Monday, March 31, 2008
Test It Tuesday - Debbie Meyer Green Bags
This was a "Test It Tuesday" I could relate to.
Andrew and this Tuesday's Tester - Karen Oglivie
The "after" picture: 3 week old fruits and vegetables
Watch the Video Here
I still remember my bachelor days when I would buy groceries and put them in the refrigerator with the best of intentions only to have the fruits and vegetables start to spoil within a week. It was a waste of money -- and really frustrating when you wanted grapes or salad.
So a company created something called "Green Bags" ( 20 bags/ $9.99 ) which claim to preserve the life of fruits and vegetables all by throwing them in a bag. Those salads which would last one week were suddenly still fresh after 21 days. Fruits that would never make it more than seven days were still sweet into week four.
Andrew and this Tuesday's Tester - Karen OglivieWe put the claims to the test ... and we could not have found a better tester than Karen Oglivie. This mom/grandmother from Bellevue is as sweet as sweet can be. She loves her family, her grandchildren and her kitchen. Just going into her home, I felt like I was back at my grandmother's house being treated like a king. You can tell she would spoil her children with the tastiest of treats.
The deal was Karen would put a cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes and bananas in her refrigerator for three weeks .. and when all was said and done .. she would make me one of her wonderful salads. Karen was as excited as I was about the test. So she put the goods in the fridge and we revisited her three weeks later. Here's what we found:
The "after" picture: 3 week old fruits and vegetablesThe bananas were black on the outside, but just a little ripe on the inside. I decided to be the guinea pig and tried the banana ... and it was good and tasty. As for the salad, Karen thought the tomatoes and salad made it through with flying colors, but the cucumber was soft and had become almost liquefied. It did not survive.
So Karen made her salad with just tomatoes and salad ... and it was good. It tasted so fresh that if you hadn't told me that it was three weeks old, I would not have guessed.
The verdict on Green Bags? They work. You have seen the before and after ... and as you can see ... they give life to produce and veggies that would otherwise die a moldy death in your refrigerator.
We gave it three stars out of four - but only because three of the four products survived. I can easily see it preserving other items with ease.
So what did you think? Let me know your thoughts on the Green Bags ... and we'll run some of your comments tomorrow ... as Wednesday becomes your turn on "Test It Tuesday".
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 8:42 AM by Andrew Stockey
Monday, March 24, 2008
Test It Tuesday - The Detox Foot Pad
They are called by many names: Kinoki, Tanaka and Neru. They are detox foot pads and they are the rage. Stores cannot keep them in stock. I know from personal experience because I went to three separate stores to find this $10 six-pack of pads. One guy went into the store before me and bought six boxes.
What is the magical power of these pads? Those of a certain age claim they relieve aches and pains, but the selling point from the manufacturers is that it cleanses the body of toxins. Wear iot three days a week - overnight - on both feet and your cleansed. So we decided to test this claim.
Kathy Mitchell of Murrysville wore the pads overnight -- as did I. What we found was that overnight the pads went from a soft clear off-white to discolored and hardended. I also found that my foot was somewhat sore as if something had been sucking at my feet. Did she or I feel any better? Not really, but we became curious as to what exactly was on that pad?
So we took the used foot pads to CMU and allowed some of their graduate students to put them to the test for a week. They used various processes using different types of equipment I can barely name but two things were clear. First of all, it would take three more weeks of testing to get all the answers we were seeking. Second, what we did discover is the pad reacted to boyd sweat and took that moisture and soaked it up, turning the pad hard.
Removing night sweat is hardly my idea of body detoxification. Perhaps it does have some magical power with its all-natural ingredients, but I don't know if it's worth putting them on your feet for three days a week. I think a few glasses of water daily would also cleanse you out.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 9:27 AM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Test It Tuesday - The Zorbeez
I know you have seen the commercial spot with that screaming bearded guy Billy Mays proclaiming the Zorbeez can handle the work of 27 paper towels, saving you time and money and that after you are done wringing and squeezing it you can stick it in the washing machine to clean up.
Sounds a little too good to be true - and it also sounded too much like a glorified terry cloth towel so we put the Zorbeez to the test. Mary Conwell, a mother of three children ( ages 10 to 19 ) says she her kids aren't past the spilling phase of their lives. In fact, they just spill more.
Watch the Video Here
Sounds a little too good to be true - and it also sounded too much like a glorified terry cloth towel so we put the Zorbeez to the test. Mary Conwell, a mother of three children ( ages 10 to 19 ) says she her kids aren't past the spilling phase of their lives. In fact, they just spill more.
So we had the Upper Saint Clair mom served as our "Test It Tuesday" tester in her lovely kitchen. We came up with four tests based on the claims of the commercial. The Zorbeez was able to clean up an 8 oz water spill on the counter -- as well as soak up 17 oz of liquid in a bowl. It even clean up cola stains in a carpet - for the most part.
Mary felt that while it did the job, in some cases a few paper towels might have gotten the job done even though such waste is not environmentally friendly ( of course, then again, how can you put a price on a clean kitchen ).
The Zorbeez was standing up to its claims - for the most part - until we stuck in the washing machine. With no instructions, we set it on normal and watched. When it came out, it was pilling and somewhat torn. It hardly looked like any towel you was h at home. Mary and I agreed: while it does clean up, it does not clean up well. Two out of four on the "Test It Tuesday" scale.
Thanks Mary for opening up your home - and allowing us to spill on your counters. You have help to make western Pennsylvanians wiser.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 12:21 PM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Test It Tuesday - The Wine Away
My favorite wines are white wines - for two reasons. One, because they don't tend to give you a headache. Second, even when you spill them, there is a chance you can get them out of your clothes. That's not the story with red wine - and that's why I'm skeptical of any product which says it can remove red wine stains.
Our tester - Cindy Cook of Mount Washington - is a true wine lover. You can see that when she shows you her 200-plus bottles of wine. So when she told me about the "Wine Away", I could tell she knew what she was talking about. Still, I had to see for myself.
So one morning, we visited Cindy who showed me on nice blouse, a good table cover and on her own pants just how well this stuff worked. Sure, you need to blot the wine immediately and then spray a heavy amount of product on the spill, but it does work. Cindy told me afterwards she tends to put those clothes in the wash as soon as she gets home, but has yet to lose a single piece of clothing to a glass of red wine. She even carries one in her purse.
It's nice to see a product that does what it says it will do - but it's even nicer to see someone who has used a product and believes in it. Believe me, she has no stake in the company. She is just someone who loves wine and has found a product that takes the perils of wine out of the way. She tells me you can find in at several wineries around the country -- as well as a few specialty stores here. Feel free to e-mail me, and I will let you know where you can find the "Wine Away".
Watch the Video Here
Update: The Jewel Jet: Finally, I want to update you on the "Jewel Jet". It was the device that claimed to clean jewelry using steam. We tested it and gave it a 2 out of 4, which prompted this e-mail from the makers of the "Jewel Jet":
"Even using our professional model at our jewelry store, we have to pre-soak items to get hardened debris out. This is not a miracle worker, just a cleaning process that is used by all jewelry stores. We developed the cleaner so the public could get professional results at home. Even professionals may have to scrub and soak items the first time. You never have to pre-soak after the first time. Please be a bit more detailed in your assessments. "
Mr. Clarke is correct about the soaking portion - although the makers need to make that clear in their instructions. Inside the box, we found a six-step, glossy set of instructions which did not mention the need to soak the jewelry prior to using the "Jewel Jet". While the makers make take umbrage with our assessment, I asked them to make it much clearer to the user that pre-soaking needed to be done.
Of course, after this e-mail, I began to wonder why the "Jewel Jet" would be superior to the old fashioned soaking and brushing process we have all come to use over the years. I can soak a ring at home and clean it myself.
Posted at 1:18 AM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Test It Tuesday - The Jewel Jet
Thanks for visiting my Test It Tuesday blog for the inside story behind the Jewel Jet.
We had Kathy Purcell, the new director of the Race for the Cure, be our official tester. She has very little time these days with the Race less than three months away. She is also a woman with a whole lot of jewelry at home that could certainly use cleaning.
We stopped by her office and had Kathy bring in some old rings - including one belonging to her month with the birthstones of all of the children. The rest of the office decided to bring in their jewels as well to be cleaned.
Now for the Jewel Jet. Folks, it looks more like a coffee maker than a jewelry cleanser. It's supposed to steam away the grit and grime from years of neglect on your most precious jewels. The truth is that it creates a temporary shine, but as Kathy noticed it does not rid you of the gunk and grime. In essence, it does not truly clean the ring. Even the manufacturer subconsciously admits to this by providing a cup inside the box where they "suggest" you can soak your ring in a chemical solution of your choice to loosen up the dirt.
This product wouldn't steam clean your ring anymore than it would steam clean your clothing. While Kathy gave it a two, I thought she was being generous. I'm going to give it a one ... unless there a way for the Jewel Jet to somehow make a good cup of coffee.
To see the video, Click Here.
We had Kathy Purcell, the new director of the Race for the Cure, be our official tester. She has very little time these days with the Race less than three months away. She is also a woman with a whole lot of jewelry at home that could certainly use cleaning.
We stopped by her office and had Kathy bring in some old rings - including one belonging to her month with the birthstones of all of the children. The rest of the office decided to bring in their jewels as well to be cleaned.
Now for the Jewel Jet. Folks, it looks more like a coffee maker than a jewelry cleanser. It's supposed to steam away the grit and grime from years of neglect on your most precious jewels. The truth is that it creates a temporary shine, but as Kathy noticed it does not rid you of the gunk and grime. In essence, it does not truly clean the ring. Even the manufacturer subconsciously admits to this by providing a cup inside the box where they "suggest" you can soak your ring in a chemical solution of your choice to loosen up the dirt.
This product wouldn't steam clean your ring anymore than it would steam clean your clothing. While Kathy gave it a two, I thought she was being generous. I'm going to give it a one ... unless there a way for the Jewel Jet to somehow make a good cup of coffee.
To see the video, Click Here.
Posted at 4:06 AM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The MBT Shoes
This week's "Test It Tuesday" provided quite a challenge. While these MBT shoes do provide instant relief from various joint and foot pains ( take a look at Ted Cataldi in the story ), the fitness benefits are still not clear.
Dr. Brian Hagan, a physical therapist at UPMC would not grade the shoes, but he did say the "rocker bottom" technology was not new. It has been used by patients for years. Now, whether that technology would actually firm and tone your body is up for debate. He says that the shoe will yield different results for different people.
The shoe essentially changes the way you walk by putting pressure on different muscles and - by doing that - it can help certain people become more physically fit, but not everybody. After wearing the shoes for five days, here's what I believe: I think if you think the shoes will get you into better shape, you tend to use them more and probably walk more. By walking more, you will invariably be in better shape.
Therefore, I think the results from the shoes are much more dependant on your mental state. If you believe they will work, you will do what is necessary to make them work for you. I think you will work more to ensure the results.
MBT's are not a magic fix. You can't just wear these shoes and then eat a whole tub of ice cream and expect to lose weight. There is no easy way to lose weight. Now, I know there are women who swear by these shoes - and I believe the results they are getting but I also believe from my brief time with this product, nothing happens in a vacuum.
Watch the Video Here
Dr. Brian Hagan, a physical therapist at UPMC would not grade the shoes, but he did say the "rocker bottom" technology was not new. It has been used by patients for years. Now, whether that technology would actually firm and tone your body is up for debate. He says that the shoe will yield different results for different people.
The shoe essentially changes the way you walk by putting pressure on different muscles and - by doing that - it can help certain people become more physically fit, but not everybody. After wearing the shoes for five days, here's what I believe: I think if you think the shoes will get you into better shape, you tend to use them more and probably walk more. By walking more, you will invariably be in better shape.
Therefore, I think the results from the shoes are much more dependant on your mental state. If you believe they will work, you will do what is necessary to make them work for you. I think you will work more to ensure the results.
MBT's are not a magic fix. You can't just wear these shoes and then eat a whole tub of ice cream and expect to lose weight. There is no easy way to lose weight. Now, I know there are women who swear by these shoes - and I believe the results they are getting but I also believe from my brief time with this product, nothing happens in a vacuum.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 4:38 AM by Andrew Stockey
Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn - The MBT Shoes
Welcome to week two of my favorite part of "Test It Tuesday". It's Wednesdays and that is when you get to tell me what you thought of the test and whether it moved you in one direction or another. I was amazed to see how many of you already had the MBT shoes we tested last night. Here are your thoughts.
Lisa M. says:
I will tell you THEY WORK. I had back injury and knee problems ... and when I wear those shoes do not need the medication. Pleasant side effect - my legs and butt are firmer with consistent usage.
Karen R says:
I have been wearing the MBT shoes for two years and they are GREAT for lower back pain, leg cramps and leg pain. The losing weight thing? Well I would say yes BECAUSE they make you feel better, your joints etc ... so you feel like walking more .. I have two pairs and I love them.
Pam M writes in and says:
I have had MBT's for nearly a year. I like them and what they do for my posture ... but I don't think they made me lose any weight.
R.G. from Greensburg adds:
My co-worker and I just got them about a month and a half ago and we love them. It is amazing when you stand all day .. what a difference. I also wear them to work out.
Thanks to everyone who wrote in to share their story and feelings about MBT's. It looks like they were a winner with many of our viewers. By the way, I have received calls from various independent shoe stores around the area so you will be able to find them locally.
Posted at 4:37 AM by Andrew Stockey
Monday, February 25, 2008
I Need Testers
The recent return of "Test It Tuesday" includes a few interactive components. This blog allows me to tell you the "behind-the-scenes" story of our weekly tests. It also allows you to share with me ideas for products to put to the test.
One more thing I would like to see: I would like you to help me test these products. Just this past week, I got a suggestion for a great item I would like to test and e-mailed back the lady who made the suggestion. While she was excited we would be trying the product, she would not come on the air and actually do it. Her contention: Being on TV would add 10 pounds.
OK, I guess I can buy that but I think what makes this segment work so well is that it's not just me testing the items .. and there are items I would rather not test. I mean to you realy want to see me shaving my legs with the latest women's razor and actually trying to cook anything? Of course not.
While I am excited to see your suggestions, I also want to see your involvement. Come join me so we together can see if it really works. Also, don't be afraid. I won't track up the house and if you think you might look bad on TV, imagine what I must look like off the air.
One more thing I would like to see: I would like you to help me test these products. Just this past week, I got a suggestion for a great item I would like to test and e-mailed back the lady who made the suggestion. While she was excited we would be trying the product, she would not come on the air and actually do it. Her contention: Being on TV would add 10 pounds.
OK, I guess I can buy that but I think what makes this segment work so well is that it's not just me testing the items .. and there are items I would rather not test. I mean to you realy want to see me shaving my legs with the latest women's razor and actually trying to cook anything? Of course not.
While I am excited to see your suggestions, I also want to see your involvement. Come join me so we together can see if it really works. Also, don't be afraid. I won't track up the house and if you think you might look bad on TV, imagine what I must look like off the air.
Posted at 5:00 AM by Andrew Stockey
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn
As we bring Test It Tuesday back here on Channel 4 Action News, we want to try some different things to make it more interactive and allow you to be part of the process. One of those innovations will be on Wednesday and I'm calling Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn.
The idea is to hear what you think about the products we test and add your two cents worth. This week's test was the Reverse Alarm which didn't get high marks from me because it didn't make enough noise to warn anybody of a car heading in their direction. The test brought out these comments from you.
T0nya writes: "We have something better than the backup item. We have a reare light that replaces one of your current ones and it beeps pretty loud. I have used it for five years and it costs $20".
Earl writes: "Hey Andrew, sticking anything on a light on your car is illegal as per PA state inspection law". If that is true, maybe I should alert the makers of the Reverse Alarm.
Carolyn chimes in: "My Reverse Alarm beeps constantly when the sunlight hits it".
Finally, some woman called our newsroom and didn't leave her name but said the following: "I dod not appreciate the comment you made about your insurance being paid up. You're endorsing that people have accidents so that they can collect the insurance money".
OK.
So thanks to all of those folks who shared their thoughts and insights. I would love to hear from you, too. If you have a question, comment, suggestion or complaint, send it right here. We'll print some of your responses each Wednesday and we may even use you as the tester on "Test It Tuesday".
The idea is to hear what you think about the products we test and add your two cents worth. This week's test was the Reverse Alarm which didn't get high marks from me because it didn't make enough noise to warn anybody of a car heading in their direction. The test brought out these comments from you.
T0nya writes: "We have something better than the backup item. We have a reare light that replaces one of your current ones and it beeps pretty loud. I have used it for five years and it costs $20".
Earl writes: "Hey Andrew, sticking anything on a light on your car is illegal as per PA state inspection law". If that is true, maybe I should alert the makers of the Reverse Alarm.
Carolyn chimes in: "My Reverse Alarm beeps constantly when the sunlight hits it".
Finally, some woman called our newsroom and didn't leave her name but said the following: "I dod not appreciate the comment you made about your insurance being paid up. You're endorsing that people have accidents so that they can collect the insurance money".
OK.
So thanks to all of those folks who shared their thoughts and insights. I would love to hear from you, too. If you have a question, comment, suggestion or complaint, send it right here. We'll print some of your responses each Wednesday and we may even use you as the tester on "Test It Tuesday".
Posted at 4:36 AM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Reverse Alarm
The premise made all the sense in the world: Turn your car into a school bus which makes a loud noise when it backs up or moves in reverse. It's designed to help alert children and pets that you may not be able to see in your rear view mirror that you are coming. For any parent, it's a dream come true ... but for $9.99, can the Reverse Alarm actually do what it claims and save a life?
We put it to the test at Spitzer Acura located in McMurray. The folks at Spitzer were nice enough to let us use their carport to simulate conditions indoors -- like in a garage -- and then we went outdoors to test it in the elements.
As you witnessed in the story, the reverse alarm actually does work: making a sound when the car backs up. The problem is the level of sound it makes. Indoors, I was able to stand behind the car and hear the beep. However Gail Duchess, who tested the product for us, could not hear the beep going off inside the car which would lead me to believe another driver probably could not hear it either. Outside, while I could hear it as well, I wonder if a child could pick it up given how chidren are often yelling and screaming when they are playing outside.
Given all that, it was difficult for me to rate Reverse Alarm higher than a two on my four scale. Still, if all you want to make some noise when you are backing up .. just in case .. then it might be worth the investment. I guess an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this case.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 12:39 PM by Andrew Stockey