Everyday rip offs
Got a magazine teaser from Consumer Reports that gave the skinny on 10 everyday items and whether they are a good deal or not. On the bad list: sugar-free oreos (they have nearly as many calories and cost almost double), whitening toothpaste (they tried 41 types and none whitened teeth anymore than regular toothpaste), automatic shower cleaner (Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner was ineffective), stain remover pens (a Tide stick removed only 6 of 48 stains), Hellman's Easy out mayo (11 percent was stuck in the squeeze jar).
On the good list: Epson PictureMate photo printers (excellent quality, convenient to use), 
the Furminator pet brush (effective and easy to clean), bamboo-cotton blend towels (softer than all cotton towels after washing).
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