Skip to main content

Recalls this week: power adaptors, knives

By WTOP Staff

The Associated Press

More than 30,000 power adaptors for cellphones have been recalled because they can overheat and pose a burn hazard. Other recalled items include charging kits that pose a fire hazard.

Here’s a more detailed look:

POWER ADAPTOR/CHARGER

DETAILS: Adaptor/chargers used to charge cellphones and other electronic products and have model number ADCP3-1000 imprinted on the plug side. Recalled chargers come in five colors: black, blue, green, red and white. The recalled adaptors/chargers were distributed free as a promotional giveaway at trade shows nationwide from October 2013 to April 2014.

WHY: The adaptors can overheat, posing a burn hazard.

INCIDENTS: One report of a consumer who was burned on the hand.

HOW MANY: About 31,000.

FOR MORE: Call Gemini at 877-230- 4986 or visit www.geminimanufacturing.net and click on the “Safety Notice” link for more information.

CHARGING KITS

DETAILS: Seven models of charging kits with universal serial bus (USB) connectors that are used to recharge Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod devices. The recalled kits were sold under the Ban.do, Jonathan Adler and Lilly Pulitzer brand names and contained a wall charger, a 12 to 24-volt car charger, a 30-pin USB cord and a Lightning port adapter. Brand names are on the top front of the packaging and on the Lightning port adapters. Model names are on the bottom front of the packaging. Item numbers are on the back of the package in the bottom right corner. They were sold from February 2014 to June 2014. Model name and item number details can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Lifeguard-Press-Recalls-Charging-Kits/

WHY: The wall charger can overheat and emit smoke and sparks, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The prongs on the charger can detach and remain in the electrical outlet, posing a risk of electrical shock.

INCIDENTS: Six reports of the wall chargers emitting smoke and sparking and six reports of prongs detaching from the plug. No injuries have been reported.

HOW MANY: About 25,400.

FOR MORE: Call Lifeguard Press at 800-992-3006 or visit www.lifeguardpress.com and click on “Press” at the bottom of the page for more information.

KNIFE AND SHEATH SET

DETAILS: MTech USA Karambit Neck Knife and Sheath. The half-moon shaped knife measures 7 inches in length and was sold in an urban camo print. “MTech USA” is laser printed on the blade. Model number MT-664UC-SO is marked on the back of the knife. The knife fits into an unmarked molded black sheath that is about 4.5 inches in length. The sheath has a snap clip on the back and also comes with a beaded lanyard chain. Replacement sheaths have “MTech USA” laser printed on the back. They were sold from March 2014 through May 2014.

WHY: The sheath does not hold the knife securely, allowing the knife to fall out of the sheath unexpectedly. This poses a risk of laceration to the consumer.

INCIDENTS: None reported.

HOW MANY: About 4,000.

FOR MORE: Call Master Cutlery Inc. at 888-271-7229 or visit www.mastercutlery.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote