Tidbits of the Tri-Cities Issue #8 by Jason Barrett

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of the Tri-Cities

Issue 8

Sept. 29- Oct. 5, 2008

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In remembrance of Johnny Appleseed’s birthday on September 26, this edition of Tidbits is ripe with facts about America’s favorite fruit. • Johnny Appleseed’s real name was John Chapman, and he didn’t just wander the country randomly spreading apple seeds. He planted carefully-designed nurseries, primarily in Ohio, and even returned to care for the trees. When he died in 1845 at the age of 70, his 1,200-acre estate was worth millions. • McDonald’s buys more than 50 million pounds of apples each year, more than any other restaurant chain. No, they’re not just for apple pies; they’re also using the fruit for their fresh salads and the Apple Dippers now available in their Happy Meals. • The Adam’s apple in your throat is actually made of thyroid cartilage. It surrounds the “voice box,” or larynx. In humans, the male larynx is typically larger than the female larynx, which is why men have deeper voices (and more prominent Adam’s apples). • New York City was first referred to as “The Big Apple” in print in 1921. The New York Morning Telegraph was the first news source to employ the reference. turn the page for more!

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Tidbits presents:

ALL ABOUT APPLES (continued):

Doggone Good Advice By Samantha Mazzotta DEAR PAWʼS CORNER I attended a dog show recently as a spectator. Iʼm interested in showing my dogs, but am only just investigating the process and learning all the ins and outs. I was amazed at how much incorrect information about the rules was being given out by other spectators (and even owners who were showing). One woman was afraid to groom her dog shortly before their event because sheʼd been told that if the judges saw her grooming him, they would disqualify them! Please remind your readers who enjoy or compete in dog shows to review the showʼs rules beforehand and to ignore (or at least confirm) secondhand information! Just a pet peeve of mine. Thanks. -- Janine T., via e-mail

is genuinely good advice to be had from other participants, but always keep a copy of the rules at hand, too. *** DEAR PAWʼS CORNER: My uncle says I should use a choke collar on my dog in order to train him right. Whatʼs a choke collar? -- Brad in Ohio DEAR BRAD: Itʼs something you shouldnʼt use on your dog in order to train him right. Pick up a book like “Treats, Play, Love: Make Dog Training Fun for You and Your Best Friend” by Patricia Gail Burnham, and learn about positive obedience training methods that donʼt involve yanking your dog around or choking him just to get him to heel. You wonʼt regret it.

DEAR JANINE: You told ʻem! While rules vary by show, it does no good for an already- Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL nervous participant to listen to hearsay. There 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com.

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• An apple a day really can help to keep the doctor away. Apples are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are good for your immune system and your heart, respectively. Apples also contain phenols, which can help to lower your cholesterol. And apples are loaded with fiber, which is an important factor for colon health. • “One Bad Apple” was the first and only record by The Osmonds to hit number one on the pop music charts. Critics accused the brothers of copying the sound of the Jackson Five. The song’s composer, George Jackson, later admitted that he’d actually written the tune with the Jacksons in mind. • The phrase “apple of his eye” first appeared in the Bible (Deuteronomy 32:10). It is believed that the saying came about because, at that time, people believed that the pupil of the eye was a small, hard ball. The apple was a natural symbol for that. So, when you refer to something as being the apple of your eye, you’re saying that it’s your primary focus – the center of your attention. • Why did actress Gwyneth Paltrow name her daughter Apple? She told Oprah Winfrey that the word “apple” conjured up a beautiful picture in her mind –sweet, wholesome and biblical. She thought it was the perfect name. Apple’s full name is Apple Blythe Alison Martin. Paltrow admitted that when her daughter starts school, she’ll probably choose to go by one of her middle names. • The dessert known as Apple Brown Betty dates back to Colonial times. The original recipe called for layers of pudding, sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttered bread crumbs. The confection has gained new popularity in recent years after being mentioned on TV’s King of the Hill.

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

Pear Crisps With Vanilla Brown Butter

Ingredients

For topping 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole almonds with skin 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled For filling 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 1/2 stick unsalted butter 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 lb firm-ripe Anjou or Bartlett pears (about 6), peeled and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons pear brandy or eaude-vie Equipment: 6 (8-ounce) gratin dishes or shallow ramekins

Chefʼ notes:

Directions:

Make topping: Pulse together flour, almonds, brown sugar, and salt in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped. Add butter and pulse just until blended. Coarsely crumble in a shallow baking pan and chill at least 1 hour. Make filling and bake crisps: Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a small heavy saucepan, then add pod and butter and cook over medium-low heat, swirling pan occasionally, until butter is browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes. While butter browns, stir together sugars, flour, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add pears and brandy and toss to combine. Discard vanilla pod, then toss butter with pear mixture. Spoon filling into gratin dishes and sprinkle with topping, mounding it slightly in centers. Put in a shallow baking pan and bake 30 minutes, then rotate baking sheet and bake until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes more. Cool to warm or room temperature on a rack.

• Topping can be chilled, covered, up to 2 days. • Crisps can be assembled (but not baked) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.

By Samantha Weaver • You’re more likely to have a heart attack on a particularly hot or a particularly cold day. • Famed actor Gary Cooper was offered the role of Rhett Butler in the film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel “Gone With the Wind,” but he turned down the part. He said he believed the movie would be “the biggest flop in Hollywood history.” The film went on to win 10 Academy Awards, including one for Best Actor, which was taken home by Clark Gable, who took the part that Cooper refused. • It was Albert Einstein who made the following sage observation: “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” • When you think of the Middle Eastern country of Dubai, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, it’s probably a vision of sweeping desert dunes. You might be surprised to learn, then, that by the end of this year, the arid country will be home to two year-round snow-ski resorts. Indoor resorts, of course. • Piracy -- yes, piracy -- is on the rise. A recent study shows that between 2000 and 2006, maritime attacks by pirates increased drastically, to an average of more than 350 per year. • The modern dishwasher was invented way back in 1886. A woman named Josephine Cochrane came up with the idea because she was unhappy with the way her fine china was being chipped by the servants who were washing it. • Those who study such things claim that of those who receive a greeting card unexpectedly, 90 percent immediately call the sender or send a card or letter in return. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

of the Tri-Cities

PuroClean Property Restoration Article written by Louis Llovio While the thought of walking into a horrific crime scene puts off the average person, Robert Grose Jr. canʼt wait. “Iʼm really looking forward to it,” he said, a glint in his eye. His enthusiasm has nothing to do with the macabre; heʼs excited because he welcomes the work. Grose is the owner of PuroClean Property Restoration in Colonial Heights. The company, which he opened recently in a strip of offices off Jefferson Davis Highway, cleans up peopleʼs homes after disasters. About 10 area companies do this. Water from extinguishing fires is the worst damage, he said. It can destroy furniture and carpet as well as seep into crevices, which can lead to long-term problems. But crime scenes are something else altogether. Damage can be extensive and tricky to take care of. The work needs to be done by professionals because chemicals can do more harm if not properly applied. The work is not for the faint of heart. So what separates Grose from those who canʼt fathom dealing with carnage? Nothing much. Heʼs a mildmannered guy who for 10 years was the general manager of an eyewear company. When new owners

bought the company he decided to leave and start his own business. Grose chose his current line of work because he wanted to help people, he said. He spent several months in Florida getting certified to work with chemicals. He learned the federal Office of Safety and Health Administration regulations vital to his work, as well as what chemicals work and donʼt work. He bought the humidifiers and machines it takes to get smells, water and mold out of peopleʼs homes. Until he has enough work for a full-time team, he works with a crew supplied by a temporary agency. When heʼs not working he markets the business. His loyal marketing manager is his father, Robert Grose Sr. The elder Grose makes the rounds to insurance companies as well as local fire and police departments. Business, he said, is generated through recommendations from the officials and the insurance companies to homeowners. But both men say the enterprise is about family: theirs and othersʼ. “This is a family enterprise,” the owner said. “It [is] all about taking care of other peopleʼs houses and helping them get their lives back together.” Copyrighted by Times Dispatch. Used with permission.

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Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities

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

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Leaky Heart Valve Not Always Serious DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Six years ago, I had a heart attack that resulted in triple bypass surgery, and I had to have my mitral valve replaced. Last year, my cardiologist informed me that my new mitral valve and my original aortic valve were leaking a little. He told me not to worry about it. I do worry. If you have a leak in your pipe in your home, you have it fixed immediately. I would think that applies to the body too. What do you think? -- M.G. ANSWER: You canʼt compare heart valves to leaky pipes. Theyʼre quite different, and they behave quite differently. Many people at older ages have slightly leaky heart valves that donʼt interfere with heart action in the least. If the leaks were compromising your heartʼs pumping, the doctor would have jumped right in with a suggestion for immediate repair. Furthermore, unlike a pipe, valve leaks can but donʼt always get worse. Your doctor will check your heart regularly, and if the leaks are increasing, he will tell you then. For now, donʼt dwell on them. The booklet on heart-valve problems discusses these common medical conditions in depth. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 105W, 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. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I would like to know why you lose flesh with age, but not bone, nor skin, nor fat. One doctor told me thatʼs why people get colder when they get older. I am rapidly losing flesh. -- L.J.

ANSWER: People lose muscle with age. The process is called sarcopenia (SAHR-coe-PEA-knee-uh). I never thought of it until you brought it up, but it could be a reason why older people chill quickly. Muscles generate heat, and they serve as insulation. Shivering is a response to a cold environment. Shivering muscles give off heat. Lots of unpleasant things happen with aging. Metabolism slows, and thatʼs another reason why older people complain of the cold. Our bodies donʼt repair themselves as well as they did when we were young. Bones do lose strength and size with age. Growing old is not for the faint of heart. Sarcopenia and bone loss can be kept to a minimum and possibly reversed if people exercise. The kind of exercise they must do is “resistance” exercise --lifting weights. It sounds nutty, but itʼs for real. Weights donʼt have to be of the same magnitude used in a bodybuilding contest. You can start with one-pound weights and gradually increase the poundage when you become comfortable with that amount of weight. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been on thyroid medicine for years. It was suggested that I take iodine to get my thyroid gland functioning on its own. Why donʼt doctors suggest iodine rather than prescription medicine for the thyroid? -- V.W.

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ANSWER: Unless the circumstances are quite unusual and unless a person is truly iodine deficient, taking iodine doesnʼt cure thyroid problems. You shouldnʼt stop your thyroid medicine unless your doctor says to do so. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Medicare Web Site Is a Labyrinth A Florida study just showed something that many of us already know: The Medicare Web site is very difficult to navigate. According to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, whether weʼre looking for home health-care services, trying to enroll in Part D or trying to decide which drug plan is best for us, more of us canʼt find the information we need. This wasnʼt a casual study, either. Researchers brought in 112 participants age 50 and older, all of whom were computer literate -- and proved it by passing a test. Even with computer skills, the results showed how difficult it is to navigate the Medicare site: • 80 percent could not choose the right home health agency. • 68 percent couldnʼt get information about eligibility for home health-care services. • 83 percent couldnʼt do the computations to decide which home health-care plan was best.

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• 72 percent couldnʼt locate information for enrolling in the Part D drug program. Those are sad statistics, especially for such an important site. If youʼve tried the Medicare Web site [www.medicare.gov] and couldnʼt get the information you want, there are other avenues. Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and have your questions ready. For help on the local level, you can call Medicare and ask for a State Health Insurance Assistance Programs contact in your area. SHIPs are state programs with trained counselors who can walk you through determining which plans are right for you, and what your rights and options are. Donʼt forget that the drug-plan enrollment period starts soon. If selecting the options that are best for you is going to be even more difficult than you first thought, you might want to start now in gathering your information.

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ALL ABOUT APPLES (continued): There is doubt as to the existence of legendary archer William Tell, but his tale makes for a great story nevertheless. Tell had been arrested in Hapsburg, Switzerland, for not properly bowing to the count’s hat (which was poised on a pole). A bailiff named Gessler struck a deal with Tell, said to be an expert archer – if he’d be willing to shoot an apple off of his son’s head, he could win his freedom. William prepared his son, loaded his crossbow, and split the apple neatly without injury to the younger Tell. The green apple pictured on the Beatles’ Apple Records label is a Granny Smith. When asked why the group chose to name their company after a fruit, Paul McCartney merely shrugged and said “A is for Apple.” Even if there was no grand inspiration behind the name, McCartney couldn’t resist a good pun and named the company Apple Corps (pronounced “apple core”) instead of “Apple Company” or something similar. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers, worked on a farm commune picking apples one summer in his youth. He was also a Beatles fan, so when it came time to name his new company, the name Apple immediately popped into his head. The Fab Four’s attorneys didn’t exactly see the name as a tribute, and sued for copyright infringement. The two sides later worked out an agreement. During the Great Depression, apples were luxury items for many families. Ritz crackers were more affordable, and Nabisco began printing the recipe for “mock apple pie” (continued): on boxesBICYCLES of the snack. The fake pie filling • In the 1890s, the first “modern” bicycles consists of Ritz crackers, sugar, cinnamon, appeared: chain-driven vehicles with simiand lemon juice. suchthan a good larly-sized tires.Apparently, These wereit’s safer the imitation of the real (and thingwere that even manycalled blind high-wheel models “safety bicycles” as a result),surprised but proved step taste-testers seem genuinely toalearn backwards in comfort. While the long spokes that real apples aren’t part of the recipe. of high-wheel bikes absorbed bumps and ruts, the smaller wheels on these new bikes, particularly when coupled with the hard-rubber tires of the era, made for jarring, unpleasant rides.

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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.

1. When was the last time before 2007 that the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League East championship? 2. How many major-league teams made the playoffs at least once between 2006 and 2007?

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Thoughts on NASCAR, Back NHRA Page

As the 2008 season starts its “wind down” mode, Iʼm watching the NASCAR Sprint Cup race from California on television and have come up with some food for thought. First, I have to admit the West Coast crowd for the NASCAR Labor Day race is good. This crowd turnout is somewhat surprising, as past California Speedway spectator turnouts werenʼt that impressive. Granted, some of the seats on the very ends of California Speedway bleachers are a bit sparse, but itʼs been the same at other venues, sans Bristol and Talladega. Overall, I doubt they could have packed a crowd like this in at the smaller Darlington track, where the Labor Day “Southern 500” first took the green flag back in 1951. Big crowd or not, Iʼd still be more than happy to see the Labor Day weekend event reinstated at Darlington, as Iʼve openly used my column as a constant reminder (NASCAR surely would call it something different) to the powers that be that all true, diehard NASCAR fans still want their Southern 500 back where it belongs, in Darlington, S.C. Enough, now, until next Labor Day. *** Over on the drag-racing side, the big news coming from Indyʼs NHRA U.S. Nationals is the announcement that Alan Johnson, the most powerful and respected “put the power to the ground” crew chief, is leaving Don Schumacher Racingʼs Army team at the end of the season to team up with a sheik from Qatar who wants to get involved in professional nitro drag-racing. Qatar, an Arabian Gulf country in the Middle East, is fast becoming a global meeting place. Johnson, rumored to be the highest-paid crew chief by far, will partner with Qatar-based Al-Anabi Racing and form a two-car team beginning with the Winternationals at Pomona in 2009. Currently, Al-Anabi Racing fields several top Pro Mod teams in fine fashion.

When Tony Schumacher pulls to the line in 2009, championship crew chief Alan Johnson will be running his own team in partnership with Al-Anabi Racing, a team from the Mideast country of Qatar. Johnson is a seven-time NHRA Top Fuel champion with 75 professional-level national event victories to his credit. He has tuned Tony Schumacher to the past four Top Fuel titles and the current points lead. “This is an exciting opportunity for Alan Johnson Racing,” Johnson said. “We look forward to our relationship with Al-Anabi Racing and the people of Qatar. Itʼs widely known that my goal for quite some time now has been to become a team owner again, and this is my best opportunity to achieve that goal.” Johnson will campaign a Funny Car and a Top Fuel dragster (drivers yet to be named) and own a team again. Years ago, Johnson and his brother Blane, who died in 1996 following a crash at the U.S. Nationals, owned winning alcohol and Top Fuel cars. After Blaneʼs death, Winston stepped in and Johnson hired Gary Scelzi to drive to the dragster, and the duo clicked for the 1997 championship. Congrats, Alan. Youʼve earned it, even though youʼll hear much negativity regarding your decision to leave DSR and, perhaps more troubling, from the nay sayers who will discredit you for aligning yourself with His Highness Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani. In my opinion, try not to pre-judge. Look at other sports that sheiks partake in (like thoroughbred horse racing), and if it grows the sport of drag racing, all the better.

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Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities • “When raking up leaves, I clip my leaf bags to the chain link fence using clothespins. They hold the bag open for me, and it’s much easier to do by myself.” -- U.L. in Pennsylvania

• “While painting the baseboards in our house, my husband came up with the most ingenious system for moving along. We have hard surface floors throughout the house, so he got a hold of two carpet scraps. He put them back-to-back so that the carpet was facing out on both sides. Then he used it as a kneeling pad. The double carpet buffered his knees, and he could just scoot along, since the carpet on the other side made for easy sliding. The baseboards were done in no time, and I am so proud of his smarts!” -- R.L. in Tennessee

Silent Leak Can Damage Foundation By Samantha Mazzotta

Q: I have a finished basement in my house that has stayed dry through the years. However, three years ago our town was flooded in heavy rains and so was the basement. It was drained and repaired quickly. Last week, though, I noticed a big “blister” in the paint on one corner of the basement wall. I poked it and water drained out. Do you think the flood damage wasnʼt totally repaired? -- Jaime C., Lowell, Mass. A: If itʼs the first water youʼve seen in three years, then the repair work is not necessarily the culprit. I do think there is a slow leak near and maybe above where you found that blister. Head outside and check the foundation on that side of the basement, nearest the blister. Are there any cracks

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• “To freshen up garbage cans, apply a little vanilla extract to a cotton ball and put it inside the can. This works well for me in the bathrooms. Every time the lid is lifted, the smell is pretty -- not yucky.” -- D.S. in Oklahoma • “I floss my teeth every day, but keeping my teeth clean is not the only use I have for floss. You can use the unflavored (not mint) kind to slice cheesecake and other soft items. Just stretch a piece across the cake and push down. When you get to the bottom, slide it out from one side. The cut is flawless.” -- S.K. in South Carolina

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• To get rid of hairspray buildup on your curling iron, wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and use it to scrub the residue off. It just melts right off. Just make sure you do this while the iron’s cold, not after you use it. And do it in a ventilated area, because the alcohol can be quite strong smelling.

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at the base of the wall or in the foundation? Does water runoff occur in that area? Is there any vegetation growing right up against the foundation? Water runoff striking the foundation directly will eventually seep through. If there are cracks in the area, it will happen even faster. Vegetation growing right up against the wall can develop deep roots down which water will trickle. Those roots also can slowly cause damage to the foundation, over several years, just as constant water runoff can. Direct runoff away from the foundation by extending your gutter downspout. Digging a downward-grade trench and filling with gravel will further protect the foundation. Remove plants that butt up against the wall, and as much root as possible; refill the area with the same material as the rest of the ground surrounding the house (dirt, gravel or concrete). Repair cracks in the wall or foundation, and check periodically in case they redevelop.

•

ALL ABOUT APPLES (continued): Hoping to capitalize on the success of The Waltons, TV producer Earl Hamner created a new show in 1974 called Apple’s Way. The program told the story of a family (complete with crotchety live-in grandpa) that moved from Los Angeles to rural Appleton, Iowa. Although the series flopped in the ratings, it provided a launching pad for the career of at least one actress of note: Kristy McNichol. Back when the legal drinking age was still 18, a 99-cent bottle of Boone’s Farm Apple Wine was the beverage of choice in most college dorm rooms. What most young consumers didn’t know at the time was that Boone’s Farm isn’t really wine; it’s a “malt beverage product.” The alcohol content is a little higher than that of beer, but a bit lower than that of traditional table wine. In 1992, McDonald’s replaced its familiar and popular fried apple pies with a healthier baked version. If you occasionally get a hankering for one of those old-fashioned, pillow-shaped fried pies, some detective work might pay off. Some kiosk-style McDonald’s stores in airports and Wal-Marts still sell them, since they don’t have enough space for the oven necessary to bake the new-style pies. Not all apples-on-a-stick are the same. Candy apples have a hard sugar coating. Caramel apples have a soft, gooey caramel coating. The recipe for the latter was introduced, not surprisingly, by Kraft (which is the nation’s leading seller of caramel cubes). Today, the custom of bobbing for apples is associated with Halloween. But it originated in England during the reign of Henry VIII as an all-purpose party game. Back then, legend claimed that the first person to “catch” a tossed apple at a get-together would be the next one to get married (sort of like catching the bouquet at a wedding).

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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Current president George W. Bush is the son of former president George Herbert Walker Bush. The only other time a direct descendant of a former president was elected to office was in 1825, when the son of second president John Adams – John Quincy Adams – held the post. • John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on July 11, 1767. As the son of the well-to-do John Adams, he spent much of his youth overseas, with stops in England, Russia, The Netherlands, France and Spain. He earned an education from the finest schools, and even served as his father’s private secretary when he was a teenager. JQA was also a live witness to many important historic events. He watched the Battle of Bunker Hill, had a prime look at Montgolfier’s premiere hot-air balloon ride, and stood by as his father signed the Treaty of Paris. • At age 18, Adams returned to the U.S. to continue his college education at Harvard. He graduated in 1786, and taking the route most commonly preferred by presidents-tobe, chose to become a lawyer. When George Washington became our first president, John Quincy’s father became vice president. • One of the first crises these leaders had to endure was the war between Britain and France. They chose to remain neutral, and newspapers published a series of anonymous letters that defended their position. Those words – which helped keep the nation on an even keel – were penned by John Quincy Adams. While America would not become involved in the early Napoleonic Wars, Washington sent JQA to The Hague in 1793. He would take on the role of diplomat, and keep the president abreast of the conflicts that were brewing throughout Europe. • In 1796, Adams headed to London, where he fell in love with (and married) Louise Johnson, the daughter of a U.S. consul. When the elder John Adams succeeded Washington as president, he appointed his son as minister to Prussia. John Quincy and his new wife headed there in 1797. They returned to America in 1801, and John Quincy immediately threw his hat into the political ring. At a blinding pace, he won the race for the Massachusetts Senate (Apr.1802), lost a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives (Nov. 1802), and then was elected U.S. Senator (Feb. 1803). • The Federalists expected Adams to fight against Thomas Jefferson’s ideas, but Adams broke away from the party on certain issues. A row with the state legislature led to his resignation from the Senate, so John and his growing family spent the next several years in Russia and Britain as a U.S. diplomat. He helped to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812.

�� 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. Bring in this coupon for

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We specialize in:

If youʼre trying to refinance your home, once youʼve finished jumping for joy over a high appraisal, sit back and consider the consequences of taking out a mortgage for the full amount. The same can be said for homebuyers making an offer: When the appraisal is much higher than you expected, you need to beware. The dilemma starts with appraisers who are often pushed to inflate the value of homes by lenders who make more money on a higher loan. The pressure on an appraiser can be immense, especially with fewer sales to go around. Add in a cash incentive to cooperate, and you have inflated appraisals. The majority of appraisers are scrupulously honest, but many of them have been run out of business for refusing to inflate values. The problems with inflated appraisals come into play should you ever want to sell or refinance. Just when you need to pull out cash in a refinance, or to refinance just ahead of a jump in your adjustable-rate mortgage, you could discover that there isnʼt any equity because you owe more than the home is really worth. Or if you try to sell, you could end up selling

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OUAC-Tidbits offer exp. 10/19/08. Not valid with other offers.

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We restore property back to pre-event condition that has been damaged by: FIRE • WATER• MOLD • BIOHAZARD

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all regular-priced store items

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Page 7

ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ TIDBITS

ANSWERS

Page 6

1. It was 1993. 2. Fifteen of them. Only the New York Yankees made a repeat appearance. 3. None. 4. Scott Skiles (1991), Darrell Armstrong (1999), Tracy McGrady (2001) and Hedo Turkoglu (2008). 5. The New Jersey Devils beat the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in seven games in 2003. 6. Marion Ladewig won it eight times (1949, ‘50, ‘51, ‘52, ‘54, ‘56, ‘59 and ‘63). 7. Manny Pacquiao (112 pounds, 122 pounds, 130 pounds and 135 pounds).

for much less than you owe. Worse case, you could lose your home to foreclosure. If you run into a problem down the road because of an inflated appraisal, donʼt look for much help from the authorities. Because of federal regulations, some states have mechanisms in place to go after appraisers who routinely inflate the value of homes, but for the most part youʼll get no satisfaction and no money back. Things to watch for: • If the lender promises a high appraisal, beware. • If the appraiser works for the lender, double beware. • If youʼre told youʼre in luck, that the appraiser has a break in his schedule and can be at your house in an hour, decline that appointment. Before the appraiser arrives at your house, do an online search for both the appraiser and the appraiserʼs company. Look for any warnings or complaints. Check online sources to try to determine the real value of your home or the one you hope to buy. Realtor.com is one of the best, but also check the sites of agents in your area. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

CALL TIDBITS TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED!

City of Petersburg:

A Stitch in Time: A Beginner’s Journey to Quilting Nov. 8, 2008 Create a 16-inch quilt block by hand using reproduction Civil War-era fabrics. Learn about the history of quilting from different perspectives. Reservations and fee required.

Luna Restaurant

12th Annual Symposium: Naval and Combined Operations in the Civil War Oct. 17-19, 2008 Join seven of the nation’s most renowned experts at the Park’s Education Center to discuss the participation of inland and “blue water” navies during the Civil War. Topics include the CSS Virginia, the campaign for Wilmington, North Carolina, and blockade running. Meals included. Reservations and fee required. Old Time Fair Oct. 25-26, 2008 By popular demand, the Fair is back in town! Step back to the 19th century when traveling shows visited small towns across America with “death-defying” acts, musical presentations, midway games, and more. Old Time Fair is fun and educational for the entire family. Free with Park admission.

105 Highland Avenue Colonial Heights, VA (804) 524-0505

208 E. Cawson St. Hopewell, VA (804) 452-5135 or 452-5136

Prince George Family Barbecue 4605 County Drive (Rt. 460) Petersburg, VA (804) 732-3278

L/D

$4.50�� $12.95

All� Major

Authentic�Mexican Authentic Mexican�Cuisine Cuisine.��Seven Seven� different�varieties�of�fajitas.��Lunch� specials�starting�at�$4.75.��Come�enjoy� your�meal�on�our�new�patio!��

L/D

$4.75�� $12.50

All� Major

We're�here�because�sometimes�good� food�is�a�little�hard�to�find.��Our�menu� features�the�finest�baby�back�BBQ�ribs,� steaks,�seafood,�and�more!��Nana's� desserts�made�fresh�daily.

L/D

$5.00�� $26.00

V/M� AE

New�Restaurant��Now�Open!��We� specialize�in�offering�fine�dining�at� affordable�prices.��Our�selections�include� L/D authentic�cuisine�from�Mexico,�Cuba,� Spain�and�Peru.

$6.50�� $18.95

All� Major

Come�taste�our�award�winning�BBQ� 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

V/M

YOUR RESTAURANT AD HERE!

CO/CT

SC/M

For more information on these events call (804) 541-2353 12th Annual City Point 5K River Run & Walk Oct. 25, 2008 The run, which will begin and end at John Randolph Medical Center, is a flat out and back scenic run along the Appomattox River and passes several historic areas of City Point. For further information, call Malcolm Covington, Race Director at 541-2356. 1st Annual City of Hopewell Dodge Ball Tournament Nov. 1, 2008 Ready for a fun-filled day of Dodge Ball with six of your best friends? Hopewell Department of Recreation and Parks will be sponsoring both a Youth and an Adult Dodge Ball Tournament at Hopewell Community Center. For more information, call Ronnie Parker at 541-2356. Register by October 25, 2008.

Speaking Spanish is as easy as reading English! (Read the third line in English and Spanish will come forth!)

May God bless you Que Dios le bendiga KAY / DEE+OHS / LAY / ben-DEE-gah

Spanish for the Workplace and Beyond Dawn Strickland Owner & Trainer

(804) 458-6119

Dawn@SpanishForTheWorkplace.com www.SpanishForTheWorkplace.com

Customized, on-site group training focused on your profession: •Cross-Cultural Training •Tutoring

Se ofrecen clases de inglés para grupitos -- Preguntar por Alba

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

WWW.TRICITIESTIDBITS.COM

SC/M CO/CT

YOUR RESTAURANT AD HERE!

Hopewell Community Center:

•Occupational Spanish Language Programs •Translation Services

SC/M

Reservations� Accepted

Hide-A-Way Café

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

� � � � � � � � � �

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

For more information on events at our park call (804) 861-2408 or toll-free 1-877-PAMPLIN

All� Major

Sen.�Citiz./Military� Discount�(SC/M)

241 Charles Dimmock Parkway, Suite 8, Colonial Heights, VA (804) 520-8492

$6.50�� $18.95

Outside�Seating

El Caporal Mexican Family Restaurant

L/D

All�You�Can�Eat

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

� � � � � �

Only�the�finest�meats,�seafood�and� freshest�vegetables�find�their�way�into� our�kitchen.��Our�selections�include� authentic�cuisine�from�Mexico,�Cuba,� Spain�and�Peru.

Description

Children's�Menu

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant

Credit�Cards

7 Bollingbrook Street Petersburg, VA (804) 733-1515

Meal�Price� Range

Andrades International Restaurant

Meals�Served

Pamplin Historical Park:

Restaurant

Coupon�Offer

2nd Annual Community Awareness and Health Fair 2008 Oct. 4, 2008 9:00am-2:00pm Health and community information for the entire family! Free health screenings and testing as well as activities for children. The event is sponsored by and held at Greater Faith A.ME. Zion Church, 1301 Young’s Road, Petersburg, VA 23803. For more information call (804) 732-5683 or (804) 733-0738.

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

Nostalgiafest 2008 Oct. 3-5, 2008 Come and join in the festivities as Historic Old Towne Petersburg celebrates Nostalgiafest 2008. It’s one of Virginia’s biggest and best three days of fun for the entire family. Enjoy Arts, Crafts, Antiques, Musical Entertainment, a Free Kids Zone (clowns, games, magicians, rides, balloons, petting zoo, prizes, etc.), Food, Historic Walking Tours, Classic and Specialty Vehicles. Nostalgiafest 2008 kicks-off at 5pm on Friday evening, October 3rd, with the NostalgiaFest 10K Race - 4kRun/Walk.

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