Imported from...

In case you missed it, check out Chrysler's Superbowl ad!

Two Thumbs Up, Chrysler!

Food For American Thought...

This evening, as I skimmed the Hollywood Edition of Vanity Fair, I stumbled upon the 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair Poll. There, on page 110 of the March 2011 issue, I found the following question:

“How often do you check labels of items you are about to purchase to see if you are buying American Products?”  

According to the poll, 39 percent check sometimes, 25 percent always check, 20 percent hardly ever check and 15 percent never check.

For the 15 percent of you that don’t check, I pose the following question. How much time does it take to look at a label? 

Who Loves to Shop?

This is no surprise to my regular readers, I love to shop. Lucky for me, the new Made in the USA Foundation website has a "Shopping" link.

Check it out:

http://www.madeusafdn.org/shopusa.html

P.S.- There is even a "Food & Produce" Section.

Beer and Football

The Superbowl is this weekend. Personally, I am a Ravens fan, so I won’t be celebrating. For the rest of the world, I found a list of Domestic Beers for you to enjoy while watching the big game.  The Top Ten Domestic Beers (According to Melanie Winterwolf) are:

1.     Bud Light.

2.     Natural Ice

3.     Pabst Blue Ribbon

4.     Rolling Rock

5.     Michelob Ultra

6.     Miller High Life

7.     Coors Light

8.     Bud Light Lime

9.     Busch Beer

10. Michelob Honey Lager

For the full article, click follow this link here. 

Cheers!

What Can the FTC Do For Me?

Yesterday, I spread the word about a lawsuit filed by the Made in the USA Foundation against Lucky Brand Jeans. For all of you non-legal people out there, the Foundation filed a complaint with the FTC. According to the Foundation, Lucky Brand Jeans was in violation of Federal Trade Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 45 and 45a. 

As a consumer, you are probably wondering what this means. Basically, deceptive advertising is illegal. Lucky Brand Jeans’ logo says “Born in America.” Considering the jeans are no longer made in America, this is a deceptive practice. Therefore, Lucky Brand Jeans is breaking the law.

The Foundation is asking the FTC for relief. The FTC is the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is an independent Federal Agency founded in 1914. Congress makes consumer protection laws and the FTC enforces these laws.

If you purchased a pair of Lucky Brand Jeans and were under the impression they are manufactured domestically, contact the Made in the USA Foundation and the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. 

Proudly Made in Mexico...

The SRX (Proudly Made in Mexico) 

I don’t recall a time during my childhood that at least one of my parents didn’t drive a Cadillac. I remember hearing, “Why buy a Mercedes when you can buy American.”

Fast-forward 20 years.

General Motors, the manufacturer of Cadillac is manufacturing its SRX Luxury Crossover in Mexico. To make matters worse, General Motors allowing consumers to believe that the vehicle was made domestically.

Imagine you are at an auto show. You are walking and see the Cadillac booth. Someone asks you, “Where is this SRX manufactured?”  The odds are, you are going to respond, “In America.” Not the case. The SRX is a product of Mexico.

However, the GM people mislead consumers into believing the SRX is made in America. They do this by taking the Country of Origin stickers off their display cars.

If you ask me, that’s pretty messed up. 

What is this AALA Everyone is Talking About?

General Motors, you are not above the law. 

If you’ve read the news this week, you know that the Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors with violating the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). To make a long story short, GM decided that the law doesn’t apply to them.  The U.S. automaker stripped auto-show display vehicles of country of origin labels. This way, auto-show consumers would have no idea that the latest GM vehicles were manufactured off-shore.

This brings me to the AALA.  Many consumers are unaware of the AALA, but are surrounded by its benefits on a daily basis. Have you ever noticed the sticker on your car window that says where your car was manufactured? That is because of the AALA. The AALA requires new cars to provide information on the window sticker, including where the car was assembled, the U.S. and other country content, where the engine was made and where the transmission was made.

Regardless of what vehicle you choose to buy, you the consumer should be informed. General Motors stripping labels off of display vehicles denied you of your right to be informed. Not cool. 

General Motors On Notice

American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires all new cars that are offered for sale to include country of origin information. The Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors of violating the AALA. GM is stripping country of origin labels off of its cars at auto shows around the country. The Foundation has given GM notice that it intends to file suit for these violation of law.

It is bad enough that General Motors is hiding the fact that it has moved production of vehicles offshore. What makes this worse is that GM is a bailout company. Remember the bailout? U.S. Taxpayers saved GM. Our Federal Government still owns a part of the company. Yet, the auto manufacturer makes the Buick Regal in Germany.

           

According to GM, AALA only applies to cars for sale at dealers not at auto shows. Made in the USA Chairman Joel Joseph responded, “Millions of consumers get their first look at cars at auto shows.  The law applies to cars that are ‘for sale’ and auto show car, except concept cars, that are for sale at thousands of dealers across the nation should include country of origin information.  The U.S. government saved G.M. and still owns one-third of the company.  General Motors should comply with the intent of the law.

Shame on you, General Motors. 

Host Your Own Golden Globes Viewing Party

The 2011 Golden Globe Awards take place Sunday January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills. If you can’t make it to the Red Carpet, why not have a viewing party?

Golden Globes attendees will be feasting creations made by Beverly Hilton Executive Chef Suki Sugiura. His combination entrée is made of ingredients all originating from California.   

Chef Sugiura’s entrée consists of Grilled Beef Tenderloin of Beef with Caramelized Fennel Marmalada, Sautéed Mild Chili Sesame Crusted Filet of Pacific Sea Bass, Light Cream of Fine Herb Turmeric Lemon Grass Sauce, Black Risotto Parmesan , and Young Bok Choy, Haricot Vert and Baby Carrot.

In the spirit of Chef Sugiura’s entree, serve dishes made from local ingredients. To find a farmer’s market near you click here. 

Buy This. Wear This.

 American Apparel Flannel Lined Rain Parka

Guys, don’t worry. I didn’t forget about you.

Yesterday, I showed some love to the female readers by suggesting the best tee shirt ever (by AG). Luckily, today I stumbled upon the American Apparel Flannel Lined Rain Parka. If I were a guy, I’d rock this.

Everyone needs a good raincoat. I know a lot of people who think Burberry when they hear “raincoat.” Don’t get me wrong, I love Novacheck as much as the next person, but the American Appeal jacket is just as hip as its British counterpart. Not to mention, American Apparel’s Rain Parka is only $120.00.

The Parka comes in Black, Navy and Khaki and is available in American Apparel store or online at http://store.americanapparel.net/ . By the way, like all of American Apparel’s products, the Parka is manufactured in Downtown L.A.. 

Hey Ladies, You Need This Tee!

Props to the folks at AG Jeans. I love the new “Circle Tee” in Mustard.

The description on the website says, “This super soft scoop neck tee features a drapey fabric, narrowing at the hip for a flattering wedge fit.”

I say, super cute! (Trust me, a good tee is hard to find.)

To purchase the Circle Tee vist: http://www.agjeans.com/. While you’re on there, be sure to check out the AG Semi-Annual sale. After all, who doesn’t like saving 50%.

Oh, by the way AG proudly manufactures in the U.S.A.. So really you’re helping our economy by shopping at AG.  

Read Labels

Earlier this week, I came across an article on the Wisconsin State Journal’s website. Essentially, in about 150 words, the author discussed the origin of his Christmas presents. Karl Schwenk stated, “I just looked at my Christmas presents to see where they were manufactured. Three tools were manufactured in China. Of the clothing, one item each was manufactured in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Jordan. A meat thermometer, a CD, chocolate and a beer-making kit were made in the U.S.A.”  (To see the full article click here.)

This inspired me to do the same as Kark. Of the five clothing items I received, not a single one was made in the USA. Granted, three of the five items were made by European designers.  However, I was disappointed to find that my A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz dress was Made in India. I honestly thought that Allen Schwartz, an American designer, manufactured his clothing in the U.S..

I’m not going to digress about why we should by things that are manufactured domestically. However, I would like this to serve as a reminder to check the labels. If nothing else, check labels for your own personal knowledge. If you give your money to a company that manufactures abroad, give it knowingly. 

Some Advice for the New Year

In keeping with this week’s New Year’s Resolution theme, I have some food for thought.

In the upcoming year, think about your purchases. Don’t just buy with abandon. Look at labels. If you are unsure of a products origin, call the manufacturer. Asking where a product you are about to buy comes from is a legitimate question.

Also, if you find a retailer is not supplying enough products that are Made in the USA, speak up. For instance, next time you are at Wal-Mart, let customer service know that you want more American products. If you the consumer doesn’t speak up, retailers will continue to infiltrate our shelves with products made in China.

Take a stand in 2011 and demand domestically manufactured products. 

Seasons Greetings from Made in the USA Foundation!

Looks like there is plenty of room for domestic jobs. 

As you enjoy your holiday, I urge to remember this short story. According to a recent 60 Minutes, Indiana gas stations won’t accept payments from State credit cards.  Apparently, the State of Illinois doesn’t have enough money to pay their bills.

Maybe, if more products were made in the U.S.A., then Americans would have more jobs. With more jobs come tax dollars paid to the government. With more tax dollars, the State of Illinois could pay its credit card bills. 

Seasons Greetings! 

Say “No” to Champagne, Say “Yes” to Sparkling Wine

This holiday season, I’m plan to be turn down the Champagne. Instead, you’ll find me sipping on some American sparkling wine.

For those of you not in the know, the terms “Champagne” and “Sparkling Wine” are not interchangeable. “Champagne” refers to a type of Sparkling Wine that is made in the Champagne region of France.

According the Office of Champagne USA, in 2007 (the last year the organization published statistics) the French shipped 21,722,220 bottles of Champagne to the United States.  I ask, why not drink American wine instead? Is it really that different? The answer is no.

Earlier this week, the Washington Times Online ran an article entitled, “Sparkling wines: Made in the USA.” According to the article, “While Champagne, France might be the birthplace of sparkling wine, it by no means is the only place to find great sparkling wine. If you’re looking for great bubbly to serve at your holiday gatherings or to ring in the New Year, you need not look overseas.”

The writer, Lourie Forster suggested two bottles of American made bubbles. At the $40 price-point, Forster recommends Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2007. For about half the price, you can sip on Gruet Winery Blanc de Noirs NV.

Cheers to the U.S.A.. 

Remember NAFTA?

The NAFTA Flag

For the few of you not in the know, NAFTA stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement. 

January 1, 2011 will mark the 17^th anniversary of the initial implementation of NAFTA. Full implementation began in 2008. The goal behind NAFTA was to eliminate trade barriers between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In the 1990s, NAFTA was one of the most debated topics.

As of late, NAFTA has been out of the news. A search on CNN.com for the term “NAFTA” resulted in more hits for Larry King’s top stories, as opposed to current stories about the agreement.  However, just because a topic is not popular in the mainstream media, do not diminish its relevance.

Check out Made in the USA Foundation Chairman Joel Joseph discuss the pros and cons of NAFTA:  http://youtube.com/madeusafoundation. 

Shame on Me!

Yesterday, I challenged myself to 24 hours of living free from products made in China. I failed miserably.

My Cup that was Made in China

As it turns out, I live in an apartment full of goods made in China. Yesterday evening, shortly after I announced to the world that I was taking a one-day hiatus from products made in China, I stopped by my next-door neighbor’s apartment. I had a green cup in my hand. As I was bragging to her about my China-free day, she said, “I bet that cup in your hand is made in China.” As it turns out, she was correct.

It got worse from there. Apparently, half of my apartment is made in China. For instance, my “Lachlan Dining Table” was made in China. I did a little research, and it turns out that I could have an American made version of my table for the same price. So, shame on me.

This morning, I got dressed in a hurry. I didn’t pay attention to where any of my outfit was manufactured. Later in the day, I decided to take a look. The only part of my outfit that was not made China was my shoes and handbag. At least I have good taste in accessories.

Even though I was not successful at my day without China challenge, this was a great exercise. I think I feel much more aware of the origin of the products that I use on a daily basis.