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MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP
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! KICKERS !
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CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
WASHINGTON (AP) — It's a sure sign spring is almost here. Folks in the Washington area are getting tired of the cold, snowy winter. But the blossoming of the famed cherry trees is just about a month away. The National Park Service predicts the blossoms will be at their peak April 8-12. That's a little later than average. But James Perry of the park service has some advice for the winter weary. He says, "Relax and let Mother Nature take her course."
SAN FRANCISCO BOTTLED WATER BAN
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Want a drink of water? Go to a water fountain. That will soon be the case in San Francisco. The Board of Supervisors wants to can bottled water. The board voted unanimously yesterday to ban the sale and distribution of water in plastic bottles on city property. The measure covers plastic bottles up to 21 ounces and would include including parks, plazas and public buildings. The supervisors say the goal is to cut plastic waste. It's one of the strictest bans country.
CARRY-ON CRACKDOWN
NEW YORK (AP) — Papa's got a brand new bag? It better be the right size or he won't be able to take it on a United Airlines flight. The airline is getting tough on passengers with oversized carry-on bags. Passengers with bags that don't make the cut are sent back to the ticket counter. They have to check their bags and pay a 25-buck fee. United says it wants to speed-up the boarding process. But some passengers contend the new policy is just a way for the airline to charge more.
PRICEY RESTAURANT-HEALTH INSPECTION
NEW YORK (AP) — It's got "A'' grade prices -- but only a "C'' from health inspectors. One of New York's most expensive restaurants is getting a poor review from the city's health department. Per Se was cited on 42 violations, including hot food that wasn't hot enough and no hand-washing sink near the food prep area. No comment yet from reps for Per Se. The restaurant will get a chance to argue its case at a hearing. Until then it must post a sign saying its grade is pending. So, just how expensive is Per Se? Its tasting menu will set you back 310 bucks.
STATE AGENCY-PORN
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Porn a natural resource? No way. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has deleted porno video files discovered on its file-sharing site. Agency spokeswoman Eileen Corson says the three files were placed on the site by someone looking for storage space. The public has access to the site. Corson says outside users now will be required to sign in.
DOVE-ARMPIT OF AMERICA
NEW YORK (AP) — New Jersey isn't the "armpit of "America." At least not to Dove. The company is scrapping plans to run a billboard in New Jersey that tells folks there to embrace being called "The Armpit of America." The ad campaign sparked complaints after a New York Times story last week. The billboard was to feature a woman in a white tank top raising her arm. The ad was intended to promote a new line of Dove deodorants.
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