Recently, several toy recalls occurred due to excessive lead levels:

Floppy Friends Horse Toys because surface paint contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in China, imported by Toysmith of Auburn, Washington.

American Scientific Magnets because surface paint on the magnets can contain high levels of lead. Manufactured in India, imported by American Scientific LLC, of Columbus, Ohio.

Yellow Sure Grip Paint Brushes because surface paint on the handle of the yellow paint brushes contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in China, imported by Early Childhood Resources LLC of Mt. Laurel, N.J.

Tinker Bell Wands because the paint on the pearl beads in the flowers of the wands contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in China, imported by Hoop Retail Stores LLC, of Secaucus, N.J

Basic Beat Shaker Guiro Instruments because surface paint on the instrument contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in Taiwan, imported by Antigua Winds Inc., of San Antonio, Texas.

Pirates of the Caribbean Sleeping Bags because the surface paint on the sleeping bag’s zipper pull contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in China by Hoop Retail Stores LLC, of Secaucus, N.J.

Cowboy on a Horse Little Rider Toys because surface paint on the shoe and pants of the rider toy contains excessive levels of lead. Manufactured in China, imported by Master Toys & Novelties Inc. of Los Angeles, California.

As consumers, we can find out what our rights are in regards to these toy recalls by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision website.

The questions that plague me are in regard to the workers in China, India, and Taiwan who made these toys. Who are they? Do they know about these recalls? What are their rights? Do they know about the lead levels in the paints they were using? Are they still using these same paints? Have they had the opportunity to have their blood lead levels tested? Are they being represented by legal counsel? Are they putting a case together? The probable answers to many of these questions are very disconcerting, indeed...

A friend alerted us here at Locallectual about a great new article that came out today on the MSNBC website entitled The resurgence of 'pocketbook patriotism' - Food scares, toy safety, unionism all contribute to Made in U.S.A. movement written by Senior writer Allison Linn.

I think that the writer did a good job of touching on a number of the wide variety of reasons why people are interested in buying or not buying products made in a certain areas. I also like that she pointed out how important for the enconomy it is to also pay attention to our thirst for oil, as that is our biggest contributor to the trade deficit.

There were certainly a few Locallectuals written about in this article, even if they don't know it yet!

Karen

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick announcement to let everyone know that Locallectual merchandise is now available at our store through Cafe Press. As you may have guessed, all of the items chosen for the Locallectual store are made in the USA. The organic cotton tee shirt and the raglan shirt are by Locallectual producer American Apparel.

Check it out here! Now, you can let everyone know that you are, indeed, a Locallectual. (And so is your dog.)

Happy shopping!

Karen

What to get your mother?  Well, I am a mother, so with that little bit of authority... let me throw out a few suggestions:

How about jewelry?  What woman doesn’t love a little bit of jewelry?  Sometimes, though, it comes with a bit of guilt as well (a little conflict with your diamonds?).  Cheeky Monkey Jewelry doesn’t come with a side of guilt, as the entire line is made from 100% recycled materials!  I just visited their site and they are currently having a huge sale so now may be the time to pay them a visit.  Mom might love the Tawny Crescent Butterfly or the the adorable Seahorse pendant.  This line is a favorite of celebrities and has been featured in many major publications so you know it is good enough for Mom!

For a truly one-of-a-kind piece, check out Subversive Jewelry .  Artist Justin Giunta utilizes vintage and antique jewelry, vintage findings, keys, and other treasures and reconstructs them into amazing wearable art.

If your mom has a sweet tooth, how about seeking out an amazing local chocolatier?  Here in Charlottesville we have Gearhart’s Fine Chocolates , and if you happen to be in northeast Indiana, DeBrand Chocolatier has an fantastic reputation.  Finally, those of you in the Denver area might want to check out Wen Chocolates ... however, these are just a sampling of the many proud chocolatiers out there, so if you have one in your area and they are not listed on this site, do you fellow Locallectuals a favor and add them to the database .  Your fellow chocolate lovers (and their mothers) will be ever-so-grateful!

Karen