http://www.9wsyr.com/business/custom/wsyr_consumer_reports/default.aspx COnsumer Reports en-us Copyright 2009 Newport Television LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:01 GMT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:38:19 GMT Consumer Reports http://www.9wsyr.com/sites/wsyr/images/9wsyrlogo.jpg http://www.9wsyr.com/business/custom/wsyr_consumer_reports/default.aspx 214 66 15 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Ready-to-go-gravies/4C5lMQ0vdUScfD0wRk7mvA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Ready-to-go-gravies/4C5lMQ0vdUScfD0wRk7mvA.cspx?rss=1423 It's time to get ready for a Thanksgiving feast, and you're stressed for time. Could a store-bought gravy save you some time and fool your guests? Consumer Reports taste-tested 10 store-bought turkey gravies, including ones from McCormick, Campbell's, and Boston Market. Some are dry mixes that you add to water, mix, and heat. Others are ready-made straight from a can or jar; just heat and serve.

Consumer Reports tasted them straight up and on mashed potatoes. They checked the texture and how much turkey flavor they had. Some fell far short. The Franco-American Slow Roast gravy was starchy and a bit like jelly. Same goes for the Simply Organic roasted dry mix. It also tasted bitter. And it turns out the Serv-A-Gravy had little flavor.

But in the end, Consumer Reports did find one gravy that comes close to homemade. It's the Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy mix. It had a big roasted-turkey taste and sweet caramelized flavors that blended really well with the herbs. It's one worth trying if you're short on time.

Consumer Reports also took a look at stuffings, another oh-so-tasty and calorie-packed Thanksgiving favorite. Believe it or not, testers found several rated good for nutrition. One to try is Pepperidge Farm One Step Garden Herb. It's got 182 calories and just two grams of saturated fat per serving.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT Ready-to-go gravies http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273514@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Top-paper-towels/nS6TK8fU1kGQvpoQPBBfXQ.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Top-paper-towels/nS6TK8fU1kGQvpoQPBBfXQ.cspx?rss=1423 Ever wonder how you got along without paper towels? It was back in the early 1930s when they appeared on grocery shelves. Today, 90% of American families use paper towels. For small spills and messes, it's often paper towels to the rescue! And you'll see lots claiming to be the best, but which IS the best? Consumer Reports tested 21 paper towels, including ones from Viva, Bounty, and Scott, as well as some claiming to be made from recycled paper.

In the absorbency test, testers measure the amount of water each paper towel holds, adjusting for sheet-size differences so that each paper towel faces the same challenge. The tests found the best paper towels held almost three ounces of water, but the worst performers held just half an ounce.

In a wet-strength test, Consumer Reports measures how much weight a wet towel can support before it breaks. And in another test, a paper towel is scrubbed against a tile surface until it starts to shred.

When it comes to the green paper towels tested, Consumer Reports found most using recycled paper were not up to the job. Practically every green paper towel tested scored at the bottom of Consumer Reports' tests.

In the end, the clear winner was Bounty Extra Soft. It wiped up the competition.

For less expensive paper towels that perform well, try Walgreens Ultra Quilted or Kleenex Viva. They are Consumer Reports Best Buys.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT Top paper towels http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273464@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Confusing-food-labels/DKX29ppE6EGJCSSM2OWatw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Confusing-food-labels/DKX29ppE6EGJCSSM2OWatw.cspx?rss=1423 In the supermarket, you may think the packages that shout out all sorts of health claims are helping you make better choices. In the hunt for food that's good for you, you may be swayed by the Smart Choices check mark, or "Whole Grain Guaranteed," or the Heart Healthy logo.

Consumer Reports' ShopSmart cautions that what's on the front of the package may not be a good guide to what's inside. Some seals of approval are made up by the companies themselves. And they may pay for other seals that are devised by outside organizations. The end result is very misleading for consumers.

For example, Froot Loops has had the Smart Choices checkmark even though it's 41% sugar by weight.

As for the "Whole Grain Guaranteed" claim, Trix cereal does have whole-grain corn. But don't think that means it's high in fiber. It has only one gram of fiber per serving. An excellent source has at least five grams. Consumer Reports' ShopSmart says there's no substitute for carefully reading the nutrition facts on the package.

Also be aware that claims like "Good source of calcium" means the product has to supply only 10% of your daily needs, the same as just a third of a cup of milk.

A can of Hormel Chili says it has "less sodium" but it still has a lot. Just one cup of the chili has 30% of the recommended daily amount of sodium, and that's way too much.

ShopSmart offers a shortcut to help you judge for yourself: Look at the daily values of things that aren't so good for you, such as sodium and saturated fat. They should be 5% or less per serving.

And if you do opt to buy something that has an unhealthy ingredient with a daily value that's higher than 5%, ShopSmart says you should plan your other meals around it so you can stay within the recommended guidelines for the day.

The Food and Drug Administration is concerned that shoppers may be misled by some of the front-of-the-package health claims and is now investigating.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT Confusing food labels http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273436@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Costly-Car-Mistakes/8vJ539IIykOmKSUNf-rVaQ.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Costly-Car-Mistakes/8vJ539IIykOmKSUNf-rVaQ.cspx?rss=1423 Consumer Reports has spoken to automotive mechanics across the country who have told scary and costly stories. Routine maintenance and early fixes when something starts to go wrong can save you plenty.

• Exhibit A: A transmission rebuild. That can cost you about $3,000! If your transmission fluid is too low, it's probably because of a leak. If you do have to add fluid, don't overfill. That'll make it worse!
  
  
• Exhibit B: An engine replacement, a $3,000 to $6,000 job! To prevent that, check your oil level once per month. And remember to change your oil and the timing belt according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
  
  
• Exhibit C: A new catalytic converter that can cost $900. A catalytic converter can become overtaxed if your engine isn't tuned and starts to malfunction. So don't ignore that "check engine" light when it comes on and make sure you get regular tune-ups!

Bottom line, catching car trouble early can spare you expensive repair bills down the road. Refer to your owner's manual to see when you should take your car in for maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups. And it can help to put reminders on your calendar to schedule an appointment at your garage.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT Costly Car Mistakes http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273386@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Safer-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms/8cwMQhHpVUWLGxcM3r5I4A.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Safer-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarms/8cwMQhHpVUWLGxcM3r5I4A.cspx?rss=1423 Almost 500 Americans die from carbon-monoxide poisoning each year. And more than 15,000 end up in emergency rooms. Faulty heating appliances and blocked chimneys and vents are usually to blame.

A carbon-monoxide alarm can help make sure you stay safe. Consumer Reports tested 10 to see how quickly they'll alert you to low-level and high-level leaks. Some took almost twice as long as others to sound. Most of the alarms tested are just for carbon monoxide, but a couple are combined with a smoke alarm.

Keep in mind that while smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, carbon-monoxide alarms should be replaced after five. That means you need to replace a combination alarm every five years. That's five years from the date you'll find on the back of the alarm.

It's also important to have a carbon-monoxide detector on each level of your house—the basement, ground floor, and the upper level.

It's a good idea to get interconnecting alarms that signal each other. That way you'll be warned about a leak in the basement even if you're asleep upstairs. Among interconnected detectors, the First Alert OneLink SCO501CN earned top ratings. It's battery operated and costs $70.

Consumer Reports says be aware that interconnected carbon-monoxide alarms usually only communicate with alarms made by the same company. So if you're installing several CO alarms, check to be sure they are all compatible with each other, as well as with your fire alarms.

A stand-alone alarm is fine if you live in a small, one-story home or an apartment. A good choice is the $40 First Alert CO615. It plugs into the wall and also has battery backup.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT Safer Carbon Monoxide Alarms http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272507@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=2043 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Coffeemakers-for-less/OdSbxtdR_02rvXDpXXUYSA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Coffeemakers-for-less/OdSbxtdR_02rvXDpXXUYSA.cspx?rss=1423 Consumer Reports just tested more than 50 coffeemakers to find ones that do a good job and save you money.

Testers looked at traditional drip coffee makers and brew stations, too, which let you fill your cup directly from the machine. Prices ranged from $20 all the way to $265 for the Technivorm, heavily touted by coffee connoisseurs.

The brew test measures a coffeemaker's ability to reach 195° to 205°. That's the temperature you need to extract the most flavor from the coffee.

The Technivorm aced Consumer Reports brew tests. But it's not all that easy to use. It has a lot of parts and takes some patience to put together. And then you have to slide the carafe into the right spot or it won't brew. And another expensive coffeemaker, the $165 Bunn BTX-B, was fast, but its brew performance was just mediocre.

However, of the dozens of coffeemakers Consumer Reports tested, there were several very good, less expensive ones.

The top-rated $100 Cuisinart Brew Central #DCC-1200 is easy to use and rated excellent in Consumer Reports brew tests. The new coffeemaker from Kalorick #CM25282 was a close second, At $80, it costs just a third of the price of the Technivorm.

Consumer Reports named several Best Buys, too. Among them, one from Michael Graves for $40. While slightly less convenient to use than the ones from Cuisinart and Kalorik, it's great at brewing.

And a good coffee to try is Eight O'Clock 100% Columbian coffee. It's top-rated in Consumer Reports' tests. It costs about $6 a pound.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT Coffeemakers for less http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273300@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/GPS-on-iPhones/OI4d_6izmE69egOvaQi1iw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/GPS-on-iPhones/OI4d_6izmE69egOvaQi1iw.cspx?rss=1423 How to get from here to there? In the last 10 years, GPS devices have revolutionized getting around. And the capability has moved to cell phones.

Now iPhone users can get navigation apps for their phones. They include the $100 TomTom app, the $10 per month AT&T Navigator, and GMap regional maps by XRoad, starting at $35. Consumer Reports found those apps convenient and easy to use. But none of the ones tested worked as well as a good portable GPS.

The accuracy is not as precise, the sound not as crisp, and the volume not as high. And some of the apps don't name the street where you need to turn. That's a very helpful feature that's common with portable GPS devices. Plus on the iPhone, your directions are interrupted if you make or take a call.

Consumer Reports says there's another disadvantage to the iPhone navigation apps. They don't come with a charger or a mount, so you'll have to pay extra for those—around $50.

If you need more than occasional directions, Consumer Reports recommends getting a portable GPS. The Garmin Nuvi 265T is a Consumer Reports Best Buy at $200. It comes with free traffic reports as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT GPS on iPhones http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272379@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Pricey-Vs-Cheap-Spices/0hC6mE4LF0WCyifJv_mo_A.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Pricey-Vs-Cheap-Spices/0hC6mE4LF0WCyifJv_mo_A.cspx?rss=1423 Herbs and spices add variety and flavor to foods. But the small jars can cost plenty, in some cases the equivalent of more than $100 dollars a pound. Consumer Reports ran tests to see if buying less expensive seasonings sacrifices flavor.

To find out, Consumer Reports' sized up two frequently used spices—oregano and cinnamon. The spices tested ranged from a low of 50 cents an ounce to more than $7.

The taste testers tried the dried oregano in various recipes, including tomato sauce, and on top of bread with melted mozzarella. The cinnamon was mixed into applesauce and baked in sugar cookies.

The testers couldn't really taste a difference with the cinnamon sugar cookies, but in the other recipes with the pricier oregano and cinnamon there was just slightly more flavor intensity. However, all of the oreganos tasted like, well, oregano. And all the cinnamons tasted just like cinnamon. So you don't need to spend more unless the spice is the main attraction.

One thing that can make a difference with some herbs and spices is if they are old. So unless you plan on cooking up a storm it's best not to buy your spices in bulk.

To keep your herbs and spices tasting their best, Consumer Reports says there are a number of things you should do. Be sure to store them in airtight containers. Keep them out of sunlight and away from moisture and heat. And check the expiration date, or if there isn't one, mark the container with the date you open it.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:11:00 GMT Pricey Vs. Cheap Spices http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273237@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Leaner-holiday-tipping/F81li78WOUqN2MK6QzucmQ.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Leaner-holiday-tipping/F81li78WOUqN2MK6QzucmQ.cspx?rss=1423 Holiday tipping is a tradition, but if you start to get sweaty palms trying to figure out who to tip and how much, you're not alone.

A survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center set out to determine who gets tipped and what's given. More than 1,800 people were asked about holiday tipping in 2008. Tipping was much leaner last year. Consumer Reports found a definite drop in the number of service providers who were tipped. Among them, manicurists saw fewer tips. So did newspaper and mail carriers.

Who got the most? Consumer Reports survey found that house cleaners got the biggest tip, on average $50. They were followed by child-care providers, who got an average gift value of $40. And if this year is like last, $20 will be the tip of choice for sanitation workers and hairdressers alike.

Consumer Reports found that while teachers are among the most commonly tipped, some school districts do not allow money to be given. Most of those surveyed gave teachers gave a noncash gift. And if you're not sure what to give someone who provides a weekly service, Consumer Reports says a good rule of thumb is a week's worth of pay.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:35:05 GMT Leaner holiday tipping http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273199@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Cabernet-sauvignon-at-great-prices/gDSShpAKvkK7QiybLR2dtA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Cabernet-sauvignon-at-great-prices/gDSShpAKvkK7QiybLR2dtA.cspx?rss=1423 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the biggest-selling red wines. And it pairs well with rich foods such as red meats that you may eat a lot at the holidays. Consumer Reports tested 24 cabernet sauvignons from France, Chile, Australia, California, and Washington state. Testers poured close to 400 glasses for tasting! And experts did blind taste tests, so they had no idea which wine they were drinking.

Consumer Reports found inexpensive bottles costing $11 or less that tasted just as good as those costing twice as much.

A bottle from Australia rated very good. It's Lindemans Bin 45 and costs just $7. It has intense, ripe black-fruit flavors, along with sweet wood notes.

And the magnum bottle of Frontera from Chile, at 1.5 liters, is a real deal for $8. It has a nice array of fruit, spice, and woody flavors.

If you're looking for a bottle of white wine, Consumer Reports recommends the Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It costs a bit more at $14, but it was the highest-scoring wine in this category and rated excellent.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. ]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:07:00 GMT http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Best-Blu-Ray-players/eQclEwPDU0-BBfb-666wew.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Best-Blu-Ray-players/eQclEwPDU0-BBfb-666wew.cspx?rss=1423 Prices on Blu-ray players are coming down, and more and more Blu-ray movies are now available, so you may be thinking of getting a player or giving one. Consumer Reports tested more than two dozen costing from $130 to $700.

Blu-ray players allow you to watch high-definition video discs. Most of them now have a new feature called BD-Live, which allows the player to connect to the Internet. That enables BD-Live players to access movie outtakes from movie-studio Web sites. Some players with BD-Live are able to access streaming movies from services such as Amazon Video On Demand, Netflix, and Vudu. In most cases, you need to plug the player into an Ethernet connection. But some let you connect wirelessly.

If you want the BD-Live feature, testers rated the Sony #BDP-S360 excellent. It costs $230. It has what's known as a "BD-Live-ready player." That means it can connect to the Internet, but you have to add memory for that feature to become active. It'll probably cost you about $10 to $15 to add the memory you need.

But if you just want to play Blu-ray discs, for much less, consider the $130 Magnavox #NB530MGX. Testers also rated it excellent.

The good news is that all the players tested had excellent picture quality, the feature that's probably most important.

Consumer Reports recommends keeping an eye on store advertisements for Blu-ray players. It expects prices to come down further around Black Friday, and some players could drop to $99.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT Best Blu-Ray players http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273097@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/BPA-in-canned-food/JQBrP01iuUqTW_r0KeYPLw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/BPA-in-canned-food/JQBrP01iuUqTW_r0KeYPLw.cspx?rss=1423 Seven billion pounds of the chemical Bisphenol A, or BPA, are produced every year and used in all sorts of products including clear plastic bottles and food-can liners. Because of growing health concerns, BPA has been restricted in some states, and in Canada, too. While there are no federal restrictions on BPA in food packaging, the government has set a guideline for safe exposure. But recent studies show that exposure to lower doses of BPA is associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, including various cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

Consumer Reports tested a variety of foods for BPA—three samples of 24 different products, mostly canned. Included were products from Campbell's, Del Monte, Green Giant, Hormel, Progresso, and others.

Outside lab tests found that many of the samples contained BPA levels that were higher, often much higher, than the level Consumer Reports' experts believe could pose a safety risk, especially to children and developing fetuses.

It's important to note that levels of BPA can vary significantly even in the products tested. Consumer Reports tests were a small snapshot of the marketplace, so you can't draw conclusions about any one type of product or any particular brand. But there are things you can do that may help minimize exposure:

• Ideally, choose fresh food over canned whenever possible.
  
  
• And for products children drink a lot of, consider alternatives, such as powdered infant formulas and bottled or boxed juice.

The Food and Drug Administration is reassessing the safety of BPA and is expected to announce the results of that review by the end of November. Meanwhile, the food industry has been waging a fight against BPA regulations and is backed up by the American Chemistry Council, which claims that scientific evidence clearly supports the safety of BPA. Consumer Reports disagrees, saying BPA use should be banned from any packaging that comes in contact with food.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:05:00 GMT BPA in canned food http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=273049@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Cut-your-printing-costs/aV91i-hQJEuWiaWk4H3HkQ.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Cut-your-printing-costs/aV91i-hQJEuWiaWk4H3HkQ.cspx?rss=1423 You can get a good printer these days for around $80. But that's just the beginning. The cost of ink cartridges really adds up. Consumer Reports says no matter which printer you buy, there are ways to save on ink, as well as on paper. And the beginning of the school year is a good time to get started trimming costs.

Consumer Reports' tests show some printers cost a lot more to operate than others. Some printers cost three times more to print an 8x10-inch photo and five times more to print a full page of text.

Consumer Reports says there are ways to cut costs. Like setting to print in "fast" or "draft" mode to save ink.

Also helpful: Preview before printing so that you can eliminate unwanted pages. That's especially important when you're printing Web pages, so that you don't end up with a page with only a line or two.

You'll also save on paper if you use a smaller font and set smaller margins to fit more on a page.

Printing on both sides saves paper, too. With most printers that means looking under printer properties and clicking on "duplex printing." It prints every other page and then you reload the paper to print on the other side. But some printers make it a lot easier. They print on one side and then automatically retract the paper to print on the back.

And one more money-saving move—recycle your empty ink cartridges and get a refund. Staples offers a $3 coupon for each cartridge you return from HP, Dell, and Lexmark.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT Cut your printing costs http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272164@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Is-Juiced-Up-Orange-Juice-Better/1Spb8CoCTkqPIGS9wLpfWw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Is-Juiced-Up-Orange-Juice-Better/1Spb8CoCTkqPIGS9wLpfWw.cspx?rss=1423 Getting the kids off to school in the mornings is no easy feat. Getting them off to school with a healthy breakfast—almost impossible. A glass of orange juice that's packed with vitamin C can help. Consumer Reports helps you slice through the many choices you're seeing in stores.

Consumer Reports pitted Tropicana Original Pure Premium against others from Tropicana with extras: Calcium plus Vitamin D, Antioxidant Advantage, Healthy Kids, and Healthy Heart with Omega-3s. All were "no-pulp."

All give you the same amount of calories, sugars, potassium, and at least 100 percent of your daily vitamin C per serving. As for the taste, Consumer Reports' trained tasters found that all the juices tasted pretty much the same.

All of those Tropicana juices cost about the same, too. But do the extras make the juices any healthier?

Consumer Reports says that the ones with calcium have as much as a glass of skim milk, and as much vitamin D. But as far as the added vitamins and antioxidants—you're probably better off getting those from the foods you eat than from a fortified product.

Consumer Reports also took a look at Trop 50, with 50 percent less sugar. The tasters said that it had a thinner consistency and a less intense orange juice flavor. And it also costs more. So Consumer Reports says that if you want to cut calories and sugar, just add seltzer or water to your regular orange juice and save your money!

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Is Juiced-Up Orange Juice Better? http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272976@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=2043 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Healthier-snacking/YYq-fOAAXE-v5BWkUZZDkw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Healthier-snacking/YYq-fOAAXE-v5BWkUZZDkw.cspx?rss=1423 If you're a woman who snacks between meals, you're in good company. That's what a Consumer Reports' National Research Center survey found. It turns out 85% of the women polled eat on average two snacks a day. What triggers you to snack between meals? Diet experts point to common snacking triggers:

• Being tired and stressed
• Watching TV
• Going to the movies
• Shopping at the mall
• Going to a party.

Supermarket shelves are crammed with "crisp" versions of crackers and chips that look healthy. So Consumer Reports ShopSmart checked out 14 snacks to find out how nutritious they were and how good they taste. The snacks include ones from Nabisco, Pepperidge Farm, and Frito Lay. Consumer Reports says that you shouldn't be fooled by words like ‘baked' and ‘brown rice' on the label. Those foods could actually have more fat and sodium than you realize.

For example, this Rice Works Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps has 6 grams of fat per one ounce serving. That's more than a serving of Utz Pork Rinds! And Pepperidge Farm Baked Natural Pretzel Thins has 390 milligrams of sodium per ounce. That's more than Lay's Classic Potato chips!

For a healthier snack, Consumer Reports ShopSmart recommends trying Wheat Thins Multigrain Toasted Chips or New York Style Original Pretzel Flatz.

And remember — whatever you reach for — read those nutrition labels so you'll know whether that healthy sounding snack you're getting is REALLY good for you. If you want to cut down on snacking, ShopSmart says avoid eating right out of the carton or box because it's tough to stop and you're less aware how much you've eaten.

For more tips to take control of your snacking: www.shopsmartmag.org/files/snack_smart.pdf.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Healthier snacking http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272941@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Super-showerheads/D1JMbAGnPk-IFweHV96JCA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Super-showerheads/D1JMbAGnPk-IFweHV96JCA.cspx?rss=1423 A good showerhead can really make a difference. Showerheads can be easy to install, but figuring out which to buy is tough. There are lots of options, and you can't try them out in the store. Consumer Reports had the invigorating task of testing showerheads—18 in all.

Male and female panelists took showers in Consumer Reports' locker rooms for eight weeks. The panelists evaluated the force of stream and the feel of the water. Included in the tests were water-saving showerheads that cut water and energy use. Some were a hit, but others were a washout.

The Moen Inspire is the top-rated multisetting showerhead. It costs $50. And for just $15, the American Standard Easy Clean is a Consumer Reports Best Buy. It delivers a forceful shower, although it has only one setting.

Consumer Reports says before you buy a showerhead, factor in what it takes for you to install it. Rain-shower heads in particular may be heavy and can require additional support or hardware.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. ]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Super showerheads http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272900@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Ford-revs-up-reliability/ouM09BmEQEu5sofm6eosng.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Ford-revs-up-reliability/ouM09BmEQEu5sofm6eosng.cspx?rss=1423 Some Ford cars are less likely to have repair problems than some sedans from Honda and Toyota. That's one of the key findings in Consumer Reports' just-released annual assessment of car reliability—an assessment based on subscribers' experience with almost 1.5 million vehicles.

Of the 51 Fords in Consumer Reports' survey, only five were below average. That means Ford is basically on par with Honda and Toyota. The most reliable Fords were the front-wheel-drive Fusion and its twin, the Mercury Milan. Their reliability is right at the top of the family-sedan category. It's actually better than the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

The hybrid version of the Fusion and Milan also got top scores for reliability, along with several other hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Toyota Camry Hybrid. That is significant because there has been concern with hybrids about how well the batteries will hold up over time. But Consumer Reports says, so far, so good. The Toyota Prius has now been out for eight years, and, according to Consumer Reports, it's one of the most reliable eight-year-old vehicles on the road. There have not been many battery replacements at all.

Consumer Reports' new survey also found that Hyundai and Kia continue to make many reliable cars, such as the Elantra sedan, the Tucson SUV, and the Kia Sportage SUV.

But the survey did find some problem cars among some usually very reliable brands. They include the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Nissan Versa.

Getting a car that holds up well is worth it, Consumer Reports says. That can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, and reliable cars tend to have a higher resale value.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:11:00 GMT Ford revs up reliability http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272864@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Getting-rid-of-old-electronics/7R4P4LljokmLxm8cgux3sw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Getting-rid-of-old-electronics/7R4P4LljokmLxm8cgux3sw.cspx?rss=1423 When it comes to recycling, more than half of us are doing pretty well with bottles and cans, and even better with paper and plastic. But we're not doing so well with our old electronics.

A Consumer Reports National Research Center survey of more than 2,000 Americans reveals only about 11 percent to 17 percent are recycling electronics. It can be tricky finding places to recycle your old electronics. But Consumer Reports says that the bigger problem is people throwing them in the garbage, not realizing that can pose a danger.

Cell phones can be loaded with toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Old television and computer monitors can contain up to 8 pounds of lead. When they break in a landfill, they can pose an environmental and a neurological hazard.

Where do you start? First, look for a recycling center that takes computers, TVs, and other electronics that dismantles and separates parts, and removes toxic metals. Retailers such as Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples also accept electronic devices, as do many manufacturers.

Consumer Reports says to find a location to drop off your electronics, check out http://earth911.com/. You type in what you want to recycle and your ZIP code, and you get a list of centers in your area.

Consumer Reports says be aware there are many unscrupulous recyclers that ship electronics overseas, where it gets dumped. To find a responsible recycler, you want to look for one that's signed the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. It's a promise e-waste will not be exported or simply dumped in a landfill. To check for one, go to www.goodrecyclers.com.

You'll find more information about recycling electronics at: www.greenerchoices.org/electronicsrecycling/el_computers.cfm?page=NeedToKnow

And remember, before you recycle an old cell phone or computer, be sure to remove your personal information.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:12:00 GMT Getting rid of old electronics http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272846@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Better-Prepaid-Cell-Plans/8I6FVfpcP0OMfa20EUD4MA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Better-Prepaid-Cell-Plans/8I6FVfpcP0OMfa20EUD4MA.cspx?rss=1423 Nearly 50 million people now use prepaid phone plans, and the number is growing. Big companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint have new plans, as do smaller companies. Some are pay-as-you-go and others are like regular plans, but without a contract!

For people who don't call or text a lot, Consumer Reports says there are dozens of plans that offer reasonable deals, including ones from Tracfone and Virgin Mobile.

But now, even if you use your phone a lot, a prepaid plan may save you. For example, a new Boost Mobile plan offers a monthly, unlimited plan for $50 that covers minutes, texting, and Web access.

Consumer Reports says that with the right prepaid plan, you could cut your phone bill in half even if you're a heavy user.

Be aware that with prepaid plans you usually have to buy a new phone. And while they don't necessarily cost a lot, the choices are often very limited. For instance, Tracfone's Straight Talk plan offers just three phones.

As with any phone plan, Consumer Reports says to check out the details carefully. Make sure you're able to activate the plan—that is, open the account—in your area.

And avoid any plan that charges a daily fee whether you use the phone or not. Also avoid plans with a monthly fee for a set number of minutes. You may be buying more than you need, or get in a hole if you go over.

And Consumer Reports says for now, most families are probably better off with a traditional contract plan. That's the kind where you can add another line for as little as $10 a month.

Still, if you're getting phone and texting service just for yourself, Consumer Reports says prepaid plans are worth considering.

If you're thinking of making a switch to a prepaid service, Consumer Reports says do it when your wireless contract is about over. Otherwise you could be charged for terminating your plan early.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Better Prepaid Cell Plans http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272780@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Lightweight-vacuums-for-less/m6W0Nz8XeUeAyJsPv_ZHaA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Lightweight-vacuums-for-less/m6W0Nz8XeUeAyJsPv_ZHaA.cspx?rss=1423 Looking for an upright vacuum that won't break the bank or your back? There are lots of lightweight vacuums in stores, and some vacuums can weigh more than 23, 24, or 25 pounds! So an infomercial for the Garry vacuum probably sounds pretty appealing. The heavily advertised Garry Ultralight,costing almost $200, is one of dozens of upright vacuums rated by Consumer Reports.

To test how well a vacuum deep cleans carpets, Consumer Reports puts a measured amount of talcum powder and sand on a carpet and grinds it in. Testers then measure how much the vacuum picks up.

So how did the Garry do? Consumer Reports found that the Garry Ultralight actually was the worst at carpet cleaning of about four dozen upright vacuums tested.

And as for those claims that the Garry Ultralight weighs only 9 pounds, it turns out you have to remove all of the vacuum tools and the hose and fully extend the cord to hit that weight!

But don't despair. Consumer Reports found several lightweight uprights that can clean up. The least expensive that does a very good job on carpets is the $60 Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless M085845 vacuum from Target, weighing just 13 pounds.

Consumer Reports says to keep a vacuum working well, be sure to regularly clean and replace the filter, empty the bag frequently, and keep the brush roll unclogged.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:04:00 GMT Lightweight vacuums for less http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272756@wixt.dayport.com