Everywhere you look online these days, there’s a list. If you want something to go viral, lists are everything, say the experts. “33 Photos of People Taken Seconds Before They Die. #10 Is from My Nightmares. ‘Use lists whenever possible’ [says Emerson Spartz, an Internet-media entrepreneur]. 'Lists just hijack the brain’s neural circuitry.'”
That sounds wonderful. I especially love the synchronicity of some lists. For example, the American Highway Users Alliance has issued its new list of “the country’s worst bottlenecks—as measured by total hours of delays annually, fuel wasted, and lost value of time (as in productivity lost while sitting and fuming in traffic).” This was published just as ABC News published a list big chains that are open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday - as well as their hours - so you'll know exactly when to hit major traffic snarls. So helpful!
But starting off the week was Consumer Report’s annual “Naughty and Nice” list. CR explains this list as follows: "While Consumer Reports consistently puts products to the test, we have also developed an annual tradition where we scrutinize the policies, practices, and behavior of the companies that make and sell the goods and provide the services you use every day." This list is “timed to coincide with Black Friday and the upcoming holiday season, when spending is in the spotlight.” Spending, and dare we say, driving.
For example, writes The Consumerist, Costco "made Consumer Report’s 'naughty' list because it 'fought and lost in federal court against jeweler Tiffany for some shady behavior. They were accused of selling diamond engagement rings and using the name Tiffany, which Costco claimed at some length in court that they thought meant a type of diamond solitaire setting, and not a brand name.'" Costco also made ABC’s list – it opens 9 am this Friday!
But a very important new list was issued today: U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s 30th annual Trouble in Toyland report, noting “unsafe toys remain widely available.” Appendix 1 of the report lists “Potentially Hazardous Toys” - dangerous for reasons like chemical and lead poisoning hazards, chocking risks and excessive noise.
So please, check out this report before driving over to Costco to buy toys this week. And stay safe out there on the bottlenecks. And - have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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