I bought this blender in Jan 08 and it worked really well until June 08. When I was making my morning protein shake, sparks literally started shooting out of the bottom of the blender and they went all over the kitchen counter.My only use for this blender was to make protein shakes of just milk, protein powder and cocoa. I never put in fruit or ice and I never let it run for more than 30 seconds at a clip. So to say I wore out the motor is bogus.I'm returning it to Amazon and getting 70% off of the total price back b/c I ordered the item in January. I don't want anything in my house that is a clear fire hazard.Bottom line, worked great for 5 months until it broke and this item is a fire hazard.