HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016
Prepare yourFORdeck WINTER SOAK IN THE HOT TUB ALL YEAR LONG OCTOBER GARDENING CALENDAR COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF HUMBOLDT REDWOOD COMPANY
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October gardening calendar YEAR ROUND GARDENING:
BY EILEEN TULLY, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER
Photo by Fredricka Bogardus
“Prepare for winter” is
the byword in October. In the gardening world, winter is signaled by the first killing frost. A light freeze of 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit will kill very tender plants. To extend the season you can cover the most tender plants at night with a sheet or other lightweight protective covering. Be sure to remove the covering first thing in the morning. You may even successfully protect plants with a moderate freeze of 25 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. If your containers are moveable they can be put in a protected spot like a garage, then moved back to the garden when the weather warms up. If you have room indoors cut back a favorite potted geranium to three inch stems and put it in a sunny window. It will grow and bloom before next spring, when it can be brought back outside. The first hard frost — 24 degrees and colder — signals the end of the growing season. Most herbaceous perennials will not be able to tolerate weather that cold.
GARDEN TO-DO LIST At the end of the growing season is a good time to do a soil test. You’ll miss the annual “spring rush” and have the advantage to plan over winter how to address any problems with your soil. You can get a soil test kit from the Extension Office at 217 Spruce Street, Room 200. In early October, stop deadheading roses and reduce water to encourage them to go into dormancy. All month prune dead, broken or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Before a hard freeze, pick and ripen green tomatoes indoors. As you harvest, clean up all debris and weeds to get a head start for next year’s garden. Cleaning as each crop matures will make the task easier. Save seeds of your favorite annuals but do not expect an exact replication of your current plant. All saved seeds should be stored in a cool dry location. Flowers like snapdragons, marigolds,
HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
violas, moss rose (portulaca) and cosmos are excellent re-seeders. Do not cultivate the soil around these plants if you want more of them next season. Pick pumpkins, gourds and winter squash by mid-October. Plant garlic now for harvesting next summer. Cover asparagus and rhubarb beds with three-to-four inches of mulch. Dig up and store tender bulbs such as cannas, dahlias and gladiolus in a dry location. Parsley can be dug, divided and potted to grow in a sunny window indoors all winter. After fall harvest, Heritage raspberry stalks can be cut back to the ground. Clean, sharpen and oil tools and equipment before storing them for winter. Drain or blow out your irrigation system. Set up a hose system at your water spigots for important winter watering on mild days. If you make it easy to get to
you’re more likely to water over winter. Raking leaves is an autumn chore. But instead of bagging them for the landfill run over the mass with your lawnmower and use as winter mulch.
LAWNS TO-DO Fertilize your lawn mid-to-late October. Experts consider this the most important fertilization of the year. If your lawn looks thin, weak or scraggly, core aeration in October will improve lawns that have thatch build up or show signs of soil compaction. Lastly, survey the garden. Evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Then, begin planning next year’s garden. It will be the best garden yet. When you have questions, Colorado State University Extension has researchbased answers Get answers to your horticulture questions by calling a Master Gardener Volunteer at 5207684 or ask.extension.org. For current garden tips visit www.facebook.com/ ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC.
“Dipping into 102 or 103 or 104 degree water during freezing temperatures and snow is like having a really nice blanket — it goes through your bones and the warmth revitalizes you.”
SOAK IN THE HOT TUB
all winter long ••
W
BY GINA CRONIN, GINA.CRONIN@GAZETTE.COM
hen it comes to preparing the hot tub for winter, the best advice from John Polk, co-owner of Colorado Springs Hot Tubs Sales and Service, Inc. is “keep it open!” Improper winterization, or lack thereof, is the number one cause of hot tub damage. If a hot tub freezes or leaks during the long Colorado winter, it
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can be extremely difficult to fix and very expensive. The cost will amount to far more than the price to keep it running through the season. Chances are that even the cost of hiring a professional to properly drain and winterize a hot tub will be higher, especially if the said hot tub is energyefficient. “If it’s not energy-efficient, then you bought the wrong hot tub,” says Polk, who specializes in the sale of certified pre-owned and eco-friendly hot tubs at a fraction of the cost. Colorado Springs Hot Tubs has nearly 50 years of experience
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SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3
4 steps
T O PRE PA RE YOUR DECK FOR W IN T E R
BY JIM DISAVERIO, HUMBOLDT REDWOOD COMPANY
O
ne of the best things about Colorado weather is the full seasons we get to enjoy. While we can play in all kinds of weather, there are some home maintenance to-dos for every one of those seasons. As winter approaches, you should make sure your home’s deck is ready for the change in weather. Keeping a deck in good repair not only provides years of enjoyment for your family and friends, it also adds great value to your home. No matter what your deck is made of, though, it will still need some basic maintenance. We suggest the following steps to prepare your deck for winter weather:
KEEPING A DECK IN GOOD RE PA IR NO T ONLY PROVIDES YE ARS OF ENJOYMENT FOR YOUR FA MILY A ND F RIE NDS, I T AL SO ADDS GRE AT VALUE TO YOUR HOME.
SWEEP AWAY SUMMER MEMORIES Throughout the summer and fall, decks may accumulate dirt, barbecue stains, pollen and tree sap and possibly even some mildew. A garden hose, stiff bristle brush and a deck cleaner are all you need to successfully remove those little reminders of a summer’s-worth of fun. If your deck is made of natural redwood, you’re in luck, as it is well suited for holding finishes at the surface level, and is easy to keep clean. Doing this at least once a year will help keep your deck looking like new and preserve the deck’s finish. Many commercial deck cleaning products are available at local hardware, paint stores or home centers.
better than other woods. Refinishing will be a less-frequent chore, but don’t delay — protect your investment.
CHECK THE FINISH
SMALL STEPS FOR SAFETY
If your deck’s surface sees different levels of sunlight exposure, then your deck’s finish does as well. Take a moment to observe those areas, and inspect whether your deck’s protective finish is looking a little worn or faded. This is an ideal time to note the location and general condition of those sites. It’s also a good idea to refinish as soon as you notice areas of wear, to help protect the entire wood surface. Redwood decks hold a natural advantage for finishes because its unique cell structure lets it hold a finish
A creaking board may be a sign of a deck’s age — but it can also be an early hint to replace boards that have grown too soft. Walk slowly around your deck, paying attention to where those creaks and squeaks come from. Bounce slightly on the boards as you go, and see if any seem loose or a little soft. You should also check for stair and handrail strength, popped up nails and splinters. Replacing old nails with quality deck screws will prevent this from occurring in the future. Any problems found in these areas should be remedied sooner
HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
rather than later, especially due to the safety factor.
GIVE YOUR DECK BREATHING ROOM
Seemingly harmless debris such as fallen leaves or dust and dirt is actually the source for promoting decay in the decking and joists. Get into the habit of regularly clearing your deck’s surface and especially the spaces between deck boards. It goes a long way in keeping the look you love. If it’s harder to keep the spaces between your deck boards clear and free from debris, check to see if the boards have room to breathe. The ideal space between the boards is about 3/16 of an inch, which helps allow for proper moisture drainage
and encourage optimal drying of the deck boards. Taking a little time for routine maintenance now is a small investment compared to replacements or major repairs to your deck. It also means less time spent in the spring getting your deck ready for summer festivities. Redwood decks, with their legendary durability that holds up to the elements with natural beauty, give homeowners years of care-free performance. It’s those natural qualities that help keep maintaining a redwood deck so easy. To learn more about one of nature’s most environmentally friendly, beautiful and strong building materials and to find local redwood dealers, visit www.getredwood.com.
HOT TUBS
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’VE HAD A POWER SURGE DUE TO LIGHTNING STRIKES??
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
professionally refurbishing and insulating hot tubs to use the absolute minimum amount of energy all year round. Beyond the cost factor, many would argue that winter is the best time to use a hot tub. Anyone who takes to the mountains to ski or hike during those chilly weekends can benefit from a soak in the spa. The heated water and massage-like jets are found to be an effective way to ease muscle pain and stress. The experience can also improve circulation to the fingertips and toes; relieving arthritis and improving overall cardiovascular health. “A hot tub is made for the winter. To me, it’s mystifying why anyone would close it,” Polk says. “Dipping into 102 or 103 or 104 degree water during freezing temperatures and snow is like having a really nice blanket — it goes through your bones and the warmth revitalizes you.” This comfort, he says, is what hot tubs are all about. In essence, hot tubs are more difficult to maintain through the winter if they are dry than if they have water. If it is kept running, the most important thing to remember is to keep it covered and keep snow off the cover after storms. If one plans to go on vacation during the winter, it is necessary to appoint a family member, friend or neighbor to keep the snow off. Other than that, the hot tub can be used exactly the same way as in the summer. If a hot tub owner has plans to go away the whole winter, then it might make more sense to drain it. If this is the case, it is absolutely essential to properly winterize it either by having an experienced professional come by to do it or having thorough, concrete knowledge of the process before trying to
do it without professional help. Investing in a high-quality hot tub greatly reduces the overall cost and the demand for upkeep. “Often manufacturers will save themselves money, but the customer pays in the long run,” Polk says. “With a good product like Hot Spring or Jacuzzi, people are not going to waste energy.” Colorado Springs Hot Tubs sells products from manufacturers that meet their energy efficiency standards and maintain the high quality of original manufacturing. They carry refurbished Jacuzzi, Hot Spring, Pacific Marquis, Sundance and other top brands. The professionals test every part, correct every flaw and restore each feature to its original condition before selling the hot tubs at 60 to 70 percent less than the original cost. By owning an energy-efficient, certified-preowned hot tub, people can soak in the warm water all winter long with friends and family without breaking the bank.
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Luscious fruits
C O M E F R O M T I M E L Y H A R V E S T, GOOD STOR AGE BY LEE REICH, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
“Ripe” is a term that’s used much too freely when it comes to fruits. A plum is not supposed to taste sour like a lemon; that lemon-y plum is not ripe. Nor — and this is important — will it ever be. Ripening can begin in a fruit’s “mature” stage, and when the fruit reaches the “ripe” stage, it’s best for eating. As it ripens, its color changes, the flesh softens, sugars increase and distinctive flavors develop. Apples, pears, kiwis, bananas, persimmons and quinces are some fruits that can ripen either on or off the plant, but to do so they must be mature before being harvested.
SOME FRUITS RIPEN AFTER HARVEST, SOME DO NOT Whether a fruit can become delicious when ripened off the plant depends on the variety. For instance, summer apples generally taste best when picked dead ripe, but some “winter” apples, that are harvested late in the season, such as Idared and Newtown Pippin, taste best when they are picked mature and then ripen for a few months in storage. A few fruits must be harvested when mature and then ripened off the plants. European pears, except for Seckel, are at their gustatory best only if ripened after harvest. Left to fully ripen on the plant, European pears turn mushy and brown inside. Avocados also must be harvested under-ripe. Left to fully ripen on the tree, they develop off-flavors. Now the important point: Many fruits do not ripen at all after being picked and must be picked fully ripe to taste their best. Plums are in this group, as are grapes, figs, melons, cherries, peaches and more. Picked under-ripe, these fruits will still soften, and some of their complex carbohydrates may break down to sugars. But those changes are more akin to the first stages of rotting than the flavor changes associated with true ripening.
GOOD STORAGE MEANS GOOD FLAVOR Late summer and fall bring on such an abundance of fruit that eating cannot keep pace with harvesting, so storage is necessary. Most fruits store best when kept cool and in high humidity. Cool temperatures slow the ripening of mature fruits, the aging of already ripe fruits and the growth of decay-causing microorganisms. High humidity, as well as cool temperatures, slows water loss from fruits and prevents shriveling. For most fruits, — bananas and avocados being notable exceptions — optimum storage temperatures are near freezing, with relative humidity at about 90 percent. The temperature in most refrigerators is between 35 and 40 degrees F, and the relative humidity in a frost-free refrigerator is 40 percent on the shelves and 70 percent in the crisper. That’s a bit too warm and dry, but it’s a convenient place to store a small quantity of fruit. An old-fashioned root cellar provides almost ideal low temperatures and high humidity. In late fall and winter, you may find storage areas around your home where you can keep a few bushels of seasonal fruits, such as apples, in good condition. Invest in a minimum-maximum thermometer, and check the temperatures in your garage, attic, foyer and cellar. Bushels of apples, for example, can be moved from your garage to your foyer and finally to your cool basement as outdoor temperatures turn progressively colder. For long-term storage, maintain humidity around fruits. Pack them in plastic bags with a few holes for ventilation, in dry leaves, or — my favorite method — in plywood boxes, which “breathe” with the fruits. Remove fruit from cold storage some time before you are ready to eat it. Fruit that was picked mature but under-ripe may need to finish ripening, which occurs more rapidly at room temperature. Even fruit that is already ripe should be allowed to reach room temperature so you can appreciate its full flavor.
HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
GRAPES, PICKED DEAD RIPE, AND APPLES, PICKED MATURE TO FINISH RIPENING INDOORS, ARE PART OF AUTUMN’S LUSCIOUS BOUNTY.
•• Photo by Lee Reich, The Associated Press
AROUND THE HOUSE:
Solutions for ceilings, pipes and outlets BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE
Dear Readers: The heating season is just around the corner, so this is the ideal time to schedule that furnace checkup. Why? When KEN MOON the first cold snap hits, the heating and air conditioning companies get swamped with requests to light pilots and to clean and service heating systems. You’ll have to get in line then and may not be able to schedule a visit when it’s convenient for you. Every heating system — whether forced air or hot water boiler — should be checked out by a licensed heating contractor before winter gets here. This is a good annual habit to establish, even for newer homes, because theoretically any furnace can fail at any time. Plus, a well-adjusted furnace will use less fuel and save you big bucks over our long heating season. I’ve seen advertised special prices for this checkup for as low as $69, although the average is probably closer to $90 or so. Interview your company to make sure — at a minimum — that they will vacuum out the cabinet, adjust the burners if needed, check the electricity loads, inspect the heat exchanger, do a carbon monoxide output check and provide a new filter. This is also a good time to test your carbon monoxide detectors and to install a fresh battery in each one. And check their date of manufacture, as these life-saving devices should be exchanged for new ones when they are seven years old. How many should you have? State law prescribes one within 15 feet of any bedroom door. And make sure they are down low — not on the ceiling — so you sample the airstream for this deadly gas close to the floor. Finally, as we come out of the cooling season, I want to once again urge you to shroud your air conditioning condensing unit for the winter. You can buy a plastic cover with an elastic cord for about $15 at discount or hardware stores. Dear Ken: The ceilings in my house are the sprayed on type. They have accumulated a lot of dust. How do I prepare them for painting? – Kelli If you’d like, you could vacuum the ceiling
with a wand extension and that small, soft-bristled furniture tool that comes with most vacuums. That will remove the obvious dust motes and cob webs. Don’t spend a lot of time on it, though, because the painting scheme I’ll suggest will cover just about any dust or “pollution” build-up. This job goes best when you spray on the new coat. Use a diluted mix of a good acrylic latex, satin finish paint, cut about 25 percent with water. Dear Ken: I have a GFI outlet in the same box as my garbage disposer switch. Either the disposer runs constantly or the GFI trips. Can they be made to work together? – Jan Ground fault (GFI) circuit breakers don’t do well with most motors. They’re quite sensitive and so will trip, or sense a fault, at unpredictable times; usually when the tool or appliance starts up. That’s why we caution against plugging a garage freezer into such a circuit. In your case, I think you’ve spotted a mis-wired application. It’s okay for the two devices to share the same box, but the GFI should be separate from the disposer switch; that is, the disposer should come first in the circuit and the outlet wired in after that. Have an electrician untangle this mishmash for you, so you end up with the right configuration. Dear Ken: I have an old house. The plumbing in the crawl space slopes uphill a little, instead of down. Everything runs slow, so I thought I could jack up the main stack, but it won’t budge. What should I do now? – Rick Trying to move an old cast iron sewer system in any direction is inviting trouble. This material is very brittle and so will crack readily; and probably in the least convenient spot. A plumber could cut the stack pipes and substitute plastic to get you the proper slope. This is a relatively easy job, since there are a myriad of foolproof, clamp-type fittings for the transition from the old cast iron to new PVC piping. Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m. Saturday on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Contact him at aroundthehouse.com.
As the summer heat begins to wane, there are some great projects you can do to prepare your landscape for the fall and winter months. Take advantage of the pleasant temperatures of Colorado in September and spend more time outdoors by taking on one of these projects.
ADD LANDSCAPING FEATURES
Fall is a great time to add features such as walkways, lighting, patios or water features to your landscape. Also, if you already have great features installed, now is the best time to make sure they are all functioning properly before the Colorado winter comes knocking. Especially if you have wooden features such as a deck or wooden patio, now is the time to fill any cracks or spaces so that ice and snow won’t damage them.
START COMPOSTING
Composting is a great way to naturally fertilize your garden for next year, so it’s best to start as soon as possible. Now is the time to build a compost bin and collect leaves and other organic materials. Also consider evaluating your annuals and perennials; those that have exhausted themselves can be added to your compost.
PLANT SPRING BULBS
Fall is the ideal time to plant bulbs that come up in the spring. Consider tulips, iris, or daffodil.
PLANT COLD-HEARTY FLOWERS
Fall is the time to think about cold-hearty flowers which can survive falling temperatures. The fall flower color palette includes reds, oranges, and yellows. Consider adding pumpkins, squash, and other gourds for a fun fall arrangement. Another fun fall project: cut the top off a pumpkin and plant succulents inside. This is also the last chance to plant perennials before the first freeze. Mums, ornamental kale, pansies, millet grasses, and aster do well this time of year.
2016
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for the season PREPARING YOUR FIREPLACE OR STOVE
METRO SERVICES
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves not only can be beautiful focal points within a home, but they also provide an additional source of heat that can be used to keep rooms or entire homes comfortable; without the need for additional and potentially costly heating sources. Just like more modern home heating systems, stoves and fireplaces need to be maintained, and that maintenance includes readying them before winter when they will be used more heavily. Ensuring a fireplace or stove is in good working order helps to guarantee efficiency of use and safety during the winter months. Open-flame heating sources carry with them certain risks. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that between 2009 and 2013, American fire departments responded to 56,000 home structure fires that involved heating equipment. The NFPA notes that the
leading factor contributing to homeheating fires is a failure to keep things clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment. The following are a handful of ways to stay safe as you get ready for another cozy season around the fire.
START WITH THE CHIMNEY
Begin by having your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Creosote can build up inside of the chimney. This oily liquid is highly flammable and becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to clean as it builds up inside your flue lining. It also contains chemicals that can be dangerous to breathe in. In addition, animals may have built a nest inside of the chimney since the last time the fireplace was used. A professional chimney sweep should be hired in this situation. The specialist will be able to effectively clean the chimney in a manner that is the least messy and disruptive to residents.
HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
INSTALL OR CHECK SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Operational alarms are essential to preventing injury or death resulting from smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation. Such detectors are inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms themselves should be changed every five to 10 years.
INSPECT THE CHIMNEY FROM OUTDOORS AS WELL
Inspect the mortar around any bricks in the chimney and surrounding areas for cracks. If left unaddressed, these can cause dangerous fires. If there are serious cracks, a professional may need to make repairs or the chimney may need to be replaced. You also can have the chimney capped with a screen to keep animals and debris from entering.
INSPECT THE DAMPER
A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly.
CLEAR OUT FLAMMABLE ITEMS
Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnishings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames.
ORDER WOOD NOW
Be sure you have plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season.
5 things
TO DO NOW TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR FALL BY DAVE BOROWSKI, DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR ONE HOUR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Fall has officially started, and even if the weather doesn’t feel like fall yet, the professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning say now is a good time to run through this checklist to get your home ready for the cooler weather.
1. REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTERS A clogged or dirty filter can make your system work harder, which uses more energy. It can also damage your system. Replace your filters once a month or as recommended by your system’s manufacturer.
2. SEAL UP LEAKS Take a quick walk around your home to check for cracks and gaps around windows and doors. This could let the heat out and cold air in. Now is a good time to find these leaks and seal them up. In cooler climates consider a humidifier to make your home more pleasant in the fall and winter.
3. REPLACE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT TO MAKE SURE IT OPERATES ALL SEASON Now is also a good time to consider upgrading to our Wi-Fi thermostat, so you can control and monitor the temperature in your home, especially while you are away. Now is a good time to replace the
batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors too.
4. TIDY UP During the warmer months, flammable materials like paint or cleaning supplies may have been placed near your heating systems. This could be a safety hazard. Clear the area around your furnace or heating system and make sure furniture and rugs are not blocking your vents and registers.
5. GET A TUNE-UP We recommend having a professional clean and inspect your heating and cooling system twice a year. A professional can help maintain your system which can extend the product life and help reduce the frequency and severity.
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All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. ©2015 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 78292I-0815
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by Patrick mcdonnell
Funky winkerBean
luann
by greg evans
PeanuTS
by Charles Schulz
by Tom Batiuk
SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11
loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword
non SequiTur
by wiley
edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis
lola
by Todd Clark
BeeTle Bailey across 1 Tumblr competitor 10 Workers’ rights org. 14 Dunkin’ Donuts buy 15 “Gimme five” 16 Go wild 17 Sticky corner piece 18 Shot target 19 Joint room? 20 Zero on stage 21 “Later!” 23 Marks meaning the same thing 25 Tongue attachment? 26 Pulls hard 28 Dynamic start 29 Lose at the table, with “out” 30 Flier to Helsinki 32 Coach in six Super Bowls 34 Fencing maneuvers 38 Kim of “Army Wives” 39 “I agree!” 41 Grumpy pal 42 Works in Madrid? 43 Singer with a domed nest 45 Trick users, in a way 49 Your, in Tours 50 Sri Lankan exports 52 “Off the Court” author 53 Acted badly 55 True-to-life 57 Cut 58 Used a drive-thru, maybe 59 Online shopping button 61 Tilts 62 Dominican-born designer 63 WWII Allied invasion vessels 64 Put on
8 Overly formal 9 Number worn by Tony La Russa as a tribute to Sparky Anderson 10 Goes (for) 11 Like some Chinese TV stations 12 Closing subject 13 Google Wallet rival 15 The __: two-time WWE Tag Team Champions 20 Daydreamed 22 “Well, why not?” 24 Walked 27 Beauty pageant band 29 Rumba relative 31 Simmered 33 Sty supper 34 “No more for me” 35 Finder’s words 36 Total mess 37 Cutty __: Scotch 40 Ask for more 44 Item for a sewer 46 Hong Kong, e.g. 47 Nest sound? 48 Set of seven 50 Farm houses 51 Used, as a counter 54 Trifling criticisms 56 Accumulated accounts 59 Payroll service co. 60 Historic span: Abbr.
by mort, greg, and Brian walker
hagar The horriBle
moTher gooSe
by mike Peters
Friday’s Puzzle Solved
down 1 Music industry woe 2 Samos neighbor named for the son of Daedalus 3 Partner of Marcus 4 ESPN highlights 5 Util. bill 6 Went fast 7 Latin catchall HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
Tundra
by Chris Browne
by Chad Carpenter
Bizarro
by dan Piraro
argyle SweaTer
by Scott hilburn
CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
B.C.
by hart
ziTS
by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
JumP STarT
Frazz
by robb armstrong
by Jef mallett
SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 13
dilBerT
by Scott adams
Sally ForTh
by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe
BaBy BlueS
by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman
PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis
PooCh CaFe
HG 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
by Paul gilligan
TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE
ADVICE
Dear Trustless: It seems that your live-in partner had no intention of revealing her herpes status unless/until you became ill. Her two-and-two analogy is pretty hard to believe. She has an STD and EVERY sexual partner should be told about it, regardless of that partner’s health vulnerability. If you wanted to continue in this relationship, then she would have to come up with a plausible explanation for withholding this from you. After that, you would have to come up with a way to forgive her. If you weren’t able to forgive her for this, you wouldn’t ever be able to trust her. My reaction is that this rises to an extreme level, and is not only unkind and neglectful, but bordering on criminal . So no, I don’t think she can be trusted. And I’m very sorry this has happened to you. For trust to be rebuilt, she needs to be a full partner, admitting her wrongdoing, asking for forgiveness and offering to answer any and all questions you have.
Answer: You can get hepatitis A from food or water that’s been contaminated by the virus; it’s often transferred from an infected food handler. You also can get it directly by touching (or kissing) someone who has contracted the disease. Health officials believe the outbreak in your area was due to tainted strawberries from Egypt. Fortunately, only about 1,200-2,500 cases are reported in the U.S. annually, but it pays to understand how to dodge and treat the disease. The bad news: Hepatitis A is very contagious and a person is contagious for two weeks before symptoms are obvious. Once symptoms appear (and they don’t always) your skin and/or eyes become jaundiced (yellowish) and you get hit with a fever, fatigue, nausea, dark urine and light stools. Then all you can do is treat the symptoms by staying in bed, having some chicken soup and watching “The Dr. Oz Show.” The good news: If you live in an outbreak area or someone in your family contracts hep A, you can dodge it by keeping hands clean with sanitizer and surfaces spotless with soap and water. And 99.99 percent of the time, folks who are infected have no lasting damage to the liver. The best news: There’s a very effective vaccination. Adults who haven’t been vaccinated should consider it, if they’re traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common, have chronic liver disease or are in danger of being exposed to the virus. As for smoothies, we say, “Make your own.” Sharecare.com and doctoroz.com have dozens of tasty, nutritious low-cal recipes that’ll boost your energy and you won’t have to worry about mystery ingredients.
Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.
Dear Amy: I recently found out that my partner of two years has herpes and has transmitted it to me. I moved into her house about four months ago. While moving some things around in her gaAMY rage, I inadvertently came across DICKINSON a doctor’s report showing that she had it. When I confronted her with the information, she said she had gotten it 10 years ago from her ex-husband. She did not tell me (and I did not ask) when our relationship began. I have incurable leukemia and an infection from a herpes outbreak could kill me. Even when she was told that infections can be medically devastating for me, she still did not tell me about her herpes. She says she just did not put “two and two” together. My issue is that since she did not do the right thing by me with the herpes and leukemia situation, I don’t feel that I can trust her to do the right thing in any situation. Can this trust be rebuilt? — Trustless Man
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Question: The Virginia Department of Health issued a warning about an outbreak of hepatitis A because of smoothies from DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN a national chain. How is it possible to get hepatitis from a smoothie? — Karen J., Arlington, Va.
—
ADVICE
Dear Heloise: When my children were small, they frequently argued about whose turn it was to go first, or get the front seat, or whatever. Nothing worked. Finally, I wrote their initials on the calendar on alternating days. HINTS If their initials were on the calFROM endar, that day was “their day” HELOISE to sit in the front seat, or choose something first, or whatever. Once in a while, a child would observe that “We did all the fun stuff on his (or her) day!” This was an opportunity for them to learn that life isn’t always fair, but that things generally even out over time. This worked in our family for years, and virtually ended all arguments over whose turn it was. — Cheers from Lisa S., Dayton, Tenn. Lisa, it’s a wonderful system. When traveling with children, note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises that those under the age of 12 should always ride in the back seat. — Heloise Dear readers: Here are some pooch pointers collected over the years: • Lightly dusting a dog with baking soda can work as a dry shampoo. Sprinkle, rub and brush well. • If you have to board your dog, stash a piece of your clothing in his travel bag. Your scent can help alleviate anxiety. • Stitch a piece of reflective tape around the dog’s collar or harness and on the leash. This will make the animal more visible on nighttime walks. • Table scraps are a big no-no. People food is too high in fat, sugar and salt for animals. • Removing dog hair from the couch is a cinch. Dip a sponge in half vinegar and half water. Squeeze out and wipe. Test a hidden area first. — Heloise Dear Heloise: When finished with the bread bag, it makes a great storage bag for sliced cheese and lunchmeat. To keep it closed, give it a twist and put a clothespin on it. — Jim D., Coleman, Texas —
Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.
TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Calibrate as you celebrate the weekend. Remain poised to accept other people’s opinions, even when you disagree with them. Strike a balance between honoring the old and embracing the new. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Put business ideas on the back of the stove. This is a weekend to spend time with loved ones or to explore something new and different. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Someone close might be willing to take risks that you find foolish. It is in your hands to help someone learn to use better judgment. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Turn down the second helping of dessert. Put your desires, wants and needs into proportion. You have an avid appetite for the very best things in life, but must control it.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Don’t dare kisses made of air. You might find that a special someone expects tangible tokens of affection. Go out of your way to demonstrate your faithfulness and willingness to please. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You may meet new acquaintances who alter your perspective. Your common sense will prevent you from making wildly extravagant purchases. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Open hearts rather than wallets. If you are loving and kind toward the special person in your life, you will develop a deeper appreciation of their character. Choose people over things. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Money isn’t everything. Harmonious relationships mean the most. Risk-taking, speculation or gambling is not a good idea.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Nobody is impressed by someone who is sad, so you might as well be happy. Occasional conflicts provide an excuse to kiss and make up. Be happy to make sincere amends. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don’t be heavy-handed or adamant about getting what you want. Hide your irritation if a loved one or friend tries to outdo you in your area of expertise. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You will find just the right words when diplomacy is needed. Whisper the most appropriate sweet nothings when the lights are low. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Handle problem before problems handle you. You could be so wrapped up in pleasing people or enjoying social activities that you forget to take a hard look at your financial condition.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Oct. 1 You’ve got the world by the tail between now and early November. This is an excellent time to make plans for the future as you are wiser and more far seeing than usual. You can be confident of success when you take the first steps of new beginnings. People who have your best interests at heart can grow closer. Your romantic side could be in bloom in late November and early December. That could be a good time for a romantic rendezvous.
SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15
GOREN BRIDGE
WITH BOB JONES ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Weekly Bridge Quiz Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
EVENTS
Rockabilly Expo — Networking event for business owners, photographers, designers, stylists, entrepreneurs, models, musicians, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St., $10-$20. Advance tickets: rockabilly expo.com. “The Cripple CreepShow” — 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., The Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, $12-$18; buttetheater. com. Air Force Falcons Football vs. Navy — 1:30 p.m., Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy. Go online for ticket prices: goairforcefalcons.com. “Oddville: Happiness Comes in a Cardboard Box” — 7:30 p.m., Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St., $20; themat.org. Willie Bradley Jazz Concert — Featuring Tony Exum Jr., 8 p.m., The Gold Room, 18 S. Nevada Ave., $40; cosjazz.eventbrite.com.
♠ k 4 ♥ k Q 6 ♦ A k 10 ♣ A 10 9 8 4
BIRTHDAYS
“Versailles” is a period drama that whisks viewers back to when a 28-year-old King Louis XIV of France yearns to build the most beautiful palace in Europe. 8 p.m., Ovation.
Actress-singer Julie Andrews is 81. Actress Stella Stevens is 78. Saxophonist Jerry Martini of Sly and the Family Stone is 73. Jazz bassist Dave Holland is 70. Actor Randy Quaid is 66. Drummer Tim O’Reagan of The Jayhawks is 58. Singer Youssou N’Dour is 57. Actor Esai Morales (“NYPD Blue”) is 54. Actor Christopher Titus (“Titus”) is 52. Model-actress Cindy Margolis is 51. Singerguitarist Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra is 48. Actor Zach Galifianakis is 47. Actress Sarah Drew (“Grey’s Anatomy” ‘’Everwood”) is 36. Comedian Beck Bennett (“Saturday Night Live”) is 32. Actress Brie Larson (“United States of Tara”) is 27.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ON TV
SOuTH WeST NOrTH eAST 1♠ Pass 1♣ 1♦ ? What call would you make?
As dealer, what call would you make?
Q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
Q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
♠ J 10 8 ♥ k 6 4 ♦ 9 4 ♣ A k 9 7 4
♠ Q ♥ A 10 8 2 ♦ J 9 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 4
Pass-pass-pass to you. Do you, or don’t you?
NOrTH eAST SOuTH WeST 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass ? What call would you make?
Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold? ♠kQ63♥kJ9876♦Q♣J9
Q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠AJ94♥4♦Q9♣AkQJ32 SOuTH WeST NOrTH eAST 1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass ? What call would you make?
Look for answers on Monday.
Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q 10 5 ♥ k 10 9 2 ♦ 6 3 ♣ A k 7 2
FALL FESTIVAL AND CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8TH Serving FREE Hot Dogs, Soda & Pumpkin Dessert from 10am-3pm.
SOuTH WeST NOrTH eAST 1♥ 2♦ 3♦* Pass ? *limit raise or better in hearts What call would you make?
(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. tcaeditors@tribune.com)
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HG 16 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, OCT 1, 2016
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