Salt Lake Tribune | 2000-01-22 | Page 33

aa SGRaeaXBava?a Or oA e See ae le The Salt Lake Tribune BUSINESS Saturday, January 22, 2000 Orne SAVVY CONSUMER romiecsinsetapingnina .RECALLSALERT Stuffed Toys Pose Hazard Treadmills That Passed the Institute’s Sweat Test The following products and vehicles were Treadmills are the most popular home exercise equipment,butprices and features vary so much that it can be hard to choose the right model. So Good Housekeeping staffers logged hours on 14 treadmills, and the Good Housekeeping Institute’s engineers checked the noise levels, shock absorption, motor performance and features of the machines. The verdict was unanimous: There's a huge dif- ference between a $300 model and a $3,000 model, though it is possible to get fit using a lower-end version. The single most important elementof choosing a treadmill is howitfeels to you. Wear your workout clothes to the store, and spendatleast 10 minutes running or walking on each machine you are considering. Here are the Good HousekeepingInstitute's six favorite treadmills: Best Overall responds to what's happening on the CD, video or Internet program (www.ifit.com). When you hear the instructor say she’s boosting intensity, the machine automatically shifts the incline or increases speed. The treadmill also features a foldawaydesign Testers preferred the cushioning and stability of this machine over a numberof more expensive models. Budget Walker You can walk, but you can’t run comfortablyon the compact, folding Weslo Cadence DX12 ($379) — it's designed strictly for a low-impact workout. Still, the Weslooffers the basics at a reasonable price. Some testers liked the feel of this machine, though a few found the 16-inch-by-52-inch belt too narrow (most treadmill belts’ widths range from 16 inches to 22 The winnerof the shock-absorptiontests, and also is great for walking and running. Four programs — cardio, fat burn, warm-up andcross-training — vary the intensity. Hit one of the seven speed buttons (2 mph to 8 mph) to set your desired pace instantly. A wireless chest strap monitors yourheart rate. Best Value Plug your stereo, VCR or computer into the Pro- form 630 DS ($699), and the treadmill actually Feature Favorite You'll never get bored on the Schwinn 6700p ($1,799) — it has more features than anyothertreadmills Good Housekeeping tested, including 12 preprogrammed courses, from an easy walk to climbing mission and the National Highway Traffic Safety products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’stollfree hotline, [phone]. PRODUCT: Precious Moments Tender Tails stuffed toys made by Enesco Corp. and sold at gift, card and collectible stores from May 1998 saving your favorite workouts in its memory. Downside: The Schwinnfelt a little less stable than other models in this price range. Bee, Butterfly and Reindeer toys can detach, has a powerful motor that can smoothly take you strap monitors your heart rate, and the treadmill adjusts speed andincline to keep you working at your targetlevel. Space Saver When you are not jogging on the portable Keys Milestone 1200 ($1,099), it folds to just 29 inehes-by29 inches (the least space of any Good Housekeeping one could reduce your child’s risk of head injury by more than 50 percent, according to an investigation by the Consumer ProductSafety Commission. Finally, makesure yourchild wears protective eye gear (with UV protectionif it's sunny). Goggles tend to stay onlittle faces better than sunglasses, The heavy-duty True 500 HRC ($3,095) rivals some of the models you would find at a gym.It’s quiet,butit from walking to 10K training. The wireless chest recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Com- Administration. For more information about the pyramids. Or create your own custom courses by ON ANOTHER MATTER... . Nearly 2 million kids will go skiing this winter — and more than 14,000 of them. will be injured on the slopes. To protect your child, hire a pro. “Knowing how to ski yourself and being able to teach it are two different things,” says Greg Landry, a professorof pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin inches). Rugged Runner the quietest modelofthe bunch:the Keys 8800 ($2,000) tested) and rolls out of the way. Designed for walking or light running, the Keys Milestoneis readyto go, right out of the box, no assembly required. Medical School. You also shouldinsist on a helmet, since wearing through August 1999 for about$7. PROBLEM: The pompoms on the Lady Bug, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should immediately cut off the pompoms and call Enesco at [phone] or visit www.enesco.com for information about receivinga free toy. VEHICLE:1994-1995 Dodge Ram PROBLEM: On certain 2500 and 3500 series pickup trucks, the front suspension spring/ shock towers can crack and eventually separate from the vehicle frame, creating the potential for increased stopping distances. Dealers will inspect the spring/shock tower, and any vehicles exhibiting crackingwill have the tower replaced. For more information, contact Chrysler at [phone]. Pay Phone’s Days May Be Numbered Peoplefind wireless alternative is more affordable, convenient Beck THE ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHILADELPHIA — Raymond Spera says he is almost always on the phone checking messages at Compiled by Steven Oberbeck work, calling kids at home or making appointments with friends andassociates. Six Utahns have been named to the board of trustees at Inter- But these days, he doesn’t bother to hunt down a public telephone. “Quite honestly, I don’t use a pay phoneatall? use I have this,” said Spera, 34, waving a ~’ lular phone, which rang ins tently on a recent Sundayaft noon in the city’s upscale Rittenhouse Square. “Before, 1 would run into vandalized or out-of-order pay phones all the time. I would only use them when[hadto,” he said. mountain Health Care. They are Teresa Beck, M. Gordon Johnson, Kent H. Murdock, pay phones in favor of increasingly affordable wireless phones that can be used to send or receive calls anytime, anywhere and then tucked awayin a pocketorpurse. Pay-phone providers are feeling the pinch. Nationwide figures are not kepton the decline, but pay-phone providers across the country say it is noticeable, especially in largercities where the volumeof cal s is bigger. “I don’t think there is any tearing down underused phones, concentrating those that remain town street corners andoffice ings. The chief reason for this reevaluation comes from the Council, which represents independent phone companies.“Most of the companies . don’t just throw up a pay phone wherever they might want one anymore.” Bell Atlantic Corp., which operates 90 percent of the public discount programs — have siphoned away revenue, since pay-phoneprovidersonly receive small compensation when a competitors’ card or calling plan is used at their public booths. Andthenthere's the image and upkeep. In larger cities, companies say van 7m can be commonplace, leaving phones run- “intuitively correct,” though it did nothavefigures. It’s a far cry from the days of thefirst coin-operated telephone, introduced in 1889 by William Gray in Hartford, Conn., said Sheldon Hochheiser, a historian for AT&T Corp. “The story goes that he had a wife who had takenill,” he said. “He didn’t subscribe to a phone. So he wentto the nearest place—a local shop — but the foreman wouldn’t let him use the phone.It management {} etait Nicholas Economides, an eco- cheaper, according to the Washington-based Cellular TeleIn addition, the rise of prepaid calling cards and dial-around had a 14 percent drop in.1999 payphone revenue, following alo | the devices become smaller and _ usage has had a definite impact,” said Vince Sandusky ofthe Amer- percent decline in 1998. Pacific Bell said a similar decline seemed Professorof information that continues to grow rapidly as communications Industry Association. booths in the Northeast, says it Anand Anandalingam roughly 80 million cell phones nowin use nationwide, a number question that wireless-phone ican Public Communications “The chances are, the traditional pay phones that. are wired are going to become obsolete.” in more lucrative locations such as transportation centers, down- nomics professor at New York plans — such as the 10-10 down andoutof order. ofthese factors could lead to the extinction of pay phones,says . Anand Anandalingam, a professorofinformation managementat the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Schoolof Business. “The. chances are, the traditional pay phones that are wired are going to becomeobsolete,” he said. “They may be replaced by a wireless equivalent . . . so when youenter a mall, you can pick up some kind of cordless phone to make call.” University’s Stern Schoolof Busi- ness, agreed. Already,at least one entrepreneur is developing a prototype, for a “disposable” cell phone, which comes with prepaid minutes, Economidessaid. But fans of pay phones aren't writing them off just yet, contending they still offer the greatest protection from dropped calls, static interference and even bugged lines. And that may havebenefited at least one group. “Amongst gangsters, they’re reluctant to talk on cell Phones and in their homes becausetheir line’ could be wiretapped or picked up,” said Fred Martens, former executive director of the now-defunct Pennsylvania Crime Commission, which tracked the Philadelphia crime family and other groups. “So a pay phoneisstill a vehicle for them,” he said. “As long as the mobis alive, pay phones will havea viable market. got him thinking there should be another way.” It was a clunky woodenthing, with a listening receiver, a speaker to talk into and no coin return, Hochheiser said. But Gray’s coin-operated phone worked. It also opened up service to about 90 percentof the population whocould notafford a homeline. In 1902, more than 81,000 pay phones were in use nationwide, a figure that increased considerably in 1912 pens New York City installed 25,000 pay phones. By that tae. companies had metal Today, there are about1.6 million pay phones in the United Satie seo tine henae Pee centof the poy ‘ks home service, ohtialeaage say. IBut sd number of pay phones is decline as several seh Westminster College has named Frances M. Flood, Tho-. mas G. Nycum and David Sim- monsto its board of trustees. Flood is president and chief exec- utive officer of Gentner Communications in West Valley City. Nycum is the managing director for games services for the 2002 president of Legacy Management and Development. Murdock is Group,a broadcasting and invest- president. and chief executive officer of0.C. Tanner Co: Nadauld Cell phones are cutting into pay-phoneprofits in United States. volunteer ‘organization providing guidance to management on issues that impact THC services. Stephen D. Nadauld, Darline P. Robles and Stuart W. Slingerland. Beckis a former president ofAmerican Stores Co. Johnsonis Spera is among fast-growing number of consumers who shun Robles TRADEWINDS is a professor.of finance at the Marriott School of Managementat Brigham Young University. Robles has served as the superinten- dent of the Salt lake City School * Dime since 1995. Slingerlandis jiatrician practicing in A ae The board of trustees is a Oil Losing Grip On Economy Winter Olympic Games. Simmons is the presidentofSimmons Media Colo. Ibarra isa former memberof the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is the founder andpresident of Executing The Numbers, a ae ment consulting firm.° Peter K. Moskowitz has joined the University of Utah Health Networkas a pediatrician at the Greenwood Medical Center in Midvale. * Henrik M. Nielsen has been named vice president of customer care at Sonic Innovations, a comLd that provides digital hearing mentcompanyin Salt LakeCity. aids. David Ibarra, South Jordan, has been sworn in as a memberof the United States Air Force Acad- City, has named Terence Murtagh to head its digital the- emyboard ofvisitors. The’ an advisory organization that consults on issues relating to the operationsof the academy, which is based in Colorado Springs, But America has built up a muchbetter resistance to energy shocks. The-oil-price explosions of the mid- and late-1970s helped spawn a new energy consciousness and the giant steps taken by technology steered the economy away from manufacturing and Evans & Sutherland,Salt Lake ater division. Murtagh, a writer and producer of educational and entertainment programs, has been collaborating with Evans & Sutherlandsince 1991. year. @ Trucking companies are hiking rates by 5 percent to 6 percent. @ Business owners are begin- Oil expenditures, which ning to pass on to consumers the new, higher prices charged by shippers ranging from the United Parcel Service to the post office. energy and food sectors — rose at its smallest rate in 34 years, just 1.9 percent. What happenedto inflation? domestic product in 1981, have fallen to about 3 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information ting a 34-year high ofalmost $1.35, a gallon last month. Signs Where's the recession? Some economistsare still warning of dire consequences, “Oil is still probably the single most important price that affects thewell-being of Americans,” said Cheney. “Whenthe price goes up toward services andthe Internet. & Continued from D-6 accounted for 8.5 percentof gross especially if oil’s rise continues unabated. Phil Verleger, econo- mist for the Brattle Group, a consulting firm in Cambridge, Mass., sees oil headed to $40 by year's end, prompting several interest- rate increases and a recession before the year is out. “If it went to $40 a barrel,it would be disruptive,” said Bruce Steinberg, chief economist for Merrill Lynch. “You can’t keep going up endlessly without having aneffect.” Administration. . America is in a sense little poorer. But.we are much better at adaptingto it now.” Adjusting or not, consumers are being increasingly squeezed by oil’s rise. Among the latest consequences of the increase in prices: The nation’s top airlines said this week they are adding a $20 surcharge to round-trip tickets because of jet fuel costs that have more than doubled in the past U.S. gasoline prices are rising again after dipping since hitannouncing hikes ofas much as 15 cents a gallon have been posted this week at gas stations in the Minneapolis area. American consumers, particularly motorists, are griping more about OPECthese days. Chris Brown, a cook with a gas-guzzling 1976 Pontiac Catalina, paid $1.45 per gallon for regular unleaded Friday for his com- mute across Boston and vowed he'll find another way to get to workif it goes above $1.50. “Tf it goes absolutely berserk,if it just goes through the roof, I won'tdrive,” Brownsaid. Ana eewn parang Saabvs. the The Personals Introductions Aftermath that appeared in The Salt lake Tribune on Sundays are now online only at Personals.sltrib.com heSalt Lake Sribune $41 Convertible It’s 2000. The sky is still blue. And great lease termsare still available on a Per month’ For 36 months ‘Amount due at lease inception: $ 2,837.88 9-3 Convertible. Only through January. (inchades down pent. sec. dep. oq. foe & first rm. pent.) f ow wigs _GienGarSeab 543 nie State +297-7474 www.kengarf.com 1 00 SAAB USA www.saabusa. ¢, 2000. Deals participation may attect conaunecost Torna coa 2000 *Subjecbla tor the ®2. Saab 09 Comarewi{apeedanualvenerioncnwithndech CO beset ‘on on MSRP of $40,02500 (rehang Yoase end for $21 tiie foo and taxon), $418, 15.079,08. Inception andwc‘option amount higher in NV. The customer stowed 36.000rites during the term of thi Janse. The custome is able for 4minage charge ance, Nile and registration tees extn. Not to be combined with any other program otter of $.15 per mi over 96) ,000 rites and for exces wear and SEE YOUR PAHTICIPATING SAAD DEALER FOR COMPLETEDETAILSON THIS ANO OTHER LEASE AND FINANCE OPTIONS. @ 1990 SAAB CARS USA, NC eee. 04 aig ater Yontut