ANSWER: Sun Spots has discovered that much research has been done on the subject of the taste of water and whether bottled water tastes better than tap water. ABC’s “Good Morning America” news show reported that a “study from the Switzerland-based World Wildlife Fund International may be throwing some water on that belief. The study finds bottled water is no safer or healthier than what you get when you turn on your kitchen faucet.
“But does the expensive stuff at least taste better? ‘Good Morning America’s’ studio audience didn’t think so. In fact, in a taste test administered by Olympic medalist and GMA contributor Dara Torres, the audience picked tap water as the clear favorite.
No. 1: New York City Tap: received 45 percent of the vote
No. 2: Poland Spring: received 24 percent of the vote
No. 3: O-2, Oxygenated Water: received 19 percent of the vote
No. 4: Evian: received 12 percent of the vote.” Sun Spots found other similar reports that concluded tap water tasted better than bottled water. Each type of bottled water has its fans and haters, so as far as taste is concerned, the matter is subjective.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read Sunspots this past Tuesday, Sept. 8, with great interest because I have been trying to get rid of rats from my property since last winter. Only one has been caught in the rat trap so far. They are tenacious and smart. The glue board was moved two times within a few hours, so it probably should be secured on three sides with weight. I tried to find an exterminator in the yellow pages, but came up empty. Is that something you could provide? Also would like to know the complete website address to Cornell University? Where do we find rodent bait with Vitamin D3 that you mentioned in the article? About to tear my hair out! — No Name, Wilton.
ANSWER: To answer your first and third questions, vitamin D3 is available in commercial rodenticides. Professional pest control experts available in Maine include Modern Pest Services at 207-358-6155; Pine State Pest Solutions at 207-795-1100; and Green Pest Defense at 207-517-9945. The URL for the Cornell University website with the information about d-Con, warfarin and vitamin K is http://tinyurl.com/qxjhzlc/.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Volunteer department at Rumford Hospital has an awesome program called “Caring Stitchers” which includes many volunteers who knit or crochet afghans and baby items for patients in the hospital. We can always use more yarn and are looking for donations of new acrylic yarn. If you have some that you would like to donate to this program, please contact Susan Hedrich, volunteer director at 207-369-1143 or email hedricsu@cmhc.org. Donations may also be dropped off at the hospital central registration desk. Please leave your name and contact information with your donation so we can acknowledge your gift. Many thanks. — Rumford Hospital Volunteer Program.
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