(I've only just found out about this, so I don't pretend to be an expert on the subject or about recent developments, about who's/what's been recently excluded and who hasn't, who's in charge of what, etc. But from what I can see, this is a good idea that was implemented in a not-so-great way.) Last year, Congress passed a bill that called for the testing of products made for children under 12 for...

I was wondering how the new government regulations on lead testing will affect teaching in the coming years. Basically the system imposed will test all items, even items such as books and unfinished wood blocks which shouldn't have lead in them, for lead if it seems likely a child under 12 will use the item. If each batch of the item produced is not tested, it can't be sold. Batch testing is both...

Read here at Fenris's blog: How the CPSIA affects taxpayers I would still like a easy letter I could find and send to both the Ventura County Star or VC Reporter on this issue (The new Toy Safety Law). I know the VC Reporter would want to cover it, but I'm not so sure about the Star. The letter needs to be clean, well researched, and informative. I'm thinking of trying to send it to the newspapers...

Pretty quiet weekend.  Getting near the end of doing the toning on the Jack story.  Then I need to haul ass and see how much art I can get done for the FC show.  I sent in my art show reservations, but God knows if they have any space left.  Usually I can hustle up a panel or two even if they're "officially" sold out. FYI, fenris_lorsrai  , if you still want me to agent your art, it MUST...

Go here, read some real facts about CPSIA. Enjoy games and stuff from Europe? Kiss some of it goodbye. Enjoy telescopes or microscopes? Some are already bailing on the market for specific parts like the only maker of spare light-bulbs for numerous models of microscopes . Enjoy reading books? Amazon is already poking their vendors to cough up the certifications. For books. Build a toy from...

I know Fenris is the expert in posting about organizations, but I would like to make a short post about the Humane Society in Ojai. Humane Society of Ventura County The Society currently needs donations after seizing 37 horses from a ranch in Lockwood Valley . None of the horses are adoptable at this moment and are putting a cramp on the funds the Society has right now. They have a paypal account...