Money Matters

August 10, 2003

Many don't know CEO compensation

More than half - 54 percent - of 195 people who work for a publicly traded company said in a survey they didn't know the chief executive's compensation.

Public companies disclose that information annually in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The survey was conducted by Clark, a public company based in Barrington, Ill.

Extended vacations may disappear

The one- or two-week summer vacation may soon become a fond memory for many American workers.

Forty percent said they're not taking a week or longer off this year, according to an online survey of nearly 2,400 people. Instead, time away from work is being parceled into long weekend trips, with 85 percent saying they'll do such a jaunt of two to four days.

What's behind the shift? Time and money.

A third said they wanted to save money, but a fifth said they cannot or don't want to take time from work. Another 15 percent said they don't have the time to plan a longer, more complex trip.

Children's stacking rings are recalled

International Playthings Inc. is recalling 5,000 Earlyears Bobbie Bear Stacking Rings.

Plastic knobs on the rings can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The recalled stacking rings have a blue and orange rounded bottom, two multicolored stacking rings and an orange plastic bear head topper. The rings have a model number of E00421, which can be found on the packaging.

Consumers should contact International Playthings at 1-800-445-8347 or log on to the company's Web site at www.intplay.com/recall.htm for instructions on how to return the toy to receive a free replacement item of similar value.

Wal-Mar recalls Kiddy Sling Chairs

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is recalling 75,200 Home Trends Kiddy Sling Chairs.

The small plastic bolt covers pose a choking hazard to small children.

The chairs are steel outdoor chairs with a white frame and a pink or blue sling fabric seat and back. The chairs are about 9.5 inches high. The seats have two small plastic covers behind the back of the seat and two covers under the seat.

Consumers should remove the plastic bolt covers or return the chair to Wal-Mart for a refund. For more information, call Wal-Mart at 1-800-925-6278 or visit the firm's Web site at www.walmartstores.com.

Ideal recalling voltage testers

Ideal Industries Inc. is recalling 122,000 Solenoid Voltage Testers.

The testers can short out at high voltages, causing burns.

The voltage and voltage/continuity testers are model numbers 61-065, 61-066, 61-067, 61-076, 61-079 and 61-080. "DEAL" and the model number are located on the front of the tester.

The tester body is yellow. The wire leads have one black and one red test probe.

Contact Ideal at 1-877-557-8598 or go to the company's Web site at www.idealindustries.com. to determine if your electrical tester is included in the recall and to receive a free replacement.

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