TIDBITS of Spokane County, WA by John Ortiz

OVER NEW

4 MILLION

FREE

Community Living Readers Weekly Section Nationwide!

See Page 5

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Published By: John Ortiz & Assoc., LLC www.spokanetidbits.com ads@spokanetidbits.com

Issue #597

January 16, 2009

COINSPlus.com Buying & Selling

Gold & Silver Coins & Collections Scrap Gold, Jewelry & Diamonds Spokanes Largest Coin & Precious Metals Dealer

HONESTY, INTEGRITY & PROFESSIONALISM

444-0044 3201 N. Division St. Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Laugh a bit with

For Advertising Call (888) 884-6371 $500 OFF

Receive Five dollars off your bill with purchase of $2000 or More (One coupon per table per visit • Not valid on Holidays or with any other offer)

Cliff was terribly upset and went to see a psychiatrist. “Doc,” he said, “I keep having these strange dreams. They alternate: first I’m a teepee, them I’m a wigwam, then I’m a teepee, them I’m a wigwam. It’s driving me crazy! What’s wrong with me?” The doctor thought a moment then replied, “It should be quite obvious, Cliff. You’re two tents.”

“…I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.. ~ W.B. Yeats

Lunch Menu Monday-Friday From $695 to $995 Homemade Tamales • Rellenos Carnitas • Fajitas

Party Catering

Menu Personalized for Your Event

Banquet Room

Best Margaritas in town

North

1801 N. Hamilton St., Spokane, WA

(509) 484-4534

12 Tamales for $1500

South

2620 E. 29th Ave., Spokane, WA

(509) 534-7388

TAKE A TIDBITS TRIP ABOARD THE

DREAMLAND EXPRESS by Victoria Westlane

Service You Can Trust FAMOUS 20-POINT FULL-SERVICE

OIL CHANGE

SAVE 10 $

NORTH SPOKANE 12108 N. Division St, (509) 467-0266 With this ad. Valid only at above location. Not valid with other offers. One per vehicle. Expires Jan. 31, 2009. TB10

The ™ k c u D y l Ug s Warehouse

Liquidator

Finish Building Materials

(509) 326-0199 1727 W. Sinto Spokane, WA

It’s Time to Attract New Business Advertising Space is Available CALL

(888)

884-6371

Meat Processing Class Instructor, Del Harford Sausage Jerkey Ham/Bacon

$30 $20 $20

Daydreams, pipe dreams, nightmares, and other such visions… This week’s Tidbits examines those subconscious “movies” in our heads. • Humans sleep in different “stages,” and it is during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage when we dream. REM sleep occurs about every 90 minutes, and the resultant dreams last longer during the later cycles of sleep. We typically experience our longest and most vivid dreams during the two hours just prior to waking up. What’s more, the body is temporarily paralyzed during REM sleep. The “imagination” portion of the brain is extra-active during this sleep cycle, so the parts of the brain that control our muscles shut down so that the sleeper doesn’t become physically overactive during a vivid dream. • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. Michigan residents, though, had been given a “sneak preview” of the speech two months earlier. Dr. King used key portions of his “Dream” oratory during a civil rights march along Detroit’s Woodward Avenue. • Do you own (or have you ever seen) a decorative item called a dream catcher? Typical examples are shaped like a small hoop and draped with loosely-woven web. Feathers, beads, or other ornaments may dangle from the bottom of the hoop. The dream catcher originated with the Ojibwa Nation. It was traditionally hung above the beds of young children to protect them from the bad spirits that delivered nightmares. • While recording their multi-platinum album Rumours, the members of Fleetwood Mac were in the midst of assorted romantic entanglements. Arguments became commonplace in the studio, and one day, Stevie Nicks wandered off to a separate studio to soothe herself by playing piano. A half-hour later, she came up with the song “Dreams.” Keyboardist Christine McVie dismissed turn the page for more Tidbits!

WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Publish a

Paper in Your Area

If You Can Provide: Sales Experience • A Computer • Desktop Publishing Software • A Reasonable Financial Investment

We provide the opportunity for success!

Call 1.800.523.3096 http://www.tidbitsmedia.com

624-1490 “FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO COOK” Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 & Sat 9:00-2:30

130 N. Stone, Spokane, WA www.spokanespice.com Store Located at Corner of Main & Stone

www.roundyskawasaki.com

Roundy’s Has

You Covered For Every SEASON!

(509) 467-5128

11008 N. Newport Hwy, Spokane, WA Store Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 10am-5pm / Closed Sun & Mon

DOG OWNERS Complete Dog Waste Removal seRviCe Cleans Yards & Pens $10/week/1 dog - $2.50/Add’l dog

One Week FREE After Four-Paid Weeks

Coupon Expires March 31st, 2009

SatiSfaction Guaranteed Call DOOTY FREE

(509) 995-5776 YES! YOU CAN STILL FILE BANKRUPTCY!

STOP Foreclosure, garnishments, creditor calls! FREE Initial consultation with an Attorney $300 Attorney fee-Chapter 7* (chapter 13: $450)*

Wallace Law Office Debt Relief Agency www.walegalclinic.com CALL NOW: 326-3600 Uncontested Divorces: $650 / $750 with kids *does not include filing fees* All prices effective August 1, 2008

Gluten Free Classes Jan. 24th - Basic Baking Jan 31st - Gluten Free / Corn Free Mexican

Wide Variety of Products

Call for Class Schedule

Page 2

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

You can’t do everything at once, but you can do it all in one place. Digital printing and document services We provide a full range of document services, including: Full-color digital printing, binding, laminating and collating.

Mailbox services With our mailboxes you get a real street address, not a P.O. Box number, package acceptance from all carriers and call-in MailCheck . ®

Packing and shipping Our Certified Packing Experts are here for all your packing needs. We even offer freight services for large or odd-size items.

Banner Bank Center 509 N.Bank Sullivan Banner Center 509 N. Sullivan Spokane Valley WA 99037 Spokane Valley WA 99037 509-922-2233 509-922-2233

Crosspoint Plaza NOW OPEN Crosspoint Plaza 2 Ste 4 10414 W Hiway 10414 W Hiway 2 Ste 4 Spokane WA 99224 Spokane WA 99224 509-624-3339 509-624-3339

The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a subsidiary of UPS. Services and hours of operation may vary by location. Copyright ©2008 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 41022540408

JUMP START Y OUR B USINESS ! Advertise in

Call or Email Us TODAY

(888)

884-6371 ads@spokanetidbits.com

What’s changed since Earnhardt’s death

Back in the days of actual racing, Dale Earnhardt Sr. knew how to get his point across -no matter how much it ran counter to NASCAR policy. NASCAR has always been, at best, an enlightened dictatorship. For more than two decades, one of NASCAR’s most notable policies was its relentless opposition of efforts for anyone -- drivers, owners, mechanics -- to organize. Two great drivers, Curtis Turner and Tim Flock, were once banned from competition because they were involved in collective-bargaining efforts. The driver boycott of 1969 crumbled in the face of NASCAR founder William H.G. France’s stern resistance and renunciation. That doesn’t mean NASCAR doesn’t listen, though. France’s successor and son, William C. France, was more the wheeler-dealer than his father. One man he listened to was Dale Earnhardt. Now both are gone, and the style of interaction has changed. Drivers like Dale Earnhardt and owners like Bud Moore used to storm into the transporter and make their points with profane directness. I remember, back in the 1990s, when the fields were set at 43 cars, even on short tracks. Previously, the fields at short tracks had been smaller. En route what was then “the big red (Winston) trailer,” Moore told me Billy France wasn’t going to get away with that. Of Bristol, Moore said, “It ought to be against the law to put more than two dozen cars on that #@*! pinball machine.” NASCAR did get away with it, but Moore got to make his points. Earnhardt, who once drove for Moore and revered the fiery old-timer, picked up a few tips and added a few of his own. My favorite Earnhardt move was the way he first got his point across. He’d walk from his own

Home

Nowadays, when a driver storms into the NASCAR transporter ... wait a minute ... they don’t do it anymore. When they respectfully arrive, suitably polite and “professional,” the bone of contention is more likely to be an endorsement not being as financially rewarding as they had been led to believe. NASCAR has roped in most of its critics. It has tied itself to them via the patronage of endorsements, souvenirs and clothing, appearances and suggestions that it can toss the occasional sponsor their way. Drivers’ skill and magnetism make them stars, but NASCAR is apparently pretty adept at getting across the message, whether real or not, that it can make or break them. And that’s just one more way the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing has insulated itself from the actual racing. Monte Dutton has covered motorsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette since 1993. He was named writer of the year by the National Motorsports Press Association in 2008. His blog NASCAR This Week (http://nascar.rbma. com) features all of his reporting on racing, roots music and life on the road. You can e-mail Monte at nascar_thisweek@yahoo.com. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

SAVE YOUR CASH Increase your purchasing power through trade.

Garden

(509) 283-7030

THIS IS A HAMMER By Samantha Mazzotta

Winter storm door woes, continued

THE DREAMLAND EXPRESS (cont’d):

Q: Please help me. The wind caught the storm door, yanked it out of my hand and now it won’t close on its own. It has hydraulic closers, but now I have to pull it closed. I think the wind, in pulling it back too far, has sprung it. How do I fix this? -- Kathy, via e-mail

HOME TIP: There are two common types of storm door closers: pneumatic (air-controlled) and hydraulic, or liquid (oil)-controlled. The air or oil controls the rate at which the closer’s internal spring pulls the door shut (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

team’s transporter to NASCAR’s and just park there, right out in the open, signing autographs. For fans in the garage area, it was like Christmas morning, and the mob would bring everything at the NASCAR transporter to a standstill. The message would come down: “All right, Dale. Billy says come on in.”

Barter Is Smarter

A: First, check to see if the automatic closer is properly attached and operating. Is the closer attached to its mounting brackets on both the storm door and the interior door frame? Next, check the automatic closer function. Open the door halfway and let it go to see if the closer pulls it shut slowly. If it simply opens and slams shut (or just hangs there), try rotating the closer cylinder (on hydraulic units) and test again. (Pneumatic closers have rate adjustment screws on one end of the cylinder.) Look for oil on the outside of a hydraulic unit -- this means the closer is malfunctioning. If the closer still fails to operate, it probably needs to be replaced. If the brackets are OK, leave them in place, open the door fully and pop out just the cylinder. Take it to the hardware store and buy a new cylinder, install in place and test the unit again. This is much faster than replacing the entire unit, as you won’t have to go to the trouble of balancing the brackets. If your door does not have a safety chain or the chain broke when the wind yanked the door, install a new chain.

www.spokanetidbits.com

RECONDITIONED LAPTOPS

FOR SALE, 1 YEAR WARRANTY LAPTOP REPAIR AND CLEANING

Ardell’s Laptop and PC Repair 10816 E. Mission Ave Spokane, WA 99206 ardell@icehouse.net

509-891-5188

the tune as “boring” because it only had three chords. But the band recorded the song for the album and then released it as a single, where it became their first #1 hit in the United States. • Three days before his death, Abraham Lincoln told his wife about a disturbing dream he’d experienced the week before. In the dream, he was wandering around the White House when he heard the sound of pitiful weeping. At first, he couldn’t find the source of the noise. Upon entering the East Room, he saw a group of mourners sobbing around a coffin. “Who is that?” he asked a soldier standing guard. “The President,” the soldier replied. “He was killed by an assassin.” • A “pipe dream” is a fantastic goal that is nearly impossible to achieve. The “pipe” in this case refers to an opium pipe; the term was coined when opium dens were a popular form of relaxation. While under the influence, smokers experienced lofty and fanciful visions while disconnected from reality. • When “Daydream Believer” was presented to Davy Jones of The Monkees to sing in the studio, he admittedly disliked the song. He felt it was in the wrong key for his voice, and he didn’t care for the lyrics. (He was born and raised in England, where there are no “homecoming queens.”) It wasn’t until the song went to #1 on the pop music chart in December 1967 that he grudgingly admitted, “Maybe it’s not such a bad song after all.” • Mary Shelley was an aspiring 18-year-old writer when she had a bizarre dream about an inanimate, man-like creature that was stretched out on a table. When the powerful engine attached to him was fired up, the body showed signs of life. When she awoke the next morning, Shelley began work converting the dream into a short story. But by the time she was done, the tale ended up as a full-length novel. Her 1818 book, Frankenstein (or turn the page for more Tidbits!

Please support our valued advertisers & tell them “I saw your ad in TIDBITS®”

www.spokanetidbits.com

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

best way to fix this mess and learn a lesson in the process. Live like no one else, so that later you can live like no one else! There’s no magic pill, and no consolidation company is going to get you out of debt and help you stay out of debt. The answer is you, Brandy. You are your best and only secret weapon. You’re never going to learn how to get control of your finances if you turn it all over to someone else. - Dave

You & Us. Working together to address your financial needs. Donald F. Morgan, Account Vice President 601 West Riverside Avenue, Suite 1200 Spokane, WA 99201 509-744-3317 donald.morgan@ubs.com

(buying early)

THE DREAMLAND EXPRESS (cont’d): The Modern Prometheus), inspired the “mad scientist” literary genre. • One of the most famous guitar sequences in rock history is the riff that opens the Rolling Stones’ hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Those raucous notes came to Keith Richards in a dream he had in a hotel room one night in May 1965. Richards woke up, grabbed his guitar, switched on the portable tape recorder on his nightstand, and played the notes that were stuck in his head. He then fell back asleep. Richards later said that when he played back the tape, there was just one minute of music, while the rest of it was him snoring. • Scientists describe a nightmare as a dream that causes feelings of terror or extreme anxiety. Nightmares only occur during REM sleep, and are most likely to occur in the last few minutes of sleep. Illness, stress, and reactions to certain medications may cause nightmares to occur more frequently. • Writers were tasked with figuring out how to bring a character back to life when Patrick Duffy decided to return to TV’s Dallas in 1986. They did so by revealing that the previous season had been a dream. The network wanted to keep it a secret, however, so they came up with an elaborate scheme. Afraid that someone on the Dallas set would blab, producers went to another set with a new camera crew and pretended to film Duffy doing an Irish Spring commercial. The actor lathered up in the shower, turned to the camera, and said “Good morning, I’m Patrick Duffy.” As the Dallas season wrapped, editors dropped footage of a soapy Duffy saying “good morning” into the cliffhanger episode. • One of the most common recurring dreams is being caught in a public place wearing little (or nothing). Naturally, most of us are embarrassed during these dreams, but one company decided to “empower” women by using that image in an ad campaign. In 1949, the Maidenform company introduced a series of print ads depicting beautiful models wearing brassieres instead of blouses. They were pictured in a variety of situations that were described by captions, such as “I dreamed I went to the circus in my Maidenform bra.” • Madame C.J. Walker was the first self-made female millionaire in the United States. Walker lost most of her hair due to a combination of poor nutrition and antique hair straightening methods. In a dream, a man came up to her and dictated a list of ingredients. Once awake, she copied down the list and discussed it with a pharmacist friend. Experimentation led them to the creation of Wonderful Hair Grower, a salve that Walker personally sold door-to-door to other African- American women. The product ultimately launched her cosmetics empire. The End

Page 3

Dear Dave, We have about $20,000 in debt, and my husband and I have made a resolution this year to pay it off. I think we should live on a really tight budget and save like crazy, but my husband is really fired up about using a debt consolidation service. What can I say to make him change his mind about this? Brandy Dear Brandy, Debt consolidation services aren’t evil, but there are huge problems involved in using them. For one thing, it will trash your credit for the purposes of buying a house. According to the underwriting guidelines of both Fannie Mae and FHA, you will be treated as if you’d filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you use one of these debt CON-solidation outfits. Yes, I called it CON-solidation, because the whole thing is basically a con. You think you’re doing something about your debt problem, but the debt is still there, and in the end, so are the bad habits that caused the debt. The consolidation idea seems appealing to lots of people, because usually there’s a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment involved. In most cases, however, the lower interest rate or payment only exists because the term is extended. You might pay a little less each month, but you end up staying in debt even longer! There’s another problem. Your husband wants to wiggle out of the mess instead of owning up to it and fixing it. Sometimes you’ve got to face the music, Brandy. It’s a behavior issue. Making sacrifices and living on a tight budget is the

Dear Dave, I’m a sophomore in college, and I earn about $1,500 a month at my job. My rent is $500 a month. I don’t really have a credit history, but I’ve saved $20,000, and I’m thinking about using it as a down payment on a $140,000 home. Would this be a good idea? Gil Dear Gil, I wouldn’t do it. I love the fact that you’re working while you’re in school. Saving that much money is fabulous, especially for someone who’s not even 20 years old! I almost did the same kind of thing when I was in college. I was into real estate, and I really wanted to test my wings and buy something. Looking back on it, though, I’m glad I didn’t. It would have been a huge mistake. College can be a bumpy enough ride, even for the most responsible student. If you lost your job you’d be in a real mess, and with your stated income you wouldn’t have a lot of breathing room. Plus, the two years following graduation have the potential to be the most permanently lifechanging period you’ll ever experience. You could move across the country for a new job, get married, or decide to attend graduate school. In any of these situations, a house would turn into an anchor around your neck. Being a renter is a great thing while you’re still in school. In the meantime, keep piling up cash until you’re ready to settle down! - Dave

* For more great financial advice, please visit www.davesays.org.

TIDBiTS® of Spokane County, WA is now running CLASSIFIEDS!

$9.00 for up to 20 words. Add $5 for color highlights. To place your classified call or email us at:

SERVICES

MISC.

Tired of cleaning everything in sight? I CAN HELP! FREE Consultation YB Workin

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL (888) 884-6371 or EMAIL ads@spokanetidbits.com

BE TOBACCO FREE!

Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. Psalm 37:34

ARE YOU READY? Proven results. Free consultation. Classes begin Jan 13th. Individual programs available. Success guarantee. (509) 368-0088

FOR SALE HARLEY DAVIDSON LEATHER JACKET Like New! Size: Large Retails @ $600, Selling For $350. (208) 664-4694

Proudly Printed Weekly by

Automotive • Residential • Commercial • Medical

Call Chuck for information

Complete Interiors • Carpet • Headliners • Door Panels Custom Tops • Tonneau Covers • Cockpit Covers Bow Covers • Complete Boat Interiors • Furniture

Manuel & Maria Homen Owners/Operator

509.327.5556

www.spokanetidbits.com

833 W. Garland Avenue Spokane, WA 99205

The Membership Trading Community

GPC@GarlandPrinting.com

877.895.8603 www.itex.com

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

509-924-2175

www.mildtoowildupholstery.com 11616 E. Montgomery Dr. #32 Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Page 3

Page 4

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

www.spokanetidbits.com

Senior Homecare By Angels® Happy New year From VisitiNg aNgels®

We know it isn’t easy to invite someone into your home to provide homecare. You’ll interview and select any caregiver we refer to you! At Visiting Angels®, character matters in caregivers!

Up to 24 Hour Care *Meal Preparation*Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance*Light Housekeeping*Respite Care for Families Rewarding Companionship

(509) 922-1141 www.visitingangels.com

Ser ving All of Spokane County

Is it time to use a computer? From the mail I get, I suspect that many seniors don’t have computers yet. Is this the year you’re going to get one or at least learn to use the ones at the library? Maybe it’s time for you to consider taking that big step. A computer can be a door to the whole world, in terms of the information and resources available. Here are just a few things you can do on the Internet: • Design a Web site to show photos or to sell craft items you’ve made. • Read newspapers from around the world. • Keep up with the latest health and weather information. • Read books (many of them no longer in print) or play puzzle games. • Learn more about your favorite hobby or find a new one. • Research locations for your next vacation, complete with pictures and reviews by others who’ve been there before.

Here are two sites to get you started: Learn the Net [www.learnthenet.com] is a site that walks you through every possible step on using the Internet, including the all-important Web search. Master this and you’ll be able to find all the information you want. Seniors Guide to Computers [www.seniorsguidetocomputers.com] has well-presented information, including security issues and e-mail basics. A study done a few years ago concluded that seniors who regularly use a computer experience less depression and feel more connected to the world. The youngest participants in the study were age 65, and the average age was 80 years old. Have I convinced you yet? If not, here’s one final reason to learn how to use a computer: Your grandkids are pros on the Internetm, and if you want to hear from them more often, learn to send and receive e-mail. You’ll get more photos that way, too!

INEXPLICABLY CAPTIVATING & UNIQUE

Far East Treasures • Bronzes Works of Art Famous Cars & Much More

Saturday 489-8859 Please Arrive & Sunday 5225 N. Freya Before 3PM 1-4 PM ** $8.00 Entry **

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

CB Tours Feb. 14 Sweetheart Special $99 99 per couple Wine Tasting & Dinner

March 22-27 Spring Training $1,29500 Double Occ $1,59500 Single Occ April 26-30 Reno $26900 Double Occ $31900 Single Occ

~ Independent Living ~ Cottage Homes ~ Assisted Living

SE Y NIO NIT R LIVIN G COMMU

• Wellness & Fitness Center • Gourmet Chef • Bistro • Swimming Pool & Spa

Future Trips River Rafting, Mariners

Call For Information

509-590-3781

Free HDTV with Move-In Special

509-922-3100

1201 N. Evergreen Road, Spokane Valley, 99216

e v e rg re e n f o u n t a i n s . c o m

Please support our valued advertisers & tell them “I saw your ad in TIDBITS®”

www.spokanetidbits.com

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

Bubble Machine

Page 5

THE KITCHEN DIVA By Angela Shelf Medearis

Car Wash

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF BOYS I enjoy using fresh, locally grown vegetables, beans and soft tofu to make inexpensive, healthy, kid-friendly meals. Vegetarian recipes save money and are more nutritious, and, most importantly, boys enjoy them. Yes, boys. We now have a teenage son, Lorenzo, in the house, a wonderful new addition to our family. Lorenzo, 17, is new to our table because he decided he wanted to adopt us. My husband, Michael, and I had mentored him since he was 9 through a wonderful program for foster children, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Most adoptions are initiated by adults, but Lorenzo had already been through that process twice, so we felt he should decide if he wanted to live with us. Now that Lorenzo is part of our family, I’ve learned to keep my pantry stocked with items that are budget-friendly, filling, and that can be prepared quickly. One of my favorite kid-friendly recipes is one that we featured on “The Kitchen Diva!” television show. The recipe was created by JoAnn Kugle, our show’s culinary producer, and was prepared by a little boy named Tavian Petitt. JoAnn’s veggie-packed sauce doesn’t require cooking and is made from start to finish in a food processor. Lorenzo loves salsa, and JoAnn’s recipe is a simple, healthy alternative that is great with tortilla or pita chips, or vegetables sticks. It can also be used as a topping for pizzas, pasta or bagels. The best part is that Lorenzo can make JoAnn’s Sneak Attack Pasta Sauce from start to finish in the food processor and eat it immediately. One thing I’ve learned about boys: If they help in the kitchen or make a healthy main course, they’re more inclined to eat healthier. Since Lorenzo has become a part of our family, I’ve learned that there are all kinds of hungers that need to be fed. Lorenzo is hungry for parental and family love and home-cooked food. We’re doing our best to fill all those empty places in his heart and his stomach. Our home life will never be the same, but at the end of each noisy, action-packed, food-filled day, we feel blessed that Lorenzo chose us. JOANN KUGLE’S SNEAK ATTACK PASTA SAUCE - 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard - 6 Roma tomatoes, quartered - 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 2 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces - 3 teaspoons dried basil - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (or 2 Tbsps. fresh, chopped) - 2 teaspoons salt (kosher) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Place the carrot pieces and 2 of the quartered tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the knife blade. Process by using the pulse method until carrots are smooth and incorporated into the tomato. Scrape down the sides. Add the zucchini and process until smooth. Add red bell pepper and process until smooth. Add the salt, yellow mustard, basil and seasoning. Process until well-combined. Drizzle the oil into chutes while the processor is running. Serve with sliced vegetables, pita chips or as a sauce over whole-wheat pasta, on pizza or on bagels. Makes about 4 cups. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days. *** Angela Shelf Medearis is an award-winning children’s author, 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 Kitchen Diva!” television cooking show. Visit her Web site at www.divapro.c om. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

ALL LOCATIONS OPEN 24 HOURS Self Serve & Karcher Touch Free In-Bay Automatic 5625 N. Market St. 487-7746

1226 S. Pines Rd. 891-8395

2400 1st St. Cheney 235-5188

1821 W. Sunset (Self Serve Only) 455-5570

Are you getting all your beneﬁts? I came upon an article about a veterans benefits program that was held in Georgia. Approximately 4,600 veterans went to the event looking for information on benefits. The article stated that many veterans didn’t even know they were eligible. Two thousand claims were processed during the event, many for first time benefits. That’s nearly 50 percent of the veterans who attended. Last year the VA hired contractors to contact half a million OEF and OIF veterans to make sure the veterans knew about their benefits. If you didn’t get a call or are from a different era, you’ll need to educate yourself. The first step in learning more about your benefits is to get a book put out by the VA. Go to the VA site at www.va.gov and click on Benefits Booklet on the right side of the screen. You’ll find the “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” book in online form with information on pensions, education,

home loans, appealing VA claims decisions and more. Phone numbers are included in the book. Or to order your own copy ($5) call the Government Printing Office toll free at 866-512-1800. If what you need most is help with filing a VA claim or appealing a claim decision, go to the VA Watchdog site: www.vawatchdog.org. Click on Help for Veterans in the Quick Links box. At the top of that next page you’ll find Jim Strickland, veterans advocate. He’s written a handy benefits guide called “A Military Veteran’s Guide to Disability Compensation and Pension Benefits.” Either click on that link or scroll down the page to see if your particular topic has already been covered before you send questions to Strickland. If you have benefits due to you, claim them. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

“LEAVE A TWEETER” 50 Ways To Leave A Tweeter! Hop on the bus Gus. Make a new plan Stan. Wait! Wait! That’s the wrong article. I will tell you how to leave a Tweeter or stop someone from contacting you in TweetLand. If you haven’t followed them, it’s easy. Instead of clicking “follow” click “block.” However, if you’ve already “followed” someone that you choose not to “follow” any longer then… • Select “view all” from your follower list. • Find your selected X-Tweeter • Click “remove.” Mission accomplished, but this is something I trust you will never want to do with my Twitter handle, which is BodyByChocolate.

SEO & Beyond Advice Column

Guy Siverson (SEOGuy) provides interactive Super-Blogs & Internet Marketing advice for everyone. Email: Guy@SEO-And-Beyond.com or call 993.7215 with web related questions you would like me to answer. http://SEO-And-Beyond.com

To have your community event listed in this section of TIDBiTS, email us at: ads@spokanetidbits.com. Free space is limited.

Winter fun – SKI RESORTS

Lookout Pass Ski Area

I-90 Exit 0, Mullan, ID 83846 Phone: (208) 744-1301 East on Interstate 90 towards Idaho. 73 miles from the Idaho/Washington border Snow depth (Base) – 64” / Snow conditions: Open Powder

Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021 Phone: (509) 238-2220 30 miles northwest of downtown on Highway 206 Snow depth (Base) – 60” / Snow conditions: Wet Snow

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

10000 Schweitzer Mtn Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864 Phone: (208) 263-9555 2-hours Northeast of Downtown Spokane Snow depth (Base) (Mid Elevation) – 65” / Surface snow: Machine Groomed

Silver Mountain Resort

610 Bunker Avenue, Kellogg, ID 83837 Phone: (208) 783-1111 68 miles east of Spokane. Easy I-90 Access Snow depth (Base) – 72” / Snow conditions: Wet Snow

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

3311 Flowery Trail Rd, Chewelah, WA 99109 Phone: (509) 935-6649 50 miles North of Spokane off Hwy 395 in Chewelah Snow depth (Base) – 94” / Snow conditions: Powder

www.spokanetidbits.com

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

Page 5

Page 6 FITNESS & HEALTH

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH by By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Swollen Ankles Usually Treatable if Cause is Found DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I retain fluid in my ankles and feet. They swell during the day. After a night’s sleep they’re normal size. I have taken a diuretic for a whole year, but it’s no better. Why? My doctor has thrown his hands up at this. -- M.P. ANSWER: The swelling will get better only if you find its cause. If both feet and ankles are swollen, the possibilities include heart failure, kidney disorders, liver cirrhosis, medicines and, strangely enough, the overuse of diuretics (water pills). One-sided ankle and foot swelling has another list of causes. The swelling gets better at night because when you’re in the horizontal position, fluid returns to the circulation. With heart failure, people have other symptoms -- breathlessness when they’re up and about. Often, they awaken at night, panting for air. Kidney disease is detectable with a few simple lab tests. Liver cirrhosis can be confirmed by a physical examination and lab testing. Medicines that cause swelling (edema) constitute a pretty long list. On that list are the popular NSAID drugs, like Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Indocin. Female hormones also can bring on swelling. So can the blood pressure medicines called calcium blockers. Diuretics, when used for a long time and for inappropriate reasons, lead to fluid retention, just the opposite of what they’re supposed to do. On your own, cut way back on salt, not just saltshaker use

www.spokanetidbits.com

but salty foods like luncheon meats and commercial soups. Elevate your legs as many times during the day as you can and for as long as you can. Wear elastic hose. Ask your doctor if it would be all right to take a vacation from your diuretic. And have you given any thought to finding a doctor who keeps his arms down? The booklet on swelling -- edema -- explains this common condition, its causes and treatments. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 106, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You have written about sunken sternum several times, but my 18-year-old son has the opposite. He has pigeon breast. He refuses to be seen without a shirt on. I tell him to do push-ups, but he won’t. I too have pigeon breast. All he’ll do is play video games and stay home. What can I do for him? -- S.S. ANSWER: Ask the family doctor for a referral to a chest (thoracic) surgeon. Surgery for this deformity usually produces excellent results. Your son has become so self-conscious that a correction is needed for his psychological health. The operation will give him a new lease on life. Push-ups won’t help. Pigeon breast is a marked, outward protrusion of the breastbone (sternum). It often runs in families. It’s less common than funnel chest, an inward dip in the breastbone. Both are correctable. *** 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. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. (c) 2009 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

When the 3 Musketeers bar was first sold it’s cost was...

A: 1 penny B: 5 cents

C: 10 cents D: $1.95

To ﬁnd the answer go to www.bodybychocolates.com

Enter to Win $160 Worth of Call for Details

Chocolate 509.993.7215

Wholesale / Retail

Chocolate Tasting Parties Host Your Own Chocolate Tasting Parties Start Your Healthy Chocolate Business Take the Healthy Chocolate Survey

The Healthy Chocolate Revolution!TM

Please Call or Visit Our Website

509.993.7215 or 253.948.2509 www.BodyByChocolates.com

I MAKE SURE THERE ARE

NO SURPRISES

Cory L Tesarik, Agent 4408 S. Regal Street Spokane, WA 99223 (509) 448-0224 www.corytesarik.com

Wireless Insecurity PT - II No one knows you like family ™

By Jeffrey:

4. Make time to listen; a time when you put away your cell

How to Talk to Your phone and all the other issues in your life. The focus is your parent. Elderly Parent

One of the joys about getting older is the increased level of independence we experience. I watch with pride and fascination, as my 9 year old daughter (soon to be 10) develops skills in reading and math that allow her to figure out those little puzzles in life. For example, how to pay for a gift for someone for Christmas with her own money, or how to put together her first book report. It is clearly a miracle taking place in front of our eyes. However, that same miracle becomes a tremendous problem as we enter old age. Our fierce desire to not lose the independence that we worked so hard to obtain now becomes a road block to receiving the kind of help that could make life easier. Let’s face it: getting older is tough.

5. When you need to discuss a serious issue (i.e., moving to an assisted living facility), pick the time that is most appropriate for both you and your parent. If it doesn’t work the first time around, wait and try later. Don’t allow yourself to get frustrated. 6. Listen to your parent’s thoughts and ideas. They did do a pretty good job in raising you, and although they may not always be on top of issues now, they assuredly have something of value to add to the conversation.

7. Don’t try to win the big battles with your parents - focus on small victories. Instead of fighting to get mom or dad into an assisted living facility, try discussing the concept of some partAs children of elder parents, or as caregivers working for Visit- time care at home, either with friends, relatives, or a para-proing Angels, we face the daunting task of learning how best to fessional. communicate with the elderly so that they receive the optimal care possible. Yet, this is far from an easy task. As we age (and 8. Always remember to use a sense of humor. Life is just too learn to become more and more independent in our lives), we short to be angry or combative over most issues. take great pride in having accomplished that which our parents tried so hard for us to learn - the role of being an independent 9. Use formal resources, if available and appropriate (for exadult. Now, as we age, we are asked to relinquish that role and ample, Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.com) or once again become more dependent. This is counterintuitive elder care attorneys (www.naela.org)), as well as home care for most seniors. Couple that with the fierceness with which and home health care agencies. older adults cling to their privacy and you have a formula for 10. Be flexible in the changes you see as necessary. Some of ineffective communication and lack of effective change. those changes may not be as serious as you first thought (for example, the cleanliness of the house). So, how do we overcome such barriers to solid communication? Below are a few guidelines. Remember, not any one 11. Don’t be afraid to use a third party to discuss issues (though, technique can, or will be, effective 100% of the time. Patience I would only recommend this approach if you are unable to is certainly a major key in learning to have effective communi- communicate effectively). cations with elders. 12. Don’t talk to your parent in a bossy manner. Be respect1. Realize that life is probably much harder for the elder person ful.

Not long ago I was waiting at the VA hospital for the doctor to come in and tell me that yes, my injuries were in fact getting worse. Like most people, I got incredibly bored, (who doesn’t)? I took out my iPaq, (PDA), and began to sniff around using the built in Bluetooth that 95% of new phones have. Thanks to the Washington State Government, requiring drivers to use a hands free device while driving, almost all of those phones with Bluetooth built in, have it enabled as well. Herein lies the problem. I was able to connect to no less than 6 other individuals cell phones, PDA’s, and one computer. I was able to make outbound calls, surf the internet, and browse files. All from the comfort of the waiting room. For quite some time this issue has been brought up to cell phone, PDA, and computer companies. They are slowly doing something about it. Bluetooth 2G, something found in phones about 6 months and newer, disables this blind search feature. If you have an older cell phone, look at your Bluetooth options, and add a password. It might save you a major headache. Imagine, some teenage kid calling 911 from your cell phone without your knowledge.

WKA Innovations Incorporated http://www.wkacorp.com help@wkacorp.com (888)WKA-CORP (889)952-2677

than it is for you.

13. Help your parents remember the legacy they are leaving behind. Make scrap books, talk about the “good old days,” and 2. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand that your express to your parent how good a job they did raising you. parent is trying to stay in control of both themselves and their Finally, always stay in touch. Make the time in your busy schedenvironment. ule to sit and talk with mom or dad. Let them know how much 3. Remember that the person sitting before you is probably not you love them. And, make sure they understand that their life has been important to so many people on so many levels. the mom or dad of your youth.

Next Installment: Internet Explorer & Outlook

Please support our valued advertisers & tell them “I saw your ad in TIDBITS®”

www.spokanetidbits.com

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

Weekly “AMAZEMENT” Sponsored by:

’s Brenda o l d fA S h i o n e d

BarBer Shop (509) 280-8932

Page 7

Weekly SUDOKU made possible by:

haircuts $11 Seniors $10

BRIDGE LESSONS

Learn to Play the Modern Way!

Accredited Teachers Beginning to Advanced

S. 21 Pines Rd. Spokane Valley, WA

Classes available in January in your area: South & Valley ~ Brenda Simpson 926-6973 Central & North ~ Kris Motoyoshi 466-4249

www.spokanebridge.com

➷

Have Your Business Sponsor the Weekly Magic Maze As Low As $25 A Week

Age 10

Adelie penguins breed and raise their young farther south than any other penguin on the continent of Antartica. Females usually lay two eggs. Both parents care for the eggs. The eggs hatch in December which is typically the warmest time of the year in Antartica.

www.kiDDSdental.org

*State of the Art Facility *Sedation & General Anesthesia Available *Slide And Play While Waiting *Video Games / Prize Machines *Watch Videos During Treatment *Parents Welcome In Treatment Area *Emergency Appointments Available *Caring, Experienced, & Patient NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS (509) 926-1234 (509) 891-7070 Most Insurances Accepted-including: 12615 E. Mission, Suite 312 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B *Washington DSHS Spokane Valley, WA Liberty Lake, WA *Idaho Smiles (Across From Valley Hospital)

Spokane Elite Gymnastics

Offers Classes for 12-months-old through adults, Boys and Girls Competitive teams, Parents Night Out, Open Gym for all ages, Birthday Parties, Indoor Inﬂatable & Spokane’s Largest Foam Pit.

13 Weeks of Gymnastics - December 8, 2008 - March 21, 2009 (closed December 21-January 4)

509-533-9646

www.spokanegymnastics.com

www.spokanetidbits.com

5615 E. Broadway Ave. Spokane

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

Page 7

Att

Page 8

Tidbits® of Spokane County, WA

General Contractors Specializing In

www.spokanetidbits.com

Home SeRvIceS GuIDe

TIDBiTS Readers!

Keep This Page Handy For Your Home: Repair & Improvement Needs

Property Improvements

“We Can Fix It!” Bonded & Insured Lic#SPOKAHS922JS

(509) 868-1550 (509) 990-0023

www.spokanehomeservice.com

Commercial/Residential Security/Fire

Full Service Electrical Contractor NICET #99646 Level IV

2205 N. Woodruff Rd, Ste 6,

Spokane Valley

(509) 892-9473

www.wireforyou.com

home improvemenT Tip

This space available

The furnace - The furnace will work extra effort if the filter is full of dirt. This will equate to home energy waste since the furnace will consume more power against the service it brings. To avoid this, make sure that your filter is clean. The owner’s manual will tell you how to clean the filter. A clean filter will let you breath clean air around your house. A clean filter saves you 5% on heating cost.

Advertise your Home Service Here!

Home of the 5 Year No Worries Guarantee 24-Hour Emergency Service

FREE 2-Year

Service Agreement on All Installations & Existing Equipment 244-6010

(509)

West Plains

928-8252

(509)

Spokane

call Today-(888) 884-6371

Granite Countertops as easy as ......1,2,3!

RaindRop RaingutteRs

-Lifetime Warranty -Scratch Resistant -Stain Resistant -Heat Resistant

Specializing in Installation, Call today for a FRee estimate Repair, & Upkeep of Raingutters

Installed in 1-day!

ask about our 10% oFF special

Granite counter that fits over existing countertops

FREE In-Home Consultation

Check out our Rainchain showroom

(509) 362-2151 2172 n. Hamilton st.

www.raindropraingutters.com

(509) 931-1115

www.granitetransformations.com/spokane

Local Business ~Matters~ The economic value of independenT businesses it’s time to consider the real costs to a community that loses its locallyowned business base. independent local businesses employ an array of supporting services.They hire architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers and contractors for construction. local accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, advertising agencies help run it. local retailers and distributors also carry a higher percentage of locally-produced goods than chains, meaning more jobs for local producers. in contrast, a new chain store typically is a clone of other units, eliminates the need for local planning, and uses a minimum of local goods and services. A company-owned store’s profits promptly are exported to corporate headquarters. dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy that, by most findings, typically amounts to three times that of a chain. This is well-evidenced by a 2003 economic impact study by our iba in austin,Texas that concluded for every $100 spent at a chain, $13 remained in the community while $45 remained when spent with home town businesses. ensuring choice and diversity Retailers sift through competing goods and services to find those appealing to their customers. Though a single local shop may carry a smaller selection than a big chain, a multiplicity of independent retailers creates great diversity. When thousands of independent book and music shops serve their local tastes and each owner’s preferences, the result is demand for a wide variety of ideas and music. This makes accessible controversial books or music from new artists with the expectation that a market exists somewhere within a variety of stores. as fewer giant corporations dominate production and sales, our options -determined by a powerful few-dwindle. our freedom of choice is imperiled when a few buyers from national chains choose what reaches customers -perhaps moderately disturbing for most goods, but truly frightening when you consider the impact on our choice of news sources, books, music and other expression modes. (source-www.amiba.net, 2009)

106 S. Willow Rd Spokane Valley

Meet Dan Hanson Owner / Operator & 24+ Years Experience. Behind US Bank near Appleway & Mullan

www.carsspokane.com

Certified Automotive Repair Service

Please support our valued advertisers & tell them “I saw your ad in TIDBITS®”