Recall

In our consumer society the reality is that there are occasionally things that go wrong with the products that are produced and thus require a recall; though this only seems to be the case if the potential for lawsuits is high enough. In doing a little digging I came across an interesting site, listing the US government recalls, too bad it doesn't have an RSS feed, it could be fun to keep an eye on what comes up. Here are a few of the ones that caught my eye:

• Lands’ End Children’s Light-Up Backpacks Recalled for Overheating: That's right, the backpack can overheat and burn the child. Now that is really the definition of irony as the lighting system is supposed to make the child safer.

• The Mentholatum Company Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of WellPatch® Cough & Cold Soothing Vapor Pads in the U.S.: Aparently they tried to sell a product that would treat coughs and colds, but just might happen to cause seizures...that's a fair trade right?


• Ballard Designs Inc. Recalls Potted Candles for Fire Hazard: Now that's just plain stupid, sure it's not the candle but the holder that's the fire hazard but you would think that they might have realized that the candle holder might get near a flame as well.


• Dell Announces Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due To Fire Hazard: This one just makes you wonder how long they knew about the problem, as it deals with computers sold as long ago as April 2004!


• Dollar Tree Stores Recall Counterfeit Extension Cords Due to Shock Hazard: Ok, I've heard of counterfeit money, that makes sense to me, but counterfeit extension cords? And how much profit could you possibly make on counterfeit merchandise sold at a DOLLAR STORE?

Anyway the reason I was thinking of this was because I received a letter yesterday from the University of Alberta's Office of the Registrar and Student Awards. They wrote to inform me that

...a degree parchment was issued to you that unfortunately contained an error. We therefore request that you please return the parchment...

Now maybe it's just me being paranoid but I have a sneaking suspicion that the "error" was that my name was on it. I figured that one day the would realize that I didn't deserve the degree but I never though that they would go so far as recalling it, I assumed I was in the clear!