Dell fails to recall; Is RIM about to fall?

I keep having this nightmare in which I go to work and discover my editor is Steve Jobs, his boss is Larry Ellison, and the publisher is some guy named Ballmer. I turn on my computer and my inbox is filled with spam, all with the same subject line: “See All of ‘The Nanny!’” Then I wake up screaming. That’s how I know it must be Halloween.

Adapter Die: Last October, Dell recalled nearly 1 million laptop power adapters that had tended to overheat at inopportune moments, putting users at risk of fire or electrical shock. When Cringester John E. called Dell to find out what happened to the replacement he’d requested many months ago, a customer service rep said his order was one of several that had been "lost." A Dell spokeswraith admits that a data glitch prevented the company from shipping “a small number” of replacements; users still waiting for theirs should call 800-418-8590 or visit www.delladapterprogram.com, and wear a hot mitt while plugging in their machines.

Thumb Thing Wicked: Cringefan Mike R. reports that every time his Nextel Blackberry receives a call, his Dell laptop immediately shuts down. Clearly one of the devices is possessed. And if things continue to go badly for Research in Motion in its ongoing patent dispute with NTP, his Blackberry may also get shut off -- permanently. I guess that would be more like repossession.

Maybe She Was Too Submissive: Sage Vivant, who produces erotic podcasts with taglines like “Cream cheese, it’s not just for bagels anymore,” says she tried to upload her work to iTunes but got rebuffed. Though iTunes carries adult-oriented material, it rejected the submissions because they said she’d failed to label them as “explicit,” even though she was, well, rather explicit about it. She tried again and again, but got the same response. I’ve researched her podcasts in exhaustive detail, and I can’t figure out what Apple’s problem is. But apparently they’ve decided she’s been a naughty girl and deserves to be spanked.

Off Kilter: Want to know what’s truly scary? How many e-mails I continue to get on the whole “Mac vs. Mc” and “Scotch vs. Scots” thing. Really people, don’t you people have work to do, or scotch to drink?

Got hellish tips or ghoulish gossip? Send them to cringe@infoworld.com and you may win a bag suitable for treats.