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IS IT TRUE? December 9, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 9, 2010

IS IT TRUE that Mole #I41 tells us that the public relations people at Vectren have been asking what the City County Observer is about?…that the City County Observer accurately pointed out that Vectren has residential rates for electricity that are nearly three times the rates paid across the money saving bridge in Henderson?….that we have contacted Mr. Mike Roeder, Vice President of Communications at Vectren and offered him an opportunity to publish an explanation as to just how and why Evansville should be saddled with electrical rates that are triple what the people of Henderson pay for electricity?….that the City County Observer will publish any explanation of this astonishing pricing difference in unedited form at the top of the page whenever we receive it?….that Mr. Roeder has been supplied information on how to submit his article?….that we truly hope he reponds?

IS IT TRUE that the University of Evansville Purple Aces took a pretty sound defeat at the hands of the North Carolina Tar Heels last night in front of a capacity crowd of over 12,000 people at Roberts Stadium last night?…that the Aces scored first and held a couple of leads in the early minutes of the game?…that one of the top players for North Carolina is a former member of the Indiana State Champion Washington Hatchets, Tyler Zeller?…that the decision to pursue and compete at the Division 1 level by the University of Evansville is what enabled Roberts Stadium to attract a perennial national powerhouse to Evansville?…that it took courage and chutzpah on behalf of a 2,500 student college like UE to schedule the Tar Heels?

IS IT TRUE that by staying Division 1 and by continually improving someday the Aces may once again strike fear into the hearts of bigger, stronger, and faster opponents who dare to enter the new Evansville Arena?…that UCLA’s legendary coach John Wooden after a Division 1 NCAA Championship that UCLA may not really be the best team in the country?…that Coach Wooden was referring to the undefeated College Division champion Aces when he made that statement?… that even in defeat that the City County Observer is proud of our Evansville Aces for having the courage to take on teams like UNC?

IS IT TRUE that the Aces did defeat the NCAA runner-up Butler Bulldogs at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus at Butler?…that the win over Butler was the best win in several years for the Aces?… that our spirits rose and we actually had hope to upset the Tar Heels after polishing off Butler?…that wins like the one at Butler are what sells tickets?…that big wins and big opponents will have more influence on the success of the new Evansville Arena than the plush seats and Downtown Evansville location will?….that winning is the only thing that really makes Arena’s successful?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 703 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,307 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,162 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot.

IS IT TRUE that one theory of the origin of the poem “Humpty Dumpty” is that it was a riddle regarding the vulnerability of a King who was detached from his subjects?…that Humpty Dumpty (the King) had an outer shell that was thin and brittle like an egg?…that when Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall (his lofty perch) and fractured his thin shell, that all of the King’s horses and all of the King’s men could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again?

IS IT TRUE that 2011 is setting up to be a year of awareness in Evansville, Indiana?…that the old boy network is under the microscope of people who have never involved themselves in the search for good public policy before?…that a sleeping giant of caring, competence, and commitment is being awakened in Evansville?…that leadership can and will come from places that are not expected?….that some will not welcome this leadership?….that many will embrace the ideas of positive change and that 2011 will prove to be a year of exactly that?

Ball State Professor Forecasts a Much Improved 2011 for Hoosiers

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News Release

MUNCIE, Ind. – A Ball State University economist is forecasting that Indiana’s economy will grow at a painfully slow but steady rate in 2011 with unemployment falling throughout the year to a low of about 8.7 percent, more than a full percentage point lower than it was in October 2010.

Michael Hicks, director of Ball State’s Center for Business Research, believes the state will continue to be a national leader in job creation as the U.S. rebounds from the deep recession of 2007-2009.

“As bad as it has been, Indiana has done remarkably well over the recession. Given the large manufacturing share of our economy, we probably should have had an unemployment rate in near 16 percent.”

He made his comments during the 15th annual Indiana Economic Luncheon Oct. 8 at the Horizon Convention Center. Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the keynote speaker at the event.

“This forecast says the state will be very slow to rebound from the recession, but all signs point to Indiana continuing to outperform the nation as a whole,” he said. “Indianapolis will again be the state’s economic engine as the capital city continues to attract new businesses and existing firms begin adding to payrolls. However, other parts of the state will see some economic growth but not as fast as we all would hope.”

During the luncheon, Hicks reviewed the economic forecast of the Indiana Econometric Model, which combines a U.S. economic model produced by Yale University with Ball State’s model.

The forecast analyzes the potential employment, labor force and income growth in the state’s nine largest private sectors. Personal income should rise by 4.81 percent by year’s end, with the construction (7.23 percent), manufacturing (7.07 percent) and transportation (6.99 percent) sectors leading growth.

These sectors were hard hit during the recession and, like the economy as a whole, will not recoup their losses by the end of 2011, Hicks said.

Other sector and their expected growth rates:

· Utilities, 1.2 percent

· Health care, 3.02 percent

· Retail, 3.19 percent

· Finance and insurance, 3.96 percent

· Wholesale, 5.34 percent

· Information technology, 5.27 percent

Hicks said inflation will be tame, but the large money supply suggests inflation will accompany any strong growth in the economy.

“There is some good news, ” he said. “We economists and our models did a poor job of predicting this recession, and the nature of the mathematics underlying the models suggests they are more likely to underestimate the rate of the recovery, than overestimate it.”

Hicks said that much of the spending on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the “stimulus,” has yet to be translated into lower unemployment. If more jobs are created, they will come in mid-2011 and 2012, and so cast some uncertainty on these estimates.

“I believe that 2011 will be much better than the past two years, but uncertainty surrounding federal policy and continued discomfort with government debt in the U.S. and abroad will cast a shadow on this recovery,” he said.

Source: Ball State University

IS IT TRUE? December 8, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 8, 2010

IS IT TRUE that there are now 704 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,306 days since the announcement was made that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,161 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the Parking Lot to give away.

IS IT TRUE that another $400,000 borrowed tax dollars are being thrown at the façade of the Alhambra Theatre, that anchors the abandoned complex at Haynies Corner?….that throwing $400,000 at a multi-million dollar project is basically the same as tossing that borrowed money into the river?….that there is no working theatre there now and there will not be one after the $400,000 cosmetic surgery job is complete?…that the City of Evansville should learn to do projects completely or not at all?…that this classic building has been an eyesore for at least 40 years and has have several other pots of borrowed government money spent on cosmetics but nothing on substance?….that the Alhambra could be and maybe even should be completely redone and made functional?….that facelifts, nose jobs, and other outside work are no substitute for a functional core with people or buildings?

IS IT TRUE that Roberts Stadium is under attacks from the City of Evansville to be demolished?… that the reason given for demolishing Roberts Stadium is because we can’t support two stadiums and the new Arena can’t handle the competition?….that there are 58 movie screens already operating in Vanderburgh County and another 18 within 10 miles of the Alhambra?…that makes 76 movie screens already newer, more state of the art, and successful than the Alhambra can ever hope to be?…that adding one more movie screen to the 76 screen mix will mean absolutely nothing?….that maybe the old Alhambra should be considered for a restaurant developed by a private entity with private money?….that if Roberts Stadium should be torn down to avoid paying for the maintenance then maybe the same should be considered for the Alhambra?…that for the wrecking ball to swing on Boeke Road but borrowed money thrown at a dilapidated neglected structure at the entrance to Goosetown is conflicted when coming from the same minds?

IS IT TRUE that a private effort to keep the park at 4th and Main a park is gaining traction?…that there is even some talk of some private seed money being made available to get the park into pristine condition?…that preserving a park at that location would be a project worthy of investment that pays the dividend of serenity to all of the 20,000 downtown workers (at least that is what the official number is) that can use it every day for reflection and relaxation?…that the cost to get the park into pristine condition may only be in the $100,000 range?….that the total annual maintenance of such a park will in all likelihood be less than $10,000 per year?….that if the City of Evansville can “find” $1.5 Million to tear down Roberts Stadium prematurely and appropriate $200,000 in matching funds to do a facelift on the Alhambra, then surely, surely, the money to make the park pristine and the $10,000 or less per year to mow the park and pick up the litter can be “found” as well?

IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville could gain some respect if it would complete something, anything before getting distracted and starting something else?

IS IT TRUE that Channel 25 reported last night that only one of the three bidders for a Downtown Convention Hotel would talk with them?…that the opening of the bids is not scheduled yet?…that the one that talked ignored the bridges to the Centre and Arena and left the demolition of the Executive Inn in the hands of the City?…that we still wait anxiously for the solution to the Executive Inn Dilemma?

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Foreclosure Consultant Preying on Evansville Homeowner is Latest Target of Attorney General’s Office

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Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed suit against California-based Hope4Homes

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed a lawsuit in Vanderburgh County against Hope4Homes, Inc., a for-profit foreclosure consultant, claiming the company has been operating in Indiana illegally and has violated several state consumer protection laws. Hope4Homes is located in California and is owned and operated by Mahan Abbasi, who is listed as a defendant in the suit.

Evansville residents Harold and Sharon Matthews paid Hope4Homes $1,800 to negotiate a home loan modification. According to the state’s complaint, the Matthews were instructed by Hope4Homes to stop making payments on their mortgage while Hope4Homes negotiated a new loan. The Matthews fell three months behind on their payments, which had been current, and new loan terms were not reached. Hope4Homes advertised a “100% Money Back Guarantee if we cannot achieve a loan modification for our clients,” however no refund has been provided.

“So-called ‘foreclosure consultants’ are taking advantage of those who are facing desperate financial hardship and scamming them out of thousands of dollars when they are most vulnerable. They are operating illegally and this will not be tolerated in Indiana,” Zoeller said. “Working to protect Hoosier consumers includes bringing actions against those who violate our state laws and also warning people to protect themselves, their family and their neighbors – beware of the warning signs and don’t let a loved one fall victim to these scams, no matter how convinced they may be of their legitimacy.”

In Indiana, a foreclosure consultant or credit service organization must have a $25,000 surety bond registered with the Attorney General’s office before demanding payment upfront before services are performed. The company’s bond acts as an insurance policy for consumers in the event the company fails to perform the services and does not provide a refund. HopeForHomes failed to meet those requirements and also did not register to do business in Indiana.

Consumer complaints against foreclosure consultants spiked in 2009 as the economy took its toll on the unemployed and homeowners who typically might ignore “too-good-to-be-true” promises. They were drawn to claims made on websites, late-night TV commercials and radio programs. The Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Unit is currently investigating more than 150 consumer complaints against foreclosure consultants. The majority of the complaints filed and the on-going investigations involve companies not located in Indiana.

Homeowners looking to avoid foreclosure are encouraged to work with a certified nonprofit housing counselor to determine their available options. Call the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network at 1.877.GET.HOPE for more information or visit the Attorney General’s consumer protection website www.IndianaConsumer.com to learn more about homeowners’ rights in Indiana.

Why Is Indiana’s Tech Sector Poised for Explosive Growth?

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Jim Jay, Techpoint CEO

By: Jim Jay

As calendar year 2010 comes to a close, I find myself thinking about how much Indiana’s tech sector has achieved during the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. A handful of successful deals, investments and other Indiana technology and entrepreneurship news made national headlines, which is good for the state – raising our profile as a collective geographic industry and earning credibility for our products, services and brands.

The high profile announcements only tell a fraction of the industry’s success, because while almost every single U.S. employment sector experienced moderate to significant declines, Indiana’s technology companies increased their sales revenue and total tech sector employment. If the global economy does begin its slow but steady recovery as many economists predict, Indiana’s tech sector is in an enviable position to capitalize upon a number of critical advantages including:

* The Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund
* Double-digit increases in venture capital coming into the state for three years
* Skilled technical grads from in-state universities ranked among the best
* Tech-friendly business climate with reasonable taxes and valuable incentives
* High energy, continued momentum and resources for homegrown startups
* Cooperative-competitive environment (instead of cut-throat like the coasts)
* Indiana’s Venture Capital Tax Credit is a immediate return on investment for angel investors to invest in Indiana tech companies

As a constant catalyst for growth, TechPoint has produced more than 40 industry educational and networking events this year; invested more than $3 million in Indiana startup firms through the Halo Capital Group; launched new initiatives focused on supporting burgeoning microsectors health information technology (HIT) and measured marketing; and advocated for pro-growth, pro-tech public policy with the Indiana legislature.

In 2011, TechPoint will continue to serve the industry providing all of the programs and events that you have come to expect, along with a couple of additions and emphases such as:

* TechPoint will launch a fourth Roundtable Series in 2011 – CFO Roundtable
* Numerous new digital resources, such as a statewide technology business directory, Indiana applications directory and the Indiana technology newswire
* Increased support for startup companies
* “Place” assistance, providing adequate and affordable real estate
* Filling in the capital gaps, particularly for early-stage tech businesses
(More information to come on these ideas in January)

Indiana’s technology leaders and entrepreneurs have proven that they are experts at doing more with less – the industry would not have grown and thrived during the recession otherwise. Now that the economy may be on the road to recovery, TechPoint is committed to fulfilling its mission of accelerating growth in the sector through a battery of effective programs and services with which you are probably familiar, as well as some new ideas designed to meet current industry needs.

The TechPoint staff and I are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges we will face together in 2011. We hope you will continue to be a positive contributing member of Indiana’s tech sector by staying involved with Indiana’s preeminent technology initiative.

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,305 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,160 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot of the McCurdy with 55 parking spaces to sweeten the deal?….that it has now been 760 days since an $800,000 incentive to purchase the McCurdy Hotel was approved for the Indianapolis based developer that was selected for the project?….that the estimated cost to refurbish the McCurdy has grown from $7.2 Million to the latest guess of $11.9 Million?….that over three years have passed and over $1.4 Million of public money has been spent and the sounds of construction are still not drowning out the cooing of the pigeons in the stately old hotel?….that the City County Observer is seriously concerned that the City of Evansville may just have another River House on First Street.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 705 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that people routinely plan trips to Henderson because gas is always about 10 cents per gallon cheaper than it is in Evansville?….that doing that for an average fill up saves about $1.50?…that if everyone had electric cars and the cost to charge the batteries was $100 in Indiana that the difference in the electrical rates between Evansville and Henderson would make that charge cost $37 in Henderson?….that Vectren’s excessive rates will make the introduction of BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) and other Green Initiatives in Vectren’s service area in Indiana absolutely cost prohibitive?…that Green jobs are seen as the most desirable jobs to attract going forward?…that Evansville and SW Indiana are playing this “Green Jobs” game with their hands tied behind their backs and an albatross around their necks?…that Vectren’s rate structure when compared to Henderson is quite likely to keep Evansville and SW Indiana from participating in any Green Initiative led recovery?

IS IT TRUE that if Vectren converted their 5 private planes to electric power that they may not even be able to afford to charge their own batteries at the rates that they charge residents of Southwest Indiana for electricity?…that maybe they would have to fly across that money saving river to charge their own batteries?

IS IT TRUE that the EVSC had a welcomed announcement yesterday that every public high school in Evansville has made great strides in improving the percentage of students who graduate?…that Bosse High School moved from the middle sixties to the middle eighties in making the largest improvement?….that Reitz as always led the high schools in graduation rate with a nationally impressive 96% rate?….that the efforts made by EVSC to address the low graduation rates and to credential these students before they are faced with the realities of the real world is worthy of applause and admiration?

IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County School Board is now on record as seeking to extend the contract of Dr. Vince Bertram before it expires in mid 2012?….that to the extent that Dr. Bertram’s efforts led to the increase in high school graduation rates that he is deserving of that vote of confidence?…that the overall performance of the EVSC across all grades was recently ranked as a 4 on a scale of 10 (see reference link)?….that in no category and no age group did the children of the EVSC exceed the average score for the State of Indiana?….that there is much work that needs to be put into additional improvements in the home and the classroom to get the children entrusted to the EVSC to perform at the average level for Indiana?…that Indiana is not exactly performing at the top of the pack nationally?….that focus on education is what is needed from Dr. Bertram and every person that draws a paycheck from the EVSC?

IS IT TRUE that Dr. Bertram is quoted as referring to Mayor Weinzapfel as “the best Mayor in America”?….that Dr. Bertram has vocally supported and even considered financial support for the Roberts Stadium Ball Fields project?…that Dr. Bertram has authorized the spending of $7.5 Million for a football stadium at Harrison High School?…that Dr. Bertram wisely called for a referendum to gain the approval of the voters before breaking ground on the new North High School?…that bricks and mortar may look good but have never been documented to teach a single person a single thing?….that the community desperately needs a quality workforce to be attractive as a location for businesses?….that a solid public high school education is the foundation of a competitive workforce?…that the progress that has been made in graduation rates needs to be reproduced in early elementary school?….that our educational improvement efforts may be better served if Dr. Bertram works his magic in the schools and stays away from the fickleness of politics?

Reference Link for EVSC overall grade
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/in/district-profile/103

Citizen Solicits Ideas for Roberts Stadium: A Plea from Martha Crosley

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TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE EVANSVILLE AREA WHO HAVE FELT THAT THEIR VIEWS ARE NOT HEARD – NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!

The Wesselman Park/Roberts Stadium baseball complex issue won’t die.

The CVB is still actively pushing it.

But there are those who are not standing still. Wesselman Park Support Group is establishing a committee of the public, business people, and office holders in the Evansville area who will meet to consider the possible uses for Roberts Stadium, its land, and funding for considered projects. These individuals are creative, informed, innovative, and most importantly want to listen to your ideas.

To express your opinions to this committee, please answer the following questions and email or send to the address below:
1. What is your best idea for the use of Roberts Stadium?
2. How would you propose to fund this idea?
3. If Roberts Stadium proves to have engineering or structural problems too big to overcome, how best would you like to see the land used?

Please be specific and email to: wesselmanroberts@gmail.com or send to Wesselman/Roberts, c/o Huppert, 2424 Stringtown Rd., Evansville, IN 47711

You MUST provide your name, address, and contact information for your views to reach the committee. We value your ideas and want you to be a part of the democratic process. Thanks in advance for your help. Tell your friends and family so that everyone who wishes may take the opportunity to participate.

Here’s to slowing down the train! It is time to think and plan carefully. No further consideration should be given to the CVB until more data is gathered, more ideas reviewed, and more comparative plans are brought to the table. How do we know we have the best plan if we only have one?

Martha Crosley

Xerox Encourages Us All to Send a Soldier a Holiday Greeting, it is FREE

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Xerox, the owner of the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) that has created innovations such as the “mouse” and the operating system that became “Windows” is continuing the tradition of sponsoring a FREE e-greeting to our brave dedicated soldiers in arms. The City County Observer encourages each and every one of our readers to send a soldier a holiday email.

Here is a link to make this easy for all of you!!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

IS IT TRUE? December 6, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 6, 2010

IS IT TRUE that Henderson Municipal Power & Light is considering selling surplus power?…that HMP&L has hired a marketing consultant to help them find markets that are willing to pay them for that surplus power?….that the residential electric rate is 4.34 cents per KWh in the winter and 5.49 cents per KWh in the summer?….that Vectren’s recent application for a rate increase if approved will raise the rate charged to customers on the north side of the money saving bridge to 13.93 cents per KWh from the present price of 12.49 KWh?…..that Vectren charges 150% more for the same KWh than Henderson Municipal Power & Light charges?

IS IT TRUE that in the coming cold months if your electric bill in Evansville is $300 that across the money saving bridge the same bill would only be $104.24?…that if Vectren has its way with the State of Indiana and the rate increase is approved your $300 electric bill will increase to $334.59 yet in Henderson it will still cost $104.24?….that this difference in price would not even be possible in a free market?…that this is just a taste of what a legislated monopoly can cost?

IS IT TRUE that basic manufacturing consumes lots of electricity?…that if a business is considering both Henderson and Evansville for an expansion or a location for a factory that one of the biggest considerations is the cost of utilities?…that a business that has a moderate electric bill of $100,000 per month in Henderson could be socked with a $250,000 per month bill in Evansville?…that sometimes the power companies negotiate a lower rate for industrial customers?….that doing so is subsidizing businesses at the expense of residential customers?….that when people pay higher prices for electricity than businesses that is called “redistribution”?…that the difference in electrical rates is always a serious issue for the north side of the Ohio River when competing for jobs?

IS IT TRUE that according to the Competitiveness Redbook published by the National Association of Manufacturers that if SW Indiana were a state that it would have the 10th most expensive residential electric rates in the United States?…that Indiana as a state ranks a more affordable 39th at 7.83 cents per KWh and Kentucky ranks 45th with an even more affordable rate of 7.10 cents per KWh?

IS IT TRUE that Henderson Municipal Power and Light does not need a consultant to tell them how to sell surplus power?…that all HMP&L needs is a chance to sell it to us with no middle man in the deal?….that if Henderson Municipal Power and Light were allowed to sell power in Southwest Indiana at even a 20% premium to its Henderson rates that every home and business in Vanderburgh County would sign up at the first opportunity?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 706 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

IS IT TRUE that the agenda for the Evansville Redevelopment Commission has been amended and that the discussion regarding the bids on the Downtown Convention Hotel has been moved to next week?…that we anxiously await the reading of the proposals

References:
Henderson Residential Rate: http://www.hmpl.com/rates/rrate.php

Vectren Residential Rate: http://www.vectren.com/cms/assets/pdfs/bill_inserts/dec09_southEH_insert.pdf

THE SKINNY ON TOOTHPASTE

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THE SKINNY ON TOOTHPASTE

The most common question I get at the office is “What toothpaste should I be using?” So, here’s the Cliff Notes on everything you need to know about your toothpaste.

We recommend any toothpaste with an active fluoride system. With all the emphasis on natural and organic products these days, some people are concerned about fluoridation and whether or not it is of any real benefit. And is it potentially harmful?

Fluorine is a common element that’s frequently found in our water and foods as naturally-occurring fluoride. Some towns don’t need to fluoridate their drinking water because enough fluoride is present in the groundwater naturally to prevent tooth decay. In communities where there is not adequate fluoride naturally, a fluoride compound is added to the water during purification. Dozens of studies have shown that there is a marked reduction in tooth decay after the fluoridation of a community’s water supply. So, it is of great benefit, particularly in reducing the incidence of decay in children.

If you are on a well, there may be enough fluoride in your water. To find out, call the water lab at the State Board of Health at (317)921-5874 and ask for a fluoride test kit. For ten bucks and $6.50 S&H, they will send you a collection bottle and instructions on submitting your water for analysis. The results will be returned to you in 30 days or less. A copy may also be sent to your dentist.

Sometimes people ask, “But isn’t fluoride a poison?” Well, yes, it is, but only if it’s in a high concentration. Table salt is also poisonous if you eat enough of it. The amount of fluoride added to water is miniscule, compared to toxic levels. With fluoridated water, we are talking about 0.8 to 2 ppm (parts per million.) 1 part per million is the equivalent of one teaspoon for every 1,302 gallons of water. That’s not much, but it’s all you need to reduce tooth decay.

By the way, reverse-osmosis water filtration systems remove fluoride, so if you have an RO system, fluoride in your toothpaste is doubly important.

So, look for the toothpaste that’s labeled “cavity preventive”. It’ll be on the bottom shelf near either end of the display, where it’s hard to see. It’ll be less expensive than the ones with all the whiteners and breath fresheners. That’s why they put it where it’s easily missed!

So, what else is in toothpaste? There will be a detergent as a cleaning agent, an abrasive as a scrubbing agent, flavoring, coloring, and a surfactant. What the heck is a surfactant? That’s what makes stuff foamy. Anything that makes thick suds, like toothpaste, shampoo, or dish detergent, will have a surfactant to enhance foaming, usually something called sodium lauryl sulfate.

The detergent is not a problem. It works to clean better than a bare brush would. The abrasive is another story. Most toothpastes use a form of silica as an abrasive, the equivalent of ground quartz or fine sand. Some pastes are too abrasive for frequent use, the ones who tout their polishing ability, like Close-Up and Ultrabrite. Occasional use is okay, but daily use, particularly if you really like to scrub, has the potential for visible loss of tooth material. Use highly-abrasive pastes wisely.

Now, let’s talk about sodium lauryl sulfate. If you have frequent outbreaks of cold sores or fever blisters, you may be sensitive to SLS. Use a paste with no SLS and see if that helps. Non-SLS pastes are not always easy to find. The most commonly available one is Sensodyne, pink formula. Sensodyne has several other formulas, but most have SLS. The old-fashioned pink does not. You’ll be able to find non-SLS pastes in most health-food stores, too, but you’ll have to spend a lot more for them there.

What about those whiteners and germ killers that so many pastes have now? It’s mostly marketing. If there were enough of those ingredients for a truly therapeutic benefit, they’d be prescription items.

Often, when I ask patients what toothpaste they use, they answer, “Whatever is on sale.” Which is fine, as long as there’s fluoride in it. Check the box for this statement from the American Dental Association: “Crest (substitute any other name) has been shown to be an effective decay-preventive dentifrice…” There will also be the shield of the ADA Council on Dental Therapeutics. There are some good pastes that don’t have the endorsement of the ADA, but the ones that do have proven in clinical studies that they’re effective against decay.

One more thing…if you have acid reflux or other chronic stomach problems, you may be regurgitating acid at night, which can lead to decay or tooth sensitivity. It helps to use a paste high in baking soda at bedtime. Brush well and spit, but don’t rinse, so that a film of baking soda remains on your teeth. It will help neutralize any stomach acid that you burp up while you’re sleeping.

Next time, we take on mouthwashes!

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