The World in 2007

Happy new year! I guess that it would be a nice idea if I would sum up some major events that appalled me in the year 2007. (You know, it's like custom for a blogger to make one of these lists – or not...) There were many many things actually both in the business and pop(ular) realms but here are some that (might have) changed the way we look at the world and future because of the deep wounds which these events have opened up inside us. Here it goes:

First of all, bombshell Anna Nicole Smith died. (Yes, we lost her...). Then, there was that Britney Spears thing were she shaved her head, got a tattoo and entered rehab. (Better she stays that way.) Following these sad but true events, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie followed the trends set by their bitch in charge Paris Hilton and served their times (minutes, let's say). And lastly, I must add, Mrs. Angelina Jolie Pitt added another far-Asian minion to her impressive collection of children. Congratulations to those who died, shaved, served and bought... What a year!..

Enough playing around here... OK. Here is my real story. While I was browsing through many papers' insights on the events happened in 2007 there were a few things that really distracted my attention. Year 2007 was a year full of recalls! I mean, recalls happen every year for many goods (especially in the US) but this year there were recalls from many different industries including major names and brands. And unlike other years, they were publicized a lot, maybe resulting from the scope of the events and brand names. Let's have a look:

In March, dog and cat foods sold under multiple brand names are recalled because of pet illnesses and deaths; inspectors later say an ingredient from China was tainted with melamine.
In June, The FDA warned that toothpaste made in China may contain a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze, and some brands had to recall some of their units.
In August, Mattel recalled 9 million Chinese-made toys because of lead paint or tiny magnets that could be swallowed.
Again in August, Metz Fresh, a California based grower and shipper of food products, recalled thousands of cartons of spinach as a result of a positive test for Salmonella found during routine company testing.
In October, Gap has withdrawn a large set of blouses and ordered an internal investigation after it has been revealed that the blouses were manufactured by child labor in an Indian sweatshop.
Also in October, Starbucks issued a recall of China made children's mugs sold at its stores between May 2006 and August 2007.

Quite a list huh? There is actually something common in these recalls that I want you to figure out (You probably did). Look! It's in bold letters! I think the year of the pig must have worked out so great for them. We'll wait and see how 2008 is going to be like. Have a nice rat year everyone...