redstar2000
11th July 2005, 19:16
Originally posted by Orlando Sentinal
'Celestial Drops' no cure for canker
Florida researched the use of water, possibly mystically blessed, to cure the disease.
Four years ago, as the state labored to eradicate citrus canker by destroying trees, officials rejected other disease-fighting techniques, saying unproven methods would waste precious time and resources.
But for more than six months, the state, at the behest of then-Secretary of State Katherine Harris, did pursue one alternative method -- a very alternative method.
Researchers worked with a rabbi and a cardiologist to test "Celestial Drops," promoted as a canker inhibitor because of its "improved fractal design," "infinite levels of order" and "high energy and low entropy."
But the cure proved useless against canker. That's because it was water -- possibly, mystically blessed water.
The initial push came from Harris, now a U.S. House representative and candidate for U.S. Senate. Harris, the granddaughter of legendary citrus baron Ben Hill Griffin Jr., said she was introduced to one of the product's promoters, New York Rabbi Abe Hardoon, in 2000.
State records, however, suggest Harris had a keen interest in the project.
She was repeatedly sent copies of the letters and memos bouncing between Florida canker officials and Hardoon. In August 2001, Harris herself jotted a note to Hardoon.
"I would love to see this work," it says.
Meanwhile, some scientists were wondering what role an ancient branch of Jewish mysticism played in the development of the solution.
One document in the state's files indicates an official had searched the Internet for information on Hardoon and Spokojny and discovered both practiced Kabbalah, a religious movement whose followers include celebrities such as Madonna. Hardoon also teaches Kabbalah.
Mystically blessed water is a vital part of the faith and is sold for $3.80 a bottle at Kabbalah centers throughout the country.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/...=orl-home-promo (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-aseccanker05070505jul05,0,5150996.story?page=1&coll=orl-home-promo)
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/123.gif
'Celestial Drops' no cure for canker
Florida researched the use of water, possibly mystically blessed, to cure the disease.
Four years ago, as the state labored to eradicate citrus canker by destroying trees, officials rejected other disease-fighting techniques, saying unproven methods would waste precious time and resources.
But for more than six months, the state, at the behest of then-Secretary of State Katherine Harris, did pursue one alternative method -- a very alternative method.
Researchers worked with a rabbi and a cardiologist to test "Celestial Drops," promoted as a canker inhibitor because of its "improved fractal design," "infinite levels of order" and "high energy and low entropy."
But the cure proved useless against canker. That's because it was water -- possibly, mystically blessed water.
The initial push came from Harris, now a U.S. House representative and candidate for U.S. Senate. Harris, the granddaughter of legendary citrus baron Ben Hill Griffin Jr., said she was introduced to one of the product's promoters, New York Rabbi Abe Hardoon, in 2000.
State records, however, suggest Harris had a keen interest in the project.
She was repeatedly sent copies of the letters and memos bouncing between Florida canker officials and Hardoon. In August 2001, Harris herself jotted a note to Hardoon.
"I would love to see this work," it says.
Meanwhile, some scientists were wondering what role an ancient branch of Jewish mysticism played in the development of the solution.
One document in the state's files indicates an official had searched the Internet for information on Hardoon and Spokojny and discovered both practiced Kabbalah, a religious movement whose followers include celebrities such as Madonna. Hardoon also teaches Kabbalah.
Mystically blessed water is a vital part of the faith and is sold for $3.80 a bottle at Kabbalah centers throughout the country.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/...=orl-home-promo (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-aseccanker05070505jul05,0,5150996.story?page=1&coll=orl-home-promo)
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/123.gif