SiliconValleyMom

KDFC is looking for non-professional classical instrumentalists or vocalists in two simple categories: ages 10-20; and 21 and over. Three finalists in each group will perform at the live Finals Event on May 11 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  Winners of the competition will receive $1500.

KDFC has extended the date to enter until April 5, 2009.

Ths yearly competition  is a wonderful way to highlight the love of classical music in our children.  The finals competition will be held on Monday, May 11, 7 pm at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Thanks again to KDCF for their annual Children’s Day at the Tech.  The concert was wonderful and free admission to the Tech is always welcome.  Thanks also to Safeway for the snacks and drinks.

We recommend the Beethoven’s Wig series for children ages 10 and under as a great way to introduce children to classical music. 

Each cd includes classical music selections with lyrics written just for children.  For example, “Light Cavalry March” by Suppe becomes ”Stuck In The Saddle Again” and Beethoven’s 5th Symphony becomes Beethoven’s Wig and entire song devoted to Beethoven’s flowing wig. Visit the Beethoven’s Wig store at Amazon.com to purchase these cd and listen to the individual clips.  

Celebrate Family!

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Here are some sites looking for young people (and not so young) for summer positions.

California Great America

Six Flags Discovery Kindgom

Raging Waters

Youth Science Institute (San Jose/Los Gatos)

San Jose Park & Recreation

Alameda Park & Recreation (volunteer)

San Jose Giants

ShoreLine Amphitheater - Job fair 3/28 and 4/4, 11 am - 3 pm call 650.967-3000 for more details.

SleepTrain Pavillion - Job fair 4/18 and 4/25, 11 am - 3 pm call 925.692.2400 for more details.

Menlo Park - Park & Recreation Can be as young as 15 years old (lifeguards).

Redwood City Park & Recreation  Summer camp leaders and life guards.  Age 16 and above.

Walnut Creek Park and Rec -  summer camp leaders and life guards.  Ages 14 (Jr. Lifeguard) and above.

Walnut Creek Summer Interns - These are paid positions, open high school students either living in (attending school) in Walnut Creek.  The deadline to apply is April 3rd. 

For Adults Only: US Census

Sign up for notices via email at SnagAJob.com for both adult and teenagers.

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The Lick Observatory is comprized of the main observatory building with telescope and the nearby Shane Dome.  In the main Observatory building, visitors can enjoy looking at at the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome.  While in the Shane Dome you can view the 120-inch Reflector from the Visitors’ Gallery.

There are two special programs offered during the summer:

• Summer Visitors Program (SVP) where the public is invited to observe through both the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and Nickel 40-inch Reflecting Telescope. Each evening also features two speakers, who present programs even if clouds or fog prohibit viewing.
• Music of the Spheres Summer Concert Series which includes a talk by an astromer, a concert and viewing through the refractor and reflecting telescopes.

Tickets for the summer programs must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly.  I would suggest submitting your name for the observatory’s email blast. Visiting the observatory is a great way to spend the day.

Music in the stars

Summer visitor program

General visitor informtion

Celebrate-Family!

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See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2009
Release # 09-134

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 580-9930
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983
Old Navy Media Contact: (800) 333-7899 x75900

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Stuffed Animal and Creature Toys

Units: About 35,500 in the United States and 5,400 in Canada

Retailer: Old Navy LLC, of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The stuffed toys have two button eyes that could detach from the toy, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The stuffed animal and creature toys are made out of cotton and have plastic button eyes. They come in a variety of styles, such as a rabbit, penguin and reindeer. The recalled toys and style numbers are listed below:

Type of Stuffed Toy and Style Number:

Brown Plaid Creature (Stubby Stuberson) 612756
Pink Striped Dove 600571
Grey Dog 600572
Hot Pink Creature (Lucy Toothy) 612800
White Dog (Dr. Poopsie) 612738
Brown Penguin 612672
Light Pink Rabbit 612671
Brown Reindeer 612728
Dark Pink Rabbit (Honey O’Bunny) 612806

The style number is located on a white label sewn into the side seam of the toy.

Sold at: Old Navy stores and on the Web at www.oldnavy.com from July 2008 through February 2009 for between $6 and $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled stuffed toy away from young children and return it to any Old Navy store for a full refund. If purchased online, contact Old Navy for instructions on returning the toy for a full refund. Consumers who return the toy before July 1, 2009 will also receive a $5 coupon toward a future Old Navy purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Old Navy toll-free at (866) 580-9930 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.oldnavy.com, or e-mail the firm at custserv@oldnavy.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at http://209.217.71.106/PR/recall-retrait-e.jsp?re_id=666

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Let’s not forget to support the arts in the Bay area.  CSMA (Community School of Music and Arts) which provides the community with great free concerts is having a raffle.  The prizes include tickets to Wicked (the current hot ticket!), “wearable art” created by designers Soo-Ling and DGStudios, and a “staycation” comprised of 15+ events to theater, opera, music, more.

Tickets are only $20 (six for $100) and can be purchased at CSMA’s main office or call Development Associate Amy Streeper (650-917-6800, x334); gala@arts4all.org.  There will only be 450 tickets sold so buy yours today.

Celebrate-Family!

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February is Heart Month, an excellent reminder that we should take good care of ourselves.  So many women, especially mothers ascribe to the ‘Super Woman’ myth of being indestructible. But because we are mothers we need to take even better care of ourselves. 

Do you know the symptoms of heart attack in women?   Here’s the quiz: Try to name three symptoms of heart attack that are associated with women.  And when you’re finished click on the links below to check your answers and check yourself.  Be your own advocate.  
 
Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms
Eight Critical Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Ten Questions to Ask Yourself  

Safeway.com - Free Heart Health Screening - a $40 Value
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Take five minutes for a free screening at our Pharmacy. 

As for me, I looked at the list and booked my appointment.  I discussed my concerns with my doctor, who immediately ordered an EKG and is now following up with a treadmill test.

Celebrate Family!

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See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2009
Release #09-108

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 933-9904
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Home Sweet Playhome Canopies

Units: About 2,400

Manufacturer: The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Ill.

Hazard: A child’s head could get entrapped in the canopy’s window openings, posing entrapment and strangulation hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of a child’s head becoming caught in the canopy’s window openings. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled canopies involve the “Home Sweet Playhome” model made of 100% cotton gingham fabric draped from a bamboo hoop which is suspended from the ceiling to create a cylindrical play space measuring 36 inches wide and 9 feet tall. The canopies have an open bottom, a “door” and three multi-paned “windows.” They were sold in blue and pink. “Home Sweet Playhome” canopies sold after October 2005 are not included in this recall. “The Land of Nod” is printed on a woven label on the canopy.

Sold at: The Land of Nod catalog, Web site www.landofnod.com, and at The Land of Nod stores in Illinois and Washington state from September 2003 through October 2005 for about $100 for the canopy and $139 for the canopy and cushion set.

Manufactured in: India

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the canopies and take them away from children. Contact the Land of Nod to receive a free replacement fabric portion of the canopy and a $15 gift card.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Land of Nod at (800) 933-9904 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.landofnod.com, or email the firm at recall@landofnod.com

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See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
Release #09-113

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 220-2390
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Construction Play Sets

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer/Distributor: DDI Inc., of Dubuque, Iowa

Hazard: Surface paint on the play sets can contain lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the 136-piece Mega Construction Play Set (item# 911346) and includes various construction equipment, vehicles, buildings and roads. The play sets are packaged in a black and yellow box with the word “Builder” printed in the upper left hand corner of the package.

Sold at: Home centers, hardware stores and farm stores nationwide from October 2008 through December 2008 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled play sets away from children and contact the firm for a refund of the purchase price.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DDI at (800) 220-2390 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ddiretail.com

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See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2009
Release #09-112

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 875-2557
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Spa Factory(tm) Aromatherapy Fountain & Bath Benefits Kits

Units: About 516,000

Importer: JAKKS Pacific Inc., of Malibu, Calif.

Hazard: Pressure from the buildup of carbon dioxide in the jars of Bath Bombs/Balls or Bath Fizzies can cause the caps on the jars to blow off, posing explosion and projectile hazards. The mixtures also can contain citric acid, which can get into the eyes during an explosion, posing a risk of eye irritation.

Incidents/Injuries: JAKKS and CPSC have received 88 reports of exploding jars, including 13 injuries. Injuries to children aged 6 to 11 years old include three cases of irritated eyes, two eye injuries from flying caps, a cheek welt and a cheek cut. Injuries to adults include four reports of bruising, one swollen joint, and one face gash.

Description: This recall involves the purple caps on jars in the Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain and the Bath Benefits(tm) Kit toys. The jars are used to make Bath Bombs/Balls and Bath Fizzies. The following models are included in this recall. The item number is located on the bottom of the product’s packaging.

Model Item | Number
Spa Factory(tm) Bath Benefits(tm) Kit | 37836
Spa Factory(tm) Deluxe Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 37908
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 37837
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 54892
Spa Factory(tm) Spa Fantasy Aromatherapy Fountain | 54857

Sold at: Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Target, and toy stores nationwide from August 2008 through January 2009 for about $13 for the Bath Benefits Kit and between $30 and $50 for the Aromatherapy Fountain.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the toy’s jars and caps away from children and contact JAKKS for free replacement jar caps with vent holes.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JAKKS toll-free at (877) 875-2557 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.myspafactory.com, or email the firm at caps@jakks.net

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Updated January 30, 2009

On Janurary 29th PCA expanded its recall to include all peanut products processed at it Blakely plant from Jaunary 1, 2007 onward.  The expanded recall now includes: all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste.

Why is this recall important to you? Please read this excert from the FDA website: FDA has determined that PCA distributed potentially contaminated product to more than 100 consignee firms, for use as an ingredient in hundreds of different products, such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream.

Why Should You Check the Database Product Listing?  As the products included in the recall expands so does the number of comsumer products and the expiration date.  For example: Bear Naked announced the recall of its Appalachian Trail Mixes. The trail mixes that are being recalled have a  “Better if Used Before” date prior to February 01, 2010.

During this past week, recalls notices have been sent by companies such as Trader Joe’s, Jenny Craig, Ochard Valley, NutriSystem, Harry and David, Cliff Bar and Bear Naked. It is also important to check the database of products because while you may not recognize the name of a company which produces a product, you will recognize the name on the product produced.  For example: Ice Cream Specialties is a company which makes ice cream novelty products for other companies such Nestle, which now has two products listed in the database (Optifast Honey Nut ‘n Oat and Crocanti Crunch Bars).

Original Post

PCA is recalling peanut butter and peanut paste used by institutions such as schools and retirement communities, and in the manufacture of consumer products by the likes of Keebler and NutriSystem.  So far, the products included range from Cliff bars to pet food with stores from Wal-Mart to Trader Joes.

Because of the surprising variety of products (and companies) included in the recall, take a moment to view the products listed.  This list has been revised several times since the recall began.

It is important to note that recall information found on the web which references Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter was for a salmonella outbreak in 2006.  Those products have not been recalled (at this time) in connection with the PCA recall announced earlier this month.

All recalls have been voluntary.

Here are links for sources and other information.

Peanut Corp of America
List of Company Recalls (Press Releases)
List of Products AFFECTED by the Recall
List of Companies (and procducts) NOT affected by the recall
FDA FAQ document about symptoms of salmonelland safe handling instructions for food and pet products.

Celebrate-Family!

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