Hasbro nerf toy, gas vent dampers are faulty

The following recalls have been announced:

About 330,000 units of Nerf N.-Strike Recon Blasters, manufactured in China by Hasbro Inc., because the plunger can pull the user's skin when the toy is fired. The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 46 reports of injuries to children, including bruises, blood blisters and welts. The blasters were sold by Wal-Mart, Target, Toys ''R.'' Us and other toy and discount stores around the country between November 2007 and August 2008. Information: 800-245-0910 or www.hasbro.com/nerf.

About 45,000 automatic gas vent dampers, made in the U.S. by Effikal LLC, because the product could fail and pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported. The recalled product is installed with gas boiler systems used for heating. The recall involves the Effikal RVGP-PC Gas Vent Damper sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. The product was sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors nationwide from August 2007 through July. Information: 800-790-3739 or www.effikal.com.

- The Associated Press

Apple Inc.

New Mac portables in spotlight next week

Apple Inc. signaled that Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs will show off new Macintosh portable computers next week, seeking to tempt consumers in the holiday shopping season.

The company sent an invitation to media Thursday for an event on Tuesday called ''The spotlight turns to notebooks.'' Apple may revamp two of its most popular laptop and offer a model below $1,000 for the first time, analysts say.

- Bamberg News

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