The Simple Dollar subscribes to Consumer Reports and eagerly awaits each new issue. After receiving and absorbing it, I post the highlights for all to enjoy.

This issue of Consumer Reports was loaded with lots of variety - these are usually the issues I like best, because they’ll test all sorts of interesting stuff. Here are the ten things that stood out to me in the issue.

The cheapest sunscreen lotion was among the best Reviews like this are why I love Consumer Reports. While Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45 was the best one tested, the substantially cheaper No-Ad SPF 45 fared almost as well and was about four bucks cheaper per fluid ounce. (p. 6)

When you go to book a hotel room, ask whether there are charges beyond room occupancy and sales tax and nix anything you don’t want. Hotels today often pile on the “options” without even asking you, and most of the time you never use them. So ask and save. (p. 13)

The Ritz-Carlton is the best hotel, but the most expensive Microtel is the best budget hotel chain, and Drury Inn/Suites is the best sub-$100 deal. Howard Johnson is apparently the scariest. (p. 15)

JetBlue is the best air carrier? Was this article assembled before their recent meltdown in New York? I do have to give props to their number two, Midwest Airlines. I’ve used them before and the experience was the nicest I’ve had on a domestic flight. (p. 19)

Hebrew National, Nathan’s Famous, and Boar’s Head dominate the hot dog rankings You basically can’t go wrong with these three brands, as all of their entrants made the top six hot dogs out of 23 tested. I am very partial to Hebrew National; if I’m going to enjoy a hot dog (great lunches while watching baseball), it had better be a good one. (p. 22)

Michelob Ultra Amber is the best “light” beer, but… “Light” beer doesn’t really mean much at all. The light version of one beer usually has fewer calories than the regular version of another, but not all light beers have fewer calories than all non-light beers. (p. 24)

There’s a huge digital camera writeup There were lots of models that were roughly equivalent, though, so the conclusion and recommendations of the article didn’t really mean a whole lot. If you’re thinking of buying a camera, it might be useful to pick up the issue on the news stands and make sure your desired model isn’t near the bottom of the list, but 80% of the list was very close in ratings. (p. 30)

Most software supplied with digital cameras is terrible. Microsoft’s default Photo Gallery program in Windows is better than most of it and Apple’s iPhoto is even better than that. I didn’t even bother installing the junk that came with my latest digital camera. (p. 39)

Cabot decking stains blow away all competition. It’s pretty much as simple as that. Cabot decking stain has a score 20 points higher than the next closest non-Cabot brand. (p. 48)

Summer is the time to buy indoor furniture. Isn’t that convenient, considering right now is the time we’re moving and have very little furniture? The article gives a schedule of when to make most major purchases the year around. (p. 52)