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December 24-30, 2011
Issue #24
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Q: Why was the musician arrested? A: He was in treble!
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The music industry has suffered many sad losses over the years. This week, Tidbits brings a sampling of those talented legends whose premature deaths resulted in promising careers cut short. • Baby boomers will recall Ricky Nelson as one of the biggest teen idols of the 1950s and 1960s. Starting out on his family’s television show “Ozzie & Harriet,” Nelson began his recording career in 1961 with the million-selling “Travelin’ Man,” followed by another chart topper “Hello, Mary Lou.” He was still recording in the 1980s with his Stone Canyon Band when he composed the hit “Garden Party.” As Nelson, his fiancée and band members were jetting to a New Year’s Eve 1985 performance, a fire caused by a malfunctioning heater broke out in their DC3, and the plane crashed, killing the 45-yearold singer and several others. • Soul singer Otis Redding recorded just one million-seller and No. 1 hit. Just three days after recording “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” in 1967, the 26-year-old Redding and his band boarded a plane in Wisconsin, encountered a storm, and crashed into Lake Monona. Four months later, the song hit the top spot on the charts. turn the page for more!
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• One crash took the lives of three rising stars in 1959. Considered a pioneer of rock and roll, 22-year-old Buddy Holly, only a year and a half into his career, had already scored hits “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” He was on the “Winter Dance Party” tour in February of 1959 with 17-year-old newcomer Ritchie Valens, a teen idol who had just released “La Bamba,” and 29-year-old “Big Bopper” Richardson. The Bopper had recently scored a big hit with “Chantilly Lace.” The winter weather was bitter cold as the tour got underway, with the situation aggravated by a malfunction of the heater on their bus. After completing their gig in Clear Lake, Iowa, the group was due to play in Fargo, North Dakota, the following night. The Big Bopper had the flu, and Holly made the decision to charter a plane to Fargo. With limited seating on the Beechcraft Bonanza, they flipped a coin for seats. Valens won the toss. Bass player Waylon Jennings gave up his winning seat to the Bopper. Within minutes after takeoff, the craft crashed, killing all aboard. It was “the day the music died,” according to the 1971 Don McLean musical tribute “American Pie.” • The career of 30-year-old Jim Croce was flourishing in 1973. He had topped the charts with three hits, “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” “Time in a Bottle” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” But life on the road was taking its toll on the young singer, and he became homesick for his wife and infant son. Two months after “Leroy” hit No. 1, Croce chartered a plane home for a break. Shortly after takeoff from a Louisiana airport, the Beechcraft E18S hit a tree, killing Croce and four others. • Considered one of the greatest singers of all time, the velvet-voiced crooner Karen Carpenter, along with brother Richard, racked up 17 Top 20 hits and sales of more than 100 million records in the 1970s, including “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Yet this beautiful girl with the wholesome image struggled with anorexia for years, and desperate to look slim on stage, dropped as low as 79 pounds. The eating disorder took its toll on her heart and eventually claimed her life in 1983 when she was just 32. • Even young people have heard the music of Big Band trombonist Glenn Miller, although his music career was only three and a half years long. Such hits as “In the Mood” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” have endured for decades, and even the re-issues of his hits 40 years after his death have achieved gold status. Miller and his swing band scored 31 Top Ten hits in 1940 and another 11 in 1941, making
him the top recording artist for both years. In 1942, the 38-year-old Miller left behind his $20,000-per-week income and joined the Army, organizing a 45-member military band that performed for troops and war-bond rallies. In 1944, on a flight to Paris, his plane disappeared over the English Channel. It wasn’t determined whether the craft had been shot down or had crashed due to bad weather. The plane was never recovered. • Patsy Cline was already a Grand Ole Opry star at 26 and the nation’s number one female artist at age 29. Her recording of “I Fall to Pieces” was the Song of the Year for 1962. She survived a nearly fatal head-on collision in 1961 but could only cheat death for one more year. In 1962, after a short five-and-ahalf-year career, Cline was killed in a plane crash at age 30 in a swampy woodland in Tennessee. She’s number 46 on Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Times.” • Back in the late 1960s, Ronnie Van Zant and a couple of his high school buddies formed a Southern blues-rock band, calling it My Backyard. In a sarcastic tribute to their P.E. teacher Leonard Skinner, who was famous for rebuking long-haired students, they changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd. The group was at the peak of their career in the mid-1970s with sell-out concerts and increasing record sales, thanks to mega-hits “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” In 1977, just three days after the release of their sixth album, the band’s private charter plane crashed on its way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, killing Van Zant and five others. Although four members of the band survived the crash, they disbanded shortly afterward. Ten years later they reunited, with Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny as the new lead singer. The band, with several member changes, continues to tour today. • For decades, Salvatore “Sonny” Bono was a recording artist, composer, record producer and actor. Alongside wife Cher, he decked himself out in fur vests, boots, bell-bottoms, beads and long hair, a classic “hippy.” His duet with Cher “I Got You, Babe” rocked the charts, and their television variety show scored high in the ratings. When his music career began to fizzle, he ventured down a completely different path, that of politician. He was elected mayor of Palm Springs in 1988 and a U.S. Congressman in 1994. (He is the only member of Congress to have scored a Billboard No. 1 pop single.) In 1998, while skiing near Lake Tahoe, he struck a tree and perished from his injuries. ■
Holidays & Observances This Week 12/25 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/29 12/30 12/31
Christmas Day Boxing Day Opening of Radio City Music Hall, 1932 Pledge of Allegiance Day Tic Tock Day Bacon Friday New Year’s Eve
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Pasta Particulars Since pasta is one of the world’s favorite foods, it’s worth a look into some of its history, ingredients and statistics. • If you’ve eaten pasta this week, you’re part of the 77 percent of Americans who eat it at least once a week. One-third of the population dines on pasta at least three times a week. If you’re an average American, you’ll eat about 20 pounds of the stuff this year. But if you’re a resident of Italy, that figure is 60 pounds! • Not surprisingly, the word “pasta” has its origin in the Italian language, and translates “paste,” meaning a combination of flour and water. High-quality pasta comes from semolina flour, which comes from durum wheat. Using softer flour will result in mushy pasta. North Dakota is the top American producer of durum wheat, 73 percent of the U.S. total. That’s enough to dish up about 13.7 billion servings of spaghetti! One bushel of wheat yields about 42 pounds of pasta. Almost two million tons of pasta is produced in the United States every year. • Not all pasta is produced from wheat flour. Some varieties are made from rice, barley, corn and beans. • Explorer Marco Polo dined on pasta in China in the courts of Kubla Khan during the 13th century. It’s believed that the Chinese were eating pasta as early as 3000 B.C.
• Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing pasta to America. During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to France, he tasted a pasta dish while visiting Naples, Italy, and enjoyed it so much, he had crates of pasta and a pastamaking machine shipped to America in 1789. • However, it wasn’t until 1848 that a Frenchman named Antoine Zerega opened America’s first commercial pasta plant in Brooklyn, New York. He used one horse in the basement to power the machinery and placed the strands of pasta on the roof to dry them out. • Don’t confuse pasta with egg noodles. Pasta is produced by kneading flour and water together. According to government regulations, egg noodles must be at least 5.5 percent egg in order to bear that label. The word noodle translates from the German nudel, meaning “paste with egg.” So if a noodle doesn’t contain eggs, it’s not a noodle! • There are about 600 different shapes of pasta, but its main types are flat (such as fettuccine and lasagna), tubular (manicotti, penne and macaroni), shaped (the wheel-shaped rotelle and bowties), strand pasta (spaghetti and angel hair), spirals (fusilli) and the small soup pasta. Those little bowties are officially known as farfalle. But this term doesn’t have anything to do with ties. It actually means “butterflies.” Ditaloni, also known as thimble pasta, is shaped like small cups, and stellini are star-shaped, while anellini are tiny rings of pasta. The word linguine translates from the Italian word meaning “tongues,” and the very thin strand vermicelli means “little worms.” • If your recipe instructs you to cook your pasta “al dente” (which literally translates “to the tooth”), it means it should be a bit firm, but still tender. • Counting calories? There are about 200 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of cooked spaghetti. ■
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HomeBits When the Holidays Won’t Light Up by Samantha Mazzotta
Q: I bought three strings of exterior holiday lights last year to decorate the trees in my backyard. This year, although I put them up the same way, half the bulbs on one string won’t light. What’s going on? -- Carol in Cocoa, Fla.
A: The problem is likely as simple as a single burned-out light bulb halfway down the string. Turn on the lights as you normally do and locate the first bulb on the string that will not light up. Mark that bulb with a small bit of masking tape so you can find it again, and then unplug the string. Go to the box where you stored your holiday lights and look for a container or a small plastic bag that contains replacement bulbs and fuses. Return to your string, locate the burned-out bulb, remove it by pulling it firmly straight out of the socket, and put a replacement bulb in
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its place. (The new bulb must be the same size and type as the old one.) Plug the string back in and turn on. If the bulb was the culprit, the entire string will relight. If that method doesn’t work, you may have a fuse issue. Fuses are located in each of the plugs. If your strings are attached endto-end and the failure occurs at one of these attachment points, try removing the old fuse from the attached end and putting in a replacement fuse (be sure to unplug the entire string before doing this, just to be safe). Fuse faults can occur when too many strings are attached end-
to-end, overloading the circuit. Read the package instructions to find out the maximum number of light strings that can be attached to each other (three strings is a good limit). Avoid using holiday lights marked “indoor use only” on the outside of your house or in your yard, for safety reasons. Use exterior lights home tip instead. Send your questions or tips to ask@ thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 4
Tidbits® of Michigan Overcoming The Odds: Famous Disabilities of Michigan
Several well-known people have been afflicted with serious disabilities but have risen above their circumstances to succeed. Let’s check out these individuals who have refused to allow their situations to overwhelm them. • When the flow of speech is disrupted by repetitions or hesitations, the speaker has the disorder known as stuttering or stammering. As chronicled in the 2010 Academy Awardwinning film “The King’s Speech,” Great Britain’s King George VI suffered from the disorder and struggled until nearly age 40 when an Australian speech therapist enabled him to overcome it. Prime Minister Winston Churchill also stuttered due to a defect in his palate, yet went on to become one of history’s greatest orators. You’d never know from watching the “Die Hard” series of action films that Bruce Willis once had a stuttering problem. He signed up for high school drama as a means to overcome it. Actor Samuel L. Jackson’s speech therapist urged him to take up acting as well to overcome his stammering. Movie icons Jimmy Stewart and Julia Roberts also were afflicted with the disability. • Born six weeks prematurely, Stevie Wonder was blind as a result of the incomplete growth of his eyes’ blood vessels. Yet blindness didn’t stop him from signing his first record contract at age 12 and scoring a major hit at age 13. He has achieved more than 30 Top Ten hits and won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other solo artist. Wonder also took home the Oscar in 1984 for the Best Original Song “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” has Wonder as number 9.
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• The learning disability dyslexia impairs a person’s reading comprehension. However, it’s certainly not a reflection of lesser intelligence, since Albert Einstein was a famous dyslexic, as were inventors Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell and authors Lewis Carroll and Agatha Christie. In the entertainment industry, Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Cher, Jay Leno, Danny Glover and Patrick Dempsey have all wrestled with dyslexia. Dempsey counts on memorization to help him with his disability. Henry “The Fonz” Winkler didn’t discover his dyslexia until he was 31 years old, ironically, while making a documentary about it. • Danny Glover has had to deal with not only dyslexia, but epilepsy as well, a condition he developed at age 15. The “Lethal Weapon” star has been a keynote speaker at the National Epilepsy Foundation’s conferences. It was the same double disability for Agatha Christie. This neurological seizure disorder also afflicted Charles Dickens and Alfred Nobel. Singer and guitarist Neil Young faced the obstacle of epilepsy, along with diabetes and polio. It didn’t seem to stop him from recording more than 50 albums. • Epileptic seizures, poor eyesight, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma didn’t stop 26th U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt from his active political life or his pursuits as a naturalist, explorer, big game hunter, soldier and author. His poor eyesight may have actually saved him from an assassination attempt. A bullet was slowed by the steel eyeglass case in his jacket pocket. It was too dangerous to remove the bullet lodged in his chest muscle, and there it remained the rest of his life. ■
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Patricia holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Business Administration. As a mother of four, she lives in Detroit, MI. She enjoys writing, ballroom dancing, traveling and spending time with her family. Patricia’s heart is fixed on God. With the release of her first book, WOW! Look at God! True Matters of the Heart, she reveals the divine
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When you’re saddled with multiple debt payments every month and want to put extra money toward paying off one at a time, how do you decide which debt gets the extra money first? There are two schools of thought: Some financial gurus advise paying off the smallest debt first, and then using that extra money to attack the next smallest. Others believe in going for the one with the highest interest rate first, no matter how large or small the debt. But when it comes down to it, it’s the consumer, not the financial wizards, who ultimately write the checks. And it’s consumer who, for the most part, will pay the smallest debt first, no matter the interest rate. Now a University of Michigan study (Winning the Battle but Losing the War: The Psychology of
MoneyBits How Do You Pay Off Debt? by David Uffington Debt Management) has uncovered the reasons for consumer debt repayment decisions. Researchers concluded that consumers will pay off a small debt first, even if a larger debt has a higher interest rate, for the emotional and psychological satisfaction of retiring a debt -- a “quick win,” as they dubbed it. Correct or not, consumers are concerned with reducing the number of debts more than they are with the dollar value of the debts. It was only when consumers were shown the amount of interest they were paying that some saw the sense in changing their repayment methods. Credit-card companies are now required to show in a box on each
month’s statement how long it will take you to pay off the debt if you make only minimum payments, as well as a sample comparison to how much you’d have to pay each month to retire the debt more quickly. You can make use of an online calculator to show 1) how quickly a debt will be paid off if you make payments of varying amounts, and 2) how much interest you’ll be paying during that time. Search online for “credit card payment calculator,” then do the math for each of your debts to see which plan gets you debt-free the fastest. The bottom line: No matter which method you use to pay off debts, be sure it makes financial sense. Always make more than the minimum payment to protect your credit scores. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Dear Dr. Donohue: I am thoroughly confused. Several months ago, I read of the benefit of wine for women. The conclusion was that it reduced a woman’s chances of heart attack and stroke by 30 percent. My husband and I have started to drink one glass of wine a day. Now comes a new report that says just one glass of wine a day increases the chances for breast cancer. Should I be concerned? -- M.T.
Answer: Welcome to the army of nutrition confusion. What’s good one day might be life-threatening the next. I don’t rely on one report. I stick to what the majority says. If the majority changes its mind, then I change. Wine and other alcoholic drinks lower the incidence of heart disease and, apparently, strokes. That’s the current majority thinking. Moderate drinkers of alcohol -- wine in particular -- have a lower overall mortality rate than do alcohol abstainers and heavy drinkers. “Moderate” drinking is one glass of wine, one 12-ounce can of beer or 1.5 ounces of whiskey for women; it’s two for men. The role of wine (or alcohol) in promoting breast cancer is less clear. Analysis of 40 studies shows an increase in breast cancer for women downing three or more drinks a day. The same studies suggest that even 1 or 2 daily drinks might pose a slight danger. Other studies show an increase in lobular breast cancer with one drink a day, but no increase in ductal breast cancer. Ductal cancer is the most common kind of breast cancer. I am positive that equally confusing information will be forthcoming.
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The best advice I have read is this: If a woman truly savors drinking wine, one glass a day is relatively safe in regard to breast cancer. The benefits of heart health and prevention of stroke are not so great that they should induce anyone to change from being a nondrinker to a drinker. The booklet on breast cancer explains this illness in detail. To obtain a copy, write to: Dr. Donohue -No. 1101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. Dear Dr. Donohue: How much stress does sex put on the heart? I don’t have a heart problem. I know two fellow workers, who, according to scuttlebutt, died while having sex. They were about my age. -- R.L. Answer: Scuttlebutt isn’t a reliable source of information. Blood pressure and heart rate rise during sexual relations, but not so much as to be a source of concern for most men and women, even those who have had a heart attack. The energy expenditure is approximately the same as climbing two flights of stairs. That is, walking, not running, up those flights. Most people who have had a heart attack can resume an active sex life within three to six weeks of having the attack. The exact amount of time has to be determined by the person’s physician, who takes into account the magnitude of the heart attack and how well the heart is currently performing.
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SeniorBits by Matilda Charles
Yes, You Can Afford a Pet Those of us who have pets know the benefits of pet ownership. There’s just something very physically and emotionally positive about owning a cat or dog, and the research literature is full of proof. We generally have lower blood pressure because pets reduce stress and anxiety. Maybe it’s the soft fur to pet, the funny
antics or the happy welcome when we come home, but we’re happier and better able to fend off depression. We’re also in better shape, more active and physical, because of the care we need to give: walking, throwing toys, feeding, bending to put down food and water, daily brushing. Limited incomes can come into play, however. If you have a pet but are considering giving it up because of the cost of pet food, wait. All across the country there are local groups that can help you keep your pet. Some will help financially if the cost of food is too much. Others will help with the cost of veterinary care. One group will even take care of your pet if you go into the hospital. Other groups will match seniors with pets and provide help.
If you receive Meals on Wheels or another program, they often have pet food they can deliver too. Your first calls should be to the local humane society, the pet store or the veterinarian: They’re the ones most likely to know about programs available in your area. Or go online and search for “pet food assistance” and put in your town and state. If you don’t have a pet, consider starting the New Year with an adult pet that’s outgrown the puppy/kitten stage and needs someone to love. It will be good for both of you! 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 328536475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Michigan
• •
Leftovers for Lunch After the holiday feasts are over, I always want flavors that are polar opposite of the turkey, ham, dressing and sides I’ve cooked and eaten recently. I usually crave Mexican food -- partly because I live in the Southwest, but also because the spicy ingredients differ wildly from my traditional holiday recipes. I’ve learned a few tricks to use my leftovers in combination with the flavors I crave to create great dishes like these Turkey Soft Tacos. Leftover turkey works beautifully with the spices in this recipe. The salsa adds moisture to the cooked turkey and a peppery flavor. The tacos are perfect for lunch or a light supper.
Turkey Soft Tacos • 1 1/4 pounds cooked turkey meat, white, dark or combination • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 med red onion, finely chopped • 4 teaspoons paprika • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• • • • • •
1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups salsa, hot or medium plus more for topping, if desired 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen corn, thawed or leftover cooked corn 8 flour tortillas (8 inches) 2 cups Iceberg or Romaine lettuce, shredded 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend 1 lrg tomato, sliced into 8 pieces 1 lrg avocado, peeled and sliced 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
or until heated through. 2. Wrap the tortillas in food-safe paper towels and sprinkle both sides with water. Place tortillas in microwave and heat on HIGH for 30 seconds or until warm and pliable. 3. Place about 1/2 cup turkey mixture down the center of each tortilla; top with 1/4 cup lettuce and 1 tablespoon cheese. Fold sides of tortilla over filling. Serve with tomato, avocado, cilantro and cheese and salsa. Makes 4 (2 taco) servings.
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1. Shred the turkey meat and set aside. In a large skillet, heat oil and add in onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes. Add salsa, beans and corn; cook and stir for 2 minutes
Angela Shelf Medearis is known as The Kitchen Diva and is the executive producer and host of “The Kitchen Diva!” cooking show on HULU.com. Her new inspirational book is “Ten Ingredients for a Joyous Life and a Peaceful Home -- A Spiritual Memoir,” co-written with Pastor Salem Robinson, Jr. (www.dunnsmemorial.com). Visit her website at www.divapro.com. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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By Sam Mazzotta Dear Paw’s Corner: My stepdaughter Susan is getting married on the day after Christmas, in the Bahamas. A lot of her relatives, including myself, are rather miffed about the date and location. But even more outrageous are her plans for the wedding itself. She’s decided that her yellow Lab, “Briny,” will serve as the ring bearer! I’m not sure how she plans to pull this off, but I think it’s really inappropriate. How can I tell her this without upsetting her? -- Joyce L., Deerfield Beach, Fla.
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Answer on page 5
Answer on page 5
Dear Joyce: I don’t think there’s a way to say what’s on your mind without upsetting her, because you’re unhappy with the wedding plans overall. Personally, I think it sounds really fun that Briny has such an important place in the wedding. Susan does need to make sure that Briny can make the trip over to the Bahamas. The website www.bahamas.com has details on getting a pet import permit, but the most important detail is that Briny must have upto-date shots and Susan must bring the written record of those immunizations with her. So, the most you can and should do is doublecheck with Susan that she has taken care of these requirements for Briny and that she’s staying in accommodations that allow pets. This close to the wedding, it’s probably best not to go into any other details. If you’ve accepted the invitation and finalized your travel plans, go to the wedding, enjoy a fruity beverage (preferably with an umbrella), and be happy. Send your question or tip to ask@pawscorner.com, or write to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. For more pet care-related advice and information, visit www.pawscorner.com. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Q: I really miss seeing Donald Faison on “Scrubs.” Can you tell me what I can see him in now? -- Jeanette F., via e-mail A: You can see Donald, along with Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld”), Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) and David Alan Basche (“The Starter Wife”) on TV Land’s latest original comedy, “The Exes.” The show, which airs Wednesday nights, is a comedy about three divorced men (Donald, Wayne and David) sharing an apartment across the hall from their female divorce attorney (Kristen), who also is their landlord. Donald plays charming ladies’ man Phil Chase, and the first season of the show is scheduled to air 10 original episodes. The show airs directly after the TV Land hit “Hot in Cleveland.”
be broken up into two parts, like many of cable’s original dramas have done in the past. Word has it that season six will probably (not definitely) be the show’s final season, so it is the general consensus that the higher-ups wanted to get the most out of this season -- and their contractually obligated actors -- that they could. This move is kind of crappy for the actors, however, because instead of the production of the season ending in February -- leaving them open to audition for the fall 2012 pilot season -- it looks like they won’t be available for casting calls for new shows. Q: Is my mind playing tricks on me, or did I see an ad that “Fear Factor” is returning to NBC? -- Mike R., West Palm Beach, Fla.
A: You are of sound mind, Mike. “Fear Factor” has returned to NBC (shows began airing Dec. 12) on Monday nights. Original host, comedian Joe Rogan, also has returned, as have the strenuous -and gross -- stunts. Back in July, Joe Rogan told “TV Guide Magazine”: “It seems like some sort of bizarro dream world, but I’m looking forward to it. The idea of sitting at home and watching someone else host it would have driven me crazy.” Q: It seems like forever since Q: I really enjoyed the last there’s been a new “Army “Super Bowl Halftime Show” Wives.” When will the show be performance by the BlackDonald Faison returning? -- Justine D. in Wyoming Eyed Peas. Any word on who is performing this time? -- Denise M. via e-mail A: While there has not been an exact date announced as of this writing, season six of “Army A: Pop diva Madonna has been tapped to lend her Wives” will return this spring with a 23-episode superstar status to Super Bowl XLVI, which will season. The show was scheduled for 13 episodes, air on Sunday, Feb. 5, on NBC. No word yet on but then Lifetime Television upped its order for what surprises she has in store, but I am counting the record-breaking drama. Because of the 10 her show to be a doozy! additional episodes, season six most likely will (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. • It was American inventor and soon, you might want to keep this in mind: In that state, shooting game businessman Thomas Alva from a moving vehicle is illegal -Edison who made the following unless the animal you’re aiming for sage observation: “Opportunity is a whale. is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and • A baseball will travel looks like work.” By Samantha Weaver farther on a hot day than on a cold one. • If you’re planning a trip to Peru to ring in the new year, you might want to bring • The oldest bakery yet uncovered was found by along some yellow underwear. In that country it’s archaeologists digging in the Egyptian city of considered lucky to wear it on the first day of the Giza in 2002. They say that the baking trays, new year. bread molds and ovens there date back to 2500 B.C., right around the time the pyramids were • You may be surprised to learn that the Statue of being built. Liberty is not located in New York. While it is on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it’s technically Thought for the Day: “Fiction is obliged to stick to within the territorial waters of Jersey City, N.J. possibilities. Truth isn’t.” -- Mark Twain • If you’re going to be traveling to California anytime (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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ARIES (March 21 - April 19) With the new year’s opportunities almost within reach, the Arian’s courageous aspects are raring to go. And don’t be surprised if a lot of people follow the zodiac’s most trusted leader. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Change lies ahead for the brave Bovine who is ready to shuck off the tried and true to try something new. But appearances can be deceptive. Check it all out before you charge into anything. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) This week promises a peek into what the new year holds for the Gemini Twins, both in love and careers. Family matters continue to be a factor in decisions you’re going to be facing. CANCER (June 21 - July 22) As you move into the new year, your travel aspects grow stronger, and you might find yourself making decisions about a destination and a traveling companion sooner than you’d expected. LEO (July 23 - August 22) The new year holds both glitter and gold. This means Leos and Leonas should begin getting the facts they’ll need to separate the real thing from the sham in order to make important decisions next year. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) A good way to start the new year might be to arrange for a visit to someone you haven’t seen in a long time. You also might want to pick up that project you put off a while back. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) As you contemplate the new year’s potential, you might want to talk things over with people who are or have been where you want to go. Their experience and advice can be helpful. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Someone close to you might feel you have no more room for him or her in your life. This calls for immediate reassurance of your love so you can start the new year on a high note. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) The coming year will bring more people into your life. Some situations might not work out as well as others. But overall, everyone earns something, and that’s always a good thing. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) The new year could find you indulging in one or more of the hobbies you’ve always wanted to take up. And don’t be surprised if they ultimately direct you toward a new career. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) The artistic Aquarian should find more opportunities in the new year. You might even make some potentially helpful contacts as you gather to ring in the year 2012. PISCES (February 19 - March 20) The new year offers challenges for Pisceans who want to make better use of the skills they now have and learn new ones. Personal relationships show stronger positive aspects.
Kurt Busch Is Out of a Job ... For Now If he’d only been civil -- just civil -- when the cameras weren’t rolling ... In the final race of the 2011 season, a frustrated Kurt Busch, eliminated from contention at HomesteadMiami Speedway, first used a well-known gesture of derision toward NASCAR officials, then lashed out at ESPN reporter Jerry Punch, who was trying to interview Busch after he climbed out of his No. 22 Dodge. To make a long story short, the No. 22 Dodge won’t be his anymore. Penske Racing announced a split with the older Busch brother, who finds himself out of a ride. It’s a major development. Kurt Busch has won 24 Cup races and was the winner of the first Chase, in 2004. Since leaving Roush Fenway Racing for Penske in 2006, Busch ranks eighth in driver rating and 10th in victories, top-five and top-10 finishes. The split was officially termed “a mutual parting of ways,” which isn’t uncommon. Both owner Roger Penske and Busch were gracious in statements issued on Dec. 5. “I appreciate the victories that Kurt has brought Penske Racing and our sponsors over the past six years,” said Penske’s statement. “While I am disappointed that Kurt will not be racing for our team in the future, both Kurt and I felt that separating at this time was best for all parties, including our
After a frustrated Kurt Busch lashed out against NASCAR and ESPN’s Dr. Jerry Punch during the last Cup race of the season, owner Roger Penske and the driver decided on a “mutual parting of ways.” (John Clark/NASCAR This Week photo)
team and sponsors. I wish Kurt the best in his future racing endeavors.” Kurt Busch had already been fined $50,000 by NASCAR officials for his Homestead antics. Busch’s statement read, in part: “I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years. ... I also appreciate the lasting friendships I’ve made while working with our great sponsors through the years, including Miller Lite, Shell and Dodge. “Coming to a mutual agreement to go our separate ways is a positive step for me. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I took time to reflect on what is most
important to me and realized I need to find a way to put the fun back into racing. It’s time for a fresh start. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it allows me to take a deep breath and work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person. “I recognize the passion and emotion that have helped me succeed on the track need to be better channeled off the track. ... I want to personally thank Roger Penske for the opportunity he gave me and for his friendship, which will continue long into the future.” (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Michigan
KidBits
Meringue Mushrooms • • • • • •
3 egg whites (1/2 cup) at room temperature 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chocolate chips Cocoa powder for dusting
1. Preheat oven to 225 F. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy and foamy with an electric mixer set at low speed. Add the cream of tartar. Increase speed until soft peaks form. Start adding the sugar slowly, a tablespoon at a time. Let your kids watch as the mixture changes, and glossy stiff peaks form. Beat an additional 5 minutes after sugar is added. 2. Spoon the thick mixture into a large plastic zipper-style bag and push toward one corner to form a pastry bag. Cut off the very tip of that corner so the meringue can be squeezed out of the bag (or use a pastry bag and a 5/8-inch tip). Let your child try it out by dotting four small beads of meringue at the corners of the cookie sheet. Set a sheet of parchment paper over the top. The beads will provide a bond to hold the paper in place. 3. Make the mushroom caps by holding the bag over the parchment paper and push until a one-inch mound of meringue forms. Place 1/2 inch apart. Once you have made approximately 35-40 caps, let your child dip the tip of his finger in a small bowl of water and gently round any peaks to make a smooth surface. Lightly strain cocoa powder across the tops. Shape mushroom stems about 3/4 to 1-inch high on another parchment paper covered cookie sheet by pulling the bag up as you press meringue out. Tap down peaks with wet fingers. These stems will be attached to the caps with melted chocolate after baking. 4. Place the two cookie sheets in the oven for 1 hour or until meringues can be lifted easily. Turn off the heat and leave in the oven with the door propped open for an hour or more. The extra time allows the meringue caps and stems to dry. 5. To construct mushrooms, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish. Use a small spoon to spread chocolate on the underside of a cap. Attach a stem. Allow the chocolate “glue” to harden. Arrange in a festive basket and share with friends at a holiday party. (c) 2011 Donna Erickson, Distributed by King Features Synd.
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