HELPFUL HINTS...Other uses for Alka Seltzer

Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.

Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water
and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the
jewelry for two minutes.

Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

Unclog a drain.
To clear the sink drain, drop three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.

SCAM ARTISTS USING FORGED LETTERHEAD TO CON CALIFORNIANS

California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. is warning consumers that scam artists are using the forged letterhead of major lenders to "con" worried Californians into paying thousands of dollars for non-existent loan modification services.

"Californians should be deeply skeptical of anyone who demands money up front and makes extravagant promises that they can save their home," Brown said. Steps consumers can take to protect themselves from loan modification fraud are available at the local board of realtors.

Be very careful and it is always advisable to do some due diligence or ask your real estate professional for assistance.

NOTE: Complaints may be filed with the Attorney General's Office at: Office of the Attorney General - Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244

GREEN TIP: Permanent Filters

Instead of replacing your air conditioner or furnace filter several times a year, consider replacing the disposable filter with a permanent filter. These filters can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or garden hose and mild household detergents. Plus, these filters carry a lifetime warranty, saving you money in the long-term.

Economic Recovery payments

The stimulus packages provides for a one-time payment to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries - $250 to individuals and $500 for couples (if both receive benefits). You do not have to file forms or do anything special to get this money. It will just show up by early June as an extra check or automatic deposit, depending on how you usually receive your benefits.