When it comes to nuts, the first name that pops into my mind is Planters. Since I had a few questions that were driving me nuts, I wondered what kind of answers they’d shell out… Dear Peanut Planters: I can’t even think of the name of another peanut brand besides Planters. But one thing I [...]

In the world of matzo, Manischewitz is a big name. But inside two boxes of their matzo that my mom and dad bought, they found a big surprise. I wrote The Manischewitz Company to share their story… Dear Matzo Makers: My parents recently opened a box of Manischewitz Matzos and found tiny black bugs crawling [...]

Many people own collectibles they would consider selling if they found the right home for them. Then, there are lots of things consumers would love to get their hands on, but not all are for sale. When I encountered both situations, I contacted the Smithsonian Institution… Dear Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs: I wrote the [...]

I’m not trying to stop smoking, but I wanted to see what the makers of Nicorette stop smoking gum thought of this idea… Dear Stop Smoking and Start Chewing Gum Advocates: I understand that Nicorette Gum relieves nicotine cravings anytime, anywhere. Will it work in New Jersey? I don’t smoke, but when I’m in certain [...]

When it comes to cheesy personalities, I’ve always found Swiss cheese very amusing. I contacted Berner Natural Cheese to learn more about it and see if they also appreciated Swiss humor… Dear Swiss Cheese Lacers: I read that Berner Foods developed the recipe for Alpine Lace Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese, which became the #1 Swiss [...]

I had some heated words to share with Just Born about their popular candy Hot Tamales… Dear Candy Creators: I’ve got the hots for your Hot Tamales chewy cinnamon-flavored candies. I know you sell Hot Tamales and Hot Tamales FIRE. Do you have any studies that show the differential in heat generated in one’s mouth [...]

Everyone knows time flies, but I needed more information about when time dies. A product from RadioShack led me to believe they might have the answers… Dear RadioShackers: I wrote weeks ago and never heard back. It could be because my letter was sent to Mail Stop #CF3-311, but now I discovered Consumer Care is [...]

On June 25, 2010, Kellogg issued a voluntary recall of various cereals. Sometimes you have to make more of an issue than what it already is. So I contacted them to let them know what I make of it… Dear Chief of Cereal Recalls: I read about your recent recall of Kellogg’s Corn Pops, Honey [...]

I never imagined that this inquiry about turtle care to the Sea Turtle Restoration Project would trigger the kind of response it did… Dear Turtle Restorers: Can you please share some expert advice regarding turtle restoration? There’s a product called Turtle Wax, which claims to clean, shine and protect car finishes. Could it also be [...]

You know the game where you try to find the pea under one of three shells? That’s how I felt trying to guess which address to write Shell Oil Company about their Magic Shade product for car windshields… Dear Sun Shielders: This is the third time I’ve mailed this letter seeking an answer. When I [...]