Recall : Lipitor in bottles of “uncharacteristic odors”

The FDA just announced that “specific bottles of LIPITOR 40 mg” are getting recalled due to a “uncharacteristic odor” with some of the bottles.

Waaaaaait a minute. Wasn’t the funky-smell thing making the rounds with the McNeil Consumer Healthcare products not too long ago? Mentioned here and again here?

The press release says “Pfizer is working closely with the bottle supplier to determine the cause of the odor problem and to rapidly address it” but the good news is that “a medical assessment has determined that the odor is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

Hmmm…. I’m no UPVC ninja, but the only things I know of that cause plastics to keep an odor is leaving some seriously foul material in them for a prolonged period. Usually plastic smells like… well, plastic!

Here’s the link to the official FDA recall notice.

Google is making their awesome 411 service walk the plank

Google is making thousands of phones cry this week by announcing they’re going to cut off their free 1-800-GOOG-411 service on November 12th of this year.

I mentioned this awesome service back in September ’09, and I’ve used it pretty much daily. It has been a lifesaver on my trips through the Texas yonderosa, and has consistently been on my top 10 speed dial favorites for over two years.

Google seems to be keel-hauling all ships that aren’t flying under the “Android” flag with this move, pointing out that you can still use Voice Input and Voice Actions on Android phones, but all other phones can suck it. (Actually, that “suck it” part was my interpretation of their press release about the Voice Input and Actions bit.)

Google still says “you can send a text message with the name and location of the business to 466453 (“GOOGLE”) and we’ll text you the information”, so that’s still something awesomely free.

I’m writing gblog@google.com to shamelessly plead for mercy myself.

Here’s the official press release from Google.

Monday Morning Music : 10/11/10

Every Monday I like to post some music to start the week off on the right foot.

This week… a suggested soundtrack for driving in deep south Texas.

ZZ Top – Gimme All Your Lovin’



AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap



George Thorogood – Bad to The Bone



Melissa Etheridge – Bring Me Some Water (Live at the Kodak Theatre)



and finally, for the aftermath of the big gunfight scene… Zamfir – The Lonely Shepherd (from the Kill Bill Soundtrack)