Recent Blog Posts

SHEDDING LIGHT ON ROCCO'S TACOS

Lucas — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Check out the beautiful chandelier at Rocco's Tacos (Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, Florida).

SOMEONE WASN'T THIRSTY (OR HUNGRY)

Lucas — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:45:00 GMT

A reader sent us this photo from Neir's Tavern & Steak House in Woodhaven, Queens.

(Why does this look so unappetizing?)

Photo credit: Natalino Tartufato

AN ASTRONAUTICAL VIEW

Lucas — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:30:00 GMT

An Astronaut's View from Station

A view of Earth as seen from the Cupola on the Earth-facing side of the International Space Station. Visible in the top left foreground is a Russian Soyuz crew capsule. In the lower right corner, a solar array panel can be seen.

This photo was taken from the ISS on June 12, 2013.

Image Credit: NASA

COME OUT FOR MARK WEPRIN

Lucas — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for a night out with NYC Councilmember Mark Weprin?

He's having a fundraiser on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, from 6:30-8:30 PM, at the Stonewall Inn.

Tickets are $25.

SEE THIS COMING?

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:30:00 GMT

What you can’t see about what you see

Take the Next Step
Dilated Eye Exams

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Eye problems don’t always give you a heads-up. Dr. Jinan Saaddine of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they can affect people of any age and might not have symptoms until late in the condition. Older people have a greater chance of developing eye disease and other vision problems. So Dr. Saaddine says people ages 65 or older should have their eyes checked every two years or as recommended by their eye doctor.

“For example, people with diabetes should have an annual comprehensive dilated-eye exam to detect diabetic retinopathy at an early stage.”

Older people might notice some symptoms, such as difficulty driving at night or seeing billboards or road signs. But some problems are a normal part of aging and can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Learn more at healthfinder.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

DEVOUR BROOKLYN EATS

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:30:00 GMT

Brooklyn Eats to Feature Over 100 Borough-Based Food and Beverage Vendors on June 26 in East Williamsburg

Show To Include Cooking Demos and Appearances by Stephen Munshin, publisher of Edible Brooklyn, and Famed Pastry Chef Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolate; Citi Commercial Bank to Serve as Title Sponsor

With just a week to go, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Brooklyn Eats will feature over 100 borough-based food and beverage manufacturers on June 26 at 630 Flushing Avenue in East Williamsburg.

"Brooklyn Eats will be the biggest and hottest food and beverage trade show the borough has ever seen," said Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. "We all know the food scene in Brooklyn is special and this show will bring together manufacturers all under one roof. In addition, the show will feature special guests - like Stephen Munshin of Edible Brooklyn and Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolate - in another sign of how important the food economy is to Brooklyn."

Brooklyn Eats is free to the public and will run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m.

The Chamber welcomes buyers, restaurant/hospitality company representatives, and curious consumers to enjoy the tastes of Brooklyn, meet food manufacturers, and enjoy a variety of programming over the course of the day.

"It's been thrilling to have a front row seat for the Brooklyn food revolution that's taken place over the last few years," said Stephen Munshin, editor of Edible Brooklyn, Edible Manhattan and Edible East End. "It's definitely time for a trade show in Brooklyn focused exclusively on the borough's talented tastemakers. Eaters and drinkers are ready, and so are food and drink makers. Edible Brooklyn is excited to be a partner with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and we welcome Brooklyn Eats with open arms (and mouths)."

The title sponsor for Brooklyn Eats this year is Citi Commercial Bank.

Dennis Nochowitz, Area Director/Citigroup, said, "What makes New York unique and most interesting is its diversity. Citi embraces this diversity and is proud to support Brooklyn Eats as well as the many activities that the Brooklyn Chamber delivers to support the business community in a meaningful way."

The Brooklyn Chamber's Board Chair, Denise Arbesu, a Senior Vice President at CitiBank, said the sponsorship is aimed at supporting and helping grow Brooklyn-based businesses.

"Citi's sponsorship of Brooklyn Eats and the Chamber's activities within the food industry demonstrates the bank's continued commitment to support impactful organizations and business segments which contribute to the growth of our local economy and improve our communities," she said.

The daylong event will feature*:

8:30 a.m.

Kick-off Breakfast Sponsored by National Grid featuring Keynote Speaker Stephen Munshin, Publisher Edible Brooklyn, Edible Manhattan, Edible East End

10:45 a.m.

National Grid Presentation: Energy-related cost savings for commercial kitchens

11 a.m.

ShopKeep POS Founder and CEO Jason Richelson: Run You Shop with Your head in the Clouds

11:30 a.m.

Jacques Torres discusses his new project at the Brooklyn Army Terminal

Noon - 2 p.m.

Lunch! Specialty foods will be for sale featuring Brooklyn's food manufacturers

12:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Cooking demos, sponsored by Local 61, including up-and-coming Brooklyn chefs Marco Chirico of Enoteca On Court and Lukas Volger, author of Vegetarian Entrees that Won't Leave You Hungry. Cooking to feature products on display at Brooklyn Eats.

4 p.m.

A Conversation with Rick Camac, CEO, Fatty Crew Hospitality Group

6 - 8 p.m.

Citi Commercial Bank Presents Brooklyn Eats After-Party (By Invitation Only)

*Program subject to change.

For more information and the day's schedule of events, visit www.BrooklynEats.com.

CONGRATULATIONS, JAVIER VARGAS

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:15:00 GMT

NOTICE

Please join former President-Elect, Javier Vargas, at his Induction as a New York City Housing Court Judge.

Thursday. June 20, 2013
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
at
Manhattan Civil Court
111 Centre Street, Room 325
New York, NY 10007

Subways: Canal St, N, R, Q, J and no. 6
Franklin Street, no. 1

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS ARE STEPPING UP

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

LendingTree Survey: Financial Benefits of Homeownership and Housing Affordability Motivate Potential Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers dominate the homebuyer market as both mortgage rates and home prices are expected to rise

In recognition of Homeownership Month, LendingTree surveyed a panel of 600 individuals who are considering purchasing a home within the next 12 months, conducted online by Research Data Technology, Inc. from May 21-23, 2013. The survey revealed that prospective homebuyers expect both mortgage rates (64%) and home prices (68%) to rise over the next 12 months, indicating that today's housing market presents an ideal time to purchase a home.

Interestingly, 72% of home buyers residing in the western United States anticipate higher residential prices, compared to residents of the northeastern United States where 59% share this outlook. Of those surveyed, 57% are first-time homebuyers with the home buying urgency between active (45%) and more casual (55%) shoppers.

"The housing market is stabilizing and financing is becoming more available for potential home buyers," said Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree.com. "Increasing home prices are providing would-be sellers with the confidence needed to take action, while rising interest rates are placing a sense of urgency on potential home buyers. Together this creates a unique window of opportunity for buyers and sellers to take advantage of the market while home prices and rates are still reasonably affordable."

Outlook on Household Finances

Active home seekers (80%) are more optimistic about their households' financial condition 12 months from now, compared to casual home seekers (70%). Less active home seekers cited they require more confidence in their household financial situations before home ownership moves into sharper focus. Forty-three percent (43%) of less active homebuyers cited improvement in household economic conditions (23%) and the need to save for a down payment (20%) as their top two reasons for being less committed to home purchase at this time. Additionally, 27% of experienced homeowners stated their top reason for the casual pursuit of a home at this time is they need to sell their current home.

Mortgage Process and Loan Preferences

The guiding attribute in future mortgage applications is affordability. When asked what percentage of the home purchase price did you put down or expect to put down when you find the home you want, forty-four percent of home seekers expect to put down less than 15% of the home purchase price, 37% expect to put down from 15-24%, and 19% will put down greater than 25%. The preferred type of mortgage sought by homebuyers is the fixed rate mortgage. As for expected loan type, 45% of home seekers expect to apply for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, 36% a 15-year fixed rate mortgage, only 7% will seek an adjustable rate mortgage, with 12% of respondents unsure of their loan preference.

Shopping around for a mortgage is deemed worthwhile by most home buyers with 66% of homebuyers believing the variance in rates is 25bps to 75bps across lenders. Additionally, 49% percent of respondents claim they would apply the money saved on a mortgage payment towards debt reduction and they cite mortgage brokers as the most influential source for mortgage-related information, followed by the Internet and real estate brokers.

Time consuming paperwork is considered the most annoying aspect of the home buying process for 31% of respondents. Uncertainty about the fairness of their mortgage rate (30%) is tied with complexity of terms (30%) for the top causes of frustration in shopping for a mortgage. A lack of knowledge about mortgages and complexity of the terms bothered first time buyers.

Homebuying Motivators

Financial and habitat circumstances are motivating home shoppers to become homebuyers. Approximately 42% of potential homebuyers cited the financial benefits of owning versus renting as a main driver for their decision to buy while 32% said they needed more space to accommodate growing families. Other reasons for seeking a home include upgrading to better neighborhoods (32%), relocating (24%), downsizing for affordability (10%) or downsizing because of empty-nester status (9%).

Among casual homebuyers and those intending to start searching for a home within 12 months, 23% are waiting for their household's economic situation to improve and another 20% have to save more money for a down payment. These are their single largest hurdles to overcome before they can become more committed homebuyers.

* * *

Some survey highlights include:

The residential market is narrowly divided between active and casual homebuyers.
- The homebuyer market is comprised of 57% first-time buyers and 43% experienced buyers (already owned a home).
- Among homebuyers, 45% are actively looking for a home or found one but have not yet closed, and 55% are casually looking at homes or intend to start within 12 months.
- Midwestern states more than other regions in the US have the highest proportion of active homebuyers (50%) compared to northeastern states with the fewest (36%).
- On average, Active homebuyers are 34 years of age and much younger than their casual counterparts (average age is 40).
Financial obstacles impede casual homebuyers from becoming more serious home seekers.
- Among casual homebuyers and those intending to start searching for a home within 12 months, 23% are waiting for their household's economic situation to improve and another 20% have to save more money for a down payment. These are their single largest hurdles to overcome before they can become more committed homebuyers.
- 27% of experienced homeowners (already owned a home) have to sell their current home before they can more actively search for another one.
Financial and habitat circumstances motivate home shoppers to become homebuyers.
- 42% cited the financial benefits of owning versus renting.
- 32% need more space to accommodate growing families.
- Other reasons for seeking a home include upgrading to better neighborhoods (32%), relocating (24%), downsizing for affordability (10%) or downsizing because of empty-nester status (9%).
- Real estate professionals and the Internet are among the most valuable sources that homebuyers rely on for mortgage-related information.
- 56% of respondents mentioned mortgage brokers/bankers, 46% identified real estate brokers and 39% said the Internet are their most valuable sources for obtaining information about mortgages.
- The rank order of the single most valuable source for mortgage information is:
  - 23% mortgage broker or banker
  - 17% Internet
  - 14% real estate broker
Looking ahead 12-months, homebuyers expect the prices of residential properties and mortgage rates will be higher.
- 68% expect higher prices (10% a lot higher; 58% a little higher). The outlook for higher home prices is not uniform across the US. 72% of respondents residing in the western states anticipate higher home prices, compared to residents in the northeast where 59% share this prediction.

* * *

About the Survey

Survey results are based on 600 individuals who are considering purchasing a home within the next 12 months. These potential homebuyers participated in an online survey conducted by Research Data Technology, Inc., on behalf of LendingTree, on May 21-23, 2013. The 600 respondents represent a targeted sample of potential homebuyers that were selected from a consumer panel of individuals in the US with access to the Internet. The margin of error in this survey is ±4%. This means that in 19 cases out of 20, survey results based on 600 respondents will differ by no more than 4.0 percentage points in either direction from what would have been obtained by seeking the opinions of all eligible individuals who are online and thinking about purchasing a home.

About LendingTree, LLC
LendingTree, LLC is the nation's leading online source for competitive home loan offers, empowering consumers during the mortgage, refinance or auto loan process. LendingTree provides an online marketplace which connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business, as well as an array of online tools and information to help consumers find the best loan. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 30 million loan requests and $214 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to lenders offering mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, and more. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE). For more information go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, join our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.

NURTURING REAL-ESTATE WOMEN

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:30:00 GMT

Two New York Law School Students Awarded Prestigious WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate Scholarships

Erin Andrews and Vivianna Schwoerer Recognized for Outstanding Efforts at NYLS Center for Real Estate Studies; Invited to Participate in WX Mentoring Program

Two New York Law School (NYLS) third-year students have been awarded scholarships by WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate. Erin Andrews and Vivianna Schwoerer, promising students at NYLS' Center for Real Estate Studies, each received $5000 and an invitation to participate in WX's select mentoring program.

The WX mentoring program is open to WX scholarship recipients and promotes the advancement of women in real estate professions by introducing mentees to career opportunities and female leaders in various real estate fields.

"Erin and Vivianna are two worthy and accomplished representatives of New York Law School. In only our second year with the program, the WX board made a point of telling us how very impressed they were with all of our applicants and, in particular, the two women they chose this year for this significant award," said Professor Andrew Berman, Director of the Center for Real Estate Studies.

"Finding and nurturing the next generation of women to lead the real estate industry is fundamental to carrying out WX's mission. Our scholarship and mentoring recipients are among the most promising talents currently studying in the field," said Beth Sapery, Co-Chair of WX Scholarship Committee. "We look forward to introducing them to today's female leaders in real estate and exploring the wide range of career opportunities that lie ahead."

WX Women Executives in New York Real Estate recognized female undergrad and graduate level students for the 2012-2013 academic year from an impressive selection of institutions including NYLS, Cornell, Columbia, NYU, CCNY, Yale, UConn, Lehigh, Penn, and Harvard. The complete list of recipients may be viewed at http://wxnyre.com/scholarship/recipients.

About CRES at New York Law School
The Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES) at New York Law School provides students with a unique educational opportunity to study both the private practice and public regulation of real estate. Through an engaged and accomplished faculty, the Center offers an extensive selection of classroom courses, advanced seminars, and independent study projects, as well as externships and mentorships in governmental offices and real estate firms. Its programs and curriculum reflect current concerns about ensuring environmental sustainability, creating affordable housing, preserving historical landmarks, safeguarding the financial stability of the residential and commercial mortgage markets, and assessing public costs and social justice issues arising from development. With its committed Advisory Board, the Center helps students gain practical experience in real estate and build a network for future employment.

About the WX Charitable Fund

The WX Charitable Fund, Ltd. is a duly qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Working closely with WX Inc., the WX Charitable Fund provides scholarships to programs which support the career development of young women pursuing careers in commercial real estate. For more information, please visit http://wxnyre.com/about-wx.

THEY SPLIT UP WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:45:00 GMT

Dear New Yorker,

Last night Governor Cuomo split up the Women's Equality Act into 10 individual bills that reflect each of the 10 reforms in the original act. Now we need your help to make sure that each and every one of these bills gets passed before the State's legislative session ends this Friday (June 21^st).

Governor Cuomo knows that New York's women don't want to wait another year for the Senate to decide that we deserve these reforms. The Senate Leadership needs to understand this, too.

Here at the New York City Council we've always known how crucial it is to defend women's equality. That's why we have supported this agenda from the very start. From the moment the Governor first proposed it in his State of the State address to its introduction in the State Legislature, we've been working to help make sure that the Women's Equality Act gets passed.

If, like us, you support the Women's Equality Act in its ENTIRETY, please click here and sign our online petition urging the Senate to pass this entire 10-point plan now before the session ends. Tell them that New York must protect a women's right to choose, ensure pay equity and end sexual harassment. Tell them that pregnant women shouldn't be discriminated against in the workplace and that sex trafficking victims should have the strongest possible laws protecting them.

Together, we can help make sure that New York's women don't have to go another year without these vital protections.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

NYC Council

Julissa Ferreras

Chair, Women's Issues Committee

NYC Council

Jessica S. Lappin

Council Member

NYC Council

Rosie Mendez

Council Member

NYC Council

LIU: STOP EXPLOITING EVERDAY PEOPLE

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:15:00 GMT

LIU BLASTS LUXURY APARTMENT SUBSIDIES

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following yesterday on state lawmakers' approval of tax breaks for luxury apartment buildings:

"Extending tax breaks to super-luxury apartment buildings in Manhattan is wrongheaded and shows grossly misplaced priorities. It's sad and outrageous that billionaires get huge subsidies while the Rent Guidelines Board considers significant rent increases for millions of New Yorkers. It's especially galling that the tax abatement in question, called 421-a, was meant to promote construction of affordable housing.

"While most New Yorkers may not know what 421-a means, they do know that housing in this City is increasingly unaffordable and that special corporate interests continue to exploit everyday people."

Background:

"NY lawmakers mandate massive tax breaks for millionaires' Manhattan apartments," New York Daily News, June 18, 2013: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/uptown/big-tax-breaks-mandated-millionaires-nyc-digs-article-1.1375297#ixzz2Wa4d2pXG

Liu: High Rents Hold City's Middle Class Under Siege, Sept. 19, 2012: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2012_releases/pr12-09-102.shtm

MAY WE HAVE YOUR (INNER) EAR?

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Researchers discover two-step mechanism of inner ear tip link regrowth

Mechanism offers potential for interventions that could save hearing

A team of NIH-supported researchers is the first to show, in mice, an unexpected two-step process that happens during the growth and regeneration of inner ear tip links. Tip links are extracellular tethers that link stereocilia, the tiny sensory projections on inner ear hair cells that convert sound into electrical signals, and play a key role in hearing. The discovery offers a possible mechanism for potential interventions that could preserve hearing in people whose hearing loss is caused by genetic disorders related to tip link dysfunction. The work was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), a component of the National Institutes of Health.

The findings appear in the June 11, 2013 online edition of PLoS Biology. The senior author of this study is Gregory I. Frolenkov, an associate professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, and his fellow, Artur A. Indzhykulian, Ph.D., is the lead author.

Scanning electron microscopy image illustrates tiny extracellular links between stereocilia of an inner ear hair cell. One type of link, the tip link, connects the top of the shorter stereocilium to the side of a longer stereocilium and is crucial for hearing. The yellow dots in the inset are the immuno-gold particles that label specific proteins comprising the tip link. (Credit: G. Frolenkov, Ph.D.)

Stereocilia are bundles of bristly projections that extend from the tops of sensory cells, called hair cells, in the inner ear. Each stereocilia bundle is arranged in three neat rows that rise from lowest to highest like stair steps. Tip links are tiny thread-like strands that link the tip of a shorter stereocilium to the side of the taller one behind it. When sound vibrations enter the inner ear, the stereocilia, connected by the tip links, all lean to the same side and open special channels, called mechanotransduction channels. These pore-like openings allow potassium and calcium ions to enter the hair cell and kick off an electrical signal that eventually travels to the brain where it is interpreted as sound.

The findings build on a number of recent discoveries in laboratories at NIDCD and elsewhere that have carefully plotted the structure and function of tip links and the proteins that comprise them. Earlier studies had shown that tip links are made up of two proteins — cadherin-23 (CDH23) and protocadherin-15 (PCDH15) — that join to make the link, with PCDH15 at the bottom of the tip link at the site of the mechanotransduction channel, and CDH23 on the upper end. Scientists assumed that the assembly was static and stable once the two proteins bonded.

Tip links break easily with exposure to noise. But unlike hair cells, which can’t regenerate in humans, tip links repair themselves, mostly within a matter of hours. The breaking of tip links, and their regeneration, has been known about for many years, and is seen as one of the causes of the temporary hearing loss you might experience after a loud blast of sound (or a loud concert). Once the tip links regenerate, hair cell function returns usually to normal levels. What scientists didn’t know was how the tip link reassembled.

To study tip link assembly, the researchers treated young, postnatal (5-7 days) mouse sensory hair cells with BAPTA – a substance that, like loud noise, damages and disrupts tip links. To image the proteins, the group pioneered an improved scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique of immunogold labeling that uses antibodies bound to gold particles that attach to the proteins. Then using SEM they imaged the cells at high resolution to determine the positions of the proteins before, during, and after BAPTA treatment.

What the researchers found was that after a tip link is chemically disrupted, a new tip link forms, but instead of the normal combination of CDH23 and PCDH15, the link is made up of PCDH15 proteins at both ends. Over the next 24 hours, the PCDH15 protein at the upper end is replaced by CDH23 and the tip link is back to normal.

Why tip links regenerate using a two-step instead of a neat one-step process is not known. For reasons that are still unclear, CDH23 disappears from stereocilia after noise damage while PDCH15 stays around. Looking to regenerate quickly, the lower PDCH15 latches onto another PDCH15, forming a shorter and functionally slightly weaker tip link. Later, at some time during the 36 hours after the damage, when CDH23 returns, PDCH15 gives up its provisional partner and latches onto its much stronger mate in CDH23. In other words, PDCH15 prefers to be with CDH23, but in a pinch it will bond weakly with another bit of PDCH15 until CDH23 shows up.

The researchers coupled the SEM observations with electrophysiology studies to show how the functional properties of the tip links changed throughout this two-step process. The temporary PCDH15/PCDH15 tip link has a slightly different functional response than the permanent PDCH15/CDH23 combination. Researchers were able to correlate the differences in function with the protein combinations that make up the tip link.

Additional experiments revealed that when hair cells develop, the tip links use the same two-step process.

Previous research has shown that both CDH23 and PCDH15 are required for normal hearing and vision. In fact, NIDCD scientists in earlier studies have shown that mutations in either of these genes can cause the hearing loss or deaf-blindness found in Usher Syndrome types 1D and 1F.

“In the case of deaf individuals who are unable to make functional CDH23, knowledge of this new temporary alliance of PCDH15 proteins to form a weaker, but still functional, tip link could inform treatments that would encourage the double PCDH15 bond to become permanent and maintain at least limited hearing,” said Tom Friedman, Ph.D., chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at NIDCD where the research began.

The research was supported by NIDCD intramural funds DC000048-15 and NIDCD/NIH grants R01 DC008861, R01 DC002368, R01 DC012564, and P30 DC0058983.

NIDCD supports and conducts research and research training on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language and provides health information, based upon scientific discovery, to the public. For more information about NIDCD programs, see the website at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

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About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

LOOKING FOR SUMMER MEALS

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:45:00 GMT

Summer Meals

Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott announced that the annual summer meals program begins June 28 and runs to August 31. Free breakfast and lunch are available to youth under the age of 18 and younger, regardless of New York City residency.

Breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 9:15 am and lunch is served from 11:00 am to 1:15 pm. Visit nyc.gov/school for more information about this program and how to find meal locations.

LIPARI'S LISTERIA

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Lipari Foods Recalls Sunflower Seeds and Snack Mixes Because of Possible Health Risk

Lipari Foods of Warren, MI is recalling Raw Sunflower Seeds, Roasted Sunflower Seeds and Snack Mixes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Raw Sunflower Seeds, Roasted Sunflower Seeds, and Snack Mixes were distributed from April 5th 2013 to June 11th 2013 to manufacturers and retailers in the following states: Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.

In total there are 52 items affected by this recall. Please see attached documentation for complete list of products including UPC and lot codes. Detailed information will be mailed out to each store affected by the recall.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) which revealed that retail packaged raw sunflower seed products contained Listeria monocytogenes. These findings led to an investigation by Lipari Foods concluding that bulk raw sunflower seeds purchased from a supplier was the source of the contamination and that these sunflower seeds had also been used in other snack mix products and may have also resulted in cross contamination to roasted sunflower seeds and snack mix products during production. Lipari Foods has ceased the procurement, processing, and distribution of the product as the FDA and Lipari Foods continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (586)447-3500 Monday to Friday from 8AM to 5PM EST.

OSKRI'S MILKY DARK CHOCOLATE

Lucas — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Oskri Recalls “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate”, “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate Minis”, “Fig Dark Chocolate Bars” and “Almond Dark Chocolate Bars” Because of Undeclared Milk

OSKRI Corp. of Lake Mills, WI is recalling “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate”, “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate Minis”, “Fig Dark Chocolate Bars” and “Almond Dark Chocolate Bars” because the dark chocolate contains milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate”, “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate Minis”, “Fig Dark Chocolate Bars” and “Almond Dark Chocolate Bars” was distributed nationwide to retail stores.

The product comes in a 1.9 ounce, flexible plastic wrapper, UPC 666016-300703 (Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate), UPC 666016-400311 (Coconut Bars Dark Chocolate Minis), UPC 666016-300307 (Fig Dark Chocolate Bars) and UPC 666016-300420 (Almond Dark Chocolate Bars) marked with the following stamp, which can be found on the front of the wrapper:

P 1/1/13 through 6/6/13
EXP 7/7/14 through 12/12/14
LOT 001 through 154

There have not been any complaints of allergic reactions to this product.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate”, “Coconut Bar Dark Chocolate Minis”, “Fig Dark Chocolate Bars” and “Almond Dark Chocolate Bars” may contain milk in the product. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production process.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return it to Oskri for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Laura Pineda at Oskri’s Quality Department by emailing quality@oskri.com

Please return products to: Oskri, 528 E. Tyranena Park Road, Lake Mills, WI 53551.