We hear a lot about the health risks of drinking soda, but what about the cans themselves?

A CBS TV station tested soda cans bought at a variety of common locations and found stenotrophomonas maltophilia, pseudomonas luteola and enterobacter cloacae, on the tops of soda cans.

Connie Cutler, Director of Infection Prevention for Main Line Health, told CBSPhilly that these kinds of germs are usually only a danger to people with compromised immune systems.

So it looks like it’s a good idea to wash that can before you drink, but most people should be OK if they don’t.

In case these long scientific names don’t mean much to you. Here’s the the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health say about them:

• Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: “Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging multidrug-resistant global opportunistic pathogen.”
• Pseudomonas luteola: “Chryseomonas luteola has only rarely been reported as a human bacterial pathogen.”
• Enterobacter cloacae: “Enterobacter cloacae is not a primary human pathogen but has been considered to be an important cause of nosocomial infections.”

Police are investigating an indecent exposure incident that occured Friday in Havertown.

The Daily Salvo for February 18, 2013 - "Dog Days of Socialism"
In England, the British government is now requiring that all pet dogs to be microchipped by 2016. The reason for which we're told is to promote animal welfar... From: dailysalvo Views: 4 0 ratings Time: 01:00 More in News & Politics

According to police, a resident dropped off a substantial amount of cash this week that was found in an envelope somewhere on the south side of the borough. The cash is believed to have been lost on or before Feb. 8 because it was found under the snow.

A group of Lower Merion hockey players received a bit of a surprise a few weeks ago when they found the ring of an NHL player who mistakenly left it in a locker at the Wells Fargo Center after a game.

Police are investigating an indecent exposure incident that occured Friday in Havertown.

NORRISTOWN – A former Conshohocken weight loss doctor implied he was “completely out of my mind,” wracked by grief over the death of his wife, when he groped or sexually assaulted five female patients.

No. They don’t sell mud at mud sales.

Mud sales are spring fundraisers for Lancaster County fire departments. 

Why Go?

Deals: You can frequently find good deals on unusual items.

People Watching: If you’ve watched recent reality shows like Breaking Amish or Amish Mafia, you may wonder what they are really like. Many Amish and Mennonite families come to these sales. Horses and buggies are frequently among the items being auctioned off.

What is a Mud Sale?

They are called mud sales because the majority of the sales are held in fields, where it tends to get muddy during the spring, when the sales are held.

I’ve seen everything, including the kitchen sink, for sale at mud sales.

Each sale is different and some are bigger than others, but handmade Amish quilts are usually auctioned off in the firehouse. In tents and outside, you can find plants, used furniture, antiques, farm equipment, toys, office equipment, tools, hay, horses, buggies and much more.

There are usually multiple auctions going on at one time, so quilts may be being auctioned in the fire house while antiques are auctioned in a tent and in the field buggies are being auctioned off in one place and plants in another.

Each sale usually has its own food sale, so there’s no need to bring lunch. Support the fire company and get some chicken corn soup, chicken BBQ, hot dogs or some of their other goodies. You can usually find traditional Lancaster County favorites, such as whoopee pies and wet bottom and dry bottom shoofly pie. Some sales even have stands selling homemade root beer. 

Mud Sale Schedule:

February 23: Strasburg Fire Co.

• 203 Franklin St., Strasburg, PA 17579
• Start time: 8:30 a.m.

March 2: Bart Township Fire Co.

• 11 Furnace Rd., Quarryville, PA 1756
• Start time: 8:30 a.m.

March 9: Gordonville Fire Co.

• 3204 Vigilant St., Gordonville, PA 17529
• Bus Routes/Parking Information
• Start time: 8 a.m.
• (Typically, the biggest sale.)

March 16: Penryn Fire Co.

• 1441 N. Penryn Rd., Manheim, PA 17545
• Start time: 8 a.m.

March 16: Airville Volunteer Fire Co.

• 3576 Delta Rd., Airville, PA 17302
• Start time: 8:30 a.m.

March 16: West Earl Fire Co.

• 14 School Lane Ave., Brownstown, PA 17508
• Start time: 8 a.m.

March 23: Gap Fire Co.

• 802 Pequea Ave  Gap, PA 17527
• Start time: 8 a.m.
• Shuttle service available.

April 6: Robert Fulton Fire Co.

• 2271 Robert Fulton Hwy., Peach Bottom, PA  17563
• Start time: 8:30 a.m.  

Insider Tips

• Parking can be a challenge because frequently roads around the fire company are closed off for the sale. Some sales provide buses from remote parking lots, call the fire company fore details.
• First thing to look for when you arrive is the office so you can get a number so you can bid on things.
• If you buy something big, you typically have 24 hours to take it home, so be prepared.
• Enjoy

YORK, Feb 13 (Reuters) - As the only remaining defendant

Family, friends and members of the Lower Merion police community paid their final respects to Lower Merion police officer Sean Quinn at his funeral Saturday at Our Mother of Good Counsel in Bryn Mawr.  A memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. with interment immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Villanova.

The Daily Numbers: 20 years since the murder of Collingdale check-cashing business owner Fred Winner. The case remains unsolved.

2 years since Collingdale convenience store owner Yogesh Bhavsar was slain inside his shop. No arrest in that one either.

5,866 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of Fred Winner. 10,000 dollar reward in the case of Yogi Bhavsar.

1 alarm blaze that routed family in Darby Borough Sunday. There were no injuries.

0 injuries after flames forced several families to flee row house blaze on West 6th Street in Chester late Saturday.

12.37 million dollars raised by Penn State students in their annual THON dance marathon fundraiser, shattering old record by $1.7 million.

700 dancers and volunteers who have been taking part since 1977. The fundraiser has now raised more than $100 million for pediatric cancer research.

18 year old woman killed in 1-car crash in Kennett yesterday.

1 teen killed, 3 others injured in crash in New Jersey.

37, age of country singing star Mindy McCready, who police say took her own life on Sunday.

22 wins for the Sixers in the first half of this disappointing season.

0 games - or practices - injured star Andrew Bynum has been been able to take part in.

143-138 win for the West over the East in the NBA All-Star game. Another defensive struggle. 196.434 mph for Danica Patrick as she becomes first woman driver to capture the pole at Daytona.

Call me a Phanatic: A look at the ups and downs of being a Philadelphia sports fan.Can't believe President Obama didn't give me a call to carry his bag during his golf outing with Tiger Woods yesterday.

I Don’t Get It: Uh, Mr. President. About those sequester cuts. You know, back in Washington.

Today’s Upper: Kudos toall those kids at Penn State who raised $12.37 million in their weekend THON dance marathon.

Quote Box: “This case folder sits in a folder and , every once in a while, you take it out and go through it." - Collingdale Police chief Bob Adams, on unsolved murder of businessman Fred Winner 20 years ago.

Cursing my fate

We have entered the season of Lent. Which means I am once again in the process of trying to swear off cursing.
It’s not easy. I’ve already failed a number of times since Ash Wednesday. This should not be this hard. After all, I make a living with words. My problem stems from verbal cuss words, not putting them into print.
More and more, that is not the case. In my print column this week, I take a look at our slowly lowering standards for what passes as writing, especially the variety so often practiced online. Here’s a hint. LOL and OMG are not writing.
Neither is the world’s most popular four-letter word. And it’s s-word counterpart.
When exactly did such coarse dialog become socially acceptable? The nuns who instilled a love of language and formal writing in me would be rolling over in their graves.
I explain it all here.

 Here’s a comforting thought on a brutally cold President’s Day morning, after about as boring a sports weekend as I can remember.

And how ‘bout that Danica Patrick? No, that’s not what I’m talking about. Sure, it’s cool that she became the first woman to win the pole at the Daytona 500. But I’ll be even more impressed if she wins the actual race.

Runner-up Jeff Gordon may have had the line of the day when he quipped: “I was the fastest guy on the track.”

Patrick actually put all this in the right perspective.

She said she wants to be known as the fastest driver, not the fastest woman girl.

You go, girl.

None of that is what I am talking about, however. While the Flyers were flopping, and the Sixers were still waiting ... and waiting .... on Andrew Bynum and his cranky knees, something took place this weekend that will not happen again until November.

A weekend without baseball.

The Phillies full squad is now in Clearwater, and Grapefruit League games start next weekend. That means the Phillies on the radio. So I don’t care how cold it is, and for some reason this morning seemed to be one of the coldest of the winter, I know spring is not far off.

Of course, some of us don’t have that problem. Take President Obama, for example.

That little sequester issue with those pesky across-the-board spending cuts? They’ll have to wait. The president had a golf date this weekend. He was vacationing in Florida and got in 18-plus on The Floridian, a secluded, swanky yacht and golf club on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

The public and press were kept out while the commander-in-chief hit the links. The president’s foursome included Jim Crane, who owns the place - and the Houston Astros; outgoing U.S. Trade rep Ron Kirk, the former mayor of Dallas.

Oh, and one other duffer. Maybe you’ve heard of him. His name is Tiger Woods. It’s the first time the two have ever played together.

Look, I’m a golf nut. I don’t hold it against anyone when they sneak off to get in a round. But didn’t the president just get back from that holiday vacation in Hawaii? While he’s golfing in Florida, the first lady and their daughters are on a ski vacation out West. If his date with Tiger wasn't enough, the president prepped by spending eight hours with Butch Harmon, Tiger's former swing coach.

You mean you didn't break out the sticks this weekend and ask Butch to take a look at your swing?

The president is due back in Washington today. Not sure if he’ll be at work or enjoying the holiday named for the office he holds.

So how are you spending your holiday? I’m at work.

And yes, I’m bitter.

You’d think at least the president would offer some insight into the pressing issues the country faces? No, not the sequester. I'm wondering what tips he got from Tiger? Did the president offer him any marital advice in return?

So, Mr. President, after you spent your weekend with Tiger and Harmon, I have to ask: Any thoughts on how I can get rid of this nasty snap hook I’ve been fighting forever?

Philadelphia Police are searching for a bank robber after the second hold-up at the TD Bank Branch at 5501 Ridge Avenue in four days—a man they also believe robbed two Bala Cynwyd banks this month.

Police Spokeswoman Officer Christine O'Brien tells Patch a man walked into the bank branch just after noon on Sunday. He gave the teller a note demanding money. He fled north on Ridge Avenue with $400 in cash. (see surveillance photos, right)

There are no reports of any injuries and no arrests have been made.

Police are looking for a man wearing a black hat and all black clothing.

Police believe the same man is responsible for at least four incidents this month, including the robbery attempt at the same bank branch on Thursday. The would-be robber in that case fled without any money.

Police say they think the same man is reposponsible for the following robberies:

• Feb. 14: Sovereign Bank, Bala Cynwyd
• Feb. 12: TD Bank, Haverford
• Feb. 2: Citizens Bank, Bala Cynwyd

The man is considered to be armed and dangerous by the police, who urge anyone with information to call the FBI at 215-418-4000. or the Philadelphia Police Department.

Police say there may be a reward for information leading to an arrest and that tipsters can remain anonymous.

1. Monday is Presidents Day. Find out what's open and what's closed on Monday. Trash collection in Lower Merion will be on a normal schedule this week despite the holiday.

2. The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will meet at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the administration building's first floor board room (301 E Montgomery Ave, Ardmore). A vote on the preliminary 2013-14 budget is among the agenda items.  View the agenda.

3. Woodside Road in Ardmore will be closed between Lancaster Avenue and Montgomery Avenue beginning Wednesday. Get more info here.

4. Wynnewood Shopping Center's restaurant plan is up for vote on Wednesday at a special Building and Planning Committee meeting. Commissioners tabled a vote last week after a nearly four-hour discussion. According to the township website, the Board of Commissioners' committee meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the township building's second floor board room (75 E Lancaster Ave, Ardmore) View the agenda.

5. Arthur Miller's "An Enemy of the People" plays at Saint Josephs University Theater Company this Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $18; view the event listing on Patch for more information.

Woodside Road will close this week between Lancaster and Montgomery avenues for the installation of Comcast conduit, according to a Lower Merion Township press release.

Weather permitting, the road will be closed between Lancaster Avenue and Montgomery Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on:

• Wednesday, Feb. 20
• Thursday, Feb. 21
• Friday, Feb. 22
• Monday, Feb. 25
• Tuesday, Feb. 26

Emergency vehicles will not have access, and detour signs will be posted, according to the release.

One of my Valentine’s gifts was a double Valentine’s dinner  date with one of my BFFs and her husband at Yellow Springs Inn last evening (their Facebook page is there for the liking, have you liked it yet?)

I make no secret of my love for this restaurant, it is one of my most favorite places on earth.  And now that they are in the Jenny Lind House they are a BYOB, so our amazing meal was accompanied by some equally amazing wines from Iron Horse and Don Sebastiani & Sons.

The menu last evening was extraordinary, as was the ambiance, and overall experience (including service).  Mind you, I never feel ignored at Yellow Springs Inn, but last night the Inn stepped up their game to give their guests a truly memorable and ever so romantic evening on the last night of Valentine’s weekend.

One of the things I love about Yellow Springs Inn in addition is even when it is packed (and it was last night from the beginning of service to the end) you do not feel crowded in their rooms.  And you can hear your dinner companions and actually have a conversation.

I will note once again that the village itself was deader than a doornail with the exception of the Yellow Springs Inn.  But that is pretty much the way the village is most days except for when occasional events are taking place.  Historic Yellow Springs hates it when I criticize, but seriously, they need to step up their game – and they should really hook up with the Yellow Springs Inn as it continues to be the main draw to the village in my opinion. And yes I understand all the years of drama, but you know what? It is 2013 and time to get over stuff.

Vaughn House, which is immediately next door to Yellow Springs Inn and the Jenny Lind House is in even MORE of a state of disrepair than it was late summer and early fall.  It is in my opinion at the point where it might not be salvageable and if that gets torn down, shame on the village and their talk of preservation. Are they looking for the house to be deemed blighted and suitable only for a tear down? Is this demolition by neglect? Does the board of Historic Yellow Springs have any thoughts they want to share?

Anyway, enough about the village.  Go out to Yellow Springs Inn for dinner.  It is worth the drive and then some.

Yellow Springs Inn

1657 Art School Road Chester Springs, PA 19425

Phone: (610) 827-7477

Wednesday Through Saturday 5:00pm – 9:30pm

BYOB

 

Although the Philadelphia area is packed with Revolutionary history and the executive mansion was in Philadelphia for a decade, the state of Pennsylvania has only had one native son take the Presidential oath of office.

James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States of America.

“A Unionist and moderate Democrat, Buchanan won the presidential election in 1856, because voters held the futile hope that he could calm the bitter disputes between the North and South about slavery,” according to the National Park Service.

Buchanan lived his life in central Pennsylvania. He was was born in Mercersburg, Franklin County, and educated at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Cumberland County. He studied law in Lancaster, where he established his home of Wheatland on 22 acres.

If you want to visit Wheatland, you can do so on weekends starting this weekend with tours on the hour starting at 10 a.m. The last tour starts at 4 p.m. Public tours are offered on weekdays April through October with the same tour schedule.

Address

230 North President Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603

Admission

• Adults: $10
• Seniors (65 and older) and Students: $8
• Children 13 and younger: Free
• Parking: Free

BB-minus For Authenticity: According to a report from Phoenixville Patch, victims of a Feb. 7 home invasion turned the tables on one of the robbers when they realized his gun was fake. You can read the whole story here.

Someone Belongs in the Penalty Box: According to a report from Ardmore Patch, a resident had a package of Philadelphia Flyers season tickets delivered Feb. 4 that was stolen within 24 hours. Estimated value: almost $8,000. You can read the whole story here.

The 'Cuprits' Were 'Strapped' for Cash: According to a report from Springfield Patch, 50 bras were stolen Feb. 9 from a Victoria's Secret. You can read the whole story here.

Lower Merion police responded to approximately 302 calls the week ending Feb. 10 throughout Ardmore, Merion Station, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne and Haverford, down from 401 calls for service received the previous week.

A version of the department's most recent report, sorted by the type of incident and culled of incidents throughout the rest of Lower Merion, is attached to this article.

From Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, the police calls (which do not necessarily indicate arrests were made or charges filed) included:

• Four dog-related incidents
• One case of compromised identity, on the unit block of E Lancaster Ave. on Feb. 4
• Four reports of disorderly conduct
• Six reports of an emotionally disturbed person
• Seven fires
• Four reports of someone operating a vehicle under a suspended license
• Nine car accidents with property damage
• One accident involving a pedestrian, at Clover Hill Road and Lancaster Ave. at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.
• One simple assault
• One case of pick-pocketing on the unit block of E Lancaster Ave., reported 1:59 p.m. on Feb. 10.

See the full list in the attached PDF.