One reason Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) is adored by its faithful: Its Mac computers and operating systems seem Gibraltar-steady, scarcely ever freezing or falling prey to malicious viruses and malware. Too bad the same can't be said for its iPods.

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In May, Faces In The News reported that the computer giant issued a recall of potentially dangerous power cells. Then in June, we reported that the supposed "underdog" corporation--despite the billionaire CEO's No. 67 ranking on the Forbes 400 Richest Americans list, Apple devotees constantly compare it to Bill Gates' Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people )--had agreed to settle a suit complaining that the unit's battery choked far short of the alleged "lifetime" guarantee. Lawyers said the settlement could potentially affect as many as 2 million people nationwide. (see: "Jobs' Apple Settles In IPod Class-Action Suit")

Now, a Wednesday in September: Today, Apple conceded that display screens can easily crack on a small number of new cookie-thin iPod Nano players, released only this month. But the firm prides itself on its counter-culture image--and pleasing its hordes of acolytes. Thus, Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said Apple had received few complaints--and the cracked screens would be replaced. "This is a real but minor issue that involved a vendor quality problem in a small number of units," Neumayr told The Associated Press. "This has affected less than one-tenth of 1% of the total iPod Nano units that we've shipped. And it's not a design issue."

For years, European luxury-goods firms manufactured T-shirts and jeans in Eastern Europe and North Africa, but drew the line at their fanciest collections, which commanded premium prices precisely because they were "Made in Italy." Now, pushed by rising labor costs, currency fluctuations and competition from low-price brands, Valentino and other firms in Italy and France are breaking one of the strictest taboos in high fashion: they're starting to produce some of their most exclusive lines in developing countries.

Celine, a unit of luxury goods giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, is manufacturing some handbags in China, including its denim-and-leather Macadam bags, which sell for $500, according to people familiar with the matter. Though it still makes its swankiest label in Italy, Giorgio Armani SpA says it produces 18% of its Armani Collezioni -- which pitches wool trousers for $450 and silk jackets for $1,500 -- in Eastern Europe.

Even "Made in Italy" stalwarts such as Prada, Gucci and Tod's say they are tiptoeing into foreign sourcing. Last year, Gucci Group NV began sewing some sneakers at a factory in Serbia while leather-goods company Tod's SpA produces a part of its Hogan sneaker line in Hungary and is considering moving that to China.

"What do you care where I make my shoes?" says Prada Group NV Chief Executive Patrizio Bertelli. Where local laws permit, Mr. Bertelli says he'd prefer to insert a "Made by Prada" tag in his products. In addition to sewing the upper part of some shoes in Slovenia, Prada makes pieces for some of its handbags in Turkey.

The move out of France and Italy is only just beginning. Fashion executives say some production won't ever move to low-cost countries because Italian craftsmanship is still unparalleled. Sophisticated items made in low volumes -- such as hand-woven leather handbags -- may always be "Made in Italy," for example. For the rest, the industry thinks it's only a matter of time.

The sound-activated Tigger tumbles, does cartwheels and even handstands -- all to a fun beat. Kids simply press Tigger's ear to start the action, and magically bring him to life by clapping their hands and calling out to him. He's got something to say, too, with lots of fun phrases as kids continue to clap their hands to the funky musical track and wacky sound effects. Ages 18 months and up. Requires 6 AA batteries (included).

The LBSI incorporates four "pillars" of value: consistently superior quality, exclusivity, a measure of enhanced social status, and a measure of the ability of a brand to make a customer "feel special". Seven point scale ratings are converted to a 0-100 scale. Another two highly critical metric features of the research are a rating by wealthy consumers as to the brand's worthiness of a price premium and a measure of erosion or enhancement as a luxury brand over the past 12 months.

NFL enthusiasts have Fantasy Football. Now there's a game for armchair fans who would rather root for Dolce & Gabbana. The Fantasy Fashion League (fantasyfashionleague.com), kicking off Sept. 18, lets players draft 10-person teams from a list of 160 designers and celebrities. Points are awarded for every appearance in such magazines as IN STYLE and Vanity Fair and on the red carpet for such events as the Emmys and the Academy Awards (the climax of the league's 24-week season). The winner gets a $1,000 shoe-shopping spree. Tailgate party optional.

Mary-Kate loves splurging on her beloved chocolate-brown Lab, Luca. "This dog is her baby, and money is no object. She has a thing for dog accessories," a source tells Star People. One of her favorite stops is The Wagging Tail, an upscale pet boutique in Santa Monica that MK, 19, often goes to with Luca by her side. "She recently bought eight dog harnesses made with leather and studded with rhinestones and semiprecious gems," the source says, noting that the bill topped $800.

Comedian David Spade gave Martha Stewart a surprise....when he arrived on her new chat show dressed as the lifestyle guru. Donning a blonde wig, gold clogs and a poncho, Spade also wore an ankle bracelet, mocking Stewart's recent house arrest following her recent stint behind bars.

Earlier this year, Spade played Stewart in a skit on US comedy show Saturday Night Live and the domestic specialist voiced her approval today, telling him, "I thought you played me very well. My DVD is almost worn out from showing it. I show it to everybody who comes for dinner 'cause I think it's so funny."

Spade was later taught such household tasks as t-shirt folding and cooking microwave dishes.

While the fashion elite are somewhat skeptical of celebrity brands, Stefani's 2-year-old line has already won over some fashionistas and has been selling well at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's. "I'm not doing it for the fashion world," she told Reuters before the show. "I'm doing it for me."

Still, she admits to being a neophyte in the world of haute couture. "I know that I'm a baby at it, and I'm just starting, and I want to be in this for a long time, so don't be too tough on me yet," she said.

The show was not short on drama, with models emerging from tricked-out cars next to the runway that bounced at various times during the show. The clothes, which ran the gamut from gangster-style motorcycle jackets to sexy, ruffled halter dresses, seemed to hit the right note with the fashion crowd.

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Stefani, dressed in baggy pants and a simple white tank, described her latest endeavor as a mix of Mexican gangster, Rasta, English countryside and old-fashioned Hollywood. "Something I've always done is mix and match, but it's about making it all work together."

A spokeswoman for Hennes & Mauritz told Reuters on Saturday company representatives had met with Moss following the publication of pictures on Thursday in the Daily Mirror, which the British tabloid said showed her snorting cocaine. Lots of cocaine.

The model has not commented on the story since it was published and her agent was not available for comment on Saturday. Moss has previously denied taking hard drugs. "We strongly disapprove of her actions," H&M spokeswoman Liv Asarnoj said. "We think that this is very unfortunate. We have strict policies for engaging models. "They should be healthy, wholesome and sound and we are strongly against drug abuse -- we have made this clear to Kate Moss. "After hearing her explanation and her regret we have decided for the time being to continue the campaign."

Zizzle, a new company founded by former executives from Tiger Electronics -- ow owned by Hasbro -- is launching Iz, a three-legged plastic creature that kids can use to create music, or use as an MP3 player speaker. Hasbro is rolling out iDog, which responds to music and can also be used as a speaker.

Mattel unit Fisher-Price will feature an Elmo doll that can be programmed to know a child's name, favorite food, even nap time. Hasbro is updating Furby with more lifelike features and emotions. Woweee Ltd. is unveiling Robo Pet, a remote-control robotic dog that does tricks and responds to its environment.