Issue 6, Volume 1 by Mark

of Blackhawk County August 4, 2008

Vol. 1, Issue 6

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3rd Quarter 2008 Week 32 Aug 3 Aug 9 Page 1

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TONIGHT, DON’T FORGET THETHE TIDBITS: FORGET TIDBITS: TONIGHT, ONONDON T

REALITY TV TV RETURNS REALITY RETURNS by Audrey Cunningham

ISSUE 2008.32

Reality TV Returns pages 1-4

William Howard Taft pages 5-6

Fight Fraud! pages 7-8

Back by popular demand,Cunningham Tidbits goes behind the by Audrey scenes of reality television once again to give you some “down-low” demand, and gossipy information a few behind by popular Tidbits ongoes of your favorite shows.

Back the scenes of reality television once again to • Reality television got a huge boost during the give you some down-low and three-month-long Writer’s Guild strikegossipy of 2007/ infor2008. Scripted forcedshows. to go into mation on a few of shows your were favorite reruns, so millions of viewers tuned into reality Reality television a hugeperboost during the shows, which don’t got use “writers” se, and were still churning out new episodes. When the strike three-month-long Writer s Guild strike of ended, millions had lost interest in dramas and 2007/2008. shows were forced to go sitcoms inScripted favor of reality fare like The Amazing Race. into reruns, so millions of viewers tuned into • Even niche stations like TV Land (long for reality shows, which don t useknown writers per showing classic sitcom reruns) have jumped onto se, and still churning out new episodes. the were reality bandwagon. Understandably, they’re someended, growing pains in the process. Whenexperiencing the strike millions had lost inShe’s Got the Look, a modeling contest intended terestonly in dramas sitcoms in included favor of for women and over the age of 35, a realicontestant that looked familiarRace. to several viewers. ty fare like The Amazing She had appeared a year ago on another reality Evenshow, niche stations TV onLand Who Wants to Be a like Superhero?, which (long she claimed to be only 31. TV Land is reportedly known for showing classic sitcom reruns) in the process of improving its contestant have screening jumped onto the reality bandwagon. procedure. Understandably, they re experiencing • Fox’s Stupid Behavior Caught on Tape once some featured “outtakes” of aerobics instructor RobynGot the 319.232.9376 growing pains in the process. She s Roche filming an exercise video. It was later Look,revealed, a modeling contest intended for however, that Roche was not really only a fitness instructor. What’sof more, had purposely women over the age 35,sheincluded a contesfilmed the clumsy footage of herself for the sole tant that looked viewers. purpose of sellingfamiliar it to “caughttoin several the act”-type shows. She had evenatrained She had appeared yearwith agoa choreographer on another realito make her stumbling and falling look more ty show, Who Wants to Be a Superhero?, on authentic. which she claimed toturn be the only TV Land is page31. for more! reportedly in the process of improving its contestant screening procedure. ® in ADVERTISE with Tidbits turn the page for more!

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Tidbits® of Blackhawk County

REALITY TV RETURNS (continued): • A reporter from Blogcritics magazine recently went behind the scenes during a taping of So You Think You Can Dance, hoping to find some clever editing and lots of retakes and “do-overs.” His experience left him in awe of the contestants, for it turned out that what we see on TV is what is happening onstage. Every routine was performed only once, and the only re-takes involved were when host Cat Deeley flubbed her lines. • Remember 19-year-old Adrianna, who’d known her fiancé Jason for one whole month before getting married on Bridezillas? Sadly, but not surprisingly, the couple divorced less than a year after their fairy tale wedding. • Some reality shows are victims of their own popularity. Busted on the Job was originally a one-off special compiled from surveillance tapes filmed at various locations over the past few years. The show turned out to be a ratings blockbuster, however, and the network wanted more. The production company searched the vaults and came up with enough footage for a second special, but by the time Busted on the Job III rolled around, the producers had been forced to appeal to private investigators for any interesting surveillance videos they might have. Unfortunately, a few unscrupulous people decided to make a quick buck by filming and submitting fake “bad behavior on the job” scenarios. • Whatever happened to the previous winners of America’s Next Top Model? As of this writing, Dani Evans and CariDee English are the only winners whose Cover Girl cosmetics contracts were renewed. Certainly the most successful alum of the bunch is Adrianne Curry, who landed photo shoots with several men’s magazines and also a stint on TV’s The Surreal Life. Curry also landed herself a starring gig on a new reality show. While working on The Surreal Life, she met and fell in love with former Brady Bunch kid Christopher Knight. The two got married and now co-star on the show My Fair Brady.

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Dog Makes Odd Breathing Noise By Samantha Mazzotta

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Recently, I had my 9-year-old, part-poodle/Maltese dog’s teeth cleaned. The vet had to pull two teeth as well. Since this was done, “Scoobie” seems to make an odd noise as he is breathing. I feel like this is due to the tube they put down his throat as they cleaned his teeth. When I got him home, he had a hacking cough, which subsided about three days later. But the noise he makes when breathing continues. He doesn’t seem to be in pain, though. I like our vet a lot and hate to question him, so hopefully you can help me out or let me know what I could ask the vet. -- Valeeta R., Montgomery, Ala. DEAR VALEETA: A good veterinarian will not mind extra questions from a pet owner, so I encourage you to contact your vet and describe Scoobie’s breathing noise. In fact, you should go ahead and bring Scoobie in to have the vet check out the noise in

person so he can rule out any serious issues. Pets that are put under general anesthesia for certain procedures (such as the tooth scaling Scoobie had) can develop complications afterward ranging from stress reactions to major health emergencies. Don’t be worried about bothering your vet -- your dog’s health is the most important thing here. Ask lots of questions, and insist on straightforward answers from the vet -- not answers designed just to make you feel better. If afterward you feel that you didn’t receive satisfactory answers, or if Scoobie doesn’t improve, take your dog to another vet for a second opinion. Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com.

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ITALIAN HAM FETTUCCINE In a large skillet sprayed with olive oil-flavored cooking spray, sauté ham and onion for 5 minutes. Add undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and carrots. Cook, uncovered, for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add zucchini and 1 1/2 cups diced Dubuque 97 percent parsley flakes. Mix well to combine. fat-free ham or any extra-lean ham Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes 1/2 cup chopped onion or until zucchini is tender, stirring 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Italian stewed occasionally. Stir in fettuccine. tomatoes, undrained Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. 1 (8-ounce) can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce Serve at once. Garnish each serving 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. 3/4 cup shredded carrots Makes 4 (1 1/4 cup) servings. 1 cup chopped zucchini Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexcha 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes nges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 1 1/2 cups hot cooked fettuccine for more information about the only national 1/4 cup Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss. Style Grated Topping This generous serving of pasta is sure to round out anyone’s dinner plate -and with all the zest of a good Italian dinner!

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REALITY TV RETURNS (continued): • Don’t tell anyone, but the selection of an Iron Chef isn’t quite as spontaneous as it appears on TV. Members of the studio audience have noticed that during the filming of the show’s opening, when the challenger selects his competitor, only the chosen Iron Chef is actually there on the set. The other two chefs – poised on the pedestals amid clouds of smoke – are stand-ins. Watch closely next time – the man that is supposed to be Mario Batali is quite a bit heavier (and hairier) than the real thing. • When a tense scene on a reality show calls for a particular emotion and the participants don’t comply, the production staff relies on “Frankenbites.” That is, they view hours of tape and find another instance where the person utters the desired line of dialog. For example, if a moment on The Real World seems like it would benefit by one character declaring “I hate you,” the producers might find a clip taken elsewhere during filming where the same character was telling a roommate, “How can you wake up first thing in the morning and have your hair look all perfect? I hate you!” and edit and splice it in as needed. Reality? Close, but not quite! • When Project Runway is aired, it appears as if the contestants are faced with one new design challenge per week. The reality, however, is that the entire season is filmed in one month, with a new challenge every two days. The participants are filmed from almost the moment they wake up in the morning, and the work days are often 17 hours long. They are also tailed everywhere (even to the bathroom!) by the show’s production staff to make sure that they’re not sneaking a peek on a laptop or making a quick cell phone call. • Winning first place on American Idol is no guarantee that you’ll strike gold on the music charts. Carrie Underwood is AI’s biggest success story, with more than 12 million albums sold and three Grammy awards to boot. And Fantasia Barrino has found success on Broadway in The Color Purple. But winners from other seasons have not fared as well. Both Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard have been dropped by their record labels. • Before you decide to accept an Extreme Makeover home, consider Eric Hebert of Idaho. His new 3,600 square foot, three bedroom house was completed in November 2006. Less than two years later, the construction worker was forced to put the house up for sale. Between working full-time and raising his late sister’s two children, he didn’t have time for the upkeep required on such a large dwelling. In addition, his utility bills had tripled in comparison to his previous home. • Even though the Nielsen ratings for older reality shows like Survivor have dropped recently, don’t expect the reality TV fad to fade any time soon. The shows are inexpensive to produce, and they create captive audiences. Besides, there seems to be no shortage of people eager to find new ways to embarrass themselves on national television.

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Tidbits® of Blackhawk County

FROM START TO FITNESS By Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.

• It’s been reported that after an earthquake in San Francisco, Barbara Boxer, the junior senator from California, made the following comment: “Those who died, their lives will never be the same again.” • Most people realize that the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng, were born in Siam (now Thailand). Many would be surprised to learn, though, that after being exhibited as a curiosity on P.T. Barnum’s world tour, they became naturalized citizens of the United States, putting down roots in North Carolina in 1839, adopting “Bunker” as their last name, settling on a plantation and buying slaves. They married sisters and, between the two of them, had 22 children. It’s also been reported, though not confirmed, that they dreamed the same dreams when they slept.

• Yes, Barbie has a last name. It’s Roberts. • Director Wes Craven reportedly named the character Freddy Krueger, from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” horror films, after a kid who had bullied him in school. • Next time you feel a yawn coming on, you might want to be careful: Those who study such things say that if your yawn is too wide, you could break your jaw. Also, if you stretch while you yawn, you could dislocate your shoulder. •

A 15th-century man named Lodovico Cortusio evidently hated any and all expressions of grief. In fact, he forbade anyone to mourn at his funeral after his death on July 17, 1418. In his last will and testament, he specified that the person who laughed the most at his funeral would inherit the most, while anyone who cried would be disinherited.

“He may be mad, but there’s method in his madness. There nearly always is method in madness. It’s what drives men mad, being methodical.” -- G.K. Chesterton

Poor Nutrition Can Undermine Workouts After a week, look at where Q: I have been exercising regularly habits. you could have made better choices

for the past several months, but have only seen slight changes in the way my clothes fit and even smaller changes on my scale. My husband thinks my eating habits are sabotaging my workouts. Could he be right, or do I just need to work harder? A: Your husband may be right on this one. Exercise is a great tool to help facilitate weight and body-fat loss, but it is only one part of the puzzle. Factors such as nutrition, stress, medical conditions and other lifestyle choices are just as important as your workouts. Each factor depends on the others to truly allow your body to be healthy, fit and strong. There is no question that exercise is extremely important to help keep bones and muscles strong, to maintain lean muscles and promote flexibility and cardiovascular function. However, the importance of nutrition cannot be overlooked. The body uses calories for energy, and the amount the body consumes can affect how your body responds. Your exercise routine cannot cancel out the overconsumption of calories, which can result in the body’s inability to lose body fat. Try keeping a food log for a week to truly monitor your eating

and begin to make adjustments. If you continue to complete your exercise routine, with these new small changes to your diet, you should begin to see changes. Nutrition and exercise must go hand and hand. Take your time and begin to modify your lifestyle so there is room for both. You’ll also need to take note of other factors such as stress and medical conditions. Make a total evaluation of your lifestyle and find where there is room for improvement. Seek the assistance of a professional nutritionist or dietician to help with your meal planning and analysis of your food logs, and consult a certified personal trainer if needed to help in designing a workout routine that will help you reach your goals. Continue to work out even if your nutritional habits take a while to change, because the benefits of exercise are tremendous. However, improving your nutritional habits will put you in a winwin situation. Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. If you have a fitness or training question, write to Andrea in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Make Every Dollar Count Out-of-pocket medical costs, food and gas, unexpected expenses -- many of us on fixed incomes are in tight financial situations as prices around us skyrocket. They say that 10 percent of us live below the poverty line and that more than half of us are having trouble buying essentials. Here are some ideas to make it a little easier to get by: • Be sure you’re getting every discount you’re entitled to, and that includes property taxes. If you’re a senior and a veteran, or are disabled or have a low income, it might mean a double discount. • Food: Use coupons at the grocery store. If your local store has a senior discount day, shop then. Also, do any local churches host free or reduced-cost meals? How about food boxes delivered once a week or every month? • Transportation: Is there a seniors

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transportation group near you? If it has a regular grocery-store run, take advantage of the chance to save gas. Can you carpool with a few friends once a week to take care of errands? • Medical: If you qualify as low income, have you applied for Medicare Part D? If your doctor prescribes a costly prescription, ask if he has samples for you to try first before you spend money on a drug you might not be able to take. • Taxes: Did you apply for the stimulus rebate check, even if you haven’t had enough income to send in a tax form? You have to file a Form 1040 before October 15, but the sooner you file, the sooner you get your check. • Clothing and furniture: Sign up on your local FreeCycle [www.freecycle.org] and take advantage of offers of free items others are giving away.

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.

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BICYCLES (continued): • In the 1890s, the first “modern” bicycles appeared: chain-driven vehicles with similarly-sized tires. These were safer than the Mentionmodels this Ad 20% high-wheel (andfor were evenoff! called “safety bicycles” as a result), but proved a step backwards in comfort. While the long spokes of high-wheel bikes absorbed bumps and ruts, the smaller wheels on these new bikes, particularly when coupled with the hard-rubber tires of the era, made for jarring, unpleasant rides. • More than a million bicycles were sold in the United States by the time 1895 rolled around, but one last improvement would propel the bicycle into the must-own category: the pneumatic tire. Under the guidance of the Pope Manufacturing Company (which made bicycles), the Hartford Rubber Works produced America’s first pneumatic tires in 1895. Providing a much softer ride, they soon became a standard feature on all bicycle models. • Dozens of smaller-scale improvements boosted the speed, comfort, longevity and performance of bicycles during the 20th century. As women began to find them as necessary as men, two varieties of bicycle were made. Men’s bikes were built with an extra stabilizer bar across the top of the bike. Women’s bikes omitted the bar, providing for easier mounting and dismounting of the vehicle when wearing skirts. • The 1970s saw the development of two bicycle extremes. First came bicycles that took you nowhere. Otherwise known as exercise bikes, these training aids first hit the home market at the beginning of the decade. Then, as time went on and the energy crisis sent fuel prices skyrocketing, mopeds appeared. These bicycle/motorcycle hybrids, most popular with city-centered business workers, could either be pedaled like a regular bike or powered using a small, low-powered gasoline engine.

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1. Who was the first University of Nebraska pitcher to win a game in the College World Series? 2. Who was the last switchhitter before Philadelphia’s Jimmy Rollins in 2007 to win a league MVP Award? 3. Who are the three Hall of Fame running backs who had more than 400 receptions and 10,000 rushing yards? 4. Six NCAA Division I men’s basketball coaches have won at least 800 games. Name four of them. 5. Who was the oldest NHL player to reach the 60-goal mark? 6. Name the only two NASCAR drivers to make the Chase for the Championship each year between 2004 and 2007. 7. Who was the first Polish woman tennis player to top the $1 million mark in career earnings on the WTA Tour? 2nd Quarter 2006 (c) 2008 WeekKing 22 Features Synd., Inc. May 28 - Jun 3 Back Page

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Tidbits® of Blackhawk County

ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ TIDBITS

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT

When William Howard Taft was growing up, he knew he had some big shoes to fill. His father, Alphonso, had served the federal government in various roles ranging from attorney general to minister to Russia. He’d even been in on the formation of the Republican Party. But as young William grew to be a big man, he matched his father step-for-step inside those shoes. • William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated second in his class from Yale, and then earned a law degree at the Cincinnati Law School. He quickly took a job writing about legal matters for local newspapers, and married Helen Herron, the daughter of a judge. • Admittedly, Taft would have been content to spend his life in the field of law. He wrote about law, practiced law, and taught law. But his family’s prominence and political clout forced his hand. At the turn of the 20th century, President William McKinley asked Taft to help bring organization to the United States’ newest acquisition, the Philippine Islands, which were won during the SpanishAmerican War. He performed well; so well, in fact, that Theodore Roosevelt called him back to the States in 1903 and appointed him Secretary of War. • Taft used his knowledge, his skill, and his demeanor to help smooth over several conflicts smoldering at the time. He was able to deflect an impending revolution in Cuba, and helped negotiate peace after the Russo-Japanese War. When Roosevelt chose not to run again in 1908, William was thrust forward as the natural successor for the Republican Party. He hated campaigning, but still managed to win the election against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. • While his party expected Taft to further Roosevelt’s efforts, the new president had different ideas. A lawyer at heart, he pushed his influence on Congress and backed off T.R.’s progressive leanings. Taft’s efforts increased the power of the House and Senate, putting the job of running the government in their hands instead of taking the heavy-handed approach that worked so well for Roosevelt.

Keep the TV off in the morning. Limit TV (and computer/game) time in the hour before bedtime. This works in our family.” -- R.G. in Georgia

Back-to-school time can be magical and exciting; there are school supplies and new clothes to buy, old friends to reunite with and new friends to make. But it also can be frustrating. The biggest complaints from moms of school-age kids are frazzled morning routines and keeping homework and school things organized. Here are some back-to-school tips. • “A couple of weeks in advance, have the kids go to bed on time for school and get up at school time. They’ll be better used to the routine. We go to breakfast or a park for some exercise.” -- P.E. in Texas • “Want to make sure that your kids stay on schedule and get the right amount of sleep?

• “My homework nag-saver: Have a designated homework spot and time, with plenty of room and light, and most importantly, no distractions -- no cell phones, e-mail, TV or games allowed.” -- T.S. in Washington • “Prep clothes/bags/books/homework/lunch and whatever else you can the night before, or even the weekend before, by using one of those hanging closet organizers with five or seven divided sections. We plan outfits on Sunday night, and it’s all there, ready to go each day. I can store notes and reminders in the appropriate day’s bin.” -- O.D. in Pennsylvania • And my tip: Eat a healthy breakfast every day, and encourage (or insist) that your kids do the same. A well-fed belly makes for an attentive student and a successful parent. -- JoAnn

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WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT (continued): •

Taft managed to succeed on some important fronts. He helped pass the 17th Amendment, which allowed citizens to vote for the Senators they sent to Washington. With technology growing rapidly, he worked to ensure that the federal government had a hand in the development of communications utilities, such as the telephone and telegraph. And, to help finance his ideas, he signed the federal Income Tax into law.

•

By the end of his first term, Taft realized that he still had important work to do, and actively worked towards re-election in 1912. This time around, however, Roosevelt no longer supported him. In fact, Teddy ended up taking the presidency away from him. By starting his own political party (the Progressives or “Bull Moose” party) he diverted enough votes away from the Republican Taft to put the Democrats back in office. Woodrow Wilson won the election. After leaving the White House, Taft returned to Yale where he taught law. When the nation struggled during the period following World War I, the respected (and still able) former president was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by Warren G. Harding. It’s a job Taft had long hoped to land, and his years of experience proved invaluable. He served nine years as chief justice before retiring in February 1930. He passed away only a month later.

•

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Here’s How to Save on School Clothes Buying new school clothes can be a budgetbuster, but your expenses don’t have to approach the level of the national debt if you follow a few guidelines. • Inventory the clothes from last year and have your children try them on. If something still fits, count it as clothing you don’t have to buy, at least for now. Figure out what outfits can be made from the existing clothes, and plan your purchases around those. Make a list of the fill-in items you’ll need. • Don’t buy everything before school starts. An outfit or two, combined with what still fits from last year, will get a child through the first week. During that time, he’ll see what everyone else is wearing -- and it likely won’t all be new, trendy clothes. • Stick to basics that won’t go out of style, and avoid expensive fashion trends. • Check garage sales, consignment shops, Goodwill and Salvation Army for clothes in good condition. Winter coats and jeans especially can be purchased for a few dollars -- designer brands included. Ask about half-price days. If you see something you want, buy it then. Good bargains don’t last at thrift shops. Look to outlet stores for name-brand clothes at reduced prices.

• Wait until the middle of September to spend the bulk of your clothing money. Keep an eye on the sales racks where you normally shop for clothes. As the merchandise makes its way through the restocking cycle, what you saw two weeks ago at full price could end up being marked down. Look for off-season merchandise as well, and buy ahead if it’s a bargain. • Organize a clothing swap with your church or social group, or even in your neighborhood. • Give an older child a little leeway, such as having a say up to a certain dollar amount or for one outfit. Above that amount, you pick the clothing. Or agree that you’ll pay the amount of a basic item and he or she will pay the balance. Finally, remember that you’re the parent with the budget to follow. If your child objects to what you want to buy or threatens a meltdown over a certain item, don’t buy anything. Go home and do the shopping by yourself later. David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tidbits® of Blackhawk County

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QUIZ BITS 1. What musical instrument did Amy Irving play in the 1980 film Hassle-Free Painting The Competition? By Samantha Mazzotta Q: I’m planning to paint two rooms of my 2. What legendary house over the weekend. How can I do the entire job quickly Swedish so that I’mband not working got late into the night on Sunday? -- Hannah J., Chicago

its start by winning A: The the best1974 way to get a paint job done Eurovision quickly, with minimal hassle, is to spend as much Songbeforehand Contest? as possible. In the time preparing

ENJOYING THIS ISSUE OF TIDBITS®? doors. This includes curtain rods and connectors, THANK door latches and soTHOSE on. Place a dropcloth on the floor for prep work and painting. WHO ADVERTISE A few days before painting, scrape away loose paint or plaster from the areas to be painted. Locate BY GIVING THEM nail holes and cracks, and fill them with spackling YOUR compound. Let BUSINESS! the compound dry for a few hours,

then sand. You should also sand down ridges or bumps, and if you’re painting a door as well, sand away previous layers of paint to prevent the new paint from sticking to the frame. If you’ll be painting over wooden trim that has a glossy finish, rub it lightly with steel wool or fine-grade sandpaper to roughen the finish. This will help the new paint adhere to the old.word... Unscramble this Clean grease spots and other stains -- if a stain can’t be washed away, cover it with primer at the beginning of the painting stage. Dust the paint areas __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ and then clean them with a cloth or sponge dipped in water and a low-phosphate household cleaner (or This word means: a wall cleaner). Let everything dry an endurance contest for 24 hours before painting. Begin masking off areas that you don’t want to paint (such as baseboards) with painter’s tape the day before you start work. Gather all the paint and clean-up supplies you’ll need and place them in an accessible spot. This seems like an awful lot of work for just a couple of rooms, but these preparatory tasks can TIDBITS WITH be done bit by bitSHINES in the days beforehand. By the weekend, you’ll be confident that the walls are ready for the paintbrush and roller, and you can complete the job quickly and efficiently, with a little time left for dinner!

1. PIANO 2. ABBA 1. Current New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain. 2. Atlanta’s Chipper Jones in 1999. 3. Marcus Allen, Walter Payton and Thurman Thomas. 4. Bob Knight, Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Jim Phelan, Eddie Sutton and Mike Krzyzewski. 5. Phil Esposito, who turned 33 years old when he tallied 61 goals in the 1974-75 season. 6. Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. 7. Agnieszka Radwanska in 2008.

ANSWERS

days leading up to the painting weekend, try to complete the following tasks. Clear furniture from the room (or cover with a dropcloth). Take pictures off the walls, including the hardware used to hang them and all nails or screws. Remove cover plates from outlets and switches. Loosen light fixtures so that you can paint QUIZ BITS underneath them, and cover them with plastic to protect them from stray paint drops. ANSWERS Remove any hardware from windows and

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A man entered a local newspaper’s pun contest. He sent in ten different puns, hoping that at least one of the puns would win. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.

You may have seen reality specials about the rather large Duggar family. Well, Michelle Duggar’s children had planned a special surprise for her on Mother’s Day 2008. But Ma Duggar out-surprised her brood by announcing on The Today Show that she was expecting child number 18!

Donʼt bother

Nuggets to mask off of KNOWLEDGE windowpanes

prior to painting. Just paint In Canada, a game of chance is considered the trim carefully, using a a lottery. In Canada, trim brush, and scrape away to run a lottery, you excess paint from the glass need a special license. it dries. That’s why allafter sweepstakes and random drawing contests have a Send questions or home-repair tips to hom provision stating that if or write This Is a eguru2000@hotmail.com, Hammer, c/o King isFeatures Weekly Service, a Canadian citizen the P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. winner, he has to answer a skill-testing question (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc. in order to claim his or her prize.

MARATHON

Famous Birthdays THIS WEEK

Danny Bonaduce – 08-13-59 Steve Martin – 08-14-45 Ben Affleck – 08-15-72 Madonna – 08-16-58 Sean Penn – 08-17-60 Rosalynn Carter – 08-18-27 Tipper Gore – 08-19-48