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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:01 GMT Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:28:47 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/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 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Supersizing-brown-bag-savings/w3_yZJKFaEao5iM0S5Xh3A.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Supersizing-brown-bag-savings/w3_yZJKFaEao5iM0S5Xh3A.cspx?rss=1423

Packing a lunch isn't just for kids, especially these days. With money so tight, it's time grown-ups start toting a lunch, too. But if the thought of packing a lunch conjures up images of soggy sandwiches and wilted salad, hold on! Consumer Reports ShopSmart has ways to add spark to lunches so that you can start adding up the savings. Take the Olive Garden's Caesar salad with grilled chicken. It costs almost $12 and packs 850 calories. ShopSmart's salad costs about $4 and contains 550 calories. Even sandwiches add up. At Panera Bread a smoked ham and Swiss on whole-grain bread will set you back about $5 and 700 calories. ShopSmart's homemade recipe costs a little over $2 to make and has about 400 calories. But packing a lunch doesn't mean you always have to tote the basics. Try a frittata or a piece of quiche. Both are easy to pack and are great served warm or cold. Or dress up dinner leftovers such as orzo, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, or couscous. Add some favorite chopped veggies, olive oil and vinegar, or whatever you like and pack it up. Love appetizers? Instead of spending big bucks at a restaurant, bring your own. Pack some cubed mozzarella or provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, crusty whole-grain bread, olives, and salami. Or consider a small container of hummus and some pita bread for dipping. And don't forget to pack a drink! Buying one at work can be a budget and diet buster. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a rut. Consumer Reports ShopSmart says of course, a salad is a really healthful choice at lunch, too. But to avoid wilted and soggy lettuce, pack the salad dressing on the side. Another alternative, chopped veggies such as peppers, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, or sugar snap peas in a vinaigrette. They'll stay crunchier than lettuce. 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, 21 Oct 2009 21:11:00 GMT Supersizing brown bag savings http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272729@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Website-Seals-No-Guarantee/AO7Mw9LX_0m_hvNIhBTM7w.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Website-Seals-No-Guarantee/AO7Mw9LX_0m_hvNIhBTM7w.cspx?rss=1423 Going online has its risks. You may look to Web seals to ensure that a site is safe. Companies post Web seals on their site to show that their business is on the up and up, or that they protect their customer's privacy. But Consumer Reports says you can't always count on them.

Take the seal from the Online Business Bureau. The company claims it's better at "protecting consumers online" than the Better Business Bureau. But Consumer Reports says that all companies have to do to get a seal from the Online Business Bureau is to pay $14.97 a month and a one-time initiation fee, and they get a green rating indicating they're a recommended business. And companies that don't pay—even the venerable American Red Cross—get a yellow warning, telling consumers "we cannot verify this merchant's status" and "proceed with caution."

And just because a site has lots of seals doesn't mean it's necessarily a good business. Take FreedomDebtRelief. Consumer Reports checked on the company with the Better Business Bureau and it had more than 200 complaints and an "F" rating.

It turns out there's even a potential problem with the Better Business Bureau's own "BBB seal of accredited businesses." Click on the seal and you're supposed to get the company's BBB report. But the Better Business Bureau says the reports can be faked.

So Consumer Reports says its best to go directly to the Better Business Bureau's Web site, at www.bbb.org, to check out a site. Consumer Reports also recommends doing a Web search. You want to put in the company's name and words such as "complaints" and "rip-off" to see whether anything comes up.

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, 20 Oct 2009 21:12:00 GMT Website Seals No Guarantee http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272705@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Decoding-Gluten-Free-Food-Craze/kn96yI98t0OYg10tBRqWkA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Decoding-Gluten-Free-Food-Craze/kn96yI98t0OYg10tBRqWkA.cspx?rss=1423 Gluten-free foods are quite the rage these days. Gluten-free macaroni and cheese. Gluten-free cereal. And gluten-free cake mix. More than 1,300 gluten-free products showed up on supermarkets last year alone. Oprah even went on a gluten-free diet.

Those foods are good for people with celiac disease, which is on the rise. It damages the small intestine. That damage prevents people with celiac disease from absorbing the nutrients in food.

Gluten can show up in unlikely places, such as hot dogs, tea, deli meats, and even lip gloss.

But Consumer Reports ShopSmart says gluten-free products do have nutritional deficiencies, and they can cost two to three times more.

ShopSmart says consider cheaper alternatives that offer good nutrition—grains such as quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat. And corn is gluten-free too. So don't bother paying more for gluten-free tortillas. And for cereal, you can get Rice-Chex or a generic rice cereal.

Other money-saving ideas for naturally gluten-free snacks—consider vegetables, nuts, and popcorn. And some Web sites can help you shop for savings. ShopSmart says Amazonglutenfree.com has extensive listings of gluten-free foods. And though they offer fewer products, Super Target and Costco are worth checking.

With the money saved, you can splurge on a gluten-free dinner out. That's because more and more restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse are offering gluten-free entrées.

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, 19 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT Decoding Gluten-Free Food Craze http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272676@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Missed-Home-Energy-Savings/9iIU-hlQ9kKL09jO68803g.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Missed-Home-Energy-Savings/9iIU-hlQ9kKL09jO68803g.cspx?rss=1423 High energy bills driving you crazy? What if I told you that you could be paying a lot less? A new survey of more than 2,000 Americans by the Consumer Reports National Research Center shows nearly half of those polled don't make a habit of lowering their thermostat overnight or when they leave the house. That's just one of several energy-saving moves that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. In fact, Consumer Reports says that you can save about $550 a year in energy costs if you know where to look.

Roughly 50 percent of residential energy bills go toward heating and cooling. You can cut those costs by eliminating any leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Consumer Reports recommends checking for leaks with an incense stick. First, turn on an exhaust fan in your home, light the stick, and hold it near openings. If it blows horizontally, you've got a leak.

Next—the insulation. The Consumer Reports' survey found only 12 percent of homeowners have added or upgraded their insulation in the last three years. A good place to start is in the attic. Look for missing insulation where heat can escape, including above the attic hatch door.

Also, make sure your existing insulation is thick enough. For fiberglass or rock wool, you want at least 11 inches of insulation. For cellulose—you want eight inches or more.

And don't forget to insulate your plumbing and ductwork, too. In Consumer Reports' survey only 5 percent of people insulated their heating and cooling ductwork. It could cost you about $500 to hire someone to do your ducts, but you could end up saving $400 a year.

How and when you wash your laundry can add up to more energy savings, too. It turns out only 38 percent of people surveyed by Consumer Reports always wash their clothes in cold water. That can save you up to $60 a year. But most people—73 percent—do wait to run a full load in the washing machine. That's another way to cut your costs.

More energy-saving advice is available at: www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/energy-saving-guide/energy-saving-guide.htm.

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, 16 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Missed Home-Energy Savings http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272618@wixt.dayport.com http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Best-Eye-Creams/3WREbfNnRkOGcOrO2M-kZA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Best-Eye-Creams/3WREbfNnRkOGcOrO2M-kZA.cspx?rss=1423 Anti-aging products are big business. And if you believe some of the claims, you'd think you'll have "younger looking eyes in just 24 hours" or that "the skin around the eye immediately looks revitalized." Consumer Reports just put 16 different brands of antiwrinkle eye creams to the test to see whether they deliver. They ranged in price from $15 to $95.

More than 100 people applied two different creams, one on each side of their face, morning and night, for six weeks. High-resolution digital images were taken before the product was applied, after one hour, and again after six weeks.

Then Consumer Reports' trained sensory panelists evaluated more than 600 "before" and "after" photographs. The results varied from person to person, but none of the creams were able to fully eliminate wrinkles around the eyes.

Still, some creams did help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles slightly more than others, but the better ones were not necessarily the most expensive. In fact, a $59 cream from Lancôme turned out to be among the least effective in the tests.

Of the four better-performing creams, the lowest priced is one from Olay, at $20. It's the Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Booster Eye Transforming Cream.

Consumer Reports says that because results with eye creams vary from person to person, another one to try is Dr. Brandt Lineless for $60.

And Consumer Reports says to remember that your best remedy for wrinkles is taking measures to prevent them in the first place. When out in the sun, always wear sunscreen, shield your face with a hat, and wear sunglasses. Quitting cigarette smoking is another way to prevent wrinkles, and, of course, a lot of other health problems.

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, 15 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Best Eye Creams http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272584@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Tasty-High-Fiber-Cereals-Honest/xGbzNMuI10mzZvJBbBhiOA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Tasty-High-Fiber-Cereals-Honest/xGbzNMuI10mzZvJBbBhiOA.cspx?rss=1423 Most Americans should double their intake of fiber, because it can help control appetite and weight and also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

For a 2,000-calorie diet, 28 grams of fiber are recommended. Consumer Reports just tested 18 high-fiber cereals, which per serving have 25 percent to 50 percent of the daily recommended amount.

The first time Consumer Reports tested high-fiber cereals, some of them tasted like straw. Even today a couple weren't great. Cascadian Farm tasted stale and chalky. And it's one of the more expensive cereals tested. And cereals with artificial sweeteners weren't that tasty either.

But Consumer Reports found an excellent choice—Kirkland Signature's Spiced Pecan from Costco. And if you want a low-sugar cereal, a very good choice is Post's Shredded Wheat Spoon Size Wheat 'n Bran. So no more excuses!

Consumer Reports says another high-fiber cereal to try is Walmart's Great Value Raisin Bran. It was the least expensive cereal that rated very good.

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, 14 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT Tasty High-Fiber Cereals (Honest!) http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272552@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Can-you-trust-user-reviews/JlExG5l5FUqDjAi_afxHWA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Can-you-trust-user-reviews/JlExG5l5FUqDjAi_afxHWA.cspx?rss=1423 The government is starting to go after bloggers and product reviewers who get money or freebies from the companies they're reporting on. They now must disclose that fact. Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine says it's high time.

In fact, Lifestyle Lift, a chain of cosmetic surgery clinics, was fined $300,000 because its employees published positive reviews and engaged in deceptive commercial practices.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart says that bloggers are another source of suspect reviews. Some get freebies or payments from companies to say positive things about their products.

The Web site Izea.com brags it has received a million product mentions online with paid bloggers. And it says that compensation can come in the form of cash, gift cards, points, products, or services.

Some warning signs of suspect reviews:

• No mention of personal experience with the item.
• The reviewer lists only the pros and none of the cons.
• Also be on the lookout for sponsorship disclosures, although they can be hard to spot.

Another tip: Don't stop at the first two or three reviews. At least one site, Yelp.com, says it moves a positive review to the top spot if the business pays for it. Bottom line—be skeptical. Before you buy, check lots of sources.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart says the Federal Trade Commission's new regulations requiring disclosure of financial arrangements is an important step. The regulations haven't been updated in nearly 30 years. But with so many bloggers and product reviewers out there, the new rules will be hard to enforce. So it's still buyer beware.

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, 13 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT Can you trust user reviews? http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272528@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 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:11:00 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/Outstanding-Store-Brands/4yI34gJgjkmH7ZDbuqYzcA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Outstanding-Store-Brands/4yI34gJgjkmH7ZDbuqYzcA.cspx?rss=1423 It used to be when you walked down a store aisle, you'd see boring black and white packages containing generic brands that looked and usually tasted pretty bland. But these days, Consumer Reports says all that's changed. Store brands are lot better in terms of the quality and in terms of the packaging.

Consumer Reports has long surveyed our subscribers about their preferences when it comes to food. Seventy percent of those surveyed said the quality of store brands is really quite high.

Consumer Reports' trained tasters compared leading brand names to store brands, trying 29 different foods. They did blind taste tests on everything from salsa to frozen strawberries.

Betty Crocker's au gratin potatoes went head to head with Great Value's by Walmart. Great Value was the winner at half the price!

Old El Paso Thick n' Chunky Salsa battled it out with Costco's Kirkland Signature Organic. Kirkland's medium salsa is just plain tastier and is almost half the price!

And DiGiorno's frozen pepperoni pizza was pitted against the Archer Farms pie from Target. It was a tie. But the Archer Farms was about a dollar cheaper.

Overall, tasters found the store brands as good as or better than big-name brands 23 out of 29 times. So switching to store brands can be a tasty way to trim your grocery bill.

And many supermarkets are making a tryout worth your while by offering a money-back guarantee on their brands! And some regional stores go even further. Hannaford doubles your money back. Harris Teeter gives a refund and a replacement item if you have a store bonus card.

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, 09 Oct 2009 21:10:00 GMT Outstanding Store Brands http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=272450@wixt.dayport.com&navCatId=5