Camping Stoves Recalled. Old Mascara. Food Safety. Shopping in Houston.

Description: This recall involves Optimus Nova and Nova+ camping stoves and equipment, including the stove's fuel pump and spare parts/repair kits. The stoves are black metal, measure about 6 inches in diameter and 3 ? inches high and can be used with multiple types of fuel. Stove serial numbers QA000011 through QA007313 are included in this recall.
The serial number and "Optimus" are printed on the side of the camping stove. Pumps and spare parts kits also were sold separately. Pumps have a green open/close valve. Spare parts kits model numbers include 80163051, 8520, 80176321 and 8511 and are printed on the packaging.  More at: http://www.familywatchdog.us/safetyinfo/safetynotificationinfo.asp?id=1317935

For list of other new recalls go to : http://www.familywatchdog.us/safetyinfo/safetyviewalerts.asp?type=pr

Old recalls: http://www.familywatchdog.us/safetyinfo/safetyviewalerts.asp?type=fdalg
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Use Eye Cosmetics Safely from the FDA:

Don't use old eye cosmetics. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. Discard dried-up mascara.

Keep everything clean. Dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow in some cosmetic products, as well as their containers. Cleanliness can help prevent eye infections.
Always wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics, and be sure that any instrument you place near your eyes is clean. Be especially careful not to contaminate cosmetics by introducing microorganisms. For example, don't lay an eyelash wand on a countertop where it can pick up bacteria. Keep containers clean, since these may also be a source of contamination.

Don't store cosmetics at temperatures above 85° F. Preservatives that keep bacteria or fungi from growing can lose their effectiveness, for example, in cosmetics kept for long periods in hot cars.

Don't dye eyelashes and eyebrows. No color additives are approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. Permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries.

More at:   http://www.everydayhealth.com/fda/eye-cosmetics-safety.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthinCoordinationWithFDAFoodDrugandMedicalProductSafety_20101215
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The Invisible Enemy:
This holiday season, be aware of BAC and these facts:
  
You can’t see, taste, or smell bacteria, but it can be on food and multiply rapidly in moist, warm conditions. If consumed, harmful bacteria can cause food borne illness.
Be Egg-stra Cautious!  Around the holidays, people eat a variety of foods, some of which may contain uncooked or lightly-cooked eggs. But even grade A eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with SalmonellaEnteritidis bacteria.

If you have any questions or concerns about food safety during the holiday season, contact:
• The U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Poultry Hotline at (800) 535-4555 or (202) 720-3333 (Washington, DC area).
   The TTY number for the hearing impaired is (800) 256-7072
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Information Line at (888) SAFE FOOD
• The Fight BAC !(R)Web site at: http://www.fightbac.org/
Thermometers:  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/food_safety_education/types_of_food_thermometers/index.asp
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A liquid can be bubbling, but it is not up to 160 deg, so
I have at least one of these in my house and RV.

If it is really hot, I can stick the thermometer through the little top loop in the case, and put it in the liquid to escape the steam.

I am always wary of food warmed up, or cooked in a microwave, so I always make sure the food is up to 160 deg. in the middle of the thickest part.

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Today:

Jay and I are going south to Houston to pick up another flat screen monitor for my computer.   My monitor has been acting up for a while, it is as if the writing is shimmering under water.  No, it isn't my eyes, as when first turned on, it has zigzags all over the screen.

Another flat screen monitor I have is so faint, that I can hardly see it, and I don't know how to adjust it.  Even the man at the local computer place couldn't fix it, but he was trying to do it with the sun on it, so it was difficult to see.  As the place where I am going fixes monitors, I am going to take it with me.   I don't want to have to drag out my old humungous one, if mine dies. 

While I am there, I am going to stop at a big wholesale RV store, and see what they have for the cargo trailer.  For over 30 years I have had a wholesale account with them, but it is so far away that it isn't often worth the trip for the savings unless I am going to Houston anyway, or getting some high dollar items.

We are hoping to go to the big Goodwill Store, too.   We should have ideal weather today, but I hope I don't get tangled up in the shopper's traffic while I am there, or in the rush hour coming back.

I know not to go to Houston on a Friday!