Maryland PIRG conducted “secret shopper” surveys at 132 electronics stores in ten states – including Baltimore, Maryland – to determine if America’s big electronics retailers are properly preparing their customers for the digital transition.

2007 has been described as the "Year of the Recall". Millions of toys including famous playthings, like Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie, have been recalled in 2007. Many of these toys have been from leading manufacturers like Mattel and most were imported from China. Most of the recalls have been for hazards previously identified in this report; excessive levels of toxic lead, dangerous small magnets, and choking dangers. The 2007 Trouble in Toyland report is the 22nd annual Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) survey of toy safety. This report provides safety guidelines for parents when purchasing toys for small children and provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards. This year, we focused on four categories of toys: toys that may pose choking hazards, magnetic toys, toys that are excessively loud, and toys that contain potentially toxic chemicals.

Not long ago, credit cards were reserved for those who could prove that they had the income and self-discipline to manage credit. A college student could not obtain a credit card unless a parent co-signed.