

>>>>> Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable contribution.

>>>> You could try setting fire to yourself outside the Italian HQ.

>>>> Your only real option is to wear gloves when getting it
>>>> out of the box in that situation and file the edges yourself.

>>> Total nonsense

>> Your sig is sposed to be last, with a line with just -- on it in front of it.

>>> - in an item supplied to a consumer, there should be no hidden
>>> hazard in any reasonable action to remove it from the packaging

>> Then theres the real world...

> And the law in the real world supports what I said.

Have fun getting damages in other than the stupid US legal system.

Its been completely off the rails for centurys now.

> If you dispatch something with hidden and unexpected hazards which injure someone
> taking reasonable action as a consumer, then you are legally liable for the injuries.

Have fun getting damages in other than the stupid US legal system.

Its been completely off the rails for centurys now.

It makes a hell of a lot more sense to use gloves or open the box like a flower or just
let the entire contents and its packaging slide out of the box onto the floor gently etc.


== 22 of 22 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:46 am
From: "Existential Angst"


"hr(bob) hofmann@att.net" <hrhofmann@att.net> wrote in message
news:a93f2f77-3984-4b3c-86dc-4f0497bb6c3a@g19g2000yqe.googlegroups.com...
On Feb 21, 9:12 am, "Existential Angst" <UNfit...@UNoptonline.net>
wrote:
> "john hamilton" <bluest...@mail.invalid> wrote in message
>
> news:hlrg0r$pl5$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Last friday I took delivery at home of pressed steel kitchen gas hob
> > from
> > a well known national department store.
>
> > After taking the top of the packaging off it, it then had to be lifted
> > out. There was nothing to get hold of apart from the gas tap knobs, but
> > I
> > did not want to pull it out using these.
>
> > So I put my fingers underneath and lifted, but then received three deep
> > cuts along the back of three fingers.
>
> > Being pressed steel the edges were razor sharp because thats how metal
> > is
> > if its been stamped and not finished off along the sheared edge with a
> > file.
>
> > This is annoying because this situation is likely to happen time and
> > time
> > again to other people. Because how I lifted it out is probably the way
> > everybody else would try to lift it out.
>
> > How can I be sure of getting the manufacturers to act to stop this
> > happening again. The company is an Italian one, but I purchased it from
> > a
> > U.K. store.
>
> > My collegue suggests I should request �100 to be sent to a charity,
> > since
> > having to pay money might make them actually make them take notice and
> > then carry out the extra work on these units to stop this repeatedly
> > happening.
>
> > Thanks for any advice on how best to get them to make a charitable
> > contribution.
>
> This is an interesting scenario. In the US, a group might or might not
> have
> luck litigating this.
> Sheeit, people have been awarded millions for coffee that was too hot, for
> a
> bug in a yogurt.
>
> Can you document any psychological trauma?
> If you can document any resulting ED or some such, not only can *you* sue,
> but your WIFE can sue as well, for loss of "conjugal privilege" or some
> shit.... No foolin....
>
> I saw a lawsuit for $10 mil for a slip/fall from a 75 y.o. lady who fell,
> and $5 mil from her hubby for the above loss....
> I said, Wow, dat old lady musta been some piece of......
> Which makes you wonder how a judge/jury might ascertain and verify said
> conjugal value of a particular spouse..... .hmmmm.....
>
> Related to your issue is how shit is packaged in the US -- objects are
> embalmed in thermo-molded plastic, so tough that you need *aviation snips*
> or an effing band saw to get the product out of the packaging.
> How fragile senior citizens cope with this is beyond me.
>
> The situtation is so bad that this issue even reached our CongressWhores!
> Altho clearly not high on their graft-taking agenda.... I can't cite the
> exact name of the bill, as I just read this in passing in a NYC newspaper.
>
> I have called up a mfr or two, and told them: Dudes, I can lift 150 lbs
> over my head, and run 5 miles.... and *I* can't open your fucking
> packages.... Just WHAT is the purpose to all this??? And at what
> expense???
>
> No rational response, of course, and how could there be, as the corporate
> policy-makers are so well-shielded from consumers. Venting at a customer
> rep just makes their already-miserable lives more miserable. Presumably if
> 50% of the customer base lodged complaints, the statistics would carry
> some
> weight, but don't hold yer breath..
>
> I believe that this thermoplastic is tough enough, sharp enough to slit
> someone's wrist, if they slip in their efforts.
>
> Ultimately, I believe this is just another deliberate slap in the
> consumer's
> face by CorPirate Merka.
> Fuck you, fuck me, fuck everyone, as long as everyone just pays and pays
> and
> pays....
>
> fwiw.
> --
> EA- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Your reply might make more sense to a non-USA person if you used a
little bit more polite language and regular names instead of swearing
continually.
=========================================

Well, I *did* use "conjugal privilege" -- give some credit, dude!!!

Usually, it's a lot worse.... but I'm taking more meds, experimenting more
with dosages, AND reconciling myself to the inexorable process of Global
Social Darwinism.....

Which would be a lot easier to reconcile if Social Darwinism was an "us vs
them" scenario....
But it is not, because when *so many* people fall by the wayside of
unnatural social selection, it affects *everyone*.
It's like being a Navy Seal in a stadium stampede -- all that skill and
training don't help much.
--
EA

==============================================================================
TOPIC: 7 Ways to Clean Your Shower on the Cheap
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/5b484d538453a006?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:02 am
From: Ablang


7 Ways to Clean Your Shower on the Cheap
Stephanie Dray
Published August 31, 2006 by:
Stephanie Dray

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/55091/7_ways_to_clean_your_shower_on_the.html

Including Homemade Recipes for Making Your Own Daily Shower Spray
Cleaner
68
By now, you must have heard about Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower
Cleaner—a battery operated device that you hang in your shower to
automatically spray very expensive cleaning solution on your shower
walls. It can run you as much as $50, and the refills of this daily
shower spray aren't cheap. You've probably also tried the daily shower
spray made by companies such as Tilex and Arm & Hammer. If keeping
your shower sparkly is important to you, you might be wondering if
there are any daily shower spray alternatives that you can make
yourself. Here are seven methods you can use to clean your shower on
the cheap.

1. Pledge or Furniture Polish.
Using a dry cloth on a completely dry shower, you can buff the tiled
portions of your shower. This, in effect, pre-treats your shower walls
to repel dirt and water.

Pros: The use of this waxy polish on the tiled portion of your shower
will keep the tiles clean and shiny, as if you just scrubbed them this
morning.

Cons: You can only do this on a shower that's completely clean, and it
will not protect your glass. Moreover, if you get this on the shower
floor, you might cause someone to slip and fall.

2. A Squeegee.
If the last person to use the shower is willing to use a squeegee on
the walls, excess moisture should vanish down the drain.

Pros: A squeegee is a one-time investment and a dry environment will
allow for less mildew to build up in your shower. If you have
allergies and object to using harsh chemicals, the squeegee might be
the right choice for you.

Cons: It's more work than the spray solutions.

3. Tea-Tree Oil & Water.
You can mix this essential oil with water in a spray bottle, shake and
use as a daily shower spray.

Pros: The same anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that make tea-
tree oil useful for medicinal purposes will also allow it to help keep
your shower clean. Plus, you'll avoid using harsh chemicals in your
daily shower spray and keep it natural.

Cons: Unfortunately, using tea-tree oil and water as a daily shower
spray can lead to an oily build up that you'll need to remove with
another cleaner.

4. Vinegar & Water.
Mix 1 cup plain white vinegar with 3 cups water in a spray bottle,
shake and use as a daily shower spray after each shower.

Pros: Vinegar is an excellent and inexpensive household cleaner you
can find anywhere. It helps kill mildew on the spot. If you can't
stand the scent of vinegar, consider adding a little lavender oil to
the mix.

Cons: This combination spray seems to do an adequate job keeping an
already clean shower clean, but a less effective job in cleaning a
shower that has any trace of dirt already. And it doesn't seem to keep
the glass shower door clear and sparkly.

5. Bleach & Water.
Fill your spray bottle ¼ of the way with bleach and the rest with
water to make a daily shower spray mix.

Pros: A bleach and water mix is probably the most effective cleaner
you'll find. It instantly kills mildew and bacteria, as well as
keeping your grout and caulk clean and white.

Cons: Some of the downsides are obvious. You'll have to close the
bathroom door to escape the fumes, and you'll have to be careful not
to get it on your skin, clothes, or towels. What's less obvious is
that bleach is not very good at preventing the build up of soap scum
on glass walls, and you may need to use Windex from time to time.

6. Vinegar & Dawn.
Fill a Spray Bottle ¼ of the way full with vinegar, add two really
good squirts of Dawn Original Dish Soap, and fill the rest with water.
Shake, and you're ready to go. Spray after each shower.

Pros: Dawn's grease cutting agents, and the way it makes water bead up
and run off of dishes is put to good use as a daily shower spray.

Cons: Sometimes it seems as if a little rinsing is called for, and
that you can't simply spray and forget it.

7. Jet-Dry & Water.
Mix 3tbsp of Jet-Dry with water in a spray bottle to make a daily
shower spray.

Pros: This method takes advantage of the sheeting action that we use
in our dish-washer and puts it to use on the shower walls. It's like a
chemical squeegee without the elbow-grease.

Cons: It doesn't seem as if much actual cleaning gets done with this
method. It's more of a way of keeping your shower dry.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Clueless, mooching relatives & Miss Manners
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/965c895abd171a11?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Sun, Feb 21 2010 10:45 am
From: Lenona

Well, OK, that may have been too harsh a header. You be the judge.

Lenona.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23496578

Dear Miss Manners,
I'm currently studying veterinary medicine, and while I am clearly not
a career artist, I currently make money on the side as a graphic novel
illustrator and taking private commissions. Although I do enjoy making
art, I consider it a job and rarely have time to pursue it further due
to the time-consuming nature of my studies -- when I have time to draw
something I have to expect to be paid for it.

My family and friends support my "hobby," enough so that come holidays
or birthdays they often request pieces of art as gifts. This is often
expressed in terms similar to, "You don't have to buy me anything,
just draw something for me." Since I am a college student on a budget,
I suspect that my relations are trying to do me a favor, whereas in
reality, it is much more difficult to fill these requests than it
would be to give a more conventional gift.

When I do eventually give a purchased gift rather than the art that
was asked for, I always hear about it later ("So when are you going to
give me that painting?").

I would love to draw for all my loved ones, but the level of quality
that they expect from me usually takes at least 25 hours to complete
-- the same quality for which I often charge $200-400 per piece. How
can I tell my friends and relatives that I can't afford to give them
art as a gift without sounding selfish or hurting their feelings? I
feel like I'm saying, "I love you, but not enough to spend my quality
time on making you a gift."

Gentle Reader,
What a delightfully flattering picture your family and friends have of
you -- effortlessly tossing off your studies and your art work, while
they, poor souls, can barely do one job and find time to shop for
presents.

Miss Manners is afraid that you will have to substitute a less
glamorous self-portrait. "I can hardly manage to keep up with my
studies and the drawings I do on paid commissions to support myself,"
you should plead. "So while I'd love to do a picture for you, I'm
afraid it will be a very long wait. Some day I hope to have a
veterinary practice that will allow me time to give drawings to people
I love."

Let us hope that you will find that some of them love you enough to
commission a drawing.

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