From Snopes.com

DID YOU KNOW:

E-mail petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress or any other municipality.
To be acceptable, petitions must have a signed signature and full address.
Same with 'prayer chains' -- be wary!

Almost all e-mails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are
similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards
to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records
for the most cards.
All it was, and all this type of e-mail is, is to get names and 'cookie' tracking
information for telemarketers and spammers to validate active e-mail accounts
for their own purposes.
(If you have been sending out the above kinds of email, now you know why
you get so much spam!)
HOW TO PREVENT JUNK, SPAM E-MAILS:
1) Any time you see an e-mail that says forward this on to 'TEN' of your friends,
" sign this petition," or "you'll get good luck", or what ever, it has either an e-mail
tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and e-mails of those folks you
forward to, or the host sender is getting a copy. Each time it gets forwarded,
then it's able to get lists of 'active' e-mails to use in spam e-mails, or sell to
others that do.
2) Add this as the first entry of your address book:
AAAAalert AND for the e-mail address enter this: WORMALERTVIRUS@somewhere.com
IF anyone tries to capture your address book, they will hit a brick wall.
DO IT NOW!! None of your addresses will be available, since the first one stops everything.

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Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich spice that has become the rage of The Super
Foods Rx Diet, by Wendy Bazilian. Cinnamon boasts a rating of 6,956 ORAC
(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), beating out even anti-oxidant-rich foods
such as blueberries and cranberries, according to the USDA.
A Study of the antioxidant capacities of 277 selected foods were released in
November, 2007, by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. The new
database provides easy access to antioxidant values for a wide variety of foods,
cinnamon having one of the highest ratings. It has also been suggested that
cinnamon may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

The database will be used by scientists to help guide current research into
how antioxidants affect our nutritional health. For example, many fruits
and vegetables are known to be good sources of antioxidant vitamins,
such as E, C, and beta carotene, a form of vitamin A. But these natural foods
also contain other compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients, that
may also contribute to better health.

Other healthy spice winners include cloves, oregano, turmeric, curry powder,
ginger, thyme, paprika, rosemary, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin and
chili powder.

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Donating to the Annual Community Clothing & Food Drive in Delray Beach
(Article thanks to Mary Kay, Delray Blogger

If you have clothes you never wear and who doesn’t - here’s an opportunity to donate your gently used clothing to someone who will use it.

All donations go to local charities and churches.

* Annual Community Clothing & Food Drive. May 19 – 31st.
* Donations accepted from 8 – 5 p.m.

* Drop off Locations:

City of Delray Beach Community Center
50 N.W. 1st Ave.
Delray Beach

Delray Beach Public Library
100 W. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach

Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce
64 S.E. 5th Ave.
Delray Beach

Hand’s Stationers
325 E. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach

Safe & Secure Storage
2512 No. Federal Hwy.
Delray Beach

For more information contact Leah Kneppa at lkneppa@delraybeach.com or call 561.279.1380 x3.

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Killer Bees look like common Honey Bees, but their DNA and enzymes differ from honey bees. Honey bees are productive. Humans depend upon them to pollinate our fruits and vegetables. Killer bees are aggressive, do not survive in cold winters, and often abandon hives, so that when they mate with honey bees they can reduce the production of honey.

History: According to the Smithsonian Research archives, in 1956, African Honey Bees were imported into Brazil, with the idea of cross-breeding them with local populations of Honey Bees to increase honey production. In 1957, twenty-six African queens, along with swarms of European worker bees, escaped and have been found in South America, Central America, and eastern Mexico. In 1990, Killer Bees reached southern Texas, appeared in Arizona in 1993, and found their way to California in 1995.

Recently, a man in Palm Beach County was stung by thousands of killer bees, as he was clearing a field. What is being done to prevent the spread of these fearful insects?

There are solutions to this problem being experimented with in the United States. The first is termed "drone-flooding," which involves maintaining large numbers of common Honey Bees in areas where commercially-reared queen bees mate. This process would limit the mating possibilities between Africanized drones and European queens. The second strategy is "re-queening" frequently, where the beekeeper replaces the queen of the colony, thus assuring that the queens are European Honey Bees and that mating has also occurred with European drones.
BEE TRIVIA (courtesy of Wikopedia)
Yellowjackets and hornets, especially when encountered as flying pests, are often misidentified as bees, despite numerous differences between them.

Bees are often affected or even harmed by encounters with toxic chemicals in the environment, such as fertilizers and insecticides.

Despite the honey bee's painful sting and the stereotype of insects as pests, bees are generally held in high regard. This is most likely due to their usefulness as pollinators and as producers of honey, their social nature and their reputation for diligence. Bees are one of the few insects used on advertisements, being used to illustrate honey and foods made with honey.

Although a bee sting can be deadly to those with allergies, virtually all bee species are non-aggressive, if undisturbed, and many cannot sting at all.

Information for this BLOG also derived from Smithsonian Magazine

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A new book, Twinkie, Deconstructed, My Journey to Discover
How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown,
Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats.
written by Steve Ettlinger (Hudson Street Press/Penguin), 2007,
is a fascinating read.
My husband, Abe, took a sandwich lunch to work every day for more
than 20 years. In every paper bag, a Twinkie, Devil Dog, Yodel, or
Drakes Cakes would always be included. In fact, his colleagues
would remark, "If you want to find Abe, he's hiding behind his
lunch bag."
Why are these snack products so popular with adults and children?
Well, they are sweet and they taste good! But, asks the author,
Steve Ettlinger, what about those ingredients? What exactly is:
mono and diglycerides or calcium sulfate or cellulose gum?
This book has been called a "delightful romp through the food processing
industry," by Publishers Weekly and "the latest in a recent boom of food
investigation books," by The Wall Street Journal.
This is a fun book; easy to read; well-written. So, if you want to know
what Twinkies are made of, here are some of the ingredients:
wheat flour, bleach, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, lecithin, eggs,
cellulose gum, sodium acid pyrophosphate, monocalcium phosphate,
polysorbate 60, calcium sulfate, sorbid acid, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and
Red. No. 40. AND MORE.........too much more to list! All of these
ingredients, he insists, are included to increase the shelf-life of
the snacks.
What ever happened to including an apple, banana, or home-made
cookies into lunch boxes?

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The Department of Agriculture released information today about a recall
by Fairbank Reconstruction Corp., of Ashville, N.Y., of 22,481 pounds of
ground beef that may contain pieces of plastic. The problem was discovered
after the company received consumer complaints. So far, distribution has
been traced to retail establishments in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

One of the retail stores:

B.J's Fresh Ground Beef, 100% beef, "contains 15% fat."
Sell-by date of 05/15/08, and establishment number
"EST. 492" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Fairbank Farms toll-free hotline number: 1-800-724-1136

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Recently, the chemical "bisphenol" has been mentioned in the news media as
a possible risk to human reproduction. Bisphenol is a common chemical found
in baby bottles, sports bottles and microwaveable dishes. Here is some
information found on the website for the Center for Evaluation of Risks (CERHR)
to Human reproduction, part of the National Institutes of Health:
cerhr.niehs.nih.gov
CERHR selected bisphenol A for evaluation because it has received
considerable attention in recent years due to widespread human exposures
and concern for reproductive and developmental effects reported in laboratory
animal studies.
What is Bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in
the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It exists at room
temperature as a white solid and has a mild “phenolic” or hospital odor.
Polycarbonate plastics have many applications including use in certain food
and drink packaging, e.g., water and infant bottles, compact discs, and
medical devices. Polycarbonate plastics are typically clear and hard and
marked with the recycle symbol “7” or may contain the letters "PC" near the
recycle symbol.
Polycarbonate plastic can also be blended with other materials to create
molded parts for use in mobile phone housings, household items, and
automobiles. Epoxy resins are used as lacquers to coat metal products
such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Some polymers
used in dental sealants or composites contain bisphenol A-derived
materials. In 2004, the estimated production of bisphenol A in the
United States was approximately 2.3 billion pounds, most of which
was used in polycarbonate plastics and resins.

Is Your Baby's Bottle Potentially Harmful?
A new study “Baby's Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular
Baby Bottles,” released by environmental health groups in the U.S. and Canada
insists that the toxic chemical bisphenol A leaches from plastic baby
bottles when heated. The groups are calling for strong measures against
the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles and other food and beverage
containers. The report was commissioned, written and released by the
Work Group for Safe Markets, a coalition of environmental health NGOs.

Ninety-five percent of all baby bottles on the market are made with
bisphenol A. The results of the U.S. study show that, when new bottles
are heated, those manufactured by Avent, Evenflo, Dr. Brown’s and
Disney/First Years leached between 4.7 – 8.3 parts per billion of
bisphenol A. Recent research on animals shows that bisphenol A
can be harmful by disrupting development at doses below these levels.

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Delray/Boynton Chapter of the HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF America
monthly meeting will take place Friday, May 16, 2008 from 9:45 A.M.
to 12 Noon at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach .
(opposite Morikami Park.) Guest Speaker: Patricia B. Kricos, Ph.D,
Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders,
University of Florida. Question and answer period will follow.

Subject: “Living with hearing Loss: It Takes Two to Tango."
This is the final meeting of the season. Next meeting will be
September 19, 2008.

The meeting is open to the public at no charge.
Complimentary coffee and bagels served.
Oscar Segal, President
Email: trip3584@comcast.net
Tel. (561) 499-9873

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GIFTS FROM MY MOTHER

She was articulate and bright and feisty, my mother.

Brutally honest, perceptive, all-knowing, like no other.

She raised three children: myself, my sister, and my brother.

Teaching us: "Give charity, be strong, and love one another."

Macular Degeneration slowly robbed her of her sight,

So, the smell of fresh air and flowers brought her delight.

Her family love, a zest for life, and enjoying good health

Were other riches that became her wealth.

We experienced E.S.P., shared by two, so close

There was no need to be verbose.

I'd be driving, alone, and suddenly I knew

She needed me; Mom was feeling blue.

"Like mother, like daughter," I've heard people say,

I can't believe I do things exactly her way!

She taught me so many things, often causing confusion

But, I have a kaleidoscope of memories, without illusion.

I'll be mourning for her in my own unique way,

By celebrating her life, through my actions each day.

She'll be with me, from now on, in so many places

As I glance at her photo or at her great-grandchildren's faces.

Mom made our traditions stay strong and our faith stable.

Her delicious holiday recipes will remain on our table.

Goodbye Mother and thank you for gifts I will treasure.

Being your daughter was my lucky pleasure.

(In memory of Gertrude Gudin Weiss – 6/25/09 – 4/20/02)

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The next COWBRA general membership meeting is on May 21st ,
9:30 AM at Valencia Isles, which is located on Lyons Road between Boynton
Beach Blvd and Hypoluxo Road. At this meeting, if the legislation session
in Tallahassee is completed, our legislators give the COBWRA members
an update on what has happened.
At the April 16th meeting, Commissioner Kanjian spoke about resident
complaints of strangers knocking on doors and the unfairness of 15% increase
in water use fees,
Commissioner Aaronson disagrees with him on the increase in water bills because during the Hurricanes of 2004 & 2005, Palm Beach County Water Utilities supplied clean water to the unincorporated area. The plant did not go down as in other cities. 80% of the water fees collected goes to maintenance of the water pipes and facilities in order to keep the water clean and healthy.
Capt. Martin Bechtel announced the Grand Opening of the new District 6 Sheriff’s Sub-Station, on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. It is located at 7894 South Jog Road. Everyone is invited.

Scam Warning: Beware of anyone approaching, especially in a home improvement store, and identifying themselves as contractors then offering to install any item. Before you hire any contractor and/or pay any money, check him out through the Better Business Bureau or call The Dept. of Professional Regulators at 1-850-487-1395 or locally call Dept. of Planning, Building and Zoning at 1-561-233-5000.
Chief Mike Wells, PB Fire-Rescue reminded us that hurricane season is approaching. Please cut back all vegetation that hinders entry to a home or development. Because of recent swimming accidents, be sure to have a swim buddy any time you enter the water. Fire Station 44 (Flavor Pict near Jog Road) is on time to open in August.

Comm. Aaronson installed the new officers for 2008-09:
President: Barbara Katz, Valencia Shores
1st Vice President: Ken Lassiter, Pipers Glen Estates
2nd Vice President: Roberta Levitt-Moccia, San Marco
Treasurer: Bruce Gumple, Ponte Vecchio
Secretary: Stuart Caine, Ponte Vecchio West

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Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11th and Boca Raton Blogger, Lori Berman, suggests
these fine restaurants to enjoy with your family. I especially like the message she
offers at the end of her recommended list.

Carmen's Top of the Bridge - Open from 11:00 until 3:00 in the Bridge Hotel this is Boca's most picturesque spot for a traditional Sunday brunch. While enjoying views of Lake Boca Raton, you can gorge on the buffet which includes shrimp, oysters, omelets, antipasto, a carving station and deserts. The price is $36.95 per person and includes a champagne cocktail or mimosa.

Max's Grill - Check out the street life in Mizner Park and enjoy the brunch menu from 11:30 until 3:00. Max's serves the regular lunch menu and supplements it with a la carte items such as smoked salmon, omelets, quiche, french toast, corned beef hash and crab benedict. Max's describes itself as a modern American bistro and is well situated for post brunch window shopping.

Abe and Louie's - As befits this well known steak house, several of its Sunday brunch selections include the house specialty. Steak and eggs and even steak benedict are offered. Rounding out the a la carte menu are the tradition omelets, pancakes and french toast. Served from 11:30 through 3:30, lunch items including salads and steaks are also available.

Grand Lux Cafe - Conveniently located in the Town Center Mall this restaurant offers a weekend breakfast from 11:00 until 2:00. The menu features omelets, egg dishes, pancakes, french toast and waffles. Try the fried chicken and waffles for a southern breakfast option.

If you prefer a traditional breakfast restaurant, check out Tom Sawyer's or First Watch. Bagel Works, Toojays and Flakowitz are great for bagels and lox as well as eggs. Alternatively, breakfast in bed is always a welcome treat. Whatever choice you make, take the time to tell your mother how much she means to you and have a Happy Mother's Day.

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Linoleum, the floors your grandmother loved to hate, is back! Why is there
a revival of this petroleum product?

Linoleum is a floor covering made from solidified linseed oil, cork, and rosin,
over a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments are added to the materials, for color
variety. The finest linoleum floors, known as 'inlaid', are extremely durable;
they are made by joining and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. Good quality
linoleum is flexible and was used in buildings where tiled floors would crack.
Between the time of its invention in 1860 and the 1950s, it was considered to
be an excellent, inexpensive material for high-use areas. Housewives especially
like the fact that dropped dishes rarely broke.

Linoleum was invented and patented by Englishman Frederick Walton in 1860.
Today, Linoleum as a floor covering has been largely replaced with polyvinyl
chloride, which has similar properties of flexibility and durability, but which has
greater brightness and translucency and which is relatively less flammable.
The fire-retardant properties of PVC are due to chlorine-containing
combustion products, some of which are, unfortunately, highly toxic.

According to AARP Magazine, Spring 2008, Linoleum is "greener" for the
environment. It is naturally anti-static (repels dust) and it is made of organic
materials and is purportedly non-allergenic in nature. So, hospitals are looking
at linoleum for use in halls and waiting areas.

Linoleum has a life span of 30 to 40 years.

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Skin patches are a new way to deliver medicine to patients. Today, many
medications are being administered topically, via the skin, rather than
orally or by injection. Hormone supplements, anti-depression, birth-control
medication, as well as treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other
disease prevention medications are being administered via a "skin patch."

Skin patches provide an alternative to common gastric irritation and they
are less likely to affect a patient's liver.

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