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December 3-9, 2011
Issue #21
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Q: What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree? A: A pineapple!
TIDBITS® TURNS
EVERGREEN WITH ENVY! by Patricia L. Cook
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At this time of year, Christmas trees, evergreen wreaths, garland and more are displayed all around us. This Tidbits examines some fascinating facts about evergreens. • Most people only think of conifers like pine, fir, cedar and spruce trees when they think of the term “evergreen.” This is not incorrect because most conifers qualify as evergreens, but many additional plants that are not conifers are evergreens as well. Evergreens have “foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year.” • The word “conifer” comes from the Latin words conus (cone) and ferre (to bear). The word conifer literally means “cone bearing.” While many conifers are evergreen, some are not. Larches and bald cypress trees are conifers that lose their needles every fall. • There are thousands of species of evergreen trees, shrubs and smaller plants. Just within the pine family there are 115 species. While pines and many other evergreens have needlelike foliage, some have leaves, fronds (ferns and palms) and other types of foliage. • Even though the name implies it, evergreens are not always green. Many evergreens actually have foliage that is red, brown, yellow and other colors. turn the page for more!
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Tidbits® of Michigan EVERGREEN WITH ENVY (continued):
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NUGGET OF KNOWLEDGE
Each year approximately 25-30 million evergreen Christmas trees are sold in the United States. The top tree-producing states are Oregon, North Carolina and Michigan. It takes about four years for a tree to be ready for sale, but most are not sold until they are around 15 years old and 6-7 feet (1.8 - 2.1 m) tall. The most popular Christmas trees are Douglas, Fraser, noble and balsam fir as well as scotch, Virginia and white pine.
• Some popular evergreens not previously mentioned are: hemlock, laurel, holly, eucalyptus, rhododendron, magnolia, palm, juniper and redwood. • Evergreens are found in hot and cold, humid and dry climates on every continent but Antarctica. • Goose Island State Park in Aransas County in southern Texas is the home of the “Big Tree.” Named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak in 1969, this tree is thought to be one of the largest in America. The large evergreen oak is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, has a circumference of 35 feet (10.7 m), is 44 feet (13.4 m) tall and has a crown spread of 90 feet (27.4 m). Live oaks are known for their massive spread, and there are many in the Southern states around old historic homes. This Texas tree is truly impressive. • Washington, the only state named after a president, is famous for its rainy weather and large forests of evergreen trees. Nicknamed the “Evergreen State,” western Washington actually has rain forests in the Olympic Mountains. • Evergreen Point Bridge between Seattle and the eastern shore of Lake Washington is the longest floating bridge in the world. It was built with a line of concrete pontoons linked by cables and attached to ordinary bridges on each end. The total length of the bridge is 7,578 feet (2310 m). It was constructed this way because the bottom of Lake Washington is too muddy for a standard bridge. The bridge contributed greatly to the growth of the eastern shore, with cities like Bellevue and Redmond. (These cities contribute a lot of “green” to the Washington economy thanks to companies like computer giant Microsoft being located there.) • Most evergreen Christmas trees are not harvested from forests. In fact, 98 percent of the trees sold on holiday lots are grown on tree farms. Areas close to national forests with permit programs for cutting down live trees do have quite a following of folks who like to snowshoe or hike to get their trees, but the Christmas tree lots definitely corner the market on sales. • According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), there are currently 350 million Christmas trees growing on tree farms in the United States. All of the 50 states and Canada produce Christmas trees. The top producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington. • The most common evergreens used for Christmas trees are balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine and white pine.
• The Christmas tree for the White House has been presented to the First Lady by the NCTA member that wins the National Christmas Tree Contest each year since 1966 when Lyndon Johnson was president. The tree is presented shortly after Thanksgiving to be displayed in the Blue Room at the White House. The tree must be 18.5 feet (5.6 m) tall and fit through a doorway that is 58 inches (1.47 m) wide. • The National Christmas Tree is a live tree in Washington, D.C., that is lit each year at the start of ongoing ceremonies called the “Christmas Pageant of Peace.” The beautiful evergreen tree is a Colorado blue spruce that was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania, in 1978. The tree was the perfect size and shape, had no disease and was growing in similar soil conditions to what it would be living in at its new home in Washington. • The tree was originally a Mother’s Day gift to Mrs. William E. Myers in York. When National Park Service (NPS) employees asked the Myers family about donating the tree, they agreed. Mrs. Myers even fed the workers homemade soup as they prepared “her” tree to become the nation’s tree. • The National Christmas Tree is located in the Ellipse, which is part of President’s Park near the White House. All of the area surrounding the White House, its grounds, including the Ellipse, Lafayette Park, Sherman Park and more have been part of the National Park System since 1933. • The first National Christmas Tree was not a live tree but was also an evergreen. The President of Middlebury College in Vermont, President Calvin Coolidge’s home state, donated a 48foot (14.6 m) balsam fir to be placed on the Ellipse in December 1923. This “first” tree was cut down and sent to Washington. President Coolidge flipped the switch to light the tree on Christmas Eve. • Washington, D.C., is also home to another famous Christmas tree. The Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the “People’s Tree,” has been harvested from one of the country’s national forests since 1969. Staff at the National Forest Service headquarters work with national forests’ staffs across the country to select a well-shaped evergreen tree, with the final decision made by the Architect of the Capitol. • It is a huge honor, and many celebrations take place in the state chosen to send the Capitol Christmas tree to the nation’s capitol. The 2011 tree was sent from the Stanislaus National Forest near Sonora, California. The tree traveled about 4,500 miles (7242 km) on its journey to stand at a place of honor for many Americans and others to see. ■
GOES LONG................. An evergreen tree seen by many in person but millions on television is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City. The tradition for this tree started in 1933. In 1966, the tree actually was from Canada, a gift in honor of the centennial of its confederation.
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• Make sure you have basic necessities on hand. I had a “hurricane kit” with me that I’d assembled in Alabama years before, which included a combination flashlight-radio that charges by winding a crank; extra candles and matches; energy bars; beef jerky; emergency blankets and a couple of gallons of water.
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• Have appropriate clothing for your region: Since I had just moved to the area, I had not yet bought a heavy winter coat. My next-door neighbor loaned me an extra one. • Purchase an extra battery for your cellphone, and keep it charged. • Fill your car’s gas tank the day before a storm’s arrival. If you have a generator, purchase fuel for it as well, and store it in approved
containers. • Do not run generators inside the garage! We had a few people taken to the hospital due to carbon monoxide seeping into the house.
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• Get to know your neighbors before bad weather strikes, and stay in touch with them during or after a storm. Without my neighbors’ help, I would’ve had a much harder time getting through this event.
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• And finally, when shoveling snow, lift with your legs, not your back! Don’t overload the shovel, and just push the snow aside, rather than fling it away. My neighbor was happy to give me lessons. (Although, I’m investing in a snow blower as soon as they’re available at the hardware store.) Hope your readers get some use out of this information. Stay warm! -- Kurt H., Amherst, Mass.
A: Kurt, thanks for sharing your experience! Whether it’s hurricanes in the South or blizzards in the North, being prepared is essential. Working with neighbors to get through a crisis also can’t be stated enough -- and it’s great that you were able to work together. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Michigan
Overcoming The Odds: Beethoven Born into a musical family in Bonn, Germany, on December 16, 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was destined to become a musician. He became one of the greatest composers of all time. • Beethoven did not have an easy life. His father was a drinker, probably an alcoholic, and pushed him as a young boy to put music ahead of everything — even sleep and play. He was standing on a stool playing the piano when he was only 4 years old. His father seemed more interested in being the father of a great musician than in loving his son. • Beethoven’s first paid public performance was when he was only 7 or 8 years old, at his father’s prompting. An excellent musician hired by the Prince of Bonn named Christian Neefe heard Beethoven play and knew he had excellent potential as a musician. Neefe started teaching the young boy in a much kinder and more caring way. By the time he was 12, Neefe would actually let him play the organ and direct his orchestra alone! • When Beethoven was 18 years old, the Prince of Bonn sent him to Vienna, Austria, which was the center of music in Europe. After a short and successful time there, including a chance to play for Mozart, Beethoven returned to Bonn to be with his seriously ill mother. She and his baby sister both died shortly after his return. • With his father still consuming alcohol and becoming more irresponsible, Beethoven asked the Prince of Bonn to appoint him head of his family. From that point on, he was responsible for running a household, keeping his father out of trouble and raising his two younger brothers. • Bonn was an excellent place to continue his
musical studies, but Beethoven had a great desire to return to Vienna. In 1792, at the age of 22, he gave his father money to care for his brothers and left to pursue his studies. Even though Mozart had died by the time he returned, he was able to study under Joseph Haydn, another famous composer of Vienna. • A short seven weeks after his studies with Haydn started in Vienna, Beethoven’s father died. His brothers joined him in Vienna, and he never returned to his home in Bonn. • Beethoven quickly became a hit thanks to his composing and imaginative piano playing. He was the “rock star” of his day! With success coming his way in the music world, Beethoven struggled with personal issues. He never understood why his father had been such a difficult man to live with. Also, Beethoven never married. He wanted a family of his own but that never happened. • Beethoven’s biggest challenge, and one that would depress and even stop most musicians, started affecting him in 1798 when he was only 28 years old. He was losing his hearing. Many people started noticing moodiness and thought he was unfriendly. • His first big concert featuring his “First Symphony,” happened in 1800, after his deafness started. Beethoven is most famous for writing nine symphonies, which are works played by a full orchestra. He also completed many other works for piano and string quartets. Almost totally deaf by age 47, he composed much of his music without the joy of hearing all of the notes. • Beethoven died when he was 57 years old. In many of his musical pieces, he seemed to be communicating, “Even with lots of problems, if you try hard enough, you can do anything you want, like I did.” ■
Are you looking for Peace? for life and even optimism into every page as she shares painful moments of betrayal; anger; disappointment; and violation. As a result, God has made her a parent that truly loves her children who are her spiritual heritage.
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• Store copies of important documents (Social Security card, birth certificates, insurance policies, drivers licenses) and assemble a list of phone and account numbers you’ll need. Add extra checks and some cash.
• Consider having direct deposit so that you don’t have to depend on the mail going through if an area has been hit hard, and have an emergency savings fund. • Keep records of your personal property and the estimated value.
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• Store records in waterproof plastic bags that you can grab and take with you in an emergency. Beware using a bank safe deposit box for the copies you’ll need immediately. • Did you know that banks are required to prepare for disasters? Each one must have a plan describing how they’ll recover data and continue to serve customers, even when there is no power for long periods of time. • If disaster strikes, report damage to your insurance company immediately. Don’t do any clean up until an adjuster has viewed the property. Keep your receipts. • Don’t fall for disaster-related scams -- and there will be plenty of them. Get repair prices in writing, call your consumer-affairs office
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She enjoys writing, ballroom dancing, traveling and spending time with her family. Patricia’s heart is fixed on God.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation puts out a free quarterly newsletter full of useful information. The latest edition of FDIC Consumer News focuses on the financial aspect of recovering from natural disasters.
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) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Patricia holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Business Administration. As a mother of four, she lives in Detroit, MI.
Natural Disasters and Your Finances
▶ Unexpected company on the way? Throw clutter in a laundry basket and stash. Clear the sink of dirty dishes, take out the garbage, clean the faucets, sink and mirror in the bathroom most likely to be used and, finally, sweep or vacuum the floors. This should not take long, but these moves will maximize the feeling of cleanliness in your house. ▶ Here’s another use for a bandanna: in-a-pinch earmuffs. Tie around head and position over cold ears to keep winter winds at bay. ▶ Another great tip from M.W. in Saskatchewan, Canada: When traveling, let your host/hostess know of any serious health problems or allergies you may have and what to do in case of an emergency. ▶ One great item to have on hand in your pantry: jarred peppers and olives. They can be used to make a quick but sophisticated appetizer, and they add a lot of flavor for their price. They are very stable on the shelf, so you can keep them around just in case.
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Determined to proclaim the overwhelming comforts of God’s love, she desires for everyone to know Him.
intervention that empowered her to overcome childhood pains, loneliness, abuse and heart break. Accompany Patricia as she journeys along finding rest and safety in the arms of God. Allow her story to bring you peace and joy; and encouragement to those who are still struggling.
-- A Reader, via email
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▶ “I put out small candy dishes in my home, and I like to keep them filled with goodies throughout the year. When I have little children over, I put them up high and let parents know that they and the children are welcome to have as much as they like. The parents appreciate this, as the children sometimes like to overindulge.” -- D.A. in Rhode Island ▶ “I have added an additional shower curtain bar in my tub. I hang up my towels and washcloths there to air dry, and they are out of sight behind the shower curtain. It’s very convenient.”
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to see if it has information on anyone approaching you to do work, and get recommendations from friends. Beware those who pretend to be “from the government” and want you to fill out forms giving your personal financial information. The FDIC site itself is full of good information, including up-to-date reports on bank closings, guarding against online identity theft, finding the best mortgage, bank overdraft programs and tips on understanding certificates of deposit. The newsletters can be accessed online or mailed to you. Go to www.fdic.gov, click on Consumer Protection then Consumer News and Information. If you’d like to sign up for alerts, navigate to About FDIC and Email Subscriptions. If you don’t have Internet access, you can call the FDIC at 1-877-2753342 (1-877-ASKFDIC) to have the newsletter mailed to you. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Dear Dr. Donohue: My son had surgery for diverticulitis and was discharged from the hospital two days later. He had to return to the hospital because of terrible stomach pain. The doctor did a second surgery and submitted material to the lab. The report came back that he had C. difficile. I would appreciate so much any information on this. -- M.M. Answer: C. difficile (diff-uh-SEAL) is a bacterium. It can be acquired anywhere, but most often in the hospital. In the digestive tract, it is a distinct minority. However, antibiotics can kill off the normal bacteria in the tract and the C. difficile bacterium then experiences explosive growth. That can cause minor intestinal problems to major intestinal catastrophes with voluminous diarrhea and fierce pain. All of this is due to toxins (poisons) produced by this germ. Stopping antibiotics is the first line of treatment. If that doesn’t bring relief, then the antibiotic metronidazole often cures patients. Should metronidazole fail, the antibiotic vancomycin is a trusted standby. Sometimes attempts to re-establish a normal bacterial population for the colon are successful in ending the problem. (c) 2011 North America Synd., Inc., All Rights Reserved
risky -- very -- because you don’t know where those photos will end up. If there’s a family event, you end up sending multiple emails to everyone. Enter Chattertree, an online site that appears to be very safe and private. Instead of being a social online network, it’s a family and friends network.
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On Chattertree you can: • Create private family or friends “rooms,” even multiple rooms, perhaps one for family and one for friends. • Track dates with the calendar. • Be alerted to important family events. • Upload photos and videos, and either share them with your whole family or just certain people.
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• Chat with individuals in your family and friends list, or as a whole group. • Have a video chat with six of your friends or family members. (The next time one of your children wants to buy you a video camera, say yes!) Best of all, those steps are detailed in howto videos you can watch. Chatterbox has been certified as a TRUSTe Kid Privacy site, which means it’s a safe online environment for your grandchildren. Amazingly enough, Chattertree is free. Go to www.chattertree.com and look around. 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) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Michigan Pecan Pie
Pecan trees are present in many countries but are native only to North America. Pecan pies are wonderful treats that were considered only a Southern (U.S.) holiday pie in years past. • Many nuts are only identified with one state, such as macadamia nuts from Hawaii, filberts from Oregon and almonds, pistachios and walnuts from California. Pecans are a multi-state crop with about 75 percent of all pecans grown in 20 states from the Southeast to the Southwest. The top four states for production are Georgia, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. • There are some conflicts about the origin of pecan pie. Many believe that the French came up with the pie in New Orleans after being introduced to pecans by Native Americans. Recipes for pecan pie have not been found dating before 1925. • According to the Karo Syrup website (karosyrup.com), pecan pie had its beginnings with their syrup. The corn syrup, in dark or light, introduced in 1902, definitely helped to spread the popularity of pecan pie. The website says that around 1930: “The wife of corporate sales executive discovers a new use for corn syrup. A mixture of corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla and pecans baked in a pie shell produces the now classic Pecan Pie destined to become a worldclass favorite. Down South, today, that same recipe continues to be called Karo Pie.” • It doesn’t really matter who started making the delicious pies. Whether made with Karo Syrup or another brand, pecan pies are consumed and loved by many today. Just watch your waistline —They are loaded with calories! • There are many pecan festivals in the states where the native nut is grown. Most of them, naturally, have pecan pie contests. • Groves, TX, home to around 2,500 large, old, but very productive pecan trees, hosts the “official”
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Texas Pecan Festival every fall. The designation by the state legislature gives the small southeast Texas town something to brag about. • Brunswick, the pecan capital of Missouri, has been holding an annual festival since 1980. Brunswick is also the home of the world’s largest pecan. James Pecan Farms, east of town, is where the “Starking Hardy Giant” pecan was constructed of concrete in 1982. • The Sahuarita Pecan Festival, “the nuttiest festival in Arizona,” is held in an area where pecan orchards need more than rain to grow. Sahuarita is home of the world’s largest irrigated pecan orchard, with approximately 106,000 trees growing on 6,000 acres (2428 ha). • Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was known for its festival and “world’s largest” pecan pie. Unfortunately, that festival was cancelled in 1999, after 25 years of huge pies. • Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico and both North and South Carolina all have pecan festivals as well. All have their own “personalities,” but you can bet that all have pecan pie. • Pecan pie is always a favorite pie in the Southern U.S., but many in other U.S. locations and Canada enjoy the pie as well. Still, in nearly every poll, the favorite pie in North America is apple pie. Whether your favorite variety is pumpkin, berry, apple or pecan, as you eat your holiday meals this year, leave some room for pie. ■
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For Advertising Call (248) 423-1765 A&E’s miniseries “Bag of Bones,” which is based on the Stephen King novel. In the miniseries, bestselling novelist Mike Noonan (Pierce) can’t stop grieving after the death of his wife, Jo (Annabeth). A dream inspires him to return to the couple’s lakeside retreat in western Maine. Of course, mysterious things are going to happen. Go to celebrityextraonline.com to read my full interview with Annabeth about her role in this series, which premieres December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Q: I loved seeing a different side of Bill Pullman Q: I was reading that Universal is going to pull in “Torchwood: Miracle Day.” Where else can I the “Harry Potter” movies from the shelves soon. Is this true? -- Andrew R., via e-mail see him? -- Betty T., via e-mail A: Bill is headlining TNT’s Mystery Movie Night A: On December 29, Universal is indeed pulling by starring in “Scott Turow’s Innocent,” which is the “Harry Potter” movies from the shelves -- right sequel to “Presumed Innocent,” picking up the lives after the Christmas rush -- and offer them only on a sporadic basis, like Disney has of Rusty and Barbra Sabich two done with its animated classics. If decades later. The movie opens with you can, I’d hold off on buying the Rusty being accused of murdering eight-disc boxed set featuring years his wife, mirroring the accusation he one through seven. It contains only was cleared of years before with his the movie discs with no special mistress. features or extras. At the end of 2012, You can catch your favorite stars this Universal plans to release a more winter in crime-novel adaptations of comprehensive boxed set of all eight books by authors like Scott Turow, movies, with the extras and special Mary Higgins Clark, Sandra Brown treats we’ve all been waiting for. and more. While Bill himself is not a Q: I loved Sheldon’s “Soft Kitty big television watcher, he loves the Song” on “The Big Bang Theory.” artistic opportunities it presents to My roommate told me I can buy the actor and viewers, telling me: “I like Soft Kitty stuffed animal. Please the image of people on their sofas on tell me this is true! a winter night just getting down with Annabeth Gish -- Paula F., Youngstown, Ohio a good, compelling thriller. Makes me want to watch more television.” A: Just in time for Christmas, Stylin Check your local listings for the date and time of Online is offering the official Soft Kitty cat and each movie’s airing during TNT’s Mystery Movie T-shirt for all you “Big Bang” fans. The stuffed cat Night series. And stop by celebrityextraonline.com will sing you the “Soft Kitty Song” from the show, for my entire interview with Bill. and it’s available at StylinOnline.com. Q: What is the lovely Annabeth Gish up to lately? Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, I loved her on “The X-Files.” -- Gabrielle V., Portland, Ore. Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com. A: Annabeth is starring alongside Pierce Brosnan in (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Your curiosity might not be appreciated by everyone. Expect some resistance in getting answers to your questions. But stay with it. You need facts in order to make important decisions. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Some of the mystery surrounding your recent fiscal situation soon will be dispelled with a clear explanation. Use this new knowledge to help you chart a fresh financial course. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Start your Hanukkah and Christmas gift-buying now. This will help avoid problems caused by possible midDecember delays. A family member has important information. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Use a little more sense in how you plan to spend your end-of-theyear holiday dollars. Meanwhile, you continue to gain support for your stand on a workplace issue. LEO (July 23 - August 22) Wearing that big, loving Lion’s heart of yours on your sleeve leaves it unprotected. Let things develop a little more before you allow your emotions to spill over. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) You might feel you’re not ready to patch up an unraveled relationship. But the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for all parties to take the first healing step. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Your end-of-the-year holiday plans could be disrupted by something out of your control, but stay the course. Ultimately, things will settle back into a normal pace. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Your honest approach to a workplace project earns you both respect and credit from those in charge. Meanwhile, that personal problem still needs to be dealt with. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - December 21) Money could be a little tight this month. This means the usually bargain-oblivious Sagittarian should look for ways to save on end-of-the-year holidays. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) Examine the facts, and you might find that it’s a wiser move to shift gears and redirect some of your goals before the end of the year. Someone close to you offers good advice. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Be careful that your generosity is not abused. Find out more, both about the special favors you might be asked to grant and who is asking for them. PISCES (February 19 - March 20) You’ve come through a recent rough time in great shape. Congratulations. Now go out and enjoy your wellearned rewards. More good news comes in midDecember. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
One More ... With Feeling The Sprint Cup championship is now down to two drivers who could scarcely be more dissimilar or evenly matched. Carl Edwards’ forte is consistency. He has won only one race but been atop the Sprint Cup points after 21 of the 35 races to date. In the Chase, which narrows the field to 12 and determines the champion, Edwards’ average finish is 5.22. He leads Tony Stewart by three points entering the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Edwards, 31, has never won a championship at NASCAR’s premier level. Stewart, 40, has won two. He is the only driver to win a championship before (2002) and after (2005) the Chase format was implemented. He once won three races in a Chase (2006) for which he hadn’t qualified, and he is the only driver (2005) to win a Chase without winning any of the races in it, a distinction that Edwards could share if he captures the championship without winning the Ford 400. Stewart, from Columbus, Ind., was the last champion (2002) to drive a Pontiac, and during his career, he has divided his 43 victories among Pontiacs, Toyotas and Chevys. Edwards, from Columbia, Mo., has never driven any make but a Ford. Stewart has never driven a
Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart will fight to the finish for the Sprint Cup title in the final race at Homestead. (Getty Images for NASCAR photo) Ford in NASCAR. With one race to go, the gamesmanship has subsided. It appears that neither contender is going to succeed at getting under the other’s skin. “Well,” Stewart said, “it’s fun. He’s (Edwards) keeping me honest. I’m keeping him honest. It’s fun when we’re first and second in the points and we’re running first and second on the race track. It
shows why we’re both in this position.” “When it comes down to it,” Edwards added, “both of us know we have to just go race each other. It is truly neat. ... It is fun. I’m just enjoying it. It really, truly doesn’t matter what anyone says or what anyone’s predictions are. It gets done on the race track, and that is when we will see.” (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Michigan
Bake and Share Holiday Cookies It was somewhere between a Norman Rockwell painting and a Hallmark Moment. Our extended family had just gathered for Christmas last year at our cozy cabin nestled in Northern California’s coastal redwood forest. The kids were busy chopping wood in the misty, foggy air, and my husband was stoking the fire in the sturdy Norwegian stove, while I arranged fresh pine and eucalyptus down the center of our family’s centuryold dining-room table. Then, just as Grandma Dolly cracked the last egg for her traditional Swedish rice pudding, we heard a knock at the front door. Beaming from ear to ear, our friend from down the road stepped inside to present us with a delectable plate of his mom’s homemade treats. From crunchy peanut brittle to light coconut meringue, the gift assortment was the exclamation point to a perfect afternoon.
Mixed with family tradition, culinary talent and enough sugar to satisfy any sweet tooth, cookie & candy recipes reign at holiday gatherings. Some of our best family memories are built around mounds of cookie dough, colored frosting & candy sprinkles strewn all over the counter and kitchen floor! Here are some fresh ideas and hints for this year’s family memory-making and baking: • Start with a standard sugar-cookie recipe with your school-age kids. Let them practice their math and reading skills as you show them basic measuring techniques. • Once baked and cooled, make frosting in several colors for decorating cookies. Spoon each color into a separate zipper-style plastic bag. Close and twist like a pastry bag, pushing the frosting to a bottom corner of the bag. Snip the corner with scissors to allow the frosting to flow. Raisins, nuts, coconut and colored sugars make tempting additions to your cookie art. • Hang decorated sugar cookies on branches of mini Christmas trees for holiday guests to take home. Before baking, make a hole with a drinking straw at the top of each cookie. Squeeze frosting to write on the names of guests. Thread ribbon through the holes, and hang the cookies. • For iPad users, tech-savvy families will be inspired to try new recipes using the fun, just released “Martha Stewart Makes Cookies” app created in partnership with Callaway Digital Arts and MSLO. The inspiring “Cookie Runway” is a real hit with kids when they swipe across the screen through the 50+ recipes. The innovative roulette-wheel recipe finder lets them pick their favorite type and flavor. I like the practical shopping lists I’ve sent to my iPhone, the nifty timer and the how-to videos. Preview the app at www.marthastewart.com/cookie-recipes-app. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2011 Donna Erickson, Distributed by King Features Synd.
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