Tidbits of the Tri-Cities - Issue 17 by Jason Barrett

of the Tri-Cities Dec. 1- Dec. 7, 2008

Issue 17

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He was an orphan who went on to earn four different college degrees, including one in medicine. Nevertheless, James Naismith will always be remembered for nailing two peach baskets to the opposing walls of a gym on December 1, 1891, and inventing the game of basketball. • James Naismith grew up in Ontario, Canada. He dropped out of high school for a short while before returning to his studies and attending university in Quebec. When it came time for his post-graduate education, he chose to head south, where he accepted a position at Springfield College in Massachusetts. There, he taught physical education while pursuing his Master’s Degree. The school’s gymnasium was shared by the local YMCA, and part of Naismith’s job was to coach those youths and keep them occupied. • Winters can be harsh in Massachusetts, especially for teenage boys who are geared up and “antsy” because it’s too cold to play outdoors. To prepare for the coming weather, Naismith hoped to devise an activity that would occupy the kids both physically and mentally, involving strategy as well as skill. To start, he pondered if there was a way to bring an outdoor sport indoors. turn the page for more!

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Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities

Do Dogs Smile? By Samantha Mazzotta

DEAR PAWʼS CORNER: How do dogs learn to smile? Years ago, I adopted an 8-year-old Borzoi that had been terribly abused. “Frank” was a very fearful dog, but with lots of patience and TLC, he calmed down quite a bit and even accepted my other dog, “Farley.” One evening while lying on the couch, Frank looked at me and bared his teeth. I thought he was snarling at me, but when I asked another Borzoi owner about it, he said Frank was smiling! Does a dog relate “happy” with smiling? -- K.H.S., Fairport, N.Y. DEAR K.H.S.: Normally, when a dog appears to be “smiling” he either really is baring his teeth (and growling, which is not a happy sound) to warn someone off, or his demeanor --

slightly open mouth, tongue hanging out and a general air of happiness -- makes one think he is smiling even if itʼs not a genuine “human” smile. But I thought that an experienced owner saying that a dog was actually smiling was unusual, so I looked up some information on the breed. And indeed, the Borzoi (or Russian Wolfhound) has this neat little trait: The submissive gesture for this gentle giant of a dog is to curl back his lips and expose his teeth. The “smile” on a Borzoi looks so much like a snarl that most strangers will quickly back away. So, kudos to you on bringing Frank around, from a shy abuse victim to a loving companion who returned to the natural behaviors of a Borzoi: lounging on the couch and enjoying the company of his family. Thanks for a great story.

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NOTHING BUT NET! (continued): • First, Naismith asked the school’s janitor for a couple of empty boxes to use as goals. The custodian came back with the only implements he could find – two half-bushel peach baskets. In a sudden burst of inspiration, James fastened the baskets high on opposite walls of the gym and invited the students to try to throw a ball into them. • The ball used for the game back in Dr. Naismith’s time looked something like an overinflated football. It was round, but it was brown leather and had laces along one seam. Players of that era referred to the ball as a “big pumpkin” and complained that even though the inflation valve was pushed down to be flush with the rest of the sphere, it still caused a small lump on the ball. As expected, this caused occasional difficulty with dribbling, which meant the early game involved more passing than ball-handling. • The kids were enthusiastic enough at the challenge of “sinking” the ball that Naismith decided to come up with a set of rules for his new game. Many of his original 13 rules are still basic in basketball today: the ball must be held with the hands only, never the arms or body; players cannot run with the ball; and no shouldering, pushing or striking was allowed. One of the key changes involves the baskets themselves. It didn’t take long for players to tire of having to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball from the basket, so the bottoms were torn out. (Eventually, metal rims with fabric nets came into use.) • Early basketball courts were enclosed with chicken wire to keep spectators from interfering with the game. That’s why those who played the sport were long referred to as “cagers.” By 1904, offset wooden backboards became mandatory to reduce the incidences of players smashing into the walls.

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O U R LO CA L Kimberley Trapulionis has been a Chef for over 10 years. She offers catering and can be reached with any questions, suggestions or comments at: chef@execs.com.

Figgy Scones

Makes 20 Scones Active time: 25 min. Start to finish: 1 Hr.

Ingredients 3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/2 lb dried Calmyrna figs, stems discarded and figs cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups) 2 large egg yolks

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Drop scones are a boon for busy holiday bakers, since they’re a snap to make and almost foolproof. These bake up light and fluffy. A touch of maple syrup and pieces of fig make them just sweet enough—deal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk together buttermilk, syrup, and 1/2 cup cream in a small bowl. Mix together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment at low speed (or whisk in a large bowl) until combined. Add butter and mix (or blend with your fingertips or a pastry blender) until mixture resembles coarse meal with some small (roughly pea-size) butter lumps. Mix in figs, then add buttermilk mixture and mix until just combined. (Do not overmix.) Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and drop 10 (1/ 4-cup) mounds of batter onto each sheet, leaving 1 inch between mounds. Whisk together yolks and remaining 2 tablespoons cream, then brush over tops of scones (use all of egg wash). Bake, switching position of baking sheets halfway through baking, until scones are puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes total. Transfer to a rack and cool to warm

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Special Thanks to Many Area Businesses that Distribute Tidbits ! Colonial Heights: Academy Vet Clinic All Tune & Lube American Family Fitness Ample Storage Angel Nails Bank of McKenney BB&T Bank Boulevard Barbeque BSV Bank Burchams Cycles C.H. Chamber of Commerce C.H. Public Library Caldwell Pediatrics Care Advantage Carini’s Italian Restaurant Carvel Ice Cream Castaway’s Coffee Shop Colonial Heights Vet Clinic Colonial Italian Pizza Dairy Queen/Jersey Mike’s Dance’s Sporting Goods Domino’s Pizza Don Jose Mexican Family Rest. Dunkin Donuts/Exxon Dunlop House El Caporal Mexican Family Rest. Family Care Eye Practice Flagstop Car Wash Gateway Honda Gateway Hyundai Golden Corral Goodyear Tire Hair Artist Hair Experience Harriet’s Hair Magic Hide-a-Way Café James River Printing Johnson Cleaners

Kwik Kopy Lion’s Mane McDonalds Mi Rodeo Mexican Restaurant Moxie Salon & Spa No. 1 New China Once Upon A Child Papa Johns Pet Safari Long Pharmacy Plus Pizza Hut Prime Care Family Practice Priority Toyota Quiznos Rent-E-Quip Signature Salon & Spa Smart Choice Deli & Café The Bowling Alley The Tanning Club The UPS Store Tina’s Nails Tokyo Express Top’s China VCA Animal Care Vincenzos Italian Restaurant What-a-Burger

Hopewell:

Anchor Room Pizza Appomattox Regional Library Asian American Chinese BB&T Bank Carraway Glass Chanello’s Pizza Courthouse Café Dairy Queen Heretik Feed & Seed Hong Kong Hopewell Bowling Center Hopewell Builder Supply

Hopewell Community Center Hopewell Health Care Center HPG Chamber of Commerce John Randolph Medical Center Kentucky Fried Chicken Leones Italian Restaurant Long John Silvers Luna Restaurant Papa Care Johns Term Pizza Hut Randolph Market Rosa’s Italian Shoney’s Sub Hub Subway Tops China

Petersburg:

Andrade’s International Rest. Batter’s Choice Sports BB&T Bank Captain D’s Dixie Diner Dunkin Donuts Enterprise Car Rental Java Mio Kentucky Fried Chicken Kirkpatrick’s Pharmacy Mad Italian Restaurant McDonalds New York Deli & Café Pizza Hut Sals Pizza Simonas Italian Restaurant Subway Sycamore Professional Center The Bistro Market & Grove The Retreat Salon & Spa Walnut Hill Cleaners Walnut Hill Pharmacy

Prince George: Prince George Family Barbecue Roma’s Italian Restaurant Swader’s Sports Park Wendy’s (Travel Plaza)

Dinwiddie: BB&T Bank BSV Bank Brother’s Pizza Hong Kong What-a-Burger

Chester:

Aqua Cleaners Bermuda Hundred Animal Hosp. Caesars Restaurant Chen’s Restaurant China Kitchen Enon Self Storage Go Orthopedics Hayes Insurance Jalapenos Restaurant Richmond Gastroentology Salon & Day Spa Sam’s Cleaners Stephanie’s Pet Grooming The Playroom Total Tutors/C.H. Pediatrics Wings, Pizza & Things

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Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities

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To Your Good Health By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Bypolar Disorder is Emotional Seesaw DEAR DR. DONOHUE: How serious is bipolar DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please explain the disorder? Can you control it yourself? Is the proper care of a person who contracts shingles. Is it contagious? My doctor didnʼt want me in his brain lacking some element? -- L.R. office. Other doctors say itʼs not contagious. ANSWER: Bipolar is a disorder in which people I received the drug Famvir at the start. Now I take experience spells of deep depression alternating with Lyrica and Percocet. I am miserable. How long is spells of great energy and unbridled enthusiasm. recovery? I have a mild case. I pity anyone with a difficult case. -- E.B. Itʼs an emotional teeter-totter. In the high-energy phase, people feel invincible, are constantly on ANSWER: When the shingles rash is brand-new and the go, can do with little sleep, have grandiose consists of many small, fluid-filled blisters, virus is and unreasonable plans and are overly sociable. present in those blisters. It is theoretically possible They become impulsive and make hasty and poor for an adult or a child who has never come in contact decisions. Sometimes they hallucinate, seeing with chickenpox to catch chickenpox, not shingles, things not present and hearing things not spoken. from the blister fluid. The possibility is slight, but In the depressed phase, the opposite holds. People it does exist. Most adults -- more than 90 percent become reclusive, feel that all is hopeless, donʼt - have been exposed to chickenpox, so adults are not want to get out of bed and are reluctant to interact in great danger. Newborn and young infants, before with others. Those extremes are the two poles of theyʼve received the chickenpox vaccine, are at a little greater risk. bipolar disorder. Yes, it is a serious illness. It can disrupt a personʼs You do realize that shingles is the reawakened chickenpox virus that lives in the body from the life. Brain chemistry is involved, but the exact time of infection to the time of death. You donʼt mechanisms are not completely understood. Genes have shingles now. You have the dreadful shingles have a major role too. Bipolar disorder runs in complication -- postherpetic neuralgia. Itʼs pain coming from the nerve that the shingles virus traveled families. down on its journey to the skin. You are getting the People cannot control these mood swings by appropriate medicines. The pain is usually gone in themselves. They will have times when the extremes months, but it can linger for years. The shingles of the two poles are not present but, predictably, the vaccine was developed to prevent shingles and highs and lows return. postherpetic neuralgia. Medicines are most helpful in restoring stability to peopleʼs lives. Lithium is a medicine with proven The shingles booklet describes this illness and its treatment in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. good results. There are others. 1201W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check *** or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipientʼs printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Walking for Exercise Has Fringe Benefit

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Now that cold weather is here again, my mall walking group has had to move indoors. Three mornings a week we meet at the local shopping center where management opens the doors early for us. The level floors and good lighting make it a safe environment, and if we follow a certain route, we end up walking a mile. Having a warm location (as well as benches to sit on if we need to rest) has even allowed one of our members whoʼs on oxygen to join us for part of the time. Walking for exercise comes with all kinds of benefits, most of which have been proven by studies. When we walk, we lower our risk for cancer, boost our brain power, increase bone strength, reduce the risk of dementia, promote better sleep and generally live longer, healthier lives. Iʼve found that the best thing about walking, however, is how I feel afterward. Thereʼs something about getting those “feel-good” endorphins going that seems to put a feeling of well-being on the whole day. (Which is why

I prefer to walk in the mornings.) Endorphins act like natureʼs painkillers. Just when I thought I knew all there was to know about walking, along comes something new: Chi Walking. Chi (pronounced “chee”) Walking incorporates proper posture, especially of the spine, shoulders, hips and knees. Relaxed movements appear to be the key to getting more benefits from walking. If you want to know more about it, look at www.chiwalking.com or call 1-866-327-7867 for information. There are even workshops across the country and a link to instructors in your area. If you arenʼt already walking for exercise, ask your doctor for suggestions before you begin. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

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Casey Mears Hopes Three’s a Charm Casey Mears takes his quest for success to his third Sprint Cup team next year. Mears, whose uncle Rick won the Indianapolis 500 four times, has one Sprint Cup victory to his credit, the 2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Loweʼs Motor Speedway. After four years at Chip Ganassi Racing, Mears moved to NASCARʼs most prestigious team, Hendrick Motorsports, in 2007. At Hendrick, though, Mears has been unable to improve on the 14th-place finish in points he had in his final season at Ganassi. He finished 15th in 2007 and, entering the final two races, he is 20th this year. Next year Mears will move to Richard Childress Racing, which is adding a fourth team. Mears will drive the No. 07, while Clint Bowyer will move into the teamʼs new No. 33 Chevrolet. Mears, 30, is, like Kevin Harvick, from Bakersfield, Calif. The two will be teammates next year. “Hendrick Motorsports is a great organization,” said Mears. “Weʼve definitely had a rough year for probably several reasons, but everybody has worked hard. (Crew chief) Alan (Gustafson) and Rick (Hendrick) and everybody else have worked hard to try to do what we can to help improve the program, and we just havenʼt had the luck. “I donʼt feel a whole lot differently about the

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NOTHING BUT NET! (continued): • In the early 1920s, American basketball was a segregated sport. London-born Abe Saperstein, who had relocated to Chicago with his family as a youngster, absolutely loved the sport. Unfortunately, his five-foot-tall stature dashed any hopes of playing the game professionally. But Abe learned of a local all-black basketball team known as the Savoy Big Five, and went to watch them play. He was very impressed with their prowess on the court and offered to become their manager. • The Savoy Big Five were re-christened the Harlem Globetrotters. Saperstein used the Casey Mears is leaving Hendrick Motorsports reference to New York’s ‘Harlem’ so that ticket and will join his third Sprint Cup team next year. (Photo: John Clark/NASCAR This Week) buyers knew the team consisted of AfricanAmericans. He added “Globetrotters” to make team or the organization or the guys than I did at the it seem as if the team was an internationallybeginning of the year.” famous, world-traveling organization. The Mark Martin, running only part-time this year, will ‘Trotters handily won the first dozen games replace Mears at Hendrick next year. they played, so bored players began to “clown Mears has been at his best in big races. His Coca-Cola around” on the court to allow the opposing 600 victory was quite an upset, and he also finished team to catch up. The audience response second in the 2006 Daytona 500. was so enthusiastic that Saperstein decided As for being replaced at Hendrick, Mears has no hard to incorporate the team’s antics into a fullfeelings. fledged “basketball show” and take it on the “I think, because Iʼve got such good friends over at road. Hendrick Motorsports, I understand more than ever that itʼs business and you can separate that,” he said. • While a few professional basketball teams “At the end of the day, obviously Rick is trying to existed in the early 20th century, attempts to run the best possible business he can and do the best organize leagues had proven difficult. The things he can for his company. At the same time, American Basketball League and the National weʼre all really good friends still. Basketball League came and went. Things “In some ways, that makes leaving easier, and in some finally changed in 1946 with the formation of ways, it makes it harder.” the Basketball Association of America. The league’s first game occurred on November 1, 1946, between the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knickerbockers. The Huskies lost to the Knicks by two points, 68-66, but the game went down in history as the first in what “For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what became the NBA. (The league changed its happens to the eight hours supposedly left name to the National Basketball Association after eight of sleep and eight of work.” the following year.) -- Doug Larson

Thought of the week

By Samantha Weaver

• If you’re like the average American, you watch television for 4 hours and 34 minutes every day. • It was Canadian journalist, editor and poet Mark Abley who made the following observation: “Modern English is the Wal-Mart of languages: convenient, huge, hard to avoid, superficially friendly and devouring all rivals in its eagerness to expand.” • Those who study such things say that an adult right whale requires 400,000 calories a day to survive. They also note that the mainstay of these mammals’ diet is a fleasized crustacean called a copepod. • If you live in Georgia, you need to be careful about that wagging tongue: In that state it’s illegal to spread a false rumor. • Now that the election is over, it might be interesting to note that more than half of all Americans can’t name their elected official

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in the U.S. House of Representatives. And only 40 percent can name all three branches of the U.S. government. (For those of you in the other 60 percent, they’re the legislative, judicial and executive.)

• One hurricane can generate up to 200 times the energy of all the world’s power plants combined. • If you’re planning to head to Kansas for a vacation next summer, you might want to plan to hit the small town of Cawker City during August. That’s when the home of the world’s largest ball of twine hosts a weekendlong Twine-a-Thon festival. • Are you a locavore? In all likelihood, you don’t even know what a locavore is -- until very recently, I didn’t, either. It was the 2007 Word of the Year as chosen by the New Oxford American Dictionary, and it refers to a person who eats nothing but local food. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Arizona’s Brandon Webb set a record in 2006 for the lowest total of victories by a starting pitcher for a Cy Young Award winner in a full season (16). Who had held the mark? 2. Who was the last New York Yankee before Alex Rodriguez (2005, ‘07) to be named the American League Most Valuable Player? 3. Name the head coach the last time the Buffalo Bills made the NFL playoffs.

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4. In 2007, Eastern Washington’s Rodney Stuckey became the second Big Sky Conference player to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft. Who was the first? 5. Who won the first Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player in the NHL in 1971? 6. How long was the reign of Russian chess champions before U.S. star Bobby Fischer won the world title in 1972? 7. When Muhammad Ali returned to boxing in 1970, his first loss was to Joe Frazier in 1971. To whom was his second loss?

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Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities

Simple Ways to Shave Heating Costs By Samantha Mazzotta

Q: Last fall, a contractor friend of mine recommended that I insulate my water heater and pipes. I did so and was amazed to find that I saved nearly $100 a month through the winter! Please let your readers know about this simple fix. It cost me about $30 for all the materials, and I got several hundred dollars in savings -- not a bad investment! -- Janice B., Nashua, N.H. A: Thatʼs a huge savings! Thanks for letting people know about it. Water heater insulation kits are available at most home-improvement stores, or can be ordered. They are especially effective for water heaters set up in basements or non-insulated areas of the house.

Many inexpensive and fast insulation methods will shave heating costs -- important at a time when both oil prices and the economy are so unstable. Hanging curtains or heavy shades over windows will help keep heat in and cold drafts out (or in summertime, keep cool air in and the hot sun out). Wrapping insulation around air ducts will help prevent heat loss as hot air travels into a homeʼs living areas (this is another kit available at home-improvement stores). Closing off unused rooms by sealing the windows with plastic, shutting the register vents and closing the door means the heater will heat the rest of the house for less. Weather-stripping is another great investment that costs little and saves a lot. Repair existing weather-stripping around doors and windows, or install new stripping -- this effectively seals these openings against the cold without having to resort to taping plastic sheets over the windows. If your home is heated with radiators, increase the efficiency of their heat output by taping an unwrinkled sheet of aluminum foil to a piece of cardboard, and taping the cardboard to the wall behind the radiator. The foil will reflect heat outward. HOME TIP: Spending just a few hours adding do-it-yourself insulation around the home can help you save hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

tive candle that I could use. I cut the bottom of the votive off to make it the right height, then I used a square of aluminum foil under it to catch the drippings. It worked just fine in a pinch.” -- D.S. in Florida

• “Mineral oil will take off a fake tattoo nicely. Use it liberally on a cotton ball just before bath time. My kids love fake tattoos, and this way, they don’t stay on too long.” -- T.L. in Montana • “An easy way to store plastic grocery bags so that they are handy when you need them is to stuff them into a tissue box. They come out one at a time and are easily stored in a cabinet or even in your car.” -- P.W. in Missouri • “I have one of those wax-melt burners that uses tea lights to heat a block of scented wax. I ran out of tea lights, but had one vo-

• “JoAnn, here’s a tip for your indoor and patio gardeners out there: When filling a pot with soil, first make sure there is a drain hole at the bottom. Then instead of putting stones or broken pottery on the inside bottom hole of the pot to allow for drainage, place a coffee filter over the hole and then fill the pot with your potting soil. I discovered this filter will not only provide more room for root development but will effectively allow for proper drainage. Also, the filter will not let any muddy soil or dirt to run out the bottom of your pots and mess up your windowsill or patio decking. It really works!” -- T.G. in New Jersey

NOTHING BUT NET! (continued): • Four days after that first NBA game, the Boston Celtics held their home opener against the Chicago Stags. During warm-ups, a Celtics player took a shot at the basket and shattered the glass backboard, sending his teammates scattering. The accident occurred because the board had been improperly installed without its rubber gaskets. Officials brought in a replacement backboard from Boston Garden (which would later become the Celtics’ home). What’s perhaps most fascinating about this tale is the identity of the player who took the ill-fated shot. He was none other than Chuck Connors, who went on to star on TV’s The Rifleman. • While women’s professional basketball is a relatively new concept, female involvement in the sport is not. Just one year after Naismith laid out his basic rules for the game, Senda Berenson, the PE teacher at Smith College, consulted with him to learn the finer points. She was well aware of the inter-collegiate sports rivalries that had developed between Ivy League universities, and wanted to encourage the same sense of competition between women’s colleges. In March 1893, Smith College hosted the first women’s college basketball game. • A second professional league, known as the American Basketball Association (ABA), was founded in 1967. Investors hoped to create a situation akin to Major League Baseball’s two leagues (National and American). League officials knew that they had to offer something new to make ABA games appeal to fans, so games were played with a colorful red, white and blue ball, and a three-point shooting line was added to the court. But eventually, the lack of TV coverage and commercial sponsors took its toll, and the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976.

• Fix tomato sauce that’s too tart by adding a pinch of baking soda. It neutralizes the acidity and gives the sauce a milder taste.

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WOODROW WILSON

ANSWERS

Little Tommy Wilson had a difficult childhood. He had a long face. He wore glasses. And his constantly upset stomach kept him from taking part in any strenuous physical activities. As a result, Wilson became the typical introvert, focused heavily on his emotions and his intellect. He hardly seemed the type to lead the United States through what was known as “the Great War,” but he managed to do so. • Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton, Virginia. (He was the eighth president born Virginia, making it the birthplace of more presidents than any other state.) His family moved south to Augusta, Georgia, before his first birthday. There, young Tommy saw first-hand the devastation of the South that resulted from the Civil War. When he was a teenager, the Wilsons relocated to the Carolinas. • Wilson was a late bloomer as a student, particularly in math, but he earned good grades. He loved to debate, and developed a keen interest in politics. Thomas was admitted to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1875. Upon graduation, he began to refer to himself as T. Woodrow Wilson, and later used his middle name exclusively. • For a wannabe politician, a law degree was the next step, so Wilson attended the University of Virginia with that in mind. Poor health forced him to drop out, but he continued studies at home and received his bar card in 1882. Woodrow moved to Atlanta and opened a law firm with a partner, but left after only a few months. He enrolled at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University to work towards a Ph.D. in political science. During a break from school in the summer of 1885, he married Ellen Louise Axson. Her father, like his, was a Presbyterian minister. • Wilson received his Ph.D. in 1886. (To date, he is the only president to have earned a doctorate degree.) He joined the faculty of the College of New Jersey in 1890, and was there when the school became Princeton University in 1896. Wilson also published a series of books during this period; his writings on politics and history were well-received. His reputation continued to grow through the turn of the 20th century, and Wilson was named president of Princeton University in 1902. • In his new job, Woodrow Wilson worked to improve the educational climate by instituting several reforms at the school. Perhaps as a result of his work with young men excited about the prospects of the new century, he began to become more and more progressive in his political stance. Wilson always kept up with what was going on in the world of politics, however, and seemed destined to enter that world in the coming years.

Cut Holiday Spending With Homemade Gifts Although stores have displayed red and green decorations for more than a month, Thanksgiving week is the official kickoff of the holiday spending season. Merchants are going to pull out all the stops to get you to part with your money. Itʼs time for all your good intentions -- “This year I wonʼt overspend on gifts” -- to be put to the test. To the extent that you realistically can, consider making your gifts this year. Food is always a favorite. Pull out your recipe files and select three that are easy to make. Give cookies, candies and sweets of all kinds with the recipe printed on a file card. Look online for jar mix recipes for homemade soup, drinks, brownies, cookies, pizza spices, bath salts, muffins and bread, sauces and dips and teas. Mix the dry ingredients, label the glass jar and wrap with a ribbon and bow. If youʼre good with crafts, these are easy to make: bookmarks, padded hangers, lingerie drawer sachets,

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1. Pedro Martinez in 1997 and Randy Johnson in 1999, each with 17 victories. Rick Sutcliffe had 16 wins for the Chicago Cubs in 1984, but also had four wins for Cleveland that year. 2. Don Mattingly in 1985. 3. Wade Phillips in the 1999 season. 4. Montana’s Micheal Ray Richardson in 1978. 5. Boston’s Phil Esposito. 6. Twenty-four years (1948-1972). 7. Ken Norton, in 1973.

drink coasters, key rings, decorated jewelry boxes and picture frames, costume jewelry, macrame wall hangings, pin cushions, and photo or theme placemats. If youʼre adventurous, consider making scented candles, hand cream, lip balm or soaps. Let the kids help make refrigerator magnets out of faux dough that you bake and paint. If you have a computer, create photo calendars and family albums done on your printer. If youʼre just not handy, there are still ways to give gifts without breaking the bank: a pizza cutter and coupon for a free pizza, a blank journal and a pen/ pencil set, a theme gift basket with items geared to the recipientʼs interests, tickets to a play or sports event, or a jigsaw puzzle for a family. For the seniors in your family, consider making coupon books for chores and projects that need to be done around their homes. Not only will you be helping with things they canʼt do themselves, theyʼll enjoy the time spent with you more than theyʼd enjoy another cardigan. Remember that it really is the thought that counts in gift-giving, not the price tag. And no doubt many others are also thinking about how to economize on gifts this year. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

�� Kids grow like weeds, and their interests change with the wind leaving you with unused and unwanted clothing, toys, and equipment. So what can you do? Visit Once Upon A Child, and turn those items into cash or trade them in for things you need now! We buy and sell gently used and new clothes, furniture, equipment and more.

(804) 526-1333

Mon-Sat: 10-7, Sun: 12-5 192 Southgate Square, Col. Heights

Bring in this coupon for

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Take 20% off all regularall regular-priced store items priced Melissa & Doug items OUAC-Tidbits offer exp. 12/05/08. Not valid with other offers.

OUAC-Tidbits offer exp. 12/05/08. Not valid with other offers.

CALL TIDBITS TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED!

City of Colonial Heights:

The�first�Italian�&�Greek�restaurant�in� the�Tri�Cities.��Serving�the�finest�Italian� &�Greek�cuisine�since�1975!

L/D

$6.50�� $14.95

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Come�taste�our�award�winning�BBQ� d t k b ttl h ! sauce and�take�a�bottle� home!�� Delicious�barbecue,�"fall�off�the�bone"� L/D pork�ribs,�soups,�salads,�sandwiches,�and� appetizers.��Catering�available.

$3.49�� $19.99

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50�years�of�Southern�Hospitality.��Daily� specials,�"Famous"�Holiday�Buffets,� Banquets�&�Special�Events.

$4.99�� $17.99

All� Major

12205 South Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA (804) 733-0500

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All

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SC/M CO/CT

Reservations� Accepted

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Carryout,�Delivery,� Catering�(CO/D/CT)

Steven Kent Family Restaurant

All� Major

Sen.�Citiz./Military� Discount�(SC/M)

4605 County Drive (Rt. 460) Petersburg, VA (804) 732-3278

$4.50�� $12.95

Outside�Seating

Prince George Family B b Barbecue

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All�You�Can�Eat

2545 S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA (804) 732-9268

Come�join�the�fun�and�taste�our� authentic�Mexican�food!��New�seafood� dishes�and�an�extensive�dessert�menu� are�sure�to�please.

Description

Children's�Menu

Annual Craft Bazaar Dec. 3-5, 2008 The Craft Club is working hard to prepare for their annual bazaar. They are excited about selling the beautiful crafts that they have been creating throughout the year. They will be selling delicious baked goodies, as well. These crafts & baked goodies make excellent gifts and proceeds will benefit the Hopewell Respite Group and senior projects & activities. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Mad Italian Pasta and Steak House

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Credit�Cards

Center:

3609 Boulevard Colonial Heights, VA (804) 520-8422

Meal�Price� Range

Community

Contact the center at (804) 541-2304 for more information

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant

Meals�Served

Hopewell

Restaurant

Coupon�Offer

Scrap Booking The Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce several Scrap Booking classes for youth, adults, and seniors. All classes are $10.00 and include supplies for a two page 12x12 layout. Scrap booking topics vary by date, participant age and class however, topics range from genealogy, holiday hurrah, resolutions, and friendships. Instructor: Deborah Malbone. www.mycraftivity.com/groovy/doodles/

To Advertise Call (804) 731-7504 Ad�on�Page

Interior Decorating Class Dec. 9, 2008 This class will cover decorating basics of wall décor, furniture arrangements, color concepts, accessories, lighting window treatments, flooring, and greenery. Classes will be held at the Colonial Heights Public Library from 6:00-8:00pm. Cost is $40 per person. Instructor: Nikole Jiggetts. www.mycustomhomedesign.com

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Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks Dec. 6, 2008 Join us for our 4rd Annual City Boat Parade. Dress warmly and see some of the most beautiful decorated boats in Virginia. Located BICYCLES (continued): on the River between Jordan Point and Anchor Point. Parade begins at 5:30 • In the p.m. 1890s, the first “modern” bicycles

appeared: chain-driven vehicles with simi-

Christmas at thetires. Jefferson andwere “Tacky Lights”Tour larly-sized These safer than the high-wheel models (and were even called Dec. 16, 2008 “safety as a result), but proved step Includes Roundbicycles” trip motorcoach transportation, dinnera at the elegant Jefferson Hotel, “Tacky Lights” tour, refreshments on bus, backwards in comfort. While the long spokes of all taxhigh-wheel & gratuities. Join us for a spectacular dinner at ruts, the beautibikes absorbed bumps and the fully decorated Jefferson Hotel and a “tacky lights” holiday tour of smaller wheels on these new bikes, particularly Richmond. This will be a special evening that you don’t want to coupled with theCost hard-rubber tires of the miss! when Register by Nov. 21, 2008. $88.00

era, made for jarring, unpleasant rides.

•

More than a million bicycles were sold in the United States by the time 1895 rolled around, but one last improvement would propel the bicycle into the must-own category: the pneumatic tire. Under the guidance of the Pope Manufacturing Company (which made bicycles), the Hartford Rubber Works produced America’s first pneumatic tires in 1895. Providing a much softer ride, they soon became a standard feature on all bicycle models. Dozens of smaller-scale improvements boosted the speed, comfort, longevity and performance of bicycles during the 20th century. As women began to find them as necessary as men, two varieties of bicycle were made. Men’s bikes were built with an extra stabilizer bar across the top of the bike. Women’s bikes omitted the bar, providing for easier mounting and dismounting of the vehicle when wearing skirts. The 1970s saw the development of two bicycle extremes. First came bicycles that took you nowhere. Otherwise known as exercise bikes, these training aids first hit the home market at the beginning of the decade. Then, as time went on and the energy crisis sent fuel prices skyrocketing, mopeds appeared. These bicycle/motorcycle hybrids, most popular with city-centered business workers, could either be pedaled like a regular bike or powered using a small, low-powered gasoline engine.

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861-9006

Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 12-5

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