Ford has expanded a previous recall, adding 4.5 million cars. The problem is a faulty cruise-control switch that puts the cars at risk of catching fire. More than 14 million vehicles have been recalled because of the problem.

The recall does not affect the Ford Flex, which has been reviewed by Instant Wheels Editor, Paul Batista.

Ford is recalling all remaining vehicles – approximately 4.5 million U.S. vehicles – equipped with Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switches. While the data show the majority of the vehicles being recalled do not pose a significant safety risk, the company is recalling the vehicles to reassure customers and eliminate any future concerns.

This recall affects older models, including discontinued vehicles. The majority is greater than 10 model years old, with some up to 18 model years old.

Assemble a home flu kit before you get sick — get disinfectants, a thermometer, fluids and fever reducers. It’s also a good idea to go ahead and get rid of out-of-date medications and buy fresh ones.

Verified Identity Pass, a company that promised to speed passengers through airport security checkpoints for an annual fee, has shut down, leaving some frequent fliers looking for options to avoid long screening lines.
The following information was posted on flyclear.com:

At 11:00 p.m. PST on June 22, 2009, Clear will cease operations. Clear’s parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations.

What will happen to my personal information?

Applicant and Member data is currently secured in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s Security, Privacy and Compliance Standards. Verified Identity Pass, Inc.  will continue to secure such information and will take appropriate steps to delete the information.

Will I receive a refund for membership in Clear?

At the present time, because of its financial condition, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. cannot issue refunds.

Admission starts at $20 for the Sept. 18 show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater; ticket go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. A Sept. 17 show is sold out.

Fall Out Boy, the All-American Rejects and Asher Roth open.

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker (center) grew up in Fontana.

To purchase tickets, go to www.livenation.com.

– posted at 5:37 p.m. by Cathy Maestri

Samsung is the world’s second-biggest maker of mobile phones. The company has launched a range of new phones including a touch-screen model that it says is “smarter than a smart phone”.

Last week Apple Inc. slashed the entry price for an iPhone in half and lowered some laptops by $300, the company’s first dramatic price cuts since the recession began a year and a half ago.

When don’t know what they will rule, but we do know when. March 5, 2008, the State Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides. The Court had until June 5 to make a ruling, the panel will make an early ruling.

Statewide 18,000 same-sex marriages took place, while they were legal, in California.

Gay couples in Southern California are learning to survive while being “underwater” –their homes now worth less than what they owe on them– a common problem in this state.

Other gay investors with guts are seeing opportunities in falling prices. Craig Fiegener reports from Southern California.

The post office lost more than 1-billion dollars last year, and the agency has cut roughly 100,000 staffers according to a press release. The rising postal costs are being blamed on a sharp decrease in mailing due to an increase in on-line payments by consumers.

If you’ve purchased “Forever Stamps” they continue to work regardless of the price you paid.

Postcards cost 28 cents; size limits minimum: 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick and a maximum of 6 inches long by 4-1/4 inches high.

– posted by C. Fiegener at 8:31 p.m.

From the bestselling author of “Emotional Intelligence” comes “Social Intelligence.” Author Daniel Goleman uncovers new science, revealing that human minds are made to connect with one another during any interaction.

Meanwhile author Daniel Pink has written a book titled “A Whole New Mind”. It’s theory is that right-brain thinkers will succeed best in the 21st-century.

Pink believes that design and storytelling skills will overtake traditional left-brained commodities like accounting and computer programming.

Trim your fashion budget during the tough economy and freshen up your spring wardrobe. Learn how to save money on what we have.