August, 2007
MAJOR TOY RECALLS
Mattel is currently in the midst of a recall of 19 million toys due to unacceptable levels of lead in their paint and small magnetic parts which can be ingested when they come free from the toy.
How can you find out if a toy you own is being recalled? The best source of information is the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. You can look up recalls by Date, Product Type, Company, or Product Description. The site is a great source of information including what the hazard is, whether there were any injuries, where and when products were sold, photos of the toy, and what you should do if you have the recalled item. This site lists all product recalls, not just toys. You can also subscribe to an email list and receive information as soon as it is available.
We do not wish to capitalize on this unfortunate news and any anxiety it may cause parents. But I want our customers to know that most of our wooden toys are made in the US by family-owned companies that use safe oil finishes. We have chosen them both because we love the look and feel of natural wood and because they are very safe. Some of our wooden toys are painted and we are checking with each manufacturer to assure that they meet all safety standards.
CPSC website
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html
CPSC email list subscription:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx
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BACK TO SCHOOL
It’s that time again! Back to school. Lots of our toys are perfect for college students heading back to the dorm. Ball Blaster ping-pong gun, Rubber Band Guns, Rubber snakes, Kick It/Stick It hover hockey puck, AntWorks gel ant farm, and lots more. And everyone needs a gumby in their room!
Be sure to check out Uglydolls. They are trendy, cool, odd, plush creatures that are perfect for hip college students.
Another great new item that we’re sure will be popular is Pick Your Nose Cups. They are printed with funny noses and lips. When you drink from them, they replace your nose and lips to change the look of your face. Every party needs them!
Back to School Toys:
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Seasonal1
Uglydolls:
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Ugly
Pick Your Nose Cups
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=07765&Category_Code=Seasonal1
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A back-to-school history joke
How did the Vikings send secret messages?
By norse code!
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BACK TO SCHOOL ADVICE
The time is getting near, and your child may not be as eager for school to start as you are. They may be anxious, especially if they are moving to a new school. There’s lots of things you can do to help them (and you) start the year off right and make this time less stressfull.
Here are some great tips to do before school begins:
Before buying back-to-school clothing, check the school’s dress code to ensure that your child will be in compliance. Be very critical. You don’t want a teacher to interpret a graphic differently than you did.
If it’s a transition year for your child (from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school), or if your child is new to the school, visit the school to familiarize him or her with the building. Many beginning middle-school students are anxious about their ability to master the combination lock on their locker. When you visit the school, ask if your child can practice unlocking a locker.
If your child participates in sports, make sure that he or she has had a recent physical exam, and that the proper forms have been completed and returned to the school.
Make sure your immunization records are current and available. Be sure you have emergency contact information handy and any other information you will need for filling in school forms.
If you child will be walking to school, take a walk with them along the route they will take and around the school to familiarize them with the grounds.
After the “lazy days” of summer, re-establish a more structured routine during the week or so before school resumes.
The beginning of each school year offers students an opportunity for a fresh start. Sit down with your child and set goals. Discuss the pros and cons of the previous year, and how some things can be changed for the better.
When shopping for school supplies, don’t get caught up in the hype for the hottest, fanciest, items. Most schools and teachers have a specific list that you will need. Shop wisely!
Pack or buy? Tough question. One great advantage when your child packs lunch is that they don’t have to wait in a long line, then scarf down their lunch. Here’s a great article with some good recipes for healthy, fun lunches:
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Lunch-Box-Rules/Detail.aspx
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SCHOOL ADVICE FOR CHILDREN
Ask mom to pack your lunch with fresh fruits and vegetables. These help a body grow up to be big and strong! The bully who steals your lunch will thank you!
The best part of going back to school is seeing all your friends. The worst part is that your teachers won’t let you talk to them.
Best homework excuse:
“I lost my homework fighting this kid who said you weren’t the best teacher in the school.” (don’t blame us if this doesn’t work)
Some schools distribute supply lists before the year begins, so you can come stocked up on pencils, folders, erasers, etc. When you're an adult you can steal these from the office supply closet as a small compensation for endless days of desk–bound toil. But for now, bring your own.
If you hate going to school, don’t worry, it won’t last forever. Once you’re done with school you’ll have a whole new exciting life ahead of you!
- You’ll wake up every morning to sit behind a desk all day, you will write reports, and you will have some mean older person telling you what to do!
- Your favorite part of the day with be lunch or maybe going to the gym.
- And instead of leaving in the afternoon, you’ll be there into the evening!
- And best of all… no summer vacation!
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HUGE SALE! REALLY HUGE!
Our sale is still ongoing until we clear the shelves. This means bargains on great toys for you! We currently have over 50 items on clearance and the prices are reduced to sell. Many of these items will not be back, so be sure to check out our “Deals” page and place your order before they are gone.
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Deals
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COOL WEB SITE – Truck Spills
Have you ever wondered what it would look like if a truck spilled an entire load of animal parts on the highway? No? How about 12 million bees? Maybe? A tanker full of glue? Admit it, you’re curious. OK, maybe it’s just me.
For years, my sister and I have been sending each other news articles about odd items spilled on the highway. So I decided, perhaps other strange folks like us might like to see them too. That’s why I created www.truckspills.com.
Visit truckspills.com, see odd things spilled on the road, and don’t forget to visit the site’s sponsor!
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See you next month!
Dave Ference
Dave’s Cool Toys
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Dave’s Cool Toys:
http://www.davescooltoys.com
Front of Store (where you can find all the toys)
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=DCT
Dave’s Fun Stuff to Do:
http://www.davescooltoys.com/fun_stuff_frameset.html
Sale Items:
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Deals
New Items:
http://davescooltoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=New-Stuff
Dave’s Cool Toys on eBay:
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/davescooltoys
Dave’s Cool Toys Blog:
http://davescooltoys.typepad.com/
Email:
imdave@davescooltoys.com
Dave’s Cool Toys
Office:
1517 Livingston Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-868-5771
Fax 610-694-0221
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