Business Notes

U.S. CAR OWNERS FIGHT IRAQ! trumpeted newspaper ads promoting the patriotic and financial virtues of the PetroMizer gas-saving device. That was before investigators in 16 states concluded that the PetroMizer was a hoax -- part of a surge of efforts to make a fast buck from gulf-war fever. Following legal action, the PetroMizer ran out of gas. But war-related come-ons continue. A fierce dispute between New York City consumer affairs commissioner Mark Green and Florida's Home Shopping Network has broken out over a print ad that urged consumers to "support our armed forces" by purchasing "Authentic Operation Desert Shield Armed Forces Fatigue Wear." Green challenged the authenticity of the palm tree-bedecked clothing and the claim that a "portion of the proceeds" would assist American troops. HSN killed the ad and sent a check for $25,000 to Army Emergency Relief -- five days after Green's complaint.