A Newspaper for Seniors Thriving in the Sunshine State
Senior a t o s a r Sa po 2011 x E g n i v Li e9 See Pag Volume 2, Issue 15
SENIORS
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February 18, 2011
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” -Robert Heinlein
A New Concept in Assisted Living!
BAYSHORE GUEST HOME & GARDENS
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR
Helpful hints for seniors from Administrator Leslie Ann O’Gorman D’Harcourt of Bayshore Guest Home & Gardens Why not go directly to a specialist?
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941-755-9700 Page 2 • Today’s SENIORS • Feb. 18, 2011
A primary care physician can play a vital role in the lives of seniors. Such a doctor can be a clearinghouse of medical information, an adviser, and a source of strength for a patient facing daunting medical situations. I have met many primary care physicians. The best are those who make the patient feel comfortable and confident of the care being given, and who address patient’s concerns promptly. At Bayshore Guest Home & Gardens, we look out for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of each resident. A good primary care physician, beyond his focus on purely medical needs, will also look at “the bigger picture.” That is why I have chosen a primary care physician for today’s column. In the next issue, I will offer insights from another professional. Wade Botkin, a licensed mental health counselor, is a life coach and therapist at Touchstone Institute LLC. With that, I would like to introduce Dr. Richard Diamond, a Venice-based primary care physician who offers in-house care to our residents at Bayshore. Dr. Diamond graduated from the Temple University School of Medicine. The phone number at Dr. Diamond’s office is (941) 485-8315.
Self-referral to the wrong specialist often results in unnecessary tests as the specialist “rules out” possible causes of the problem that would be related to his specialty. Sometimes, when all testing is negative, the patient will then be referred to a specialist in another field who will do the same thing. This is not wrong. After all, the specialist feels responsible to make absolutely sure that the complaint does not spring from his area, even if that possibility is very unlikely. But this approach is inefficient, time-consuming and expensive. It is my strong feeling that the patient’s interests are best served by first visiting a primary care physician even if it is unlikely that the problem will ultimately be managed by that physician. The primary care physician can help a patient navigate through the very complicated medical system. He can educate, advise, and guide patients with complicated problems to understand the choices they will have to make. Finally, the primary care physician is certainly in the best position to assist with lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and weight loss.
How does this apply to the elderly? The elderly, especially the very elderly, tend to have multiple medical problems, with many doctors, many prescriptions, and many symptoms. These may be difficult to differentiate from the vagaries of aging or other factors. The primary care physician is in the best position to make this distinction. Seniors often take medications that were appropriately prescribed years earlier, but are no longer necessary. The medications may even be causing Dr. Diamond, in this era of special- side effects or interactions with other ized and highly technical medicine, drugs. It is not uncommon for seniors where does the primary care physi- (or anyone for that matter) to mistakenly take both generic and brand name cian fit in? While many areas of medicine have products of the same drug in two sepaadvanced considerably, the manage- rate pill bottles, thus effectively doument of most of the afflictions of every- bling the prescribed dose of the drug. I day life is still well within the purview always like to review pill bottles rather of a well-trained and conscientious pri- than drug lists if possible to discover this sort of duplication. mary care physician. For example, the medications to treat The primary care physician can help hypertension have changed consider- the elderly patient and his family exably over the past 20 years, although plore options when living indepennot so rapidly that a doctor cannot dently is no longer safe, make sure the stay current. The same can be said of patient understands his options with diabetes, cholesterol, osteoarthritis and living wills and do-not-resuscitate directives, and help address the issue of many other chronic conditions. That said, certainly circumstances falls, a significant concern of the frail that fall outside of the norm, that pro- elderly. vide challenges in management, re- In short, the primary care physician quire the expertise of a specialist. A serves as a professional guide to lead good primary care physician will rec- the elderly patient through the anticiognize these situations and refer ac- pated and predictable transitions of aging in a safe and dignified fashion. cordingly. Generally speaking, the primary care physician provides easier and more efficient access into the medical system Leslie Ann O’Gorman D’Harcourt is a professional Assisted Living Facilfor a new problem. An injury or a cough is fairly straight- ity administrator with decades of exforward and can of course be generally perience in the care of people suffermanaged by the primary care physi- ing from stroke, cancer, Parkinsonism, cian. But sometimes it is difficult for a and Alzheimers Disease. Questions patient to know what the source of his or comments may be sent by email to misery really is. The primary care phy- info@bayshoreguesthome.com or by sician has the best perspective to dis- traditional mail to Bayshore Guest sect a complex of symptoms and direct Home & Gardens, 512 Bayshore Road, Nokomis, FL 34275. the patient in the proper direction.
Affordable Vet Care for Senior Pet Owners Dear Savvy Senior Are there any resources that can help senior pet owners with their veterinary bills? I have a dog and two cats that mean the world to me, but the vet care has become too expensive. What can you tell me? Living On A Budget Dear Living, Struggling with the high cost of veterinary care is a common problem for millions of pet owners today, especially seniors living on a tight budget. Routine medical care can cost hundreds of dollars, while urgent/specialized treatments and procedures can run into the thousands. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your vet bills without sacrificing your pet’s health. Here are some tips and resources that can help. Shop Around If you’re not attached to a particular vet, one way to save some money is to shop around and compare costs. Call different vet clinics in your area and get price quotes on basic services like annual exams and vaccinations, as well as bigger-ticket items like to repair a broken leg, and be sure to ask for references too. Also, check to see
if you live near a veterinary medical school (see veterinaryschools. com for a listing). Many schools provide low-cost care to limited income pet owners. Work With Your Vet To help make your vet bills more manageable, see if your vet’s office accepts payment plans. Some clinics accept monthly payments so that you don’t have to pay the entire cost up front. Also, find out if your vet offers discounts to senior citizens or reduces fees for annual checkups if you bring in multiple pets. It’s also suggested that if your vet prescribes an expensive treatment for your pet, it’s a smart idea to get a second opinion. It will cost you another consultation fee, but another vet may have other, less expensive ways to treat your pet. Search for Low-Cost Care Many municipal and nonprofit animal shelters offer free or low-cost spaying and neutering programs and vaccinations, and some work
Pet BIWEEKLY
of the
Share your pet’s best picture with Today’s SENIORS for everyone to enjoy. If you would like us to consider your pet’s picture, please read the following guidelines. Has anyone every told you that you and your pet look alike? By all means send in your picture with your pets. • E-mail us a jpeg of your pet’s picture • Tell us his or her name and breed • Send all materials to: Todaysseniorsofamerica@gmail.com • In the subject line put pet’s picture
Name: JOHN SERAFIN Breed: WHITE MUTE SWANS
with local vets who are willing to provide care at reduced prices for low-income and senior citizen pet owners. Call your local shelter or humane society to find out what’s available in your area. Find Financial Assistance There are a wide variety of “veterinary care assistance programs” that provide financial assistance to help people in need pay their vet bills. To locate these programs, the U.S. Humane Society provides a listing of national and state programs on their website at you can access at www.humanesociety.org/ petfinancialaid. If you don’t have Internet access, ask a friend or family member to help you or visit your local public library. Another good resource is the American Animal Hospital Association’s “Helping Pets Fund” (www.aahahelpingpets.org, 866443-5738). In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited, and your vet will need to submit an application requesting assistance on your behalf. To find an AAHA accredited hospital near you visit healthypet.com. Buy Cheaper Medicine Medicine purchased at the vet’s office is usually much more
expensive that you can get online. Instead, get a prescription from your vet (ask for generic is possible) so you can shop for the best price. Good deals can be found at sites like 1800petmeds.com (800738-6337) or absolutelypets.com (888-511-7387). Or, see discountpetmedicines.com, a resource that has links to sites that offer lowerpriced medications. It also doesn’t hurt to ask the vet if he or she has free samples they can give you. Consider Insurance If you can afford it, pet insurance is another option worth looking into. You can get a basic policy for under $10 per month, and some insurers offer discounts for insuring multiple pets. See petinsurancereview.com to compare policies. Membership discount plans like Pet Assure (petassure.com) are another way to save, but you’ll need to use a vet in their network. –––––––––––––––––––––– Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior”book.
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Did You Know?
Approximately 141 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas. While the history of Valentine’s Day is sometimes debated, it clearly links back to a Catholic saint named St. Valentine. The problem is there are actually three St. Valentine’s -- one a priest, one a bishop, and little is known about the third. All were martyrs. In 469 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 a day to honor St. Valentine, one of these three men. One legend says that a Roman emperor banned soldiers from marrying in the third century, but St. Valentine took issue with this. He became an advocate for soldiers and was executed as a result of his outspokenness. Another legend says St. Valentine was executed for his beliefs in Christianity and just before he died, he left a farewell note for a loved one and signed it “From Your Valentine.” A conventional and widely accepted belief about the holiday itself is that Valentine’s Day grew out of a Middle Ages tradition of celebrating Feb. 14 as the day “the birds began to pair.” History.com notes that February has long been associated with being a month of love, and Feb. 15 was celebrated in ancient times as a fertility festival.
Feb. 18, 2011 • Today’s SENIORS • Page 3
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Page 4 • Today’s SENIORS • Feb. 18, 2011
theater calendar MURDER MYSTERY DINNER TRAIN: Ongoing. Solve the case during a 3.5-hour train ride. “Murder on the Scottish Line,” about a detective and his partner in crime-solving. 6:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. / “The Zamboni Caper,” about a prince and his entourage visiting America, 6:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs.; 5:30 p.m. Sun. Colonial Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. $59; $69 Sat. (239) 2758487; semgulf.com “GUYS AND DOLLS”: Feb. 17-March 6. Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows’ Broadway classic musical comedy about unlikely lovers, gamblers and missionaries in 1940s New York. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Tues.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Fri.Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Manatee Players, 102 12th St. W., Bradenton. $25; $11 students; $169 season; $109 five shows. 748-5875; manateeplayers.com “DEARLY DEPARTED”: March 2-20. Southern comedy about a troubled family coming together for a funeral. 7:30 p.m. March 2. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., Wed.; 2 p.m. Sun. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $18; $12 students with ID; $90 season. 4756756; lemonbayplayhouse.com “WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”: March 9-April 3. Edward Albee’s classic play about the battles between a college professor and his wife. Previews, 7:30 p.m. March 9-10. Opens March 11. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Tues.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. American Stage, Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg. $29-$50; $10 student rush; $120$329 subscription. (727) 823-7529; americanstage.org “SHOUT!”: March 24-April 10. Revue evokes the music, fashion and psychedelia of ’60s Britain. 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Tues.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Manatee Players, 102 12th St. W., Bradenton. $25; $11 students; $169 season; $109 five shows. 748-5875; manateeplayers.com “THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB”: April 27-May 15. Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten’s play about decades of friendship among five women who met on their college swim team. 7:30 p.m. April 27. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., Wed.; 2 p.m. Sun. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $18; $12 students with ID; $90 season. 475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN”: May 5-22. Musical based on the classic MGM film about Hollywood and romance in the era when movies became “talkies.” 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Tues.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Manatee Players, 102 12th St. W., Bradenton. $25; $11 students; $169 season; $109 five shows. 7485875; manateeplayers.com “FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE”: June 1-26. Two lonely, middle-aged co-workers spend a night together and consider the possibilities of romance in Terrence McNally’s comedy. Previews, 7:30 p.m. June 1-2. Opens June 3. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Tues.-Wed.; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. American Stage, Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg. $29$50; $10 student rush; $120-$329 subscription. (727) 823-7529; americanstage.org
Leg Pain Often Due to Clogged Arteries
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What can you tell me about peripheral artery disease in my legs? How about the ballooning of those clogged arteries? Where is a good place to go for that procedure? -- E.K. ANSWER: Activity causes chest pain in people with clogged heart arteries. It causes leg pain for people with clogged leg arteries -- peripheral artery disease. Angina is the chest pain of heart artery clogging; intermittent claudication is the leg pain that comes from clogged leg arteries. The obstructed arteries can’t deliver enough blood to leg muscles when a person walks. The leg muscles signal they’re being shortchanged in their blood supply by rebelling with pain. The pain can occur anywhere in the legs. If the blockage is high up, then thigh pain is the result. If a bit lower down, it’s calf pain. Lower down even more produces foot pain. “Intermittent” indicates that the pain leaves when the person rests. Diabetes, cigarette smoking, high
blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are some of the things that lead to artery clogging. Aging is, perhaps, the biggest contributor to it. About 17 percent of men and women older than 65 have this problem. A doctor confirms the diagnosis by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and comparing it with blood pressure in the arm. The two readings should be about equal. If the ankle blood pressure is much lower, it indicates that there’s an obstruction in the leg arteries. Treatment involves a diet that reduces
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the amount of fat and cholesterol; it’s essentially a diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with less red meat and more fish. Although walking brings on pain, walking is a treatment, too. The person walks to the point of pain, rests and then resumes walking. Medicines like aspirin, Plavix and Pletal can be beneficial. You ask about the balloon treatment. It’s the same kind of procedure used to open clogged heart arteries. A slender tube with a deflated balloon at its tip is inched through the artery to the point of obstruction. When that’s reached, the doctor inflates the balloon to squash the obstruction. The population of your city is 50,000. I am sure many competent doctors there are versed in this procedure and can treat PAD as well as it can be treated anywhere. Ask your family doctor for a name. The booklet on PAD explains the ins and outs of this common problem in detail. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 109W, Box 536475,
Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I expect sore muscles the day after I exercise hard. They tell me I had a real workout. When my muscles are sore, I take the day off. I’ve been told to exercise regardless of sore muscles. Do you agree? -- M.O. ANSWER: A low level of exercise circulates blood to aching muscles and quickens healing. All-out exercise doesn’t give the muscles a chance to fully recover. You shouldn’t do resistance exercises (weightlifting) with the same muscles on consecutive days. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.
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• Statistics show that the average 5-year-old boy today weighs about 10 percent more and the average 5-year-old girl about 8 percent more Page • Today’s than 6children of theSENIORS same age •inFeb. the 18, 2011 1980s. • Those who study such things say
King Features Weekly Service
• It• It was waslibrarian American astronomer, and essayist Frederick Saunders who the following astrophysicist andmade author Carl Sasagewho observation: like sage laugan made the“Pride, following danum and other poisonous mediobservation: “The infact thatthough some cines, is beneficial small, injurious were in large, quantities. No man geniuses laughed at does not who is not pleased with himself, even imply that all who are laughed at in a personal sense, can please others.” are• geniuses. They laughed at CoEarthquakes occur at a rate of lumbus, theyevery laughed Fulton, roughly one minute at around the world. About eight of those every year they laughed at the Wright brothare considered to be major, registering ers. But7.0they also laughed at Bozo above on the Richter Scale. the• Clown.” If you’re a sailor you’re probably withlike thethe hazards of being out • familiar If you’re average Ameron the water: high seas, storms, hidican woman, you will eat 4 to 6 den reefs. You probably wouldn’t pounds of lipstick count whales among theduring dangers,your but you’d be wrong. It seems that on a lifetime. recent day sail out of Table Bay Har• bor Youinprobably won’t be surprised South Africa, a couple on a 30tofoot learn that Alaska is the most sailboat were whale-watching when oneand got too close for comfort. A northern western state in the 40-ton whale they had been viewing Union, but would you believe that breached right next to the boat and it’s alsoon the easternmost state? landed the deck, breaking off the mast and then thrashing around before Yep. Because the state crosses sliding back into the water. The whale over Hemisphere, lost into somethe skinEastern and blubber, but was it’s technically farther east were than otherwise unharmed; the couple lucky to still have a seaworthy craft Maine. and made it safely back to the harbor. • In Alabama, lawmakers once
August 2, 2010
By Samantha Weaver
thought it necessary to pass a law forbidding the operation of a vehicle while wearing a blindfold. • Traffic is so bad in Tokyo that for most trips shorter than 50 minutes, it’s faster to ride a bicycle than it is to drive a car. • You’re almost certainly familiar with the grouping of stars known in the U.S. as the Big Dipper, made up of the seven brightest stars in the constellation Ursa Major. You might not know, though, that other cultures call it by different names. In India, for example, the stars are known as the Seven Sages, and Mongolians call them the Seven Gods. Many in Northern England see a Butcher’s Cleaver rather than a dipper. Scandinavians think it looks like King Charles’ Wagon, those in Finland call it the Salmon Net, and the Dutch have named it the Saucepan. • A shrimp’s heart is located in its head. *** Thought for the Day: “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.” -- George Bernard Shaw
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Feb. 18, 2011 • Today’s SENIORS • Page 7
By Rich Lowry
The Abuse of Tucson Almost instantaneously the horrific shooting in Tucson, Ariz., became the occasion for partisan hatred. It’s one thing to charge your opponents with increasing the debt or serving the interests of the rich; it’s quite another to say they are accomplices to mass murder. In the ostensible (and always worthy) cause of civility, prominent liberals rushed to blame conservatives, and especially Sarah Palin, for the mayhem in Tucson. Palin’s offense was posting a map on Facebook with a bull’s-eye marking the districts of 20 Demo-
crats she wished to see defeated. On the list was Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the target of Tucson shooter Jared Loughner. To connect Palin’s map to Loughner’s criminal act requires a massive leap that her detractors executed with ease, since they feel they have warrant to say anything about her without regard to evidence, logic or -- ahem -- civility. Palin’s martial imagery wasn’t just innocuous, it was a tattered cliche. American politics runs on metaphors drawn from war, and has at least since the 19th century. What journalist didn’t write about “targeted” districts or candidates in the last midterm election? Why do we say “campaign” and “rank and file,” or refer to “battles” and “war rooms”? None of this has ever before been taken as an incitement to violence. Then again, never before was it a club with which to bludgeon the hated Sarah Palin, while nattering on about how our politics should be less venomous.
Loughner may have been obsessed with Rep. Giffords as much as three years ago, before anyone had heard of Sarah Palin, before the tea party, before the rise of our alleged “climate of hate” in response to President Barack Obama’s election. Loughner attended an August 2007 town-hall meeting and left angered at her inability to answer a nonsensical question: “What is government if words have no meaning?” Loughner’s profile fits that of the Virginia Tech shooter -- a disturbed individual whose strange behavior frightened his classmates and his friends. The chances are his case will be another in the sad annals of the untreated mentally ill doing harm to themselves and others. Except ghoulish political opportunists have latched on to this crime. The political use of Tucson is the latest blast against a tea party that the left will never consider legitimate. First it was AstroTurf, then it was racist, now it is murderous.
It’s hard to see what could be next in this progression. Perhaps Palin really intended her targeted congressional districts to be wiped out in their entirety in an act of genocide? By calling conservative rhetoric “eliminationist,” the left is already on the cusp of this escalation. It is a time for deep breaths all around. The Tucson shooter shattered lives and, in targeting a public official, attacked our democracy. The stories of the victims are unbearably sad, and of the heroes unbelievably inspiring. In its horror -- another mass shooting -and in its uplift -- the pluck of the grievously wounded Giffords, the miracles of modern medicine, the kindness and courage of strangers -- it’s an event that should be larger than tawdry partisanship and unsupported finger-pointing. Our new era of civility is off to a rocky start. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.
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Page 8 • Today’s SENIORS • Feb. 18,
“Alice in Wonderland (60th Anniversary Edition)” (G) — Disney’s 1951 take on Lewis Carroll’s trippy classic wasn’t one of Walt’s favorite productions, but it’s still a pretty fun little film and worth having in your Disney collection. This 60th anniversary release is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a Blu-Ray/DVD combo, so on the upside, you get an awesome high-def picture/sound mix, and loads of new special features featuring Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Alice — if you have a BluRay player. For DVD owners, there’s nothing new here if you already own Disney’s previous DVD release of the film. So, take that into consideration before buying. “Let Me In” (R) — Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl from “Kick-Ass”) stars as a preteen vampire in this American remake of the cult Swedish original “Let the Right One In.” The story revolves around a boy named Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee), whose parents are divorcing and who constantly gets picked on at school. He befriends a girl named Abby, who just moved in next door. Little does Owen suspect that Abby is a vampire, and the man claiming to be her father goes out every night killing people to bring back their blood to feed the girl. “Never Let Me Go” (R) — Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield star in this poignant and chilling love story set in a dystopian world where people live into their 100s thanks to the organ farm2011 ing of their clones. It’s kind of like the premise of “The Island” — only without the explosions and Scarlett Johansson prancing around in a skin-
the Day”), follows the lives of three clones from their sheltered childhood at an English boarding school, up until young adulthood, where they learn they are meant to be harvested for their organs. When they learn of their fate, the three use what little time left to them to embrace life and love. “Time Bandits” (PG) — Most fairy tales end with the hero living happily ever after, not watching his parents explode into a bajillion chunks
Top 10 Video Rentals 1. Salt ................................(PG-13) Angelina Jolie 2. The Town ..............................(R) Ben Affleck 3. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps ........(PG-13) Michael Douglas 4. Resident Evil: Afterlife .......(R) Milla Jovovich 5. Inception .......................(PG-13) Leonardo DiCaprio 6. The Other Guys ...........(PG-13) Will Ferrell 7. Despicable Me ................... (PG) Steve Carell 8. The American .......................(R) George Clooney 9. The A-Team ..................(PG-13) Liam Neeson 10. Devil ............................(PG-13) Chris Messina
Top 10 DVD Sales Chloe Moretz because they touched Pure Evil; but when the fairy tale comes from the twisted mind of writer/director Terry Gilliam (“Brazil,” “12 Monkeys”) that’s pretty much par for the course. This 1981 classic children’s movie features a star-studded cast, including John Cleese, Sean Connery, Ian Holm and David Warner (to name but a few). The story is about a little boy named Kevin who is whisked away on a whimsical adventure by a band of Little People on a mission to steal artifacts from various historical figures. Along the way they must avoid not only Evil Himself, but also The Supreme Being. The result is a hilarious (and surprisingly educational) romp through time and space. TV SERIES “I Spy” Complete Series “Airwolf” Season Four “The Abbott and Costello Show: Who’s On First?” “Best of Soul Train 2”
1. Despicable Me ................... (PG) (Universal) 2. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse ...............................(PG-13) (Summit) 3. Salt ................................(PG-13) (Sony) 4. Toy Story 3 .......................... (G) (Disney) 5. The Town ..............................(R) (Warner Bros.) 6. Inception .......................(PG-13) (Warner Bros.) 7. The Other Guys ...........(PG-13) (Sony) 8. Family Guy: It’s a Trap! .............................(NR) (Fox) 9. The A-Team ..................(PG-13) (Fox) 10. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps ........(PG-13) (Fox) © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
January 17, 2011
Today’s Seniors.
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Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”
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traditional English afternoon tea at Woodbury Villa, a senior-living community. Dressed in their finest and sitting around elegantly set tables, the residents in their 80s and 90s were served tea and sweets by 15-year-old Alexis, an active volunteer who comes by frequently to help out. “I like to get involved with parties, but I also like to do everyday one-on-one activities because I learn so much from them,” she says. “Each person has interesting and funny stories to tell as I paint their fingernails, do craft projects, play checkers and exercise.” “Faces light up and people with aches and pains perk up when volunteers and kids come to visit at retirement communities,” says housing manager Kathy Ryan. “Visits can bring vibrancy to a place often overdosed with routine.” There are volunteer opportunities year-round, especially in January and February when the busy holiday season is over. Consider contacting the activity department of a senior community near you and discover how you and your kids can serve. Along the way your kids will learn lessons in compassion and citizenship while they boost their self-confidence. And there’s another bonus: It feels good! Here are some ideas for sharing your personalities, talents and time with the needs of seniors: --Read books, greeting cards and magazine articles aloud to individuals or groups. --Play an instrument such as the piano or guitar at mealtime. --Assist in crafts and woodworking projects. --Assist in social, theatrical and musical performance events. --Write-up a family history as a resident relates it to you and write descriptions of treasured objects or family heirlooms. --Tech-savvy teens can help seniors with their computer or help a small organization update its website. ***
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Service Club of Manatee County will host The 46th Annual Antiques and Collectibles Show and Sale on February 25, 26, and 27 at the Manatee Convention Center in Palmetto. Fifty outstanding vendors will showcase silver, fine china, jewelry, porcelains, glassware, textiles, paintings, furniture, and more. The show kicks off on Friday, February 25, with a Gala Preview Evening from 5 pm to 9 pm. Guests at the festive opening evening will preview the show and enjoy an elegant buffet of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by Service Club members. Gala tickets are on sale for $10 in advance or $20 at the door and are good for the entire weekend. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $6 at the door. Show hours on Saturday, February 26, are 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, February 27, are 11 am to 4 pm. Antique appraisals will be available on Saturday only from 10 am to 3 pm. Crystal repair and a gold buyer will be available throughout the weekend. The 2011 Antique Show Chairman is Ruth Ann Szymanski of Bradenton and the Co-chairman is Sandy Krull of Palmetto. All show proceeds will benefit local children’s services organizations. For information or tickets, visit www.manateeserviceclub.com or call 941-749-5378. Manatee Convention Center is located at One Haben Boulevard in Palmetto.
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Manatee Convention & Civic Center, Palmetto, Florida Preview Gala - Friday, February 25 - 5 pm-9 pm Saturday, February 26 - 10 am-5 pm Sunday, February 27 - 11am - 4 pm Admission: Friday Preview Advance Tickets: $10.00 / $20 at the door - Good for the entire weekend Saturday or Sunday - $6.00 Good for both days Info & Ticket Sales 941-749-5378 www.ManateeServiceClub.com
Andrea & Friends 2400 Martin Luther King St. N St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Braden River Antiques 426 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208 Carriage House 3307 Manatee Ave. W Bradenton, FL 34209 Charms of Leffingwell 905 Leffingwell Avenue Ellenton, FL 34222 Crowder Brothers East 2401 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 Crowder Brothers West 5409 Manatee Ave. W Bradenton, L 34209 Emiline’s Antique Mall 1250 U.S. Hwy. 301 Palmetto, FL 34222 Ginny’s and Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, FL 34216 Magnolia Antique Mall 3411 Hwy 301 N Palmetto, FL 34222
Our facility is great: Plain and Fancy Fabrics • Easy access from major thoroughfares: Interstates 75 and 275, U.S. 3202 Cortez Road West Highways 41 and 301 Bradenton, FL 34207 • High visibility, located on U.S. Highway 41/301 bullet Convention Center Marquee is visible to 40,000 vehicles Rusty Crickett’s daily • Promotional ad begins approximately two weeks prior to 615 15th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 Show. • Convenient and ample parking for customers What A Find Thrift & Consignment • Spacious interior with excellent customer- traffic pattern 5231 Manatee Avenue West • Easy loading and unloading for Exhibitors Bradenton, FL 34209 Our Antique Show is the best: Zula’s Antiques • Over 1,100 pre-sold tickets 6441 U.S. Hwy 19 • More than 200 Manatee County Businesses support our Show Terra Ceia, FL 34250 through advertising
Feb. 18, 2011 • Today’s SENIORS • Page 11
Do You Need To File a Tax Return This Year? Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS filing requirements for seniors this year? I had to file income tax returns last year, but my income dropped a bit and I’m wondering if I may be off the hook this year. What can you tell me? Tired of Taxes Dear Tired, According to the Tax Policy Center, more than half of all seniors in the U.S., age 65 and older, won’t have to file income tax returns this year mainly because their incomes are under the IRS filing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the 2010 filing requirements along with a few other tax tips you should know. Filing Requirements If your “gross income” is below the IRS filing limits, you probably don’t have to file a federal tax return. Gross income includes all the income you receive that is not exempt from tax, not including Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately. You probably don’t have to file this year if: • You are single and your 2010 gross income was less than $9,350 ($10,750
if you’re 65 or older). • You are married filing jointly and your gross income was under $18,700. If you or your spouse is 65 or older, the limit increases to $19,800. And if you’re both over 65, your income must be under $20,900 to not file. • You are head of household and your gross income was below $12,050 ($13,450 if age 65 or older). • You are married filing separately and your income was less than $3,650. • You are a qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child and your gross income was less than $15,050 ($16,150 if age 65 or older). Required Filing You also need to be aware that there are some special financial situations that require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirement. For example, if you had net earnings from self-employment in 2010 of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes
to the IRS such as alternative minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you’ll probably need to file. To figure this out, the IRS offers a page on their Web site called “Do You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return?” that includes a list of financial situations and a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file (if you’re due a refund). You can access this page at www.doyouneedtofile.info, or you can get help over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. Check Your State Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. Check on that with your state tax agency before concluding you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state and local tax agencies see taxadmin.org – click on “Links.” Tax Prep Help If you do need to file a tax return, you can get help through the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). This program provides free
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Page 12 • Today’s SENIORS • Feb. 18, 2011
tax preparation and counseling to middle and low income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-829-1040 to locate a service near you. Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 7,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP TaxAide site call 888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide. Savvy Tips: For more information, visit www.longtermcare.gov. And for assistance in finding and choosing a policy, get a LTC insurance specialist who works with a variety of companies to help. See www.aaltci.org to locate one.
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also be a benefit to some homeowners as they want the light in the winter time and shade in the summer time. I have seen many people that like to plant bulbs and shade loving plants beneath the tree for additional color. These plants are shaded during the summer and still thrive during the winter months. I would plant the pink variety of the tabebuia tree in the front of the home for the best effect. A stand alone tree in a front yard can be a show stopper (photo enclosed). Tabebuias like to be planted in the full sun and will be slow to moderate growers. The yellow varieties do better on the sides of the home or to add color in the rear of the home. The yellow varieties can be used singly as a specimen plant or in the rear of the home to provide color in the winter to a garden or patio. Rising fuel costs are a concern for every homeowner. Heating and air conditioning costs never seem to go down. With these energy costs in mind many of you have started to add trees in the landscape to help defer some of these costs especially in the summer when air conditioning cost
are at their highest. Well I have a few suggestions that may help you save some money in the future. Oak trees and Sycamore trees are both large spreading which will give you many years of satisfaction in the landscape. Oak trees and particularly the “Live” oaks trees will give
you and your grandchildren years of shade and possibly a conversation piece. Because Live oaks can live to well over 150 years old, plant them with care and give them room to grow. Never plant oaks too close to the home. You should allow at least 20 feet of clear space from the home and try to plant them so that they will shade the home in the afternoon. The afternoon sun causes the most heat and if you plant your trees with this in mind you can save more on your energy costs. Live oaks are slow growing but many nurseries’ carry larger varieties and can install them for you. Sycamore trees are much faster growing and could give you more shade in less time then the Live oak will. I would still recommend the planting instructions be followed for both varieties as I outlined above. Remember, the Sycamore will grow much faster saving you more on your energy bills quicker. There is a drawback to the Sycamore; the tree is deciduous meaning it will drop its large leaves in the fall but this will give the homeowner additional light in the wintertime. All of the trees mentioned above will add their own distinct characteristics to any home or landscape. Be sure to do your own research whenever selecting a new plant for your home as these plants will be with you for many years to come. Publications such as “Know it Grow it” by Carl E. Whitcomb, Ph.D. can give you the knowledge necessary to make the right decisions when selecting plants for you home. I hope you enjoy this section on trees for the home and garden. Remember, without plants we wouldn’t be here!
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BY JUDY CUPPY “For Seniors by Active SeniorsTM” We are facing an epidemic in this country. Many of our elderly individuals who have lived long, productive lives are governed by a feeling of futility often accompanied by depression and despair. They feel alone, vulnerable and abandoned – projecting that they will become a burden to the rest of society. Fear of physical and mental diminishment governs their thoughts and emotions, while lack of purpose has made them question why they still exist. To overcome this problem and the feeling of loneliness, services have been created to provide companionship to the senior population to help them maintain the lifestyle they choose, whether in their home or in an assisted living facility. Personalized visitation not only gives purpose to elders, but it also alleviates some For more information call of the stress family members feel when they can’t spend as much 941.924.0494 or visit the website at time visiting their loved ones as www.seniorhomecompanions.com License #30211323oH they would like. Senior Home Companions was created in 1992 as a service that specializes in one to one visits from compassionate, welltrained and reliable “friends.” In fact, our companions are themselves seniors who have cared for family members for a good part of their lives. We like to think of our service as “For Seniors by Active SeniorsTM” for who better understands the needs of our senior population! Each visit by our companions is customized to the needs and desires of the elder and can include shopping trips, taking walks, going to the movies, fishing and Answer to Sudoku from page 6 talking, as well as meal planning
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Page 14 • Today’s SENIORS • Feb. 18, 2011
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1. GEOGRAPHY: In what body of water are the Seychelles Islands locat1. Who sang “Seasons in the Sun” ed? in 1974? Bonus for knowing what the 2. MOVIES: Who directed the movsong is about. ies “Stagecoach” and “The Grapes of 2. In the 1964 bossa nova hit “The Wrath”? Girl from Ipanema,” what is she doing 3. CHEMISTRY: What element’s that attracts so much attention? Bonus symbol is C? for knowing where Ipanema is. 4. MUSIC: What rock ‘n’ roll band 3. Name the artist who first sang included members Marty Balin and “Red Red Wine.” Paul Kantner? 4. Name the 1972 hit by Climax. 5. HISTORY: What Union general 5. Name the Tommy Edwards hit captured Vicksburg, Miss., after a 40that had a melody written by a U.S. day siege? vice president. 6. SCIENCE FICTION: What fic6. Who had hits 20 years apart with tional character had a flying lab called “I Think We’re Alone Now,” in 1967 Sky Queen? and 1987? 7. LITERATURE: Who wrote “RidAnswers ers of the Purple Sage”? 1. Terry Jacks. The singer is dying 8. MYTHOLOGY: Hera was the sisand is saying goodbye to friends and ter and the wife of which Greek god? family. The song also was covered by 9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What U.S. the Kingston Trio with different lyrics president was born in West Branch, in 1963. Iowa? 2. She’s walking. That’s it, just walk10. INVENTIONS: When was the ing. Ipanema is a neighborhood in Rio ballpoint pen invented? de Janeiro, Brazil. Answers 3. Neil Diamond, in 1968. He also Answers on page 17. 1. Indian Ocean wrote the song. The more well-known 2. John Ford version was done reggae-style by 3. Carbon buttermilk. Just add 1 tablespoon ofUB40 can,inget a balloon and blow it up to fit 1983. 4. Jefferson Airplane 4.in“Precious and Few.”ofThe the empty space thesong can. hit Press either white vinegar or lemon juice 5. Ulysses S. Grant No. 3 on the charts. 6. Tom into the and close the lid. to a Swift measuring cup, then add enough 5.it “It’s All paint In thecan Game” in 1958. 7. Zane Grey The 1911 melody was composed by It keeps a scummy glob from formmilk to make a cup. Stir and let standCharles 8. Zeus Dawes, who would be the 9. Herbert ingvice on the paint’s surface.” -- A.C. a minuteHoover or two before using. 30th president. The song was in 10. 1938 in the movie “October Sky.” Washington • To prevent hangnails, give yourselfused © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. 6. Tommy James and the Shondells, Want a great, fluffy omelet? Use a hand massage and use a little ol-and• then Tiffany.
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Feb. 18, 2011 • Today’s SENIORS • Page 15
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The week continues to encourage the forming of new personal relationships and the shoring up of those that might be weakening. New contacts also dominate the workaday world. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) While the bold Bovine might want to move quickly to deal with sudden plan changes, it might be best to wait until you can come up with some solid facts behind the unexpected turn of events. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s a good week to consider how you’ll move on matters both personal and professional. In either case, the more you know about them, the more likely it is that you’ll make the right decisions. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Although you might find more colleagues ready to support your plans, some of them could ask for changes you don’t approve of. Be ready to defend your position if necessary. LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time for Leos and Leonas to think about opportunities that might be outside your usual interests. You could be surprised to find something well worth your consideration. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You can turn a troublesome workplace issue to your advantage by prompting that Virgo penchant for preciseness to take over where all else has failed. An old friend makes contact. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A friend’s unexpected workrelated news could be a wake-up call to get you to reassess your position. See if you need to make changes to strengthen your position at this time. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might want to review a decision to work alone on a project. You might see it as efficient and prudent, but some might see it as unnecessary secretiveness, even for a Scorpio. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Don’t be put off by a lukewarm response to a recent effort. Perhaps you didn’t present a strong enough argument. Rebuild your case with more facts, and try again. Good luck. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A surprise development in the early part of the week could be linked to an ongoing situation. Before you decide to take further action, consider calling for a group discussion. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your sensitive side helps you work through an emotionally difficult situation with a minimum of bruised feelings all around. A welcome change bows in by the week’s end. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) While the week still favors new pursuits, some things from the past also make a claim for your attention. The weekend is open for good times with some of the people closest to you. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a wonderful gift for seeing the best in people.
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Shriners Hospital Visit by Collegiate All-Stars Reveals a Different Kind of Athlete
In the nearly two years I, my wife Elle and friend Katie have acted as up-and-coming journalists / photographers for our own selffashioned media entity, Envision Sports Media, it’s been easy from time to time to fall into the trap of viewing those we cover as little more than the athletic machinations we see out on the football fields, basketball courts and baseball diamonds of Florida and the greater Southeastern United States. Fortunately for the three of us, we’re also often reminded of how far from the truth that perspective truly is, and that athletes are outside of their uniforms, helmets, caps and gloves as externally and internally human as the fans who in person, on television or over the radio watch and listen, cheer, and, yes, even boo them. This past weekend served as one of the clearest examples of the aforementioned, as the three of us – suffering from a lack of sleep and all a little too grumpy for comfort – climbed into my silver Toyota Corolla and traveled the 40+ miles necessary to reach the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa in order to cover the 86th Annual East-West Shrine Game’s Players Visit with patients of the facility and their families. Elle, Katie and I felt blessed to be able to call Sunday’s visit to the Shriners Hospital, tucked away neatly as it is on the westernmost boundary of the University of South Florida’s main campus, our second in as many years. 2010 – the East-West Shrine Game’s inaugural year in its new permanent home in Orlando, Florida - had found us roaming throughout the facilities’ Fish Bowl – a sprawling, semi-circular activities center for patients staying at the Shriners Hospital for Children – stunned at the display of compassion laid out before us as some of the nation’s best senior collegiate football players touchingly interacted with children of all ages suffering from a variety of disabilities and disorders far too numerous to name. To say there were more than a few tears shed on the part of those players in attendance – not to mention a trio of amateur sportswriters and
photographers – is quite an understatement. One simply can’t put into words the things we saw, heard and felt during a five-hour long period that simply melted time and space into a singular instance of all that is good within human beings – even those athletes we all far too often subjectively criticize for caring about little else than money, fame and success. So it was with great anticipation that we arrived at our destination at approximately 10:00 a.m., where we instantly rekindled a relationship established a year earlier by God’s grace with Jamie Parker, public relations specialist at the hospital. Hugs were exchanged, 12 months worth of catching up whizzed by in two minutes time, and before we knew it, we’d been issued our respective press passes and split up in order to properly capture in photographs the arrival of the East and West squads – this year headed up by the respective coaching staffs of Dan Reeves and Wade Phillips – an hour later.
It was 11:00 a.m. before we first saw players from the West squad, all donning blue polo shirts emblazoned – appropriately – above the heart with the East-West Shrine Game logo – step off their buses and onto the grounds of the Shriners Hospital for Children. All were met with firm handshakes from Shriners organization board members and executive leadership, and then led toward the back of the hospital, where an impressive combination of playgrounds and athletic courts awaited the players’ formal introduction. By 11:30 a.m., players representing the East team – wearing shirts identical to their West counterparts, except for being red in color – had made their arrival known, and, joining the remainder of the EastWest Shrine Game contingent in the rear of the facility, blended in to a patriotic sea of color that boldly pronounced the beginning of the day’s activities. Statements of welcomes flowed throughout the contours of the Shriners Hospital for Children’s courtyards, with rounds of applause meeting the introduction of Reeves and Phillips to patients in attendance and their families. The loudest and most resounding response, however, was reserved for 15-year old Ben Carpenter,
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named earlier in the month the 2011 East-West Shrine Game ambassador. From a motorized wheelchair, Carpenter eloquently shared the story of his own experience with doctors from the Shriners Hospital, and how, despite suffering from SMA, or spinal muscular atrophy, he’d managed to not only maintain a straight-A average as a student but also become a member of a power-wheelchair soccer team that recently placed second in na-
Ricky Dobbs, QB, Naval Academy - This [visit] means a lot because it’s an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. For me personally, it inspires me. To think what I go through on a day-to-day basis and have no idea how good that I actually have it. It puts things in perspective for me. It is a blessing to be such an inspiration to kids and for them to look up to us, just being in the position that we are in. Nathan Enderle, QB, University of Idaho - It’s great, all these little kids are so happy and you can see the excitement in their faces. You start to talk to them and it just makes you feel good. We’re getting our faces painted and their getting their faces painted. We’re playing games with them, having fun and its just a good experience, not just for them, but for us as well. Around the end of the season I got a letter inviting me to the game and I was really excited because not only is it a great opportunity in football, but its for a great cause. I love to hang out with the kids, because they are so happy that we are here, it’s refreshing, really. For me, its all about seeing the looks on their faces when we walk in. They don’t even have to know who we are, they are just excited that we are here. Graig Cooper, RB, University of Miami - What gets me is just how much these kids appreciate us. You never know who is going to appreciate you. These kids – they’re showing us that they appreciate us; they don’t have to, but they do. It makes me feel good that I’m a part of this. I [didn’t] know how important it was. Now, I see – these kids, they really inspire me. All they see is people that want to do good things [with their lives], and we just want the same for them. I really appreciate this opportunity. Aldrick Robinson, WR, Southern Methodist University - I’m experiencing how really blessed I am just to know there are kids out here that’ll never be able to do things I’m doing right now. It feels great to be out here to show them we care about them and they’re [as] important as we are. Wes Byrum, K, Auburn University - It’s just been a blessing to come out here and be able to play with all these kids out here. It’s an unbelievable experience. I received a call about a week ago about playing. I’ve never known anyone who has played before, but I have heard great things about this trip, and especially this visit to the hospital. It’s been everything that everyone has said about it and I’m just glad to have been a part of it.
tional competition and founder of not one, but two non-profit organizations. Carpenter’s inspirational speech set perfectly the tone for the remainder of the day. Following the closing of opening ceremonies, players from both the East and West teams eagerly began partaking in their intended purpose for the afternoon, with names such as Louisiana State wide receiver Terrence Toliver, Oregon wideout Jeffrey Maehl, Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle, UCLA defensive end David Carter and Navy dualthreat Ricky Dobbs found scattered throughout hospital grounds challenging patients to games of basketball, sharing in sessions of facepainting, dancing to the Electric Slide and firmly engaged in decorating miniature footballs at one of several crafts-oriented tables. For the first hour or so, Elle, Katie and I simply sat back and observed, using our cameras to freeze images of humanity rarely seen when it comes to publishing material on the next-generation of athletes play professional sports. But the true testament to the power of this year’s East-West Shrine Game Players Visit didn’t come till later, when Katie and I took nearly 20 members of both the East and West squads aside in order to ask them what being a part of the day’s events meant to them personally. Their responses, as they were last year, are striking, and reveal a much different outlook than some might expect when describing the intellectual and emotional character of some of the best senior collegiate football players in the country. Don’t let us convince you, however; we’ll let the athletes’ own words in response to our question do the job for us, hoping, as you read, that they’ll paint the same picture Elle, Katie and I have come to fondly appreciate as a result of being part of Elle Principe-Roberts as photographer this unique and special event:
How did you do? Check your answers below.
Magic Maze solution
Letter Box solution
1. GEOGRAPHY: In what body of water are the Seychelles Islands located? 2. MOVIES: Who directed the movies “Stagecoach” and “The Grapes of Wrath”? 3. Scramblers CHEMISTRY: What element’s symbolsolution is C? 4. MUSIC: What rock ‘n’ roll band included members Marty Balin and Paul Kantner? 5. HISTORY: What Union general captured Vicksburg, Miss., after a 40day siege? 6. SCIENCE FICTION: What fictional character had a flying lab called Sky Queen? 7. LITERATURE: Who wrote “Riders of the Purple Sage”? 8. MYTHOLOGY: Hera was the sister and the wife of which Greek god? 9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What U.S. president was born in West Branch, Iowa? 10. INVENTIONS: When was the ballpoint pen invented? Answers 1. Indian Ocean 2. John Ford 3. Carbon 4. Jefferson Airplane 5. Ulysses S. Grant 6. Tom Swift 7. Zane Grey 8. Zeus 9. Herbert Hoover 10. 1938
Feb. 18, 2011 • Today’s SENIORS • Page 17
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© 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
Answer to Stickelers from page 15
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THE KITCHEN DIVA By Angela Shelf Medearis Slow Cooking Creates Fast Meals Over the holidays, I replaced my beloved but broken slow cooker with a newer model. A slow cooker is a great tool for planning meals. The word “planning” becomes extremely important in tough economic times. Planning can help us save time, money and frustration. This is especially true as it relates to your food dollars. Here are some tips to help you plan your food budget, along with a great slow-cooker recipe to help you stretch your food dollars and save time. 1. Figure out how many dollars you have to spend on food each week. Once you know what your food budget is, be determined NOT to spend more than that amount. If you cannot feed yourself/family on this amount, find out what outside resources are available that can help you stretch your food dollars. 2. Make a menu plan for the week. This is time well-spent, as it will save you time later. Check your refrigerator, freezer and cupboards for supplies you have on hand before going to the grocery store. Clip and save coupons for items you use. Then, make a grocery list of supplies you’ll need. Once
you are at the grocery store, stick to your list. Impulse buying is expensive! 3. Planning ahead can include using your crockpot. Many tasty dishes can be prepared ahead of time and ready for you to eat later in the day -- if you do a little planning. This convenient cooking method eases the frustration level of many a cook who is trying to feed a hungry family that has just walked through the door. Be sure to follow the proper cooking methods when using your crockpot to ensure food safety. Recipes like my Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken are designed to make enough leftovers to eat for lunch as a topping for salad greens, rolled in a tortilla or as filling for a sandwich roll. The dish also freezes beautifully and can be re-heated in the microwave. You can prepare the chicken needed for this dish while you’re preparing dinner for the evening by making a double batch. For example, some of the chicken can be used as part of a stir-fry or as a topping for a salad that day. Season and cook the remaining batch of chicken using the spices recommended in the recipe. Cover and refrigerate the pre-cooked chicken and use it for the Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken. You also can substitute cubes of pork for this dish with great results. SLOW COOKER GREEN CHILE CHICKEN 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves and/or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon chili powder, divided 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, divided 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
1 (16-ounce) jar green salsa or salsa verde 1 (10-ounce) package, chopped, frozen spinach or zucchini, thawed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with onion and garlic 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream (optional) 1/4 cup low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) 1. In a large bowl, toss chicken with 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, pepper, salt and 1 tablespoon of the oil to coat. 2. In a large skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil to pan and heat over medium high heat. Cook chicken, half at a time, in hot oil over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off fat. Place chicken in a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon chili powder, the teaspoon of cumin and poultry seasoning, the salsa, spinach or zucchini, beans and undrained tomatoes. 3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. If desired, top with sour cream and cheese. Makes 6 servings. To store reserves: Place chili in an airtight container. Seal and chill for up to 3 days or place in freezer bag or airtight container for up to 6 months. (Tips courtesy of DeeAnn Leines, a health and nutrition educator with University of Minnesota Extension.) Angela Shelf Medearis is known as The Kitchen Diva! She’s the executive producer and host of “The Kitchen Diva!” cooking show on Hulu.com. Her new inspirational book is “Ten Ingredients for a Joyous Life
and a Peaceful Home -- A Spiritual Memoir” and was co-written with Pastor Salem Robinson Jr. (www.dunnsmemorial.com) Visit her website at www.divapro.com.
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1. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 200D 2. 1966 Volkswagen Beetle 3. 1966 Volvo Amazo 4. 1967 Porsche 912 5. 1967 Volkswagen Transporter 6. 1968 Ford Fairlane 500
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Answer to Name These Vehicles from page 7.
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