I wrote this about Eleanor's VF-11, which probably uses the same ad copy writer as Superthrive, a long time ago. The guaranteed analysis of the primary macro-nutrients (NPK) in Eleanor's is Analysis: 0.15 - 0.85 - 0.55 This is less than 1% of ANY of the majors. 1/8 of 1% N, 7/8 of 1% P, 1/2 of 1% K. This is EXTREMELY low in fertility. Since I cannot find the rest of the analysis, I'm going to guess the rest of the nutrients are probably nonexistent or nearly so. I haven't used this potion (VF-11), but then, you don't need to ride the bus to know what makes the wheels go round & round. Forgive me for being somewhat skeptical or even cynical, but when vague claims are made like: ".... and mildew is eliminated because VF-11 changes the pH and creates a condition where mildew can not grow. Once again, isn't it amazing?" I wonder why there isn't something specific in the claim. Changes the pH of what? Soil? Cellular pH? Leaf surface pH - for how long? Hmmm I also wonder at: "VF-11 builds so much strength and health that plant cells 'harden' and 'seal in' the amino acids which aphids feed on. You have merely eliminated their food supply. And you have done it without the use of poisonous systemic or pesticides. Pretty nice...huh?" Don't aphids feed on sap? How does this product eliminate sap, or make the sap unavailable to aphids? Does it somehow make cells so hard that they cannot be penetrated - and dry up all the intra-cellular plant water/sap? Shouldn't I/we be saying GMAB here? There's more, but you get the drift. I wouldn't say that this product has no benefit, as it may very well have somesize>, but I am of the general feeling there is no significant, and surely no panacean value to products like Superthrive or the VF-11 elixir; and it's a good bet it's not the magic potion some may think it to be. I don't trust advertising that is false on its face, and this alone is enough to feed the skeptic in me. One thing additional: The claim that "....you cannot overdo ....", means there could only be extremely minute (almost immeasurable or nonexistent) amounts of any micro-nutrients in it because micro-nutrient overdose produces toxicity at even low levels, and over-doing would reveal readily visible symptoms, quickly. Like I said, I wouldn't argue that it has no value, but I do know that I would invest in a good fertilizer with micro-nutrients before I would trust plant vitality to a product labeled with insubstantial claims. ************************************************** We know the placebo effect is alive and unwittingly witnessed to on these forums because we can often find claims made about magic ingredients that are physically and physiologically impossible, and defy what we know of science. In most cases, people are simply seeing what they think they are supposed to see. That may ruffle some feathers, but it doesn't negate the fact that time and again I've seen cause/effect relationships so badly misconstrued that it makes us wonder what might be going through some one's mind. One of the reasons I can say this is, I have (dozens & dozens of times) had people attribute wonderful things to a change to either the 5:1:1 or gritty mix, when I know with absolute certainty that it was MUCH too soon for any change of the reported magnitude to have taken place. I offer that in the interest of honesty, because even though the soils mentioned provide a very hospitable abode for roots, they can't work miracles. Plants are genetically programmed to grow well. They need certain things. Good soil, light, fertilizer, temperature ..... to grow well. Concentrating on making these PRIMARY factors as unlimiting as we can will always yield more gain than putting our faith in miracle cures we think can make up for other shortcomings. They can't. Get the basics right and you're 90% of the way there - THEN worry about the fine tuning. Did that sound like a rant? ;-) I hope it was closer to just straightforward info. Al

Yes I was asking about the finish on the faucet. Thank you. I had tried just wiping off the sink with vinegar but it wasn't doing much. Letting it soak for awhile and then a little scrubbing did the trick. I used your paper towel suggestion Sheilajoyce. That was very helpful since there is a little groove around the top edge that's hard to clean. After I was done and has it all dried off, I rubbed some veggie oil around the faucet area where the deposits were the worst hoping that will make it easier to keep dry and clean. It looks like new! Thanks so much for your help everyone.

I used vinegar in the rinse in my old Top Loader. I used about 1/4 to 1/2 cup. I continue to use it in my FL - I fill the FL softener dispenser, which is probably a couple of tablespoons. I have a septic system and have not noticed any problems. Like grainlady, I've never had a problem with vinegar smell on the clothes, certainly not after they have dried. If you should have a problem with a vinegar smell, cut back on the amount you are using. I would not worry about vinegar harming your septic tank. Distilled white vinegar is a very mild acid (5%) -- you can eat it, after all. Your goal is to make the rinse water slightly acid, which helps to neutralize any lingering detergent, so the clothes rinse cleaner. It made a difference in the old TL; it makes a difference in the FL. Commercial laundries use an acid in the rinse for the same reason, but I assume that commercial laundries probably uses something stronger than food-grade vinegar. As long as you aren't putting huge amounts of vinegar into your septic system all at once (huge = 55 gallon drum), I doubt you have anything to worry about. CMC

The least expensive aged Balsamic that I currently have is RomanticA Gran Riserva, and I paid about $30, but the price has been reduced. I thought it was a bargain at $30, and I did taste it before buying it. It's very thick and sweet, and I generally serve it drizzled over apple or pear slices, but also sometimes with strawberries. I also have a bottle of Fondo di Trebbiano that I paid $60 for recently and had bought before for $48. The price on this one keeps going up, it seems, but it is only slightly better than RomanticA, IMO, but it is definitely thicker and somewhat sweeter. When I run out, I will probably just replace it with RomanticA, but it depends on what there is available the Surfas Restaurant Supply, where I can taste before I buy. Cavalli looks excellent as well. For the sauce you are making, I would not use a bottle that is cheaper than $15 - the cheaper ones have a harsher, less mellow flavor, and that comes through even in a berry sauce. I only use the cheaper ones in certain salad dressings where I want a sharp flavor. I like keeping a range on hand for different uses. I consider them a good investment. Lars