Spokane County TIDBITS

Page 1

November 14, 2008

Issue #589

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My mom says to me, “Honey, I don’t want you to think I have diabetes because I’m fat. I have diabetes because it runs in our family.” I said, “No, Mom, you have diabetes because no one runs in our family!” ~ Carolyn Castiglia

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November is National Diabetes Month. While it’s unFULL SERVICE BOAT REPAIRS fortunate that the disease is on the rise, treatment The Membership www.myswimplatform.com options continue to improve. In this issue, we’ll offer Trading Community some background on the condition and then inspire 877.895.8603 www.itex.com you with stories of a few well-known diabetics who are living well. Custom Extended Swim Platform • Despite popular myth, diabetes is not caused by consuming too much sugar. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimCall for Details mune disorder – the body’s immune system destroys Expires November 30, 2008 the pancreatic cells that create insulin, which regulates sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes (which constitutes 90% of diabetes cases in the U.S.) is a metabolic disorder that usually occurs later in life. It may be the result of heredity, lifestyle, or several other factors. • Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are key conRoundy’s tributing factors for Type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet and 11008 N. Newport Hwy regular exercise are important preventative measures, Spokane, WA and regular doctor check-ups are important! www.roundyskawasaki.com • Diabetes is not a “modern” disease – it was first recorded some 3500 years ago. The papyrus notes of an Store Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-6pm Egyptian physician named Hesy-Ra described a conSat10am-5pm dition that resulted in the “passing of too much urine.” Closed Sun & Mon • Actor Wilford Brimley has appeared in several TV (509) 467-5128 commercials for diabetes testing supplies. He’s also been the subject of many Internet video parodies due to his deliberate pronunciation of the disease as “dy-uh-BEEtuss.” While some dictionaries list both pronunciations as correct, the more common “dy-ahBEE-tees” rendition is widely considered to be the correct one. YES! YOU CAN STILL turn the page for more!

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Is Aluminum Wiring a Safety Hazard? Q: I’ll be closing escrow soon on a 1974 mobile home. I just had the home inspection done and found out that it has aluminum wiring. Is this common, and is this a safety hazard, especially being so old? Can you give me a quick education on aluminum wiring and any pointers that might help me? -- Gail S., via e-mail A: Small-gauge aluminum wiring was installed in about 2 million homes (and an unknown number of other structures such as mobile homes) built in the 1960s through the mid-1970s. The reason it is no longer used is that it was found to be less safe than copper wire. The problem with aluminum wiring is that it tends to corrode at the connections (such as electrical outlet or appliance connections). This corrosion increases the resistance to electrical current, which leads to overheating at the connection, which can cause serious problems -- including fire or electrocution. Circuit breakers are designed to trip (break) an electrical circuit before it overloads and overheats, but aluminum wiring had a tendency to overheat despite this protection. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, homes wired before 1972 with aluminum are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach “fire hazard conditions� than a home wired with copper. In 1972, manufacturers introduced a new “alloy� type of aluminum wiring, as well as improved switches and outlets. However, some reports argue that the alloy wasn’t much of an improvement. One thing that was introduced in this same time period was a less-costly alternative to completely rewiring a home with copper. This is the COPALUM crimp connector repair, which splices aluminum wires with copper connectors to create a safer connection at the outlet or appliance. It is one of just two recommended fixes for the aluminum wiring in your home (the other is to completely rewire with copper). The COPALUM fix was allowed through 2005. I don’t know if it’s still a permitted repair option, but a licensed electrician will know about it. At any rate, you should have an electrician double-check all electrical connections in the mobile home to make sure they are functioning correctly. For the repair work, be sure to get a written estimate and re-inspect after repairs are complete. HOME TIP: The Consumer Product Safety Commission published information on dealing with aluminum wiring in older homes through 2003. Visit http://www.cpsc. gov/ and enter “aluminum wiring� in the search field. Send questions or home-repair tips to homeguru2000@ hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

LIVING WELL IS THE CURE (continued): • Worldwide, one in 17 people is diabetic. What country has the largest number of diabetics per capita? No, not the United States. It’s India, with around 10 million. China is also experiencing what experts are calling a diabetic pandemic. In Western nations, obesity is a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes. But most of the rural Indians and Chinese that are being diagnosed today are not overweight. Scientists believe that they have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance. • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas: it helps the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. The identification of insulin and its effect on the body came in 1921. The first patient to have his diabetes treated with insulin was a 14-year-old boy named Leonard Thompson. He was a “charityâ€? patient at a Toronto hospital, and lived for several years after his diagnosis thanks to daily insulin injections. He died of pneumonia in 1935. • A relatively new treatment for Type 1 diabetics is called islet transplantation. Islets are cells found in the pancreas that produce insulin. These cells are taken from deceased organ donors and transplanted into the diabetic patient. The hope is that the recipient’s pancreas will begin to produce insulin. As with all transplants, there is both a risk of rejection and a shortage of donors. Islet transplantation has only been around since 1999, and is still considered experimental at this stage. • Star Wars creator George Lucas learned that he had diabetes during his Army physical. His Type 2 not only kept him out of Vietnam, it also frightened him into what friends and family describe today as a “squeaky cleanâ€? lifestyle. He doesn’t smoke or drink, and watches his diet. It’s a major change from his teens, when the former chocoholic devoured Hershey bars “by the truckload.â€? turn the page for more!

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Chew on This DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My neighbor’s puppy has a ton of toys that he chews on all the time. Is this healthy? -- Joe E., Atlanta DEAR JOE: Yes, as long as the toys are specifically made for dogs. Chewing is an instinctive activity for dogs that keeps their teeth and jaws healthy and strong. For puppies, chewing not only helps them develop properly, but it also eases the discomfort of teething. A dog will chew on anything that looks chewable -- as many a dog owner has ruefully discovered after ďŹ nding a favorite pair of shoes in shreds. So keeping many safe chew toys within the dog’s reach, and featuring chew toys and tug ropes (thick, braided short ropes you can hang onto while the dog pulls at the other end) during play and training will help ease that urge to chew on everything. Safe chew toys do not shred or shatter when a dog sinks his teeth into them -- something you don’t want to happen, as shards can cut a dog’s gums, and swallowing debris can cause serious health problems. So owners should buy only approved toys that are appropriate for their dog’s age and size. A Great Dane shouldn’t be chewing on a toy sized for a Chihuahua, and likewise, a toy poodle might have trouble gnawing on a toy sized for a Doberman. Remember also that owners (and those who will have dogs coming over to visit) should put away any objects they don’t want chewed. Shoes, children’s toys, plants, newspapers -- you name it -- should be placed in a room or closet that can’t be accessed by the dog. A oor clear of everything but a few strategically placed chew toys is ideal. Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail. com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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LIVING WELL IS THE CURE (continued): • Emmy Award-winning actress Mary Tyler Moore is a Type 1 diabetic. Even though this version of the disease is often referred to as “juvenile diabetes,” Moore was diagnosed in her 30s, when she was working on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Initially, she dismissed her dizziness, fatigue, and occasionally-blurred vision to the long hours she was working. She learned the truth when she finally went to the doctor after passing out on the set. • Fifteen-year-old pop star Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers Band was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2005. He experienced two typical symptoms: he’d lost about 15 pounds in only two weeks, and was constantly thirsty. To be safe, he now wears an insulin pump when performing live. In fact, his young female fans have launched a new game: study Nick’s photos and spot his OmniPod device! • Singer Patti Labelle knows why diabetes is commonly called “the silent killer.” She had no symptoms (and never even felt sick) until one night in 1994 when she fainted while performing live. She thought it was merely exhaustion, but tests at the hospital the next day revealed that she had Type 2 diabetes. Labelle’s mother had the disease as well, which made her a likely candidate. But like many of us, Patti only went to the doctor when she was sick. Her failure to get regular check-ups led to the delay in diagnosis. • In 1989, Oscar winner Halle Barry collapsed on the set of her short-lived sitcom Living Dolls. Doctors diagnosed her with Type 1 diabetes and started her on a regiment of insulin. Barry has since revealed that she believes she has “cured” herself using diet and exercise. She even claims that she no longer needs to take insulin. But medical experts say that Barry was either misdiagnosed (and actually has Type 2), or is stretching the truth about her insulin use. Regardless, you should never stop (or start!) taking any medication without the approval of a physician. • Mick Fleetwood, the drummer for rock band Fleetwood Mac, was too shy, busy, or frightened to see a doctor. He’d suffered from odd symptoms for over a year, and (frighteningly) convinced himself that he had a brain tumor. He finally sought help in 1979, and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. • Two of the leading ladies from TV’s Designing Women are diabetic. Jean Smart, who played Charlene, was diagnosed with Type 1 when she was 13. Today, she keeps jellybeans in her pocket for those times that her blood sugar dips. Beauty queen Delta Burke, who played Suzanne, was diagnosed with Type 2 in 1997. She is now a spokesperson for a new diabetes medication, Byetta. • Jerry Mathers, the title character on the classic TV show Leave It to Beaver, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1989. He’d packed on some pounds, and his doctor told him that losing weight would help his diabetes. Unfortunately, Mathers attempted a radical diet approach: skipping breakfast and lunch, then eating a large dinner. This only sent his blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride that worsened his condition. Today, he follows a sensible diet prescribed by his physician and has his disease well under control. The End

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Dear Dave, When I use my Visa debit card I’m asked if it’s “debit” or “credit.” What difference does it make if you choose one over the other? Marlon Dear Marlon, Since your debit card is a Visa product, if you push “credit” it means the merchant can process the transaction as if it were a Visa card. It’s run through the Visa system, and they pay Visa a fee just as if you were using a credit card. Now, if you press “debit,” you’re using the ATM (automated teller machine) function of the card. This means you’ll have to enter your PIN (personal identification number) and this send the transaction through your bank system instead of the Visa system. I recommend running your card through the Visa system. By doing this, you’ll have Visa fraud protection on your side in the event that you lose your card or someone steals your PIN! - Dave

Dear Dave, We hear all kinds of numbers relating to the economy every night on the news. To be honest, I have no idea what most of them mean. Can you tell me more about the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Ken Dear Ken, The Dow is an index of the stocks of 30 selected companies. We’re talking about outfits like Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and Nike – some of the big boys. The percentage that the stock prices of these companies rise or fall as a group, on any given day, is the Dow Jones Industrial Average for that day. Technically, this index is not a good representative of what the stock market is doing because it only takes into account 30 companies. The S&P is a much better measure of what the market is doing, because it represents the stock* For more financial advice plus special offers price activity of 500 companies. Let’s say you’re watching the news, and a re- to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org porter tells you the market just went down 300 or call 1-888-22-PEACE.

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the boating trip. I realize that younger people need to express their independence, and they need to make their own rules (at least to some extent), and this type of change will lead our world into the next generation, whether we want that change or not - just the way the A Simple Dignity for Grandma . . . world is, right? Well, maybe we should conFrom Jeffrey Johnson sider some changes in how we address our In New England this past weekend, the sun elders. was out, temperatures were hovering around Everyone deserves respect, from the smallest 65 degrees, just a slight breeze, and the waves child, to the oldest adult. Yet, how we demonwere small - perfect day to take out the fish- strate that respect to those around us is iming boat and catch dinner (striped bass). So, portant, and more importantly, it could have I invited a friend of mine, Dennis, who asked an effect on the person we are addressing. if he could bring his two small children, Ruby For example, in a long-term study of 660 peoage 5 and Miller age 7. We had a great time ple over age 50 in a small Ohio town in 2002 (of which I’ll spare you the joys of having two (which Dr. Levy used in her research), found children running around a small boat all after- that those people who had a positive image noon). At the end of the day, we had caught of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer several good sized bass, cleaned the boat than the average person. In Dr. Levy’s study, up, and as the kids were leaving and saying older people exposed to the negative imagtheir goodbyes, they said without hesitation, es associated with the use of words such as “Thanks Jeff, we had fun.” Sounds ok, right? “forgetful,” “feeble,” and “shaky” had signifiMany kids may have just run off to play some cantly poorer performance results on tests that other game and not even thanked me. How- included memory and balance. And to make ever, later that night, as I was reflecting over matters worse, some of the biggest offenders the striped bass dinner and talking with Carol, of this “elderspeak” are the health care workmy wife, about the day’s events, something ers in our nursing homes, hospitals, and yes, felt strange about how the kids addressed even the home care workers in private homes. me: “Jeff.” Not that using my name is a probAccording to Dr. Kristine Williams, associlem, but, where is our society moving with ate professor at University Of Kansas School respect for our elderly? of Nursing (and other researchers associated Recently, our own Karon Austin sent me an with her study of interactions between staff article from the New York Times, entitled In and residents at a nursing home), found that ‘Sweetie’ and ‘Dear,’ a Hurt for the Elderly, negative interactions resulting from the use of by John Leland, October 7, 2008. Mr. Leland terms such as “good girl” can lead to the feared cites a recently completed and soon to be downward trend of emotional health ending in published study by Dr. Becca Levy of Yale low self-esteem, depression, and withdrawal. University’s department of Epidemiology and So, it should now be clearer that how we adPsychology. In this study Dr. Levy notes the dress our elders does play a part on their health Call Jeneen “The Errand Queen” many different ways we speak and address and happiness. It may seem like a small thing (509) 220-3797 our elderly, from greeting them with a “Hi (and it is endearing when a 5 year old calls her Sweetie” to simply ignoring them. Of course, grandmother by her first name), yet to the elder Licensed-Bonded-Insured I knew all this - I worked in nursing home for person, it may be part of a long and growing years where you heard the staff constantly negative experience that threatens her well-beMaking it possible for seniors to regain their independence addressing their patients/residents with any ing and her mental health. I may be overstating by providing “personal” transportation to and from other term except their given names. this, but you can rest assured that the next time appointments and much, much more... So, what’s the big deal with all this use of any of my kids address an elder person, they terms such as “Sweetie,” or “Hun,” or even will be more formal, showing them respect by Other Services Provided: the well worn “We,” as in “How We feeling calling that person “Mrs. Smith,” at least until Errands / Dr. Appts. / Grocery / Rx today?” For me it struck a sour note. I be- the elder tells them to call her by some other Movies / Theater / Events / Church gan to think back to high school days when name. Pet Care / Vet. Appt. / Exercising my senior class was the first to begin wearMaybe this will help stop the cycle of disre- Personal Shopping / Experienced Senior Care ing jeans to school and to begin calling some spect we have tended to show our elderly. I of the teachers by their first name (especially know kids are kids, and their behaviors can be cute. the younger, more hip and “cool” teachers), However when home care workers constantly use dejust as Ruby and Miller did this afternoon on rogatory terms when addressing their care recipients, we need to step in and make some changes. Be proactive in this area - it will make a difference.

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THE KITCHEN DIVA By Angela Shelf Medearis EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING

VA Domiciliaries The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Domiciliary Rehabilitation and Treatment program is for veterans who can take care of their own daily self-care, but need treatment for medical, psychiatric, vocational, educational or social dysfunctions because of substance abuse, mental illness or homelessness. The VA says that the domiciliaries give care in a “safe, secure, semi-structured homelike environment.” The “community method” of integrated therapeutic programs is used by “interdisciplinary teams,” meaning that the care involves using all types of resources to bring about the needed changes. This is all well and good, but the Office of the Inspector General for the VA took a close look at basic issues of safety, security and privacy, and uncovered problems. Then the IG went back and checked for compliance. Most of the facilities, 94 percent, had at least one issue with security or safety. The audit concluded that three issues need to be addressed: 1. Procedures for unannounced room inspections, to include checks for contraband and for controlled substances that should be locked up. (Ninety-two percent of the patients have substance abuse issues.) 2. Additional safety and privacy for all the veterans, but especially women (4 percent of the population). The audit revealed that not all domiciliaries have locks on bedroom and bathroom doors for women. In two facilities, access into rooms could be made through ceilings. 3. Some facilities are not reporting their progress in meeting guidelines, which makes it difficult to determine if corrective actions have indeed been taken. Earlier this year, funds were provided to quickly implement key-card systems, but it wasn’t done in all facilities. As of now, there are 49 domiciles, with plans to open four more next year.

The hectic pace of the holidays shouldn’t prevent you from entertaining in style -- especially if you prepare this delicious Portuguese Chicken recipe in a crockpot. My husband, Michael, is from a large family with links to Portugal via the slave trade. I love making this dish for him and for our family and friends because it looks so complex, yet it’s so simple to prepare. Convenience products like bottled pasta sauce and canned tomatoes with chilies cut down on preparation time. Mexican chorizo sausage adds a spicy flavor to the dish. Portuguese Chicken With Chorizo Sausage and my crockpot are my secrets to effortless entertaining! Chorizo sausage is a common addition to Portuguese dishes. It’s usually made with ground pork and combined with fat, wine, paprika and salt, which is then stuffed into a casing made of tripe. There are many varieties of chorizo, but one of the most popular kinds is slowly dried over a smoky fire. Linguica is a Portuguese-style of chorizo that is sliced and cooked table-side in special lattice-topped pottery dishes. Chourico is a ground version of chorizo that looks like soft or “wet” Mexican-style chorizo. Paprika and red chilies are the primary spices in Mexican chorizo and infuse it with a deep reddish color. A variety of chorizo made from fiery green chilies can be found around Toluca, Mexico. Mexican “wet” chorizo is often made with freshly ground pork parts combined with chilies, vinegar and salt and stuffed into a casing. The chorizo is removed from the casing, which is discarded, and the sausage is cooked. The “dry” Mexican chorizo has been smoked like Spanish-style chorizo and can be sliced and prepared in similar ways. I use the Mexican-style “wet” chorizo in my Crockpot Portuguese Chicken recipe. It’s far more budget-friendly than the imported Portuguese or Spanish chorizo sausages. The chorizo adds a zesty flavor to the tomato sauce that blankets the chicken while it slowly cooks in the crockpot. Serve this fabulous dish with rice, a crisp salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have an easy way to entertain your guests!

PHOTO CREDIT: Phil Curry

CROCKPOT PORTUGUESE CHICKEN 2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken, cut into serving pieces 1/2 pound soft, Mexican-style chorizo sausage, casings removed 1 (3 pound) jar prepared pasta sauce 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies 2 onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, optional 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained, optional

Combine the chorizo, pasta sauce, tomatoes, onions, garlic and sugar in a 4-quart crockpot; mix well. Wash the chicken and pat it dry with food-safe paper towels. Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Layer the chicken in the crockpot with the dark meat (thighs and legs) on the bottom of the pot, and then the white meat (breast and wings) next. Make sure that the chicken pieces are covered with the sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Stir in the artichoke hearts and olives. Cook on LOW for 7 to 10 minutes. Serve over rice or couscous. *** Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children’s author, a culinary historian and the author of five cookbooks. Her latest cookbook, “The New African-American Kitchen,” is in bookstores now. She’s known as The Kitchen Diva and is the executive producer and host of the “The Kitchen Diva!” -- a television cooking show. Visit her Web site at www.divapro.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA FITNESS

& HEALTH

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH by By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Most Everyone Uses Too Much Salt DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Sodium, sodium, sodium! Medical people continually tell us to cut down on it. How much is too much? Many packaged meals contain 10 percent to 40 percent. What does that percentage mean? What are the limits you suggest? -- S.W. ANSWER: Most people use too much sodium (salt, sodium chloride). The upper limit on sodium isn’t my suggestion. It comes from a panel of experts, and often different panels come up with different limits. One group sets the upper daily limit at 2,400 mg of sodium. Another would like people to use less, somewhere in the range of 1,200 mg to 1,500 mg. The 2,400 mg amount is equal to one teaspoon of salt. That doesn’t mean you’re allowed to fill up a teaspoon with salt and use that whole teaspoon on food throughout the day. It indicates total sodium intake. People get 77 percent of their total daily sodium from processed and restaurant foods, things like commercial soups, frozen foods and luncheon meats. Another 12 percent comes from the sodium found naturally in foods. Six percent comes from salt sprinkled at the table, and 5 percent from salt added during cooking. You can cut 11 percent of your sodium intake by eliminating the last two sources. For salt added during the processing of foods, you have to read labels. The percentage of sodium listed on labels indicates the percent of the recommended daily sodium intake found in a serving of that food. The booklet on sodium and potassium discusses these minerals in detail. To obtain a copy, write to: Dr. Donohue -- No. 202W, 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: What can you tell me about an illness called Paget’s in the brain? A dear friend of mine was told she had it after she had a brain scan. I would like to know what to look for so I can help her without making it obvious and upsetting her. Will this kill her soon? -- Anon.

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ANSWER: I have to believe that your friend has Paget’s disease of the skull. Paget’s is a bone disease, and the bones most often affected are the pelvic bones, the backbones, the skull, the thigh bone and the lower leg bone. This illness affects 3 percent of those older than 40. It comes about from an acceleration of the normal daily breakdown and buildup of bones. The breakdown phase suddenly speeds up. That throws the buildup phase into high gear, and the new bone that results is misshapen and fragile. Quite often, the process occurs only in a limited section of one bone. When that’s the case, the illness doesn’t present a health threat. Paget’s disease of the skull can cause headaches, hearing disturbances or a malfunction of the nerves that come from the brain. The symptoms depend on what part of the skull is affected and the size of the affected area. Some have no symptoms. For people with symptoms, medicines used for osteoporosis are also used for Paget’s disease. Occasionally, surgery is necessary. I doubt if your friend’s lifespan will be shortened. *** 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. (c) 2008 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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A commonly held belief is that you can actually go to school and really learn how to fix computers. This is not generally the case. While you can learn some of the basics, most companies, ours included, prefers technicians with hands-on experience, people who are self-starts and focus on practice, rather than theory. So where to get started? The only podcasts dedicated to computer repair, from a business standpoint we’ve found is available at http://www.podnutz.com. You can also browse the http://www.technibble.com website if you’re more of a visual learner. $75 Computer Repair WKA Innovations Incorporated http://www.wkacorp.com help@wkacorp.com 1-888- 952-2677 (509) 315-4007 Next Installment: Why it takes a computer professional, and not your neighbor Joe

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Age 10 Popcorn was first

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Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

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Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

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NASCAR Has are pacifists, even among race fans. I mean, sis of birth, charisma, geography (almost all theoretically. The other day I heard some- the Colombian fans cheer Juan Montoya, Its Politics, Too one say he’d met a fan who was a Demo- for instance), marketing, brand name and MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- It’s likely you’re a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, judging from the shirts in the grandstands and the stickers on the cars. If you’re not a Junior fan -- and believe you me, they’re out there -- chances are you’re reading this and preparing to write a letter or an e-mail. It’s a determined, prolific minority. The Juniorphobes often call in when I’m on radio shows. The Juniorphiles are more secure in their majority status, and they only mobilize when attacked. The slightest word, maybe even syllable, taken wrong -- one that seems as if maybe, just maybe, their idol may have included an imperfect edge in one of his many great works -- results in quick communicative response. The Anti-Junior Crowd -- politicians have grown to love to refer as something as a crowd, as in “that Washington crowd wantin’ to raise your taxes” -- believes in the pre-emptive strike. The Pro-Junior Crowd believes in a strong defense. Its army is bigger. Perhaps the insurgents rely more on sneak attacks. Then again, it’s wrong to stereotype. There

crat. Next thing you know, they’ll start letting ACLU members in. If they want to come, NASCAR will certainly accept their money, as long as they don’t mind another Republican waving the flag, driving the pace car and pressing the flesh every week. Diversity. Yeah, right. I’ve never minded fans thinking I’m wrong. Or Brian France, for that matter. I just don’t want anyone to think I’m insincere. Calling it the way I see it -- and calling it that way clearly -- means opposition from those whose eyes aren’t focused the same way. Plus, I get it from the “pros” one week and the “antis” the next. In the presidential debate last month, I heard John McCain say he was proud of those who attended his rallies. He said they didn’t say any more mean things than “that other crowd,” the one hanging on every word of Barack Obama. Obama didn’t have much to say about that. He was ahead. The difference in NASCAR is that polls don’t mean anything. Not even poles mean much. The guy who’s ahead ... isn’t ahead. Fans don’t decide which driver they adore on the basis of issues. They decide on the ba-

Bubble Machine

sex appeal, among others. All these considerations, swirling about and attacking their consciousness, somehow morph into something approaching a love affair. It can be “a guy thing” or it can be “a gal thing.” It’s not physical, though perhaps they want it to be. Relax. It’s a double entendre. Fans think it’s OK for “their driver” to get physical. All the rest better be as polite as a teacher’s pet. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. signs autographs for fans. Juniorphiles vastly outnumber Juniorphobes, but the latter are the loudest. (Getty Images photo)

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