meta-dad

Nintendo Lead Filled Lapel Pins Recalled

These cheap little lapel pins must have a lot of lead in them, that’s all I can say. “Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects,” is what it says in the recall press release. Well, sure I could have figured that out, but what are we talking about, a chunk of pure lead or just lead-coated? Are we talking about 600ppm (600 parts per million = 0.06% = 600 micrograms/gram = 600 milligrams/kilogram) or much higher?

The recalled lapel pins have images depicting 12 video game characters. The lapel pins vary in size, ranging from 1- to 2- inches in height. The characters Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario, Mario Kart, Pikachu, Princess Peach, Samus, Starfox, Waluigi and Wario were sold individually. Mario, Princess Peach and Samus were also sold as a set.

The top-line symptoms of lead poisoning are;

The symptoms of chronic lead poisoning include neurological problems, such as reduced cognitive abilities, or nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, metal taste in oral cavity, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache and, in extreme cases, seizure and coma. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, which are common in acute poisoning. Other associated effects are anemia, kidney problems, and reproductive problems.” ~ Wikipedia | Lead Poisoning

This is by no means a small recall with over 71,000 units in question. The pieces sold between $1.50 and $4 a piece. File this under, cheap toys made dangerously cheap.

Sited Links:
CPSC | Ninetendo Recalls Lapel Pins Due to Lead Risk
Wikipedia | Lead Poisoning

Mother’s Day Keepsake

The thing I am trying to do this Mother’s Day is get away from buying at all the big franchise stores and try to support the small local retailer who are either making unique and beautiful stuff.

Now that I am a full fledged dad with a couple kids and another on the way, it has me thinking of keepsakes. I never really thought about them before but the thought of have a few cherished heirlooms to add to the family tree, sounds – well it sounds nice.

A piece that I’ve been drawn too was recently highlighted in Life & Style Magazine on the original Material Girl, Madonna. It’s the Nashelle Cherished Engraved Necklace from an Indie Jewelry retailer, Penelope Poet. This piece is designed by Heather Beeson, the creative mind behind Nashelle Jewelry. From her studio on the gorgeous Oregon Coast, Heather and her team of talented artists create exceptional jewelry by hand. Penelope Poet makes an effort to support female artists and moms. So I guess if you buy from them you’re building positive karma points, too.

I recently got it for my wife (don’t tell her) with the two boys names engraved on it and with the third on the way, I was assured I can call in a few months or a few years and add more charms to it. What more can you ask for – a keepsake that grows with the family.

(Via Penelope Poet)

Red Retro Trike

This thing has mud flaps for miles! This thing is so cool looking! Its low center of gravity and wide stance make this as safe as it is beautiful. It has a working headlight, to boot!

Modeled after the classic 1934 Van Doren design. This graceful tricycle is made of handcrafted steel and features chromed trim, a supple leather seat, a charming battery-powered headlight, adjustable handlebar and seat, and durable steel spoke wheels with solid rubber tires.

(Via BackToBasicsToys.Coom)

Modular Euro Highchair

It’s a highchair for babies, a booster for tots, a student chair for teens — and it’s the only one that offers a compatible feeding tray! This sleek hardwood chair delivers greater value than others, because it’s sturdy enough to support an adult.

We are very happy with ours. It allows us to have baby eat at the table (with or without the feeding tray) with us rather than off to the side with the conventional highchairs. And they have made it very easy to raise or lower the seat and step with a tongue and groove slat design.

It comes in a natural or dark cherry finish.

(Via OneStepAhead.Com)

Venting

Schmancy Fairy Tale Tablewear

A collection of cute tea sets and dishes that are fit for any Alice in Wonderland.

(Via Schmancy.Com)