Get Local | Delray Beach Community Blog

Rounding your bill up...

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:09:44 -0500

Recently I was at Il Bachio in Delray Beach enjoying a drink with a friend. When it came time to leave, I paid with a $20 bill. When the waiter brought my change, it was short. "Did you already take your tip out of here?" I asked. With a very flippant air he answered, "No, I rounded it up." That means instead of returning my exact change, which would have been $9.62, he returned nine dollars. I was not happy, and the 62 cents became his tip. The next day I called and spoke with the manager. He seemed to think it was no big deal. He said the waiter didn't have change and I could just take it out of his tip. So am I supposed to have the exact change when I go to a restaurant? A friend of mine went on vacation in Sanibel and said this happened to them the first day. The second day they spoke up. For myself, I have decided that if someone rounds up bill up and keeps the change, that becomes their tip. This practice is common at some establishments. It is, by the way, not lawful. It can add up over a year's time to a nice sum and is not taxed. But most of all, I find it presumptive and rude. What do you think?

Just a click can help others...

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:51:33 -0500

Lots of charitable agencies and non-profits have been put out of business by the tough economy. With just a click, it is possible to help some of your favorite charities every day. I start my day by going to Freekibble. It was started by an 11-year-old and gives food to animal shelters for cats and dogs. Next I visit, The Animal Rescue Site. This site also links with other non-profits such as breast cancer so you can donate to others as well. It's a great way for me to start the day....and maybe for you too.

Newborn Chinese baby's stem cells restore Delray Beach man's sight

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:25:49 -0500

David Aldrich of Delray Beach nearly drown in a tragic swimming accident in 2002. Months later when the then 44-year-old fully awoke from a coma, he found himself blind and paralyzed from the top of his chest down - a quadriplegic. "I cried like a baby," David said. In 2006, David traveled to a hospital in China for stem cell treatments accompanied by a family member, an aide and a crew from National Geographic. The crew filmed David's experience and those of four other seriously ill individuals - including a young child. Almost miraculously, three weeks and several treatments later, David regained his vision. "It was a pretty tearful and emotional event," he said. The stem cells used to treat him were harvested from the cord blood (blood that remains in the placenta and attached umbilical cord after birth) of a Chinese baby. This is illegal in the U.S. National Geographic produced a documentary, Supercell, featuring David and the other four people who had treatments. The film was shown in most other countries, but not in the U.S. It can be seen at the bottom of this blog in it's entirety. It is fabulous. According to David’s opthomologist, Dr. Adriana Saker of the Jaffe Eye Institute, David’s vision in both eyes was 2100 before his treatment, and he could see only dark and light. Normal vision is 20/20. Today, David's vision is 20/30 in his right eye and 20/50 in his left eye. Saker has no explanation. David’s limbs, speech, core body strength and breathing have also dramatically improved, and while still legally blind, he sees well enough to read. David requires aides 24/7, but now he frequently rides around his neighborhood unassisted in his motorized wheelchair - his dog, Skipper, running along side him. "That's huge," David said. David's story in his words

Before his treatment, David could not operate his wheel chair - not even from room to room in the house. "I would like more treatments," he said. "It's a shame you have to go half way around the world to get them." He has gone to China twice for treatments - family members paid for part of the first trip and his church donated money towards the second one. Lack of funds prevent him from returning. David's stem cells came from Beike Biotech based in Shenzhen, China. Dr. Sean Hu, an MD and PhD in Molecular Biology, is the founder and CEO of Beike. Hu says adult stem cells are used to treat dozens of ailments - heart, cancer multiple sclerosis and diabetic foot to name a few. Hu said the cells hold promise to eventually cure nearly every disease. Children and adults suffering from both new and old afflictions can be treated with adult stem cells. The good news, according to Hu, is everyone has stem cells in their nose – after a couple of weeks of coaxing in a laboratory - they become miracle workers. The bad news is there are many fraudulent companies out there and only a few reliable ones, so Hu says for those in need - do a lot of research before selecting a stem cell company. Below is National Geographic's documentary, Supercell.

Need a laugh - funny commercial - the arranged marriage

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:46:22 -0500

Turn up the volume and get ready to smile

Are you building your own personal brand?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:50:53 -0500

Not so long ago, when someone said, "I'm an IBMer," we all knew what he or she meant. That person was smart, well educated and set for life. With the recent fall of huge companies, such as GM, Bear Stearns - who most of us thought would be around well after all of us - everything has changed. Branding is the latest buzzword. Just like McDonald's, FOX News or Madonna, individuals have to build their own brand. Housekeeper, brain surgeon or writer like myself, it's all the same. Youtube, twittering and facebook take us around the world in seconds making resumes and CV's (curriculum vitae - an overview of one's life) so yesterday. Dickens was right - it is the best of times and worst of times. But, with the help of technology, all of us can build our brand and make ourselves visible. Like many of you, I am new at this and not comfortable flaunting my skills, but I will. After all, it is 2009 and this is the ways things are done today. So, are you out there building your brand? If not, what R U waiting 4?

Delray has it's own facebook page

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:51:38 -0500

It was bound to happen.. Delray has it's own facebook page.

So, if you want to join the well over 1,000 people who are writing about their favorite events, restaurants, or topic of the day happening in Delray Beach, make a new "friend" on Facebook. See you there.

Get paid for your old electronics

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:22:47 -0500

You know the drill...your pricey technology is outdated before you even walk out of the store with it. An online company, Nextworth.com, will pay you for for your outdated "toys." Nextworth wipes the gadget clean so all of your information is removed and then resells or recycles it. The company accepts cell phones, laptops, GPS, digital cameras and more. Check out their site. After a very short and simple process (you plug in the information about the item/s) the company advises you how much they are willing to pay. It is contingent on the model and condition. If you decide to sell, download their prepaid shipping label and wait to make some cash. Payments are made via PayPal or Amazon or Target gift cards.

Self-Defense for women or for the women in your life

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:25:37 -0500

Free self-defense classes for women only are available from the police departments in Boca and Delray. For dates and time, call the police at their non-emergency numbers at the police station. Boca Raton is 561.338.1234 and the Delray Beach Police Department at 561.243.7800. Below are some tips from the police department to help stay safe: Don't make yourself vulnerable by not being aware - prevention is 90 percent awareness and avoiding risk. 1. Look confident and look people in the eyes so they know you are aware of them. 2. If you feel like something's wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore your 6th sense. If you are alone, try to get around others. 3. If you are suspicious about something call 911. Better to be wrong than a victim. 4. If you don't have a cell phone, get one. At home. 1. Use unbumpable (unbumpable locks can't be picked,) dead bolts locks for your doors; don't open the door to strangers; close your blinds and shades at night so others can't see you or your belongings. Parking lots. 1. Park under a light at night. If the parking lot is deserted, ask the security guard to escort you. 2. Be mindful. When walking back to your car, day or night, don't talk on your cell phone or be thinking about other things. Concentrate on your surroundings. 3. Look under your car as you approach it and look inside before you get in it. Driving 1. If someone is following you,in your car don't go to your house. Keep your doors locked, drive to the nearest police station or fire department, call 911 and honk your horn. If you don't know where the police station is, find out. ATM's 1. Avoid going at night or after dark. Elevators & stairs 1. Stand near the control panel so if necessary you can push the panic button. 2. When getting on an elevator if someone makes you uncomfortable, don't get on it. Conversely if someone gets on and makes you uncomfortable, get off immediately. 3.Avoid isolated stairs. My suggestion 1. If you have an SUV, you cannot see in the Cargo area. Glue two mirrors on the ceiling in the cargo area and that will enable you to view the back of your car before you get into it. 2. Avoid public restrooms that are secluded.

Going on vacation - take your pets with you

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:27:10 -0500

What to do with Fido or Kitty when going on a trip? Many hotels now welcome pets for a small fee that varies from $10 to $25 plus your room charge. A few don't charge anything.. On a recent trip, I used Petswelcome.com . It was great although I do suggest calling ahead and confirming all of the online information. It's a good idea to make sure your pet's flea meds up current and bring along their bed and favorite toys to give them a little comfort.

Best Sunday brunch in Delray Beach

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:25:13 -0500

VFW Post 4141 5 S.E. 2nd Ave. - just south of Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach 561.276.92529 Stepping into VFW 4141 in Delray Beach is like stepping back into the 1950's and the prices are great. It is open to the public M - F from 11 - 2 a.m. for the $5 lunch; on Wednesday's from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for $8 steak night; on Friday nights during season from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for the $6 fish fry. Sunday mornings from 8 - noon the popular and very busy breakfast is available to the public. For $6 patrons get eggs, bacon, toast, fresh fruit and coffee or milk. Add $2 more and enjoy a steak with your eggs. The Post is run by Commander Robert "RDK" Kuhn. All of the employees are volunteers so generous tips are appreciated because that is the only compensation they receive. *All proceeds go to Veterans and the troops. *Full bar. *Restaurant is non-smoking and does not smell smoky. Bar allows smoking. *The food is very good and as varied as any restaurant. *Definitely worth a try. If you've not been there, you will be pleasantly surprised.

How do you save money?

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:02:45 -0500

Clipping coupons, looking for bargains and buying used isn't new for me. It's the way I've always lived. The only difference now is because of tough times, it has become trendy to be frugal. My brother-in-law Bill, is well known for being, well, cheap. He says always cut costs that don't affect your lifestyle. Listed below are 9 ways I save money. I hope you will share your money saving tips. 1. Use shopping bags to line trash cans. 2. Recycle wrapping paper and gift bags. 3. Make your own cards instead of buying them. If you have kids, have them make their cards too. 4. Going out for the evening - eat at home and instead buy a dessert or a drink. 5. Those big black plugs are energy hogs - unplug them when not in use or you are paying for absolutely nothing. 6. Some insurance companies reduce rates for good behavior - loosing weight, quit smoking, working out. Ask. 7. If you frequently patronize one store, ask if they have a rewards credit card that gives money back. 8. Get rid of your land line. Skype is a computer phone and it's free. 9. Audit your bills frequently. Ask if you can negotiate a lower rate or see if it is something you can do yourself, such as spraying for pests.

1.800.G00G.411 - Dail for free phone numbers for local businesses

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:19:55 -0500

With GOOG.411, you will never again drive around looking for a business. Google started this free service in April of 2008 and it works great. Dial 1.800.GOOG.411 and after a couple of questions, such as what city and state, you will be connected to the business. Watch the video to get the whole scoop.

The little girl with the big voice...

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:15:12 -0500

Michaela Paige is only 13, but the west Boca girl is South Florida's answer to Celine Dion. This video does not do her voice justice, but take a listen. She is shown performing at The Colony Hotel on the porch (one of my favorite places) in Delray Beach accompanied by Rico.

Setence Madoff to the life he condemmed others to live

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:26:30 -0500

Despite Bernie Madoff's 150-year sentence, those he swindled received a far harsher sentence than he did. Madoff is assured of three squares a day, a roof over his head and medications. He will never have to worry if he can afford to pay a utility bill, pay for a prescription or heat or cool his dwelling. Some of his victims were very rich and have at least some others assets, but others were middle class and lost everything. Financial recovery is nearly impossible for those who are retirement age or elderly. Because many charitable organizations invested with him, we'll never know for sure how many people he hurt or devastated. Madoff's wife, Ruth, recently agreed to give up any claim to $80 million worth of assets so she could keep $2.5 million in cash the couple had (stole would be a better word.) Instead of jail, why not let the Madoff's live the life many of their victims now have? Let them find a decent place to live on with their meager Social Security income and buy their groceries with food stamps. Decide which medications they can no longer afford - Medicare does not pay for prescriptions. Allow them to experience the horror of picking up mail that is filled with bills that are impossible to pay and calls from nasty bill collectors. In other words - worry how to survive every day. Seems like a better punishment to me. Perhaps, if future Madoffs, know they will inherit the financial ruin they so cavalierly create for others, it will cause them to reconsider, although probably not. What do you think?

Happy 4th of July

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:48:23 -0500