Snippetz Issue w-013

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ISSUE 13 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

By Deborah Stumpf

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USAFADS photo by: SSgt. Christopher L. Gish “A modern, autonomous, and thoroughly trained Air Force in being at all times will not alone be sufficient, but without it there can be no national security.”

General H. H. ‘Hap’ Arnold, USAAF

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t was 61 years ago on September 18, 1947 that the Air Force became a branch of the United States military, previously a part of the U.S. Army. The National Security Act of 1947 created the U.S. Department of Defense made up of three branches – Navy, Army and Air Force. Prior to this Act, aviation was part of the Army and Navy. However, these branches continue to operate their own aircraft for both support and combat.

The United States Air Force has 302 flying squadrons and over 7,500 aircraft including those for air to ground attack, bombers, helicopters, tankers, reconnaissance, transports, and trainers.

The USAF is headquartered at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and is lead by Mr. Michael W. Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force; General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff; General Duncan McNabb, Vice Chief of Staff; and CMSgt. Rodney J. McKinley, Chief master Sergeant.

USAF Core Values: Integrity First, Service BeHappy 61st Birthday... Continued on Page 2

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SNIPPETZ®

THIS WEEK IN SNIPPETZ

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Cover Story SNIPPETZ SOARS WITH THE U.S. AIR FORCE

HAPPY 61ST BIRTHDAY!

By Deborah Stumpf

Happy 61st Birthday... continued from page 1

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CALLING COLORADO SPRINGS HOME FEATURE ARTICLES Now Here’s A Tip... 3 Senior News Line... 3 Don Flood... 6 Moments In Time... 8 Strange But True... 9

STYLE PAGE 4

Kim’s Korner

PETS

PAGE 5

Paws Corner SAINT Adoptions

REAL ESTATE PAGE 6-7

Robyn’s Real Estate Rap Hot Properties In The Area

PUZZLES, TRIVIA PAGE 8

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 9

Huey’s Page (Comics) Critics Corner: “Tropic Thunder” Salome’s Stars (Weekly Horoscope)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PAGE 10

From Start to Fitness

BUSINESS AND FINANCE PAGE 11

The Law According To Stevens Dollars and Sense

THE DINING GUIDE PAGE 12

The USAFA is a four-year academic institution where a cadet graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree and is commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force. Some areas of study include astronautical, civil, aeronautical and electrical engineering; computer science; law and international affairs; management, behavioral science and human physiology; economics, political science and military history, to name a few. And, of course, military and flight training are an integral part of cadet education. On many days of the year one can see the AFA cadets parachuting from the Colorado skies.

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE Established in 1942, Peterson AFB is the home of the Air Force Space Command and serves as a supporting airfield for the Air Force Academy and Schriever AFB. In 2006, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) was relocated to Peterson AFB.

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• Training at Flight School at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

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PO Box 62366 Colorado Springs, CO, 80962-2366

Editor

are offered at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Columbus Air Force • Obtain a bachelor’s degree at a Base in Mississippi or Laughlin Air civilian college/university or at the Force Base in Texas. These long training days (10-12 hours) are Air Force Academy in Colorado. followed by advanced training to • Be an officer with a rank of sec- learn how to fly specific Air Force ond lieutenant by either completing planes. a Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program at a civilian college/ FASTER THAN university; attending Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force A SPEEDING BULLET Base in Montgomery, Alabama; or applying to the Air Force Academy. The USAF Thunderbirds perform The application must be accompa- throughout the U.S. and areas of nied by a nomination from a mem- the world as the Air Demonstration ber of Congress and candidates Squadron unit. They have been dazmust pass medical and physical zling spectators with their aerobatic fitness exams. There are only about formations since 1953 when they performed at the Cheyenne Fron1,400 applicants accepted yearly. tier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

• Be at least 18 years of age and These skilled Thunderbirds serve enter flight training before turning between two and four years depend30 years old. ing on whether they are officers or • Be a citizen of the United States. enlisted personnel. New pilots are being trained every year.

• Score a minimum of 25 points on the Air Force Officer Qualifying The Thunderbirds fly Lockheed Test, pilot portion, and pass a basic Martin F-16C Fighting Falcons, the same aircraft used in combat with aptitude test. a few modifications to include red, • Complete a Flying Class I physi- white and blue paint, exchanging cal, as well as background checks, the cannon and ammunition drum physical and psychological testing. with smoke-generating systems and Pilots must be at least 5 feet 4 inches removing the jet fuel starter exhaust tall and no more than 6 feet 5 inches door. These aircraft as well as the tall. Disqualifications include over- Thunderbird pilots can be easily weight, allergies after the age of 12, returned to combat state with little colorblindness or difficulties with notice. depth perception (no laser surgery allowed), or vision worse than 20/ SINGING 50 in one or both eyes.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

Gene Flowers

265-8035 or 459-6159

are various requirements that must be met:

Colorado Springs is the proud home of three Air Force centers – The Air Force Academy, Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base.

Formerly known as the Falcon Air Force Station from 1985 and 1998, Schriever AFB provides command and control for defense warning, navigational and communications satellites. It houses the Space Innovation & Development Center, the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center and the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Gretchen’s Goodies

Shirley Clark

CAN I FLY NOW? Not really. First, there is the introductory flight training consisting of 25 hours of hands-on flying and 25 hours of classroom instruction. The hands-on training can be gained from ROTC or Officer Training School. These courses are taught in single-engine, propeller-driven planes.

A DIFFERENT TUNE

The United States Air Force Band was formed in 1941, providing world class musical entertainment around the world. The Band serves to increase public awareness of the Air Force mission, enhance morale and aid in recruiting. The Air Force Band is made up of seven different ensembles – Ceremonial Brass, Airmen of Note, Air Force Strings, Silver Wings, Singing Sergeants, Concert Band and Max Impact.

NOTABLE FACTS

Next, soon-to-be pilots participate • Basic training runs for 6.5 weeks in a one-year program learning ba- and has ranged anywhere from 2 Becoming an airman in the USAF sic flight skills including classroom Happy 61st Birthday... is to become a member of an elite instruction, simulator training and continued on page 3 few, the crème de la crème. There hands-on flying. These programs

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gram. It is the only base ever named after a living person at that time.

weeks to 13 weeks in length since • The first female Thunderbird pilot USAF inception depending on ser- was Captain Nicole Malachowski, accepted in 2005; and the first fevice needs. male solo pilot was Captain Saman• In 1945, the Army turned over the tha Weeks, accepted in 2006.

Colorado Springs Army Air Base (now Peterson Field), then housed • A Beanhead is a term used to deat the Colorado Springs Municipal scribe fourth class cadets who have Airport, to the City of Colorado shaved heads early in the year.

Springs. Between 1945 and 1951 it • Every U.S. President except was activated and deactivated sev- Eisenhower and Carter have spoken eral times. at an Air Force Academy gradua-

• “If you accidentally overfill the coffeemaker, you can use a baster to remove the extra water.

It works, and you don’t have to try to tip over the maker.” -- I.D. in New Mexico • “When my curly, curly hair gets the frizz, I use a sheet of fabric softener to take the static electricity out of it. This works so well that in the winter, I keep several in my purse.” -- P.M. in Michigan

tion ceremony since the Academy’s inception. Notable speakers other than U.S. Presidents are the USAF Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Air Force and • In 1998, Schriever Air Force Base Vice President. Barry M. Goldwater was renamed from Falcon Air Force was the only U.S. Senator to speak Base in honor of General Bernard at an Air Force graduation and did Adolph Schriever, retired, who so on two occasions. developed the ballistic missile pro• Peterson AFB was given its current name in 1942 in honor of an airman who died on the base in a plane crash.

• “My garden gloves were not helping when I was pruning my citrus trees, as they all have spiky thorns. I used a pair of oven mitts,

SENIOR

LockerRoom Memories ������������

NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

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A FEAST FOR THE EYES: TUNA SANDWICH AND MILK

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f you ever wanted a reason to sit down to a tuna sandwich and a cold glass of milk, now you have it: Both of those foods can play a part in preventing macular degeneration.

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Macular degeneration, an eye condition that causes vision problems ranging from poor vision to blindness, mostly affects people over the age of 50. The macula, part of the retina, becomes thin and atrophied, sometimes bleeding. The result is loss of vision, which can mean it’s no longer possible to read or to distinguish faces. There’s no cure for it, and it’s only guessed what the actual causes are.

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A recently study in London concluded that eating oily fish once a week could reduce the occurrence of macular degeneration, also known as AMD. Omega-3, one of the essential fatty acids, is found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon

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which were much more padded, and it worked well.” -- D.C. in Florida • “If you slip a baby sock over a doorknob, then secure it with a heavy-duty rubber band, it will keep toddlers out!” -- E.R. in Ohio • “To organize sets of buttons, I use twist ties, the kind provided in some boxes of garbage bags or on bread bags. I thread all the buttons on together, and then I twist it up. I can keep up to six or seven big buttons together, but if I need more room, I just twist two ties together to make a longer tie. This works great for me.” -- J.L.W. in Pennsylvania

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

and tuna. “Essential” means that the body can’t produce it and we need to get it from our diet. (Supplements don’t seem to help with macular degeneration.)

In another study, Vitamin D, found in milk, was linked to a low incidence of AMD. And yet another study, this one from 2001, concluded that diets that included a lot of omega-3 resulted in low occurrences of AMD. Even more reasons to grab a tuna sandwich: The American Heart Association recommends that we eat oily fish every week. Other research indicates that omega-3 reduces inflammation and can be helpful in preventing heart disease and arthritis.

If you want to add omega-3 to your diet, ask your doctor for recommendations as to number of servings and size. A problem with the studies is that while they cited the number of servings of fish in the ideal diet, they didn’t explain exactly what a serving was.

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. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

SNIPPETZ® STYLE for your project but if you are remodeling several features in your bathroom then it might make sense to have a design model before you actually start any work. A design model can help develop both the style and flow for your new bathroom. There are some great software packages to help you develop a model for your ideas. You can also hire a professional to help with creating a design for your new bathroom.

This professional can either be an Interior Designer who has a specialty in bathroom design, or a contractor which provides (for a fee) a design service. These contractors are usually called Design/Build Contractors and will not only design the project for you but give you an estimate for doing the project as well.

Find a Good Contractor: There are several ways to find a good contractor: • Home Builders Association (HBA) – call your local Home Builders Association to get a recommendation of a good remodeler in town. Many local remodelers and builders are members of the HBA and the HBA staff will have a good knowledge of the more reputable remodelers and builders in town.

• Friends’ Recommendations - this is often an excellent source for finding a contractor because your friends often have the same standards for quality of work that you do. The contractor will be incentivized to do a good job because he has you and your friends future business at stake.

• Online Networks - There are several good networks of service contractors. For all types of bathroom remodeling work we recommend Service Magic. They have a large number of qualified service providers and the feedback form customers who have used the network is excellent.

• Brand Service Network - if you know what brand of equipment you are thinking of installing the brand sites often have dealer networks and they can usually recommend someone in your local area to install the equipment you need. Service providers are often certified to be in the brand network so the quality of these contractors is usually pretty high.

This is the most important step of all. You must manage contractors as if they work for you because they do. If you don’t want them tracking mud in your house tell them politely to take their shoes off when entering your house. You probably wouldn’t allow your kids to leave trash in your yard so why would you let your contractor? If you don’t like the way something is done tell them to redo it because you will be looking at it for years and if you have to redo something later it will be very expensive.

If they understand that you are managing the project carefully and that you care about quality they will be far less likely to cut corners.

KIM’S KORNER

by Kim Carson

BATHROOM REMODELING MADE SIMPLE

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emodeling your bathroom is one of the most popular remodeling projects these days. While bathrooms used to be tiny and hidden from sight, they are now getting larger and packed with more options. There are a lot of great ways to make your bathroom more functional and stylish for you and your family and even guests if you like to entertain. There are 10 major project types to remodel your bathroom. You can choose to work on one of these at a time or if you are installing an entirely new bathroom you will need to cover most of them. By far the most popular addition to a bathroom is either a new bathtub or a new shower.

For any bathroom remodel there are 6 steps to follow to ensure a successful remodel: 1. Select your project type 2. Decide whether to repair or replace 3. Estimate a budget 4. Finalize your design 5. Find a good contractor 6. Manager your project Select Your Project Type: There are 10 major types of bathroom remodeling projects ranging from bathtubs to showers to toilets. Some of the projects like a new shower head will improve the function of your bathroom and some will improve the style of your bathroom. You should have a firm grasp of your wants and needs before you start your project.

Decide Whether to Repair or Replace: You will have a choice to remodel or replace many of your bathroom features. Remodeling is usually the cheaper option but sometimes it is not the best option. If your bathroom cabinets are old and not well constructed it might make sense to install new ones. If you are getting to the end of the useful life for your toilet, it probably makes sense to buy a new one Estimate a budget: If you have a lot of experience in remodeling projects then you can probably create a pretty good cost estimate based on the work you want done.

For most of us it makes sense to get a free estimate from a professional to make sure we have a good handle on the cost of the project. Make sure you calculate a fully loaded budget with all material and labor costs including any accessories and hardware that might be required.

Finalize Your Design: If you are just replacing a bathtub or a toilet it might not be so important to have a formal design

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SNIPPETZ® PETS / LOCAL

Paws Corner

By Sam Mazzotta

HURRICANE KIT FOR PETS DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We’re at the height of hurricane season here in the South, and I wanted to tell you about how I prepare my whole family, including our two dogs, Sadie and Sassie, in case a hurricane approaches.

I keep a “hurricane kit” -- a tote bag and a cooler -- in the entry hall next to the garage.

In the tote bag is one change of clothes for each person in the family (my kids are out of diapers thankfully, but if they weren’t, a big case of diapers would be included) and copies of our most important documents (house papers, doctor and vet information, etc.), along with a couple of books and coloring books, a hand-cranked radio/ flashlight and a small first-aid kit.

A smaller bag tucked into the big tote has my dogs’ necessities: two extra collars and leashes, extra medications, extra ID tags, a copy of their vet records, a couple of chew toys, a small bag of treats and two folding water bowls. In the cooler is two gallons of water, nonperishable food and snacks.

In June of each year I go through the kit, throw away expired food and medications and restock. I also buy an extra case of

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water and store nearby. My family knows the routine to follow if an evacuation order is issued -- my sons will get the dogs while my husband loads the hurricane kit and extra water into the van, and I grab wallets and keys.

It seems like a lot to go through for a storm that usually doesn’t come, but we have had to evacuate before and use our “lessons learned” to stay ready. One important thing is, don’t bring the kitchen sink! Put only necessities into the kit to get through one to three days without food, water or a change of clothes. And always include your pets’ needs when putting the kit together. -Morgan C., Jacksonville, Fla. DEAR MORGAN: Thank you! Another important thing is to ensure your pets can be found if you get separated. A set of ID tags on their collar with contact information is helpful. Many owners also “chip” their pets, and while some owners are still ambivalent about this practice, it has proven invaluable during disasters in helping pets that have lost their collars get back to their owners.

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. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

PLEASE MEET JACK!

LURE OF THE WEST: THE KATHERINE & FREDERICK FARRAR ART COLLECTION Exhibit Opening Thursday, September 18, 2008 5:00 p.m.

Lecture at 6:00 p.m.

ack is a two year old heeler/ cattle dog. He is very good with other dogs and cats and just loves children. He is housebroken, has all his vaccinations and will be neutered soon. He is a great ranch dog. He was surrendered to SAINT Animal Rescue by a family that lost their home and could not keep him.

Jack is a wonderful family dog that is happy spending his time with people. He loves to receive attention and will lick your face clean with wet doggy kisses.

If you are interested in adopting Jack into your family please contact SAINT Animal Rescue located in Calhan at 541-3099..you might need to use the 719 area code.

Colorado Springs, CO (8/9/08) - Artists’ fascination with the West mirrored the nation’s determination to settle from coast to coast. As both a place and ideal for early explorers, trappers, settlers, and miners, artists were quick to discover and visually record new and exciting subjects in these vast lands.

The Western Museum of Mining and Industry celebrates the Museum’s founding family with an exhibition of never-shown artwork from Katherine and Frederick Farrar’s private collection. The exhibit will feature the works of renowned Western artists, Harvey Otis Young, Charles Partridge Adams, and Joseph Henry Sharp. Harvey Otis Young, unlike the other two artists, came out West to mine for gold in California and later for silver in Colorado.

As he made and lost his fortune in mining, he still had his passion and gift for art. These important works illustrate “The Lure of the West”.

This is so very important to your new family member as well as your existing family members.

Please visit our website at saintanimalrescue.org and as always thank you for caring “Properly trained, a “man” can become a dogs best friend.”

- Corey Ford

It is always a challenge when adopting a new pet. SAINT Animal Rescue asks the adopter to give the animal a reasonable amount of time to adjust to it’s new family and environment.

The exhibit opening will start at 5 p.m. with a preview of the collection along with music, beverages, and light ap-

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petizers. At 6 p.m., Museum Director, David Carroll, will discuss the inspiration behind Harvey Otis Young’s works.

The exhibit will run through December 2008. The exhibit opening is free, and reservations are requested by Sept. 11 at (719) 488-0880. Customary admission applies to ongoing dates.

Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Admission: $8 Adults, $7 AAA/Military, $6 Seniors/Students, $4 Children 3-12, Children under 3 and Museum Members free Location: WMMI is off I-25 at the Gleneagle exit, #156A across from the north entrance to the United States Air Force Academy.

SNIPPETZ

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REAL ESTATE

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DON FLOOD

By Don Flood

SOLVING MURDERS NOT ALL GLAMOUR

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recent story noted that more women are choosing careers in forensic science, a result of what’s called the “CSI effect,” in honor of the show where the glamorous female leads solve murders while wearing high heels and low-cut blouses.

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to keep this story moving.

That’s the great breakthrough that serial killers provided for the entertainment industry -- they freed writers from having to come up with reasons for the killer’s actions.

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In real life, though, your average killer isn’t so bright or so creative.

The London Telegraph recently ran a story about a woman who was found guilty of planning a murder after trying to hire an assassin from a “hit man” Web site.

Sure, the idea of an easy and convenient hit-man site sounds like a That’s all well and good, but many natural, especially since the current people are unaware of a growing method of advertising for and intercrisis in our country -- the shortage viewing hit men is a difficult and of interesting serial killers. time-consuming process.

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Many Americans -- fed a steady diet of paperbacks, TV shows and movies about clever murderers -- remain under the false impression that our nation is blessed with a never-ending supply of diabolical killers.

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Many people even forget to do a background check. (If you’re hiring a hit man and he’s reluctant to provide references, that’s a bad sign, even if he seems otherwise capable and is a member of the Better BusiNot so. They’re actually a rather ness Bureau.) scarce commodity, especially considering how much we depend on So it’s not surprising this woman them for our nation’s entertain- found the idea of going to a Web ment. site pretty appealing -- a few quick Here’s your typical serial killer clicks, use your credit card and -book/movie/paperback murder presto! -- problem solved. “mystery”: JR. INVESTIGATOR: Look, I Second case in point -- a real-life found something. It appears to be headline from the MSNBC.com a scale model of the murder scene, travel section: “Man beheads girlincluding the exact location of the friend on Greek island.” body and the murder weapon.

LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Yes, it’s I’m not sure why this story made the travel section -- though perhaps almost as if he’s taunting us.

JR. INVESTIGATOR: How can the demand for “murder tourism” is growing -- but the story noted you tell?

LEAD INVESTIGATOR: There’s that the man was caught after walka little sign there that says, “I’m ing through town carrying his late beloved’s severed head. taunting you.”

JR. INVESTIGATOR: Good catch! But do you think he’ll strike In other words, this is not the kind of case where you need to bring in again?

LEAD INVESTIGATOR: (who Sherlock Holmes, or your highly either is or is trying to sound like trained, high-heeled CSI investigaMorgan Freeman): Yes ... he has to. tor.

JR. INVESTIGATOR: You mean because of some horrible event that happened when he was a helpless child and now his ritual killings are Write to Don Flood in care of King Features Weekly Service, a way of exacting revenge?

LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Well, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL perhaps, but the thing about serial 32853-6475, or send e-mails to killers is that they don’t really need dflood287@comcast.net. a motive, which is good because (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc. that’s the only plot device we have

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SNIPPETZ AND A NAP...

HEY, IT’S A LOT TO READ! 6

05209_bw LOGO SHELL 112807.FH11 SNIPPETZ® REAL ESTATE

Wed Nov 28 16:01:49 2007 C

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by Robyn Graham

ARE YOU “GREEN” YET? CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME! ECO-FRIENDLY INTERIOR DECORATING

RECYCLING BASICS EASE UP ON THE ENVIRONMENT BY KEEPING WASTE TO A MINIMUM!

I

t’s hard to believe there was ever a time where glass bottles, food scraps and paper were simply tossed into the trash without much of a second thought. These days, recycling, composting and other ecofriendly habits have become mainstream.

Americans are now recycling one-third of their garbage – that’s double what it was in 1990! Whether you’re already ecoconscious or have yet to get on the green bandwagon, here are some simple ways to lessen your impact on the environment.

CREATE A RECYCLING BIN Simply place a recycling container next to your garbage can in your kitchen, or wherever it is convenient. Type up a list of items to be recycled and place it on the front of the container. Depending on space available, you can have recycling containers for specific items: Glass, Plastic, Cans, Paper, Cardboard.

Glass: Don’t worry if there’s a lime stuck in the bottle or a little bit of peanut butter stuck to the bottom of the jar. The recycling machines can tell the difference between gunk and recyclables.

Plastic bottle: Do not recycle bottle tops; they are made from a different plastic than recyclable plastic bottles.

Cans: Cans are the most commonly recycled items. Recycling aluminum and steel cans saves 95% of the energy required to manufacture aluminum from scratch and 74% of the energy needed to make steel.

It’s so efficient these days that a can is regenerated and back on the shelf in as little as 60 days!

Cardboard: Do not recycle wet cardboard. It clogs sorting machines.

DONATING RECYCLABLE ITEMS! Cameras, cell phones, and MP3 players can be sent in for recycling through the US Post Office pilot program. The “Mail Back” program is being tested in 10 cities.

Just grab a free envelope from one of 1,500 participating offices and mail in your old gadget or inkjet cartridge for free.

Some computer companies (Dell and HP, for example) accept old machines for recycling. And printer cartridges can be returned to some retailers for credit or coupons. National Cristina Foundation is a “not-for-profit” company that accepts

donated computers and other technology and then matches them to charities, schools and public agencies that are in need. Visit the EPA’s website for a list of all the e-cycling locations in the US and visit Earth 911 for more great e-cycling resources!

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RECYCLE CELL PHONES! www.Call2Recycle.com or www.RBRC.org/ will give locations for drop offs. Take used rechargeable batteries from items like cell phones and cordless power tools to The Home Depot for free recycling. Batteries, CFL light bulbs and other toxic materials such as paint and motor oil should be taken to your local recycling center for proper hazardous waste disposal.

Don’t throw away those exercise videos and various CDs. Mail old videotapes and CDs to Jim Williams, so that more than 40 disabled staffers at his ACT Recycling in Columbia, Missouri can recycle them.

And don’t toss out those used Fed-Ex envelopes or broken smoke detectors because their manufacturers will take them back for recycling.

You can donate Autos, Trucks, Trailers, Boats, Jet-Skis, Motorcycles and RVs! Even if your vehicle doesn’t run, nonprofit organizations want it. Numerous “vehicle donation programs” will gladly accept most towable vehicles. Pickup is free. Some sell the vehicles directly to raise money; others contract with someone to run the donation program for a fee.

Ask your favorite nonprofit organization whether it accepts vehicles. Those that do include Habitat for Humanity (877277-4344), Wolf Haven International (360-264-4695, www.wolfhaven.org), Houston Audubon Society (713-932-1639, www.houstonaudubon.org) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (757962-8277, www.peta.org).

Country Charm $400,000 Elk Creek Ranch 6/4/3 w/ 4,814 sq ft, 5 fenced acres, animals OK, great kitchen!

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Top-of-the-line home built 2006 w/ 4/5/3, 5,364 sq ft, 2.5 acres. Unbelievable quality, finishes, check out website for details!

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TO RECYCLE OR NOT TO RECYCLE? Misidentifying recyclables is costly. In Phoenix, for instance, almost 25 percent of items mixed in with the recycling aren’t really recyclable. Removing the trash (which is rerouted to the local landfill) costs the city nearly $1 million every year.

Some unacceptable junk, such as plastic grocery sacks and extension cords, can jam conveyor belts and cause equipment breakdowns. So educate yourself regarding what is recyclable and what is not. If you’re not absolutely sure that an item is recyclable, bypass the recycling bin and throw it in the trash instead.

Providing the West side & Manitou Springs with excellent Real Estate service since 1996. Homes-Land-Commercial

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IT’S A WAY OF LIFE Recycling and reuse businesses now employ about as many people as the auto industry, if not more, according to the “U.S. Recycling Economic Information Study” commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At least 1.1 million people now work in the industry. Without recycling, given current virgin raw material supplies, we could not print the daily newspaper, build a car, or ship a product in a cardboard box. Recycling is not some feel-good activity; it is one of the backbones of global economic development.

Recovering cast-offs and putting them to good use are key to industrial growth and stability.

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2516 N. Tejon 4 bed/2 bath updated ranch style home w/ basement, wood floors on main level, newer kitchen appliances, French doors throughout, beautiful mountain views. $299,000

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7

SNIPPETZ® PUZZLES & TRIVIA

1. LANGUAGE: How else might you describe a “glabrous” creature?

2. MUSIC: Who wrote the 1969 hit “In the Year 2525”?

3. LITERATURE: In which of Shakespeare’s plays does the character of Titania appear?

4. GOVERNMENT: What are the five rights guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?

5. GEOGRAPHY: Mexico is divided into how many states?

6. ENTERTAINMENT: Where is the Dollywood (Dolly Parton) theme park located?

7. MEDICAL: How is dengue fever transmitted in tropical climates?

8. HISTORY: Which WWII general’s nickname was “The Desert Fox”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where does the phrase “eat, drink and be merry” come from?

10. INVENTIONS: Who invented the bathyscaphe, used for underwater exploration? (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

MOMENTS IN TIME THE HISTORY CHANNEL

• On Sept. 11, 1857, Mormon guerillas murder 120 emigrants at Mountain Meadows, Utah.

The guerillas persuaded the emigrants that they had convinced nearby Piute Indians to let them go if they would surrender their arms. At a prearranged signal, the Mormons opened fire on the unarmed male emigrants, while the Piutes reportedly murdered the women.

• On Sept. 10, 1897, a 25-yearold London taxi driver named George Smith becomes the first person ever arrested for drunk driving after slamming his cab into a building. Smith later pled guilty and was fined 25 shillings.

• On Sept. 8, 1900, a Category 4 hurricane rips through Galveston, Texas, killing an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people as a 15-foot storm surge flooded the barrier island. The hurricane remains the worst weather-related disaster in U.S. history in terms of loss of life.

• On Sept. 13, 1916, Roald Dahl, author of “Charlie and

Sports Quiz

By Chris Richcreek

1. In 2007, Ivan Rodriguez became the fourth catcher to record 2,000-plus games behind the plate. Name the first three to do it.

2. Name the last time before 2007 that the N.L. World Series representative did not come from the N.L. Central.

3. Who was the first player from the University of South Florida to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft?

4. How many seasons did the Jazz play in New Orleans before the franchise moved to Utah in 1979?

5. Five players have been part of each of the Detroit Red Wings’ past four Stanley Cup title teams (1997, ‘98, ‘02, ‘08). Name three of them.

6. Name the first time three siblings were on the same U.S. Olympic squad.

7. In 2008, Lorena Ochoa became the first LPGA player in 45 years to win four tournaments in consecutive weeks. Who was the last to do it? (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

the Chocolate Factory” (1964), is born in South Wales. In World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a fighter pilot and was shot down in the Libyan desert, suffering serious injuries. He saved a piece of his femur, removed in an operation after the accident, and later used it as a paperweight in his office.

• On Sept. 9, 1942, a Japanese floatplane drops incendiary bombs on Mount Emily, an Oregon state forest, in the first and only air attack on the U.S. mainland during World War II. The president immediately called for a news blackout for the sake of morale.

• On Sept. 12, 1963, “Leave It to Beaver,” which had debuted in 1957, airs its final episode.

The typical 1950s wholesome family comedy presented the lives of the Cleaver family from the perspective of 7-year-old Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver.

• On Sept. 14, 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton, born in 1774, is canonized by Pope Paul VI at the Vatican in Rome, becoming the first American-born Catholic saint. She devoted much of her time to charity work with the poor. In 1856, Seton Hall University was named for her. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers & Solutions SUPER CROSSWORD SOLUTION

8

TRIVIA ANSWERS

By Marge Svenson

1. Hairless or smooth 2. Denny Zager and Rick Evans 3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 4. Speech, religion, press, peaceful assembly and the right to petition government for redress of grievances.

5. 31 6. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

7. Mosquitoes 8. German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel 9. The Bible, Ecclesiastes 10. Auguste Piccard and his son Jacques

SPORTS QUIZ ANSWERS

Trivia Test

1. Carlton Fisk, Bob Boone and Gary Carter.

2. The Florida Marlins in 2003.

3. Cornerback Mike Jenkins in 2008.

4. Five seasons.

5. Kris Draper, Tomas Holmstrom, Nicklas Lidstrom, Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty.

6. In 1904, gymnasts Edward, Richard and William Tritschler all went to the Olympics.

7. Mickey Wright in 1962 and 1963.

SNIPPETZ® COMICS & ENTERTAINMENT

STRANGE BUT TRUE

By Samantha Weaver

HUEY’S PAGE

• Some of those who research our sleep habits claim that humans’ normal sleep pattern should alternate four hours awake with four hours asleep 24 hours a day.

• It was several hundred years BC when famed Greek philosopher Plato made the following sage -- and still relevant -- observation: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

• If you pick up those flashy (and trashy) tabloid mags in the checkout line of the grocery store, you might want to consider this: The reading level of tabloids is considered to be 9 to 12 years of age.

• The first football team on record to have a live animal mascot was the United States Naval Academy. In 1890, the story goes, midshipmen acquired a goat and named it, with a great lack of creativity, “Bill.”

Running Time: 106 Min. MPAA Rating: R

TROPIC THUNDER

L

et’s get this over with right off the bat: “Tropic Thunder” is the sickest, funniest flick of the summer.

The film, co-written and directed by Ben Stiller, who also stars as Tugg Speedman, is a raunchy, biting satire on Hollywood egos and filmmaking. It’s also Stiller’s best work this decade.

“Tropic Thunder” is about a big-budget “Apocalypse Now”-type Vietnam War movie that has gone way off schedule and over budget. To save the production, the director (Steve Coogan) decides to “go guerrilla” and send his cast out into the jungle and film them a la “The Blair Witch Project.”

Of course, the clueless actors wander off and encounter real-life, deadly drug runners. And ... well, it’s like everything you liked about “Three Amigos” and more.

The guys are filled with bravado at first, but once they realize they’re no longer on a movie and the danger is very real and life

threatening, they crumble.

But, like “Three Amigos,” they pull themselves together at the end because they’re actors, damn it, and they can act their way out of anything.

What truly makes “Tropic Thunder” a comic tour de force is the strong script and the outstanding performances by the cast.

The strongest and funniest performances come from Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. Yes, Tom Cruise.

Downey plays Kirk Lazarus, an Australian actor (modeled on Russell Crowe) who has undergone pigmentation-augmentation surgery in order to play the AfricanAmerican lead. Lazarus is so into his role, so consumed by method acting, that he never breaks character -- even when he breaks character. Yeah. Wrap your brain around that one.

Cruise is also surprisingly hilarious as studio head Les Grossman, a balding, fat, ham-handed vulgarian who takes no prisoners and has no morals.

Like most comedies, it’s all a matter of taste -- and “Tropic Thunder” may not be to everyone’s liking. The humor is sometimes sick and over-the-top; some of the humor may be too Hollywood Insider; and the subject matter in a few scenes (the “Never Go Full Retard” bit is a prime example) may be off-putting to the overly sensitive.

Thankfully, I’m not in any of those categories. I adored this movie and can’t wait for the loaded DVD release.

Salome’s Stars Week of September 8, 2008

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) With your Arian charm quotient at an almost all-time high this week, plus all the facts to back you up, you just might win over the last doubters to your proposal.

9

• If you’re like the average American, you spend more time watching TV than doing anything else except sleeping and working -- more than four hours every day. *** Thought for the Day: “No man has a prosperity so high or firm, but that two or three words can dishearten it; and there is no calamity which right words will not begin to redress.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) People have always relied on your integrity not only to get the job done, but to get it done right. So don’t be pressured by anyone into cutting corners to save time.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) While others might get rattled over unexpected changes, your ability to adapt calmly and competently helps you make a positive impression during a crucial period.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A changing environment might be daunting for some, but the adventurous Sagittarian takes it all in stride. A friend from the past could awaken some meaningful memories.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Creating a new approach to an old idea is one way to get beyond that workplace impasse. No such problems in your personal life, where things continue to flow smoothly.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-assurance rising to full strength, the bold Goat should feel confident about opening up to new ventures as well as new relationships.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Be more forthcoming about your feelings concerning a proposed change either in your workplace or in your personal life. Your opinions are valuable. Don’t keep them hidden.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Reaching out to someone who has been unkind to you might not be easy. But in the long run it will prove to have been the right thing to do. A friend offers moral support.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) With more stability in your life -- on both personal and professional levels -- this could be a good time to strengthen relationships with both friends and colleagues.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

• No matter where you live in the world, if you’ve been paying attention at all during the past 15 or 20 years you’ve heard the Nike shoe company’s slogan “Just Do It.” In the late 1980s, the company was filming a commercial in Africa and hired a tribesman in Kenya to say the slogan in his native tongue. Instead he said, “I don’t want these. Give me big shoes.” And nobody, it seems, caught the substitution.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be in line for that job change you applied for. But be advised that you could be called on to defend your qualifications against supporters of other applicants.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A changing situation in your life needs more patience than you appear to be willing to offer. Allowing it to develop at its own pace is the wisest course you can take at this time.

GRADE: A

• “Uncopyrightable” is one of the only 15-letter words in the English language that doesn’t repeat a single letter.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your keen insight once again helps you work through a seemingly insoluble problem in your workplace. The weekend offers a good chance to develop new relationships.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a knack for finding details that others would overlook. You would make a fine research scientist. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FROM START TO FITNESS

Many fitness centers use high-tech equipment -- even to gain entry into the facility. Be sure your mother feels confident and that she truly belongs as a member of your club.

Be patient and personally introduce gym’s staff to your mother and explain her situation.

Inform the staff of your mother’s new adventure and ask what programs they have available for her.

Many facilities have classes for senior members, and not only is the programming appropriate, it also surrounds them with other members in a similar situation.

By Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.

WORKING OUT WITH MOM

If your facility does not offer senior classes, and even if it does, I would suggest meeting with a fitness professional to properly introduce your mother to the exercise equipment and options for exercise for her individual situation. You may opt to hire a personal trainer for a period of time to help your mother safely begin to exercise.

Q: I enjoy working out four to five days a week at a local fitness center.

Recently, my 80-year-old mother came to live with my family and me, and I would like for her to join me to exercise. She has never exercised in a formal gym setting before, and I am not sure where to start. Is she too old to begin to exercise, and where should I start?

Lastly, your mother may not be able to exercise four to five days a week initially; however, you can find other programs that may be of interest. Many facilities offer classes in the pool or other social-related activities. This can be a great way for your mother to meet other members and feel confident and comfortable in this area.

A: Exercise is truly for every age.

The type of exercise and the intensity can be modified to fit any age or fitness level. Finding the right exercise for your mother can allow her to join you working out.

First, speak with a physician and discuss starting of an exercise program. It is important to know the proper exercises and workout intensities to adhere to with your mother to lower her risk of injury. A beginner should always speak with a physician before starting an exercise program.

Sharing the exercise experience with your mother is a great gift and something that you can both do together. Although you may not complete the same exercises, you can both share the benefits exercising provides.

Acquainting new members to the fitness facility is an important step.

Remember, your mother has not been in this environment before and will need to learn and feel comfortable with the layout, what is offered and what to do once there. It can be easy to forget how intimidating starting something new can be, and for someone who has never experienced this type of setting it can be quite confusing.

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S., is a personal trainer with an extensive background in strength and conditioning as well as therapeutic recreation. 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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Creating Beautiful Basements in and Around Colorado Springs

10

BUSINESS AND FINANCE THE LAW ACCORDING TO STEVENS

by Lisa Welch Stevens, Attorney at Law P.C.

BUSINESS CONTRACTS: THE ESSENTIALS © July, 2005, Lisa Welch Stevens, Esq.,

W

hen entering into an agreement, the surest way to avoid disputes is to put the terms in writing. At a small claims trial I tried last month the judge put it best: “We all know why we are here. It’s why we’re always here. Nobody put anything in writing.” Many small business people are reluctant to ask for a written agreement, thinking it unnecessary, or that it implies a distrust of the other party. I can assure you: written agreements avoid disputes, and provide a type of “insurance” against deals gone bad.

Obviously, the ideal situation is to have an attorney draft the contract, tailored to your situation. However, not all small business people want to do that. There are form agreements available in business supply stores, over the Internet, in form books, etc. You can try adapting such forms to your situation. However, it is important to be careful: not all form agreements comply with Colorado law, and not all forms are well-drafted. You can also write up your agreement yourself; something is better than nothing.

• Effective date, and termination date if any; • Purpose of the agreement; • Representations, warranties, guarantees, definitions; • Performances and payments required of the parties; • Events of default or breach; • Remedies for default or breach; • Releases and indemnifications; • Disclaimers; • Merger clause; • Choice of law provision; • Jurisdiction and venue clause; • Survival clause; • Attorney’s Fees clause; • Waiver of Breach clause; • Severability clause; • Provisions for contract to bind heirs, successors and assigns; • Notice clause; • Interpretation clause; • Signatures.

It is not distrustful to ask others to sign a contract – it is the professional way to run your business. A written contract makes all parties secure in the terms of their agreement, and saves money in the long run, through avoiding costly litigation and lost relationships because of bad feelings. Anyone unwilling to sign a fair, simple contract is probably not someone you want to be doing business anyway – it is sign of potential problems down the road. As always, consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.

As a checklist, here are some provisions that should be included: •

For additional information contact, Lisa Welch Stevens, Attorney at Law P.C. Representing Colorado Businesses

and Business Owners

719.488.9395

Names of the parties, and types of entities;

DOLLARS AND SENSE

By David Uffington

CREDIT-CARD CHANGES COMING FAST AND FURIOUS

B

etween now and the end of the year, it’s more important than ever to carefully read any information leaflets sent to you by your credit-card company, as well as scrutinize your statement. With tighter regulations to the Federal Trade Commission Act hanging over their heads, some of credit-card companies are trying to get some changes in while they still can.

One of the changes the act will make is that arbitrarily increasing the interest rate on a pre-existing balance will be prohibited. Consumers, even those with excellent credit and responsible credit-card management, have been receiving information leaflets saying their interest rates are going up -- for no apparent reason.

Read your statements carefully and pay attention to the interest-rate information to make sure it hasn’t changed, and check your available balance. Credit-

11

Lisa Welch Stevens Attorney at Law, P.C. Admitted to Colorado State Bar and U.S. Federal Bar for the District of Colorado 

Business Formation



Business Planning



Intellectual Property



Employment Law



Mergers and Acquisitions



Wills, Estate, Probate



Transactional (Contract) Services

Member: Colorado & El Paso County Bar Association

719.488.9395 lisa@lwslawfirm.com • www.lwslawfirm.com

DIVORCE / FAMILY LAW Experienced - Affordable Convenient Law Offices of Christopher C. Meyer,P.C. 1832 Woodmoor Dr., #200

Monument, CO 80132

(719)488-9395

Please visit our comprehensive website for divorce information: www.cmeyerlaw.com card companies can (and do) arbitrarily lower your available credit, making it appear that you’re using a larger percentage of available credit, which impacts your credit score and can make your interest rates go up. It’s a vicious cycle.

Debit-card transactions will see changes, too. When you use a debit card to make a purchase, especially at a gas station, you’re no longer in control of your money. Let’s say you know you have $100 in your bank account. You swipe your card and ring up $40 for gas. The station will often put a larger hold on your money, say for perhaps $80. Then you drive to the grocery store where you spend another $50.

You assume that, out of the $100, you have $10 left.

Wrong. You’re overdrawn by $30 because of the gas station’s hold on your money, and that hold can stay there for days.

Solution: At gas stations, pay inside and use the PIN. This will force the transaction to go through at the exact amount of the purchase.

Don’t write a check or use your debit card unless the money is in the bank and you’ve verified that it’s been credited to your account.

However, if you use the Internet or ATMS to check your account balances, you could be given the wrong information, as the computer is set up to acknowledge deposits, even if they haven’t been credited to your account.

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 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

SNIPPETZ® DINING GUIDE

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We have daily food specials and the world’s longest Happy Hour, everything you need to have a GREAT time!

PATIO DINING & BANQUET ROOMS set aside.

by Gretchen Gire Anthony of Bodhicitta Bakery

LEMON BLUEBERRY CAKE

This is a great dessert after a BBQ. 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; (if frozen, dried well and tossed with 2 Tbs. flour) 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1-2/3 cups white granulated sugar 5 large eggs, room temperature 2 cups all-purpose flour 1⁄2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. grated lemon zest 3 Tbs. lemon juice, fresh is best but bottled is fine too For the Glaze 1 cup white granulated sugar 1⁄2 cup lemon juice, fresh is best but bottled is fine too 1⁄2 cup water Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray a bundt pan with a non-stick cooking spray, the kind with flour already in the spray.

In a small bowl combine flour and salt;

With an electric mixer, cream the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy for 2 minutes, scraping sides occasionally with a spatula . Add eggs one at a time, beating well between eggs. Add lemon zest and juice and beat well. With the mixer on it’s lowest speed, slowly add the flour mixture, and beat only until smooth. Fold in the blueberries and spoon batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake in the center of the oven for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and then invert it onto the wire rack. While the cake is cooling, you should make the glaze. In a small heavy sauce pan combine the lemon juice, sugar and water. Simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally until it has reduced by half. Place a large pan underneath the wire rack and drizzle the warm glaze on top of the still warm cake. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in cling wrap.

919 Arcturus Drive

475-1077 Diamonddebs@Qwest.net BAR AND GRILLE

2ND ANNUAL DIAMOND DEB’S

GOLF TOURNAMENT SUNDAY - September 21, 2008 at Mountain Shadows, Fort Carson Please bring ID

2 Person Scramble • Shotgun Start 9:30AM 1st 60 Paid Will Play!

All Fees Must Be Collected by September 16th

$70 Entry Fee

(includes coupon for an additional round of golf)

JOIN US BACK AT DEB’S RIGHT AFTER GOLF...

AWARDS, GREAT PRIZES, FOOD AND PLENTY OF SPIRITS For more information Call Brian or Debi at 475-1077 Thursday

High Wheeler

Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk and Rock 5:30-7:30PM

HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 4PM - 6 PM

Make Every Day Sweeter than the Last!

STAY TUNED FOR DIAMOND DEB’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

Gretchen Gire Anthony Bodhicitta Bakery - 487-1555

12

THE BEST FOOD ON THE WESTSIDE SERVING UNTIL 1 AM EVERY NIGHT

GOODIES

RETCHEN’S

Yields 1 cake

2432 W. Colorado • Old Colorado City 719-633-0583 • www.meadowmuffins.com