Tidbits of Casper 08/20/09

August 20 - 26, 2009 Tidbits of Casper - For Advertising call 307-473-8661 • 161 South Fenway, Casper, WY

Published and Distributed Weekly by Alimon Publishing, LLC • www.tidbitswyoming.com • [email protected] • 307-473-8661

August 20 - 26, 2009 Issue #327

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All trips listed above originate from the CasperAmerican Legion at8 am and leave WindRiver Casino at 4 pm

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Tidbits of Casper - For Advertising call 307-473-8661 • 161 South Fenway, Casper, WY August 20 - 26, 2009

307 237-3283159 N. WolcottSuite 135Casper, WY 82601

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answers on page 7


It’s Summer Cleaning Time!Let us take care of your exterior cleaning needs this spring. We use a high pressureor a soft wash technique and environmentally safe products to eliminate dirt, rust,hard water stains and mildew. Call us today for a hassle-free, no-obligation estimate.

Independence Pressure Washing, LLCTroy Mack • (307) 267-4243

• Houses • Brick & Concrete • Decks & Fences• Grafitti Removal • Memorials & Headstones ....and More!!


ANNOUNCEMENTSAMPUTEE SUPPORT

GROUP Every first Thursday ofthe month at Elk Horn ValleyRehab Hospital, 5712 E. 2NDSt, at 6:30pm. For moreinformation contact Jo 235-8825, Allen 259-0922 or Nancy258-5258.

THE BLACK SHEEP

SQUARE Dance Club dancesevery Friday from 7:30 to10:00pm at the CentralWyoming Senior CenterBuilding located at 1831 East4th Street. Please call Mel orCarol at 266-1421 for moreinformation.

HELP WANTEDUNDERCOVER SHOPPERS

Earn up to $150 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed tojudge retail and Diningestablishments EXP. Not RE.CALL (800)601-5518

OCEAN CORP.

HOUSTON, TXTrain for NEW Career.Underwater welder,Commercial Diver, or NDT/Weld Inspector. Job placementand financial aid for those whoqualify. 1-800-321-0298.

NOW HIRING FOR WORK IN

Kazakhstan. Work will begin inabout 3 months. You will work60 days in the country, 12 hrdays and 50 days out. Includestransportation, in and out,room/board, medical. GOODPAY. Can be up to 15yrs. work.We require pre-employmenttesting for illegal substances.Looking for experienced tophead drive. Smaller rigs drilling1,000 Uranium test holes andsome production wells, withcoring experience. Toolpushers, Drillers and tophands. Must be able to workwith foreigners and be flexibleand open to new cultures. WillRequire a current passport.Send your resume to fax 307-265-2406. 307-265-3071

OPPORTUNITIESPACK YOUR BAGS! Funtravel jobs! Can you travel 52weeks a year? Now hiring 17-23 sharp guys and gals.Seeking enthusiasticbeginners. Start Today! 30 daypaid training, paid daily andweekly, plus bonuses,transportation and hotelprovided. Call 1-877-872-881910AM-6PM

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

available with FarmersInsurance Group.www.farmersagent.com

STYLIST & NAIL TECH

Needed for OurBUSY SALON!Call Cindy Becker at DyenamicImpressions 234-9700

FURNITUREAMISH LOG BED withPillowtop Mattress Set: BRANDNEW, still in factory plastic.Retail $1495. Will sacrifice for$690. Call 473-2400.

AMISH LOG FURNITURE

TRUCKLOAD SALE!!! Beds,Dressers, Nightstands,Bookcases and More.... Hugesavings while supplies last. Call797-1543.

FULL PILLOWTOP

MATTRESS Set: BRAND NEW,stil in factory plastic. Retail$450. Will sacrifice for $225.Call 797-1543

KING PILLOWTOP

MATTRESS Set: BRAND NEW,still in factory plastic. Retail$700. Will sacrifice for $380.Call 797-1543

QUEEN PILLOWTOP

MATTRESS Set: BRAND NEW,still in factory plastic. Retail$500. Will sacrifice for $279.Call 797-1543

ROCKER RECLINER, BRANDNEW, Overstuffed. Retail $650.Will sacrifice for $398. Call 797-1543

MISC.

DIRECTV FREE 4 RoomSystem! 265+ Channels! Starts$29.99/month. Free HBO +Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No StartUp Costs! Ends Soon! LocalInstallers 1-800-973-9027

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Television, FREE EQUIPMENT,FREE 4 Room Installation,FREE HD or DVR ReceiverUpgrade. Packages from$29.99/mo. Call DIRECT SatTV for Details 1-888-420-9479

FORCE PROTECTION

Security Details $73K-$220K!!Kidnapping Prevention $250-$1,000 daily!!! Call 1-615-891-1163 Ext.712www.rlcenterprises.net

FREE DIRECTV 4 RoomSystem! 265 Channels! Starts$29.99/month. Free HBO +Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No StartUp Costs! Ends Soon! LocalInstallers! 1-800-306-195

ANTIQUES

I WANT TO BUYAntiques, Collectables andCoins. Call Bruce Smith at 234-6663

HOMES FOR

SALE

CONTRACT FOR DEED! 1.1914 Kearney, 3 bedrooms, 2baths. 2. 1121 & 1121 1/2South Cedar. 3. 2505 E. 8thSt. 5 bedrooms, 2 baths. Allproperties are remodeled andready to move in condition.Owner financing is available forqualifying buyer. Call 262-4818

RE/MAX THE GROUP

Amy Lund1800-651-9004

Lots of Home for the Money!

4BDRM, 2.5 BA & 2 car garage!Fully finished in & out! Prices tosell at $218,000. Enter

ID#2195.

BANK FORECLOSURE! Onelevel living on eastside. 3BDRM, 1.5 BA & garage. Over1600 SF and fenced yard. Only$119,900! Enter ID #1495

BANK FORCLOSURE! Investin this 4 BDRM, 3 BA home inGlenrock. Over 2600 SF & greatyard! Only $129,000! Enter ID

#1605

STUNNING TWIN HOME! 3BDRM, 2.5 BA & 3 car garage!Great design & decor.Affordable at $159,900! Enter

ID #1265

EASTSIDE Beauty withstunning mountain views! 4BDRM, 2 BA, 1 car garage.Corner lot, updates & RVparking! Only $167,400 Enter

ID #1185

WESTSIDE BEAUTY! Ranchstyle home with 3 BDRM, 2 BA& 2 car garage! Mountain viewsand basement ready for further

FOR LEASE.Business Space. For moreinformation call 262-7421.

Ask for Sheryl.2 bdrm house or

commerical for lease. Call 262-7421

completion. Not even 2 yearsold! $235,900! Enter ID #3115

CUSTOM HOME FOR

SUBDIVISION! 2 mastersuites, 4 more rooms, greatroom addition & fully finished.Landscaped, 2 car garage &excellent condition! $236,500Enter ID #1645

DESIRABLE RANCH only afew years old! Grand livingarea, deluxe kitchen andgleaming hickory wood floors.3 BDRM, 2 BA & 2 car garage!New Price Only $339,900 Enter

ID #2365

VISIT

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For detailed information, seepictures, virtual tours &

request more information! Alsoget Pre-Qualified for FREE!Call Amy Lund Direct at:

307-473-8343

FOR SALE 3 bedrooms, 2.5baths, 2 car garage, asking$156,000.Pick up a flyer at 3143 QuiveraRiver Rd, Casper.Call 307-797-6941 or 307-797-6940

BUSINESS

BUILDINGS

FOR LEASE

VANS

To Place YourClassified

go towww.tidbitswyoming.com

or call473-8861

today!


What is a self-fulfilling prophecy? A Self-fulfillingprophecy is a deep held belief, often negative, thata person continues to create unconsciously andtherefore, continues to have experiences thatvalidate this self fulfilling prophecy. .

Where do these self-fulfilling prophecies comefrom? They usually originate in the early years of aperson’s life and are often re-enforced throughoutlife. (I.e. women/men can’t be trusted)

Why do people have self-fulfilling prophecies? Asa result, as an adult, the person continues torecreate this negative belief through experiences,which only serves to strengthen this belief. (I.e. theyfind men /woman that can’t be trusted andeliminate those that can) Now, in their world and intheir frame of reference it has become a truth andthey can give you several examples to validate thistruth. Self fulfilling prophesies (regardless of theemotional pain and destruction) are by naturedesigned to be validated, to be true and accurate(i.e. women/men can’t be trusted -they pick anuntrustworthy partner)

How do people hold on to their self-fulfillingprophesies? Often because of these self-fulfillingprophesies people don’t trust the ones they say theylove. When someone points out the negativepatterns or self-defeating behaviors, the personwanting to help often becomes the villain, even if itsomeone they love. Basically, they refuse to hearor trust anyone that interferes with this belief

I knew a man that believed his wife would leavehim (self fulfilling prophesies (I’m inadequatetherefore unlovable and no one will love me, theywill leave and abandoned me) It did not matterwhat she did to prove that she loved him, wastrustworthy and did not intend to leave. No matterwhat bad behavior he exemplified, she stood byhim. His response was to continue for 20 years untilit was unbearable for her and there were no moreoptions and she left. He finally got the relief he hadbeen looking for. “See, I told you, she was going toleave me.” What was her self fulfilling prophesythat kept her there so long?

Why do people hold onto their self-fulfillingprophecies? By villianizing the person they love theyare often fulfilling their self-fulfilling prophesy (i.e.relationships never work, you can’t trust anyone, allmen/women are bad.) There are many peoplewho want to believe, what they believe and neverchallenge themselves because it’s easiest. It’seasier. Emotional work is tough-we sometimes haveto stand up to people, admits are errors, own ourstuff. It’s simply easier to make the other personthe enemy. Change can be frightening - we oftendo not know the outcome.

When does a person eliminate their self-fulfillingprophecy? Often people begin to look atthemselves because they either have or are aboutto lose something or someone they love. Somepeople have to lose many things and/or many

Self-fulfilling

Prophecies

people they love

repeatedly before

they take

responsibility for their

part. Some never do.

Sometimes they start

saying the right words

and never change

the behaviors.

Ideally, they get tired of the pain -the losses andrealize they have to make the changes, bothintellectually and behaviorally, which in turn causesemotional discomfort- but enough is enough, theyare ready to have happy healthy relationships -whatever it takes.

That is one of the beautiful aspects of my job. Iam blessed to help people figure out why theykeep finding them self in the same boat (and theyare aware that it is them because they either keephearing the same thing or having the sameexperiences). Getting healthy changes things,sometimes people do not like us to change. Ourunhealthy behavior may be benefitting them orfilling the needs of one of their unhealthy self-fulfilling prophesies.This is the time to lookat your definition oflove (see followingarticle). Is it time foryou to eliminateyour self-fulfil l ingprophesies???

PAMELA T IVERSON,LPC, CACIII, EMDRCERTIFIED (307)265-0204.

Biscuits and GravyFor those of you who love biscuits and gravy,

you can now enjoy them without all the guilt sincethis version has only 2 grams of fat.

1 (7.5-ounce) can Pillsbury refrigerated buttermilk biscuits16 ounces lean ground turkey breast1 cup chopped onion1 tablespoon HE’s Lemon Herb Pepper Seasoning or any lemon pepper3 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups fat-free milk

Bake biscuits according to package directions.Meanwhile, in a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown turkey and onion.Add lemon pepper seasoning. In a covered jar,combine flour and milk. Shake well to blend. Pourmilk mixture into skillet with browned turkey.Continue cooking until mixture thickens, stirringoften. For each serving, arrange 2 biscuits on aplate and spoon about 2/3 cup gravy over biscuits.Serves 5.

• Each serving equals: 242 calories, 2g fat, 24gprotein, 32g carbs, 445mg sodium, 130mgcalcium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Starch,1/2 Fat-Free Milk; Carb Choices: 2.

Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyexchanges.com,or call toll-free at 1-800-766-8961 to sign-up for our FREEmonthly newsletter. All you pay is shipping and handling. Thisis the only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy weight loss.

© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.


PuzzleAnswers

answers on page 7

answers on page 7answers on page 7


Thurs., Aug 20th .....Happy Hour, 1627 East 2nd Street, Pottery By You

Thurs., Aug 20th .....CASPER SPEEDWAY 2009, CASPER SPEEDWAY/

2117 EAST ROAD, Casper Speedway

Sat., Aug 22nd.........NFL PEPSI PUNT, PASS & KICK COMPETITION,

Cheney alumni field @ Natrona County High School, Casper Recreation

Center

Sat., Aug 22nd.........SUNRISE CRAFT FAIR, Sunrise Shopping Center

Sat., Aug 22nd......... The Cookout, 949 North Durbin, Soldiers of the Light

Sat., Aug 22nd.........Pat & John Patton, Durham Hall, Aley Fine Arts

Center, Casper College, ARTCORE

Sat., Aug 22nd.........CELEBRITY CHEF COOK-OFF, The National

Historic Trails Center Foundation

Sun., Aug 23rd ........MOSAIC MADNESS, 1627 East 2nd Street, Pottery

By You

Sun., Aug 23rd ........TRAIL RUN SERIES #3 “SUNDAY”, Hogadon Ski

Area, Windy City Striders

Sun., Aug 23rd ........SUNRISE CRAFT FAIR, Sunrise Shopping Center

Tues., Aug 25th ....... Casper Ghost vs Orem Owlz, Mike Lansing Field,

Casper Ghost Baseball

Tues., Aug 25th .......PERSONALIZED PUMPKINS!, 1627 East 2nd

Street, Pottery By You

Tues., Aug 25th .......DOWNTOWN CASPER COMMUNITY

FARMERS MARKET, 400 E. COLLINS,Downtown Casper

Community Farmers Market

Wed., Aug 26th .......Wednesday Night Live, The NIC, 400 E. Collins,

Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center

ADVERTISE

YOUR

BUSINESS IN

g{x W|Ç|Çz 9

XÇàxÜàt|ÇÅxÇà

ctzx4

CALL ALISHA

TODAY AT

307-473-8661OR 247-1806

• “I have three kids, ages 10, 13 and 16.They seem to constantly be in need ofmoney, and with my husband and me bothworking, we are in need of time. Wheneveran odd job pops into my mind, I jot it downon a Post-it note, along with the estimatedtime to accomplish it, ‘to be done by’ date

and compensation. I post these on the family calendar, and the kids cando them for extra allowance. They get paid by presenting the ‘receipt,’and we check their work. It’s really helpful.” — T.C. in Minnesota

• Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your vehicle. Whenever you get inthe car, sanitize your hands. It’s an easy way to keep hands clean duringthe day.

• “If you have a child who’s attached to his or her blankie, but is gettingtoo old to port it about, try turning it into a pillow together. Fold it over, stitchup two open ends and stuff with filling, then close. The child can keep it forbedtime.” — Megan, via e-mail

• “My husband has long been a user of glass baby-food jars in hisworkshop. Now I am just as big a fan: I use them to hold spices in the kitchen.I remove the label and glue a plain sticker over the lid to label the spice.The wider mouth of these jars makes it much easier to stick a measuringspoon into.” — J.R.J. in Florida

• Go Green Tip: Although toilets and bathroom/kitchen faucets are themost common places for a water leak, they are not the only places youcan lose water. Try checking your water meter before and after a period oftime that you use no water. For instance, check it when you leave for work

and again when you come home. Call your water

provider if you need help locating your water meter.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service,

P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn [email protected].



Jack and HaileyAnderson are such loyal Northwest/Delta frequent-flyer members, they’re each on their way to rack-ing up enough miles for free travel, which is im-pressive considering they areonly 3 and 4 years old. Thesepint-size seasoned travelers havebeen in the air between San Jose,Calif., and Minneapolis/St. Paulat least twice a year since birthto visit doting grandparents,cousins and friends. Toss in a tripto Disneyland in Anaheim, Ca-lif., and vacation in Houston,and they’ve honed their travelskills to collect more than just a few wings.

So what’s the secret for keeping smiles on theirfaces from a long airport-security line to baggageclaim five hours later? “They have jobs to do andplenty of activities to keep them busy from themoment we start packing for our trip,” says their37-year-old mom, Sara. “The long flight, summeror holiday crowds and unexpected weather delayscan be a challenge if you aren’t prepared.”

Here are some smart new tips to keep spiritshigh and help the miles fly by:

Keep Preschoolers’Spirits Flying High

—Assist preschoolers in packing easy-to-carrysuitcases or backpacks to have onboard. Includejust enough healthy and easy-to-handle food tokeep young tummies satisfied. For fun stuff to do,

include stickers, crayons, tabletsand matchbox cars. Sara suggestspacking only thin storybooks tokeep the bags light, since you’llwant the kids to carry their belong-ings all the way to the plane them-selves. She purchases bottled wa-ter near the gate in case the kidsget thirsty before in-flight bever-age service is provided.

—As you board the plane, takethe opportunity to look at the cockpit with all thebuttons and dials, if it is allowed. Sara’s kids lovemeeting the pilots and receiving trading cards de-picting the plane they are flying on that day.

—If you have a portable DVD player, bring italong with favorite movies. As soon as a flight at-tendant announces that the plane is at an altitudewhere electronic devices are allowed, press the“on” switch, and your kids will be off in the landof Care Bears for a good chunk of the flight.

—Sara brings her own garbage bag and enlists

the kids in collecting all the trash that has accu-mulated around their seats during the trip. “Theflight attendantslove this gesture,”she says, “and thekids learn at a youngage that they are re-sponsible for theirown mess!”

• • •Donna Erickson’s

award-winning televi-sion series “Donna’sDay” airs on public tele-vision nationwide. Visitwww.donnasday.com tofind out when it airs onyour local PBS stationand to sign up forDonna’s e-newsletter.

© 2009 Donna

Erickson.Distributed by King

Features Synd.


Biffle Is Racing as Hard as He CanAugust 20 - 26, 2009

This hasn’t been the season Greg Biffleexpected, though he certainly has time topick up the pieces.

The 39-year-old Biffle didn’t win dur-ing the 2008 regular season, but after

making the Chase, proceeded to win its first two races. He wound up third inthe Sprint Cup standings.

For now, Biffle’s first priority is making the Chase, but that doesn’t meanhe’s going to back off.

“We’re certainly not racing conservatively,” he said. “We’re racing to win,but we’re not going to do anything stupid.

“We know we have to stay in (the top 12 in order to qualify for the Chase).It’s tight ... and we’re doing all we can do.”

Roush Fenway Racing put Biffle in what was then still the Winston CupSeries back in 2003. He finished second in the Chase standings two years later.A year ago, three Roush Fenway drivers — Biffle, Carl Edwards and MattKenseth — made the Chase. They could do it again, but the positions of Biffleand Kenseth are hardly secure as the regular season enters its final four races.

“We’re just going to have to be better,” said Biffle. “We know that. We’renervous about getting in (the Chase), and anything can happen. ... There aresome races we’re concerned about leading up to the cutoff (end of the regularseason), and we know we’re on the bubble, so it’s important to have goodfinishes right now.”

Biffle, from Vancouver, Wash., is one of only two drivers to have won cham-pionships in both the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. (JohnnyBenson is the other.) Biffle also was rookie of the year in both series. He cameup through NASCAR’s developmental system, winning track championshipsearly in his career at Tri-City Raceway in West Richland, Wash., and Portland(Ore.) Speedway.

“Really, we’re working as hard as we can every week to bring the best racecars we can to the track,” said Biffle. “It’s important that we have the best

possible equipment right now.“We’re racing as hard as we can. We’re not taking

big risks, but, at the same time, we’re racing for thewin.”

• • •Monte Dutton has covered motorsports for The

Gaston (N.C.) Gazette since 1993. He was namedwriter of the year by the National Motorsports PressAssociation in 2008. His blog NASCAR This Week(http://nascar.rbma.com) features all of his reportingon racing, roots music and life on the road. E-mailMonte at [email protected].


Roush Fenway driver Greg Biffle says his first priority is making the Chase,but that doesn’t mean he’s going to back off. (Photo: Getty Images)


Q: I was wondering how Patrick Swayzeis doing in his battle against pancreaticcancer. — Lisa J., Parma, Ohio

A: Patrick, who turns 57 this month, hasbeen battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancersince January 2008. Publicly, he hasmaintained high spirits throughout the fight,

claiming in his interview with Barbara Walters earlier this year that he is going tokick it. Recent photos of the actor/dancer/singer show him looking better, and itappears he has put on weight.

Patrick was dealt a blow earlier thissummer when A&E confirmed that hisdetective drama, “The Beast,” had beencanceled. On Sept. 29, Patrick and hiswife are set to release their jointautobiography, “The Time of My Life.”According to amazon.com, the bookcovers “his Texas upbringing, his personalstruggles, his rise to fame with ‘North andSouth,’ his commercial breakthroughs in‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Ghost,’ and the soulmate who’s stood by his side through itall: his wife, writer/director Lisa Niemi.”

• • •Q: I have a question about a song in a

Visa check-card commercial, whichsounds an awful lot like the Moody Blues.Is it? — Reggie H., via e-mail

A: I believe the song you are referring to is “Tuesday Afternoon,” and it isindeed by the Moody Blues. The song comes from the 1967 album “Days ofFuture Passed,” and it was released as a single in 1968. It reached the No. 24 spoton Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. “Tuesday Afternoon” was the follow-up to the band’smegahit, “Nights in White Satin.”

• • •Q: I haven’t seen a new episode of “Curb Your Enthusiam” on HBO in quite a

while. Please tell me it hasn’t been canceled! — Janice, Fort Worth, TexasA: Don’t worry, Janice, HBO has picked up the Larry David comedy for its

seventh season, which is scheduled to premiere Sept. 20. Cheryl Hines hasconfirmed she will return to the show, as will Vivica A. Fox, who has been Larry’slove interest in Season Six. Will the two ladies fight for Larry’s attention?

Also, the principal cast of “Seinfeld” — Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus,Jason Alexander and Michael Richards — will be appearing on several episodesof the new season. “Seinfeld,” as I am sure you know, was a Larry David creation.

• • •Q: I really like the new “Knight Rider” and wonder why it isn’t coming back.

— Dee Dee D., Anadarko, Okla.A: Low ratings are what killed KITT, along with the latest incarnation of the

popular 1980s TV show. The 2008 version of “Knight Rider” was riddled withinconsistencies, poor reviews and general lack of interest. Even a guest appearanceby the original Michael Knight himself, David Hasselhoff, couldn’t rev up itsratings. However, you can relive all of Season One’s greatest moments, as thecomplete first season of “Knight Rider” came out on DVD over the summer.

Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at [email protected], or write to her in care of KingFeatures Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Visit Cindy’s Web site atwww.celebrityextraonline.com.


Larry David & Seinfeld cast.


Only 53 percent of the staff that pays claims for the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-VA Outpatient Fee Care Program had a training course before being turned loose with thecheckbook. So says a recent report that estimates $1.1 billion in overpayments to medicalvendors in the past five years.

The Non-VA Fee Care Program allows veterans who live far from a VA facility, or whoneed medical services that the VA can’t provide, to go to an outside facility for care. In allcases, pre-authorization is required.

The report by the VA’s Office of the Inspector General says that 37 percent of paid claimshad something wrong, such as duplication of payment or an incorrect amount. For the year2008 alone, that means that $225 million was overpaid.

In 80 percent of the claims, authorization was improperly given. This means that no onechecked to see if VA medical centers could provide the same service before authorizing medicalcare at an outside facility.

In 55 percent of the claims, lower-level staff took it upon themselves to authorize outsideservices when they had no authority.

Duplicate payments accounted for 12 percent of the claims paid, totaling $156 million.Incorrect payments were made 26 percent of the time due to incorrect fee-payment schedules.

This accounts for $47 million in overpayments.Miscellaneous minor payment errors accounted for $20.5 million in overpayments.The report says that the Veterans Health Administration doesn’t have control over the

payments because it doesn’t have current policies in place for procedures, staff training andoversight.

Potential new policies were submitted for review last fall, but haven’t been instituted afterit was determined that they didn’t even come close to addressing all the problems.

Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to [email protected]. © 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

$1.1 Billion... Gone


Advertising for Kids and their Parents. Call 247-1806 for details!

Q: This summer, I found a couple of small leaks inthe attic, apparently from some rough spots on the roof.I marked the attic ceiling where the leaks are, but what’sthe best way to repair them? — Greta in Topeka, Kansas

A: You can patch those leaky spots for now, but you’llwant to have your roof evaluated by a professional assoon as possible. In the meantime, here’s how you canminimize the damage.

Indoors, place containers underneath the leaks tocatch rainwater, and dry up damp areas as they occur.Next, since you’ve already marked the leak sources,make sure their locations can be found from outside onthe roof.

You can do this in two ways: at each leaky spot, drivea large nail through the underside of the roof, upward— this will punch through or push up the shingle above,marking the spot; or, measure the distance between eachleak and the nearest feature that can be seen outside —like the chimney, a vent opening or the roof peak.

From there, a spot repair should be made on the roof.Always work with a partner and a safety rope. On a dryday, head up there with some roofing cement, a coupleof spare shingles, a utility knife, roofing nails, a hammerand a flat pry bar.

At the leak spot, remove the big marking nail — it’sno longer needed. Evaluate the area. If the shingle aboveis loose or torn, seal back in place with a generousapplication of roofing cement. If it’s missing, install anew shingle by sliding it into place under the shingleabove the missing part (carefully loosen the uppershingle if necessary, using the pry bar), tacking downwith roofing cement and securing with a couple of

Short-TermFix for Leaky

RoofBy Samantha Mazzotta

roofing nails (nail them along the top of the replacementshingle, under the overlapping shingle, then press theoverlapping shingle down over them).

Sometimes, leaks occur at roof joints — where theroof meets a corner, or a chimney. Metal flashing is inplace to sluice water away from these joints, but gapsoften occur after a few years thanks to warping anddebris strikes. Patch the flashing with roofing cement

for now, and have it evaluated for replacement in thenear future.

HOME TIP: If a roof leak is running down the beamstoward the wall, break the flow by nailing a small piece ofwood to the beam. The water will drip off the wood piece(place a bucket underneath).

Send questions or home-repair tips to [email protected], orwrite This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475,

Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.


answers on page 7

“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”by J. Randy Taraborrelli

(Grand Central Publishers, $26.99)Reviewed by Larry Cox

Since several hundred books have been writtenabout Marilyn Monroe, one might assume that thereis nothing new to be revealed about the actress.That assumption would be wrong.

Author J. Randy Taraborrelli, who has writtenbestselling biographies of Diana Ross, FrankSinatra, Grace Kelly, and Joan and Jackie Kennedy,has served up an insightful account of Monroe’slife that brims with fresh facts. Along the way, hedebunks many popular myths and rumors to give amore focused picture of the woman behind thehype.

This is a groundbreaking book that draws onpersonal interviews and in-depth research,including FBI files released under the Freedom ofInformation Act. What gives this book its tractionis the detailed and sympathetic portraits of thewomen who made such a difference in MissMonroe’s life, namely her mother, her foster motherand her legal guardian.

Despite claims to the contrary, Monroe wasextremely close to her mentally ill mother, and thatrelationship continued until the actresses’ death in1962. During the 1950s, press agents claimedMonroe’s mother was either dead or had no role inher life. This couldn’t have been further from thetruth.

Monroe’s complex relationship with theKennedys — Bobby, Jack and Pat — is sorted outand placed in context. Also, her personal battle withmental illness and the heavy-duty prescriptiondrugs she consumed help to explain her somewhaterratic behavior at times.

This is an unflinching look at the private life ofone of America’s most fascinating and elusive iconsof the 20th century. It is balanced, sympathetic,surprisingly moving — and yes, even haunting.

With publication of this book, we have comeabout as close to the real Marilyn Monroe as weare likely to get. More books about Monroe willno doubt be written, but it is against this one thatall others will be measured.



Patent Leather PurseQ: I have an item I would like to have

appraised: a Coblentz patent leather purse. Canyou recommend someone who can help me? —Barbara, Foley, Ala.

A: I did some research about your pocketbookand discovered that the Colblentz handbagcompany began in 1935 and was originallylocated at 6 West 32nd Street in New York.According to promotional brochures, founderLouis Colblentz claimed his handbags reflected“Parisian smartness.” According to one of hisearly catalogs, most of his bags retailed for about$5 each. The company relocated to 30 East 33rdStreet in 1950.

Instead of an appraiser, perhaps you shouldcontact an expert in field. Roseann Ettinger,owner of Remember When, is the author of“Handbags” and is an authority on handbags andolder purses. She has agreed to help you. Hercontact information is 21-23 West Broad St.,Hazelton, PA 18201; [email protected].

• • •Q: I have a set of Bulwer Lytton’s novels and

have been told they are quite valuable. Theyappear to be quite old. — June, Campbell River,B.C., Canada

A: Bulwer Lytton, born in 1803, was an Englishwriter, poet and politician. He published dozensof novels and is best known today for the openingline of his 1830 novel, “Paul Clifford”: “It was adark and stormy night” quickly became a literarycliché. The value of Lytton novels is not all thatgreat. According to two dealers I contacted, mostsell in the $2 to $3 range. I suspect your set might

not be worth much more than about $75 unless ithas an exceptional binding and is a limited edition.

• • •Q: I found a ceramic pitcher in my late brother’s

belongings and wonder if you can tell me anythingabout it. It is marked “Santucci Deruta.” — Joan,Rio Rancho, N.M.

A: Your pottery was made in Italy, probably inabout 1980. It is not all that collectible. A quickcheck of eBay revealed that several pieces ofSantucci Deruta pottery were available in the $10to $15 range.

• • •Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly

Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or sende-mail to [email protected]. Due to the large volumeof mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answerall reader questions. Do not send any materials requiringreturn mail.


Top 10 Video Rentals

1. Watchmen (R) Malin Akerman (Warner)

2. Coraline (PG) animated (Universal)

3. Knowing (PG-13) Nicolas Cage (Summit)

4. Haunting in Connecticut (PG-13)

Virginia Madsen (Lionsgate)

5. Push (PG-13) Chris Evans (Summit)

6. Unborn (PG-13) Odette Yustman (Universal)

7. Horsemen (R) Dennis Quaid (Lionsgate)

8. 12 Rounds (PG-13) John Cena

(20th Century Fox)

9. Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG) Isla Fisher

(Touchstone)

10. Gran Torino (R) Clint Eastwood (Warner)

Top 10 DVD Sales

1. Watchmen (R) (Warner)

2. Coraline (PG) (Universal)

3. The Haunting in Connecticut

(PG-13) (Lionsgate)

4. Knowing (PG-13) (Summit)

5. Gran Torino (R) (Warner)

6. Push (PG-13) (Summit)

7. Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II

(NR) (Warner)

8. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

(PG-13) (Warner)

9. Prison Break: The Final Break (NR)

(20th Century Fox)

10. Psych: The Complete Third Season

(NR) (Universal)


TOP TEN

VIDEO, DVDas of

Aug. 15, 2009


Volunteer WhileUnemployed

Job hunting when unemployed involves more thanjust sitting in front of a computer, sending off resumesand waiting for the phone to ring — or at least itshould. Sitting at home day after day isn’t good foryou — or your job hunt.

Thousands of unemployed are taking theiremployment break as an opportunity to volunteer —yes, work for free — and are enjoying the benefits itcan bring.

The benefits of volunteering include:• Giving you specifics to cover any gaps in your

work history. Your future employer will appreciatethe fact that you didn’t sit around, that you showedinitiative and tried new things.

• Free education and experience. Dependingwhere you volunteer, you could have the opportunityto learn new money, office and people skills, andbuild the ones you already have. It all goes on yourresume.

• Widened horizons. Volunteering in an industrythat’s different from your usual work could open youreyes to the possibilities in other fields. Perhaps you’llaim your sights in another direction, or expand thedirection you’re going in now. Perhaps you’ll decidethat the new industry is for you and you’ll go backto school.

• Being hired. You could end up being hired bythe very place where you volunteer.

• Making contacts. You never know who has whatinformation. The right word to the right person couldstart a chain of events that leads you to a permanent

job. It only takes one key contact to find you thatjob, and you don’t know who that contact is. Themore people you come in contact with during thecourse of a day, the wider your network will expand.

Where should you volunteer? Try museums, theHumane Society, hospitals, food banks, communitygardens and parks, or after-school programs — thelist of possibilities is long. Nonprofits need helpmore than ever as their funding has been cut in manycases, and they’re struggling. Volunteers are neededfor jobs such as grant writer, bookkeeper, fundraiser,greeter in all types of settings, marketing and publicrelations, museum docent, meal delivery to shut-ins, translator, tour guide and much more.

The benefits to you, however, are the biggest ofall. Keeping your spirits up and staying positive isimportant to your long-term job hunt.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer readerquestions, but will incorporate them into his column wheneverpossible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service,P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail [email protected].



By Samantha Weaver

• It was the inestimable Miss Piggy who made the

following sage observation: “Beauty is in the eye

of the beholder, and it may be necessary from timeto time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder ablack eye.”

• If you ever travel to the Far East, you might runacross an aspidistra, an ornamental plant with anunusual claim to fame. Although most plants arepollinated by bees, birds and other flying creatures,the aspidistra is pollinated by the humble snail.

• Do you suffer from hallux valgus? Don’t worry,the malady is not as bad as it sounds. It just meansthat you have bunions.

• When a pope dies, the cardinals convene to

elect a new one, but there’s no guideline requiring

that a certain amount of time be spent in the

process. In 1503, Pope Julius II was elected in only

a few hours. In contrast, Pope Gregory X’s election

in 1271 occurred nearly three years after the

previous pope died.

• Before he founded the auto company Mazda,

Jujiro Matsuda worked in Japan as a blacksmith.

• What do the words “uncopyrightable” and

“dermatoglyphics” have in common?

Dermatoglyphics is the study of skin patterns such

as fingerprints, so the meanings have nothing to do

with each other. These two are the longest words

in the English language that have no repeating

letters.

• You might be surprised to learn that a taste bud

lives only about 10 days.© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.


answers on page 7

Wet Nose, Dry NoseBy Sam Mazzotta

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I read that a dog’s nose is wet when it’s healthy, anddry when it’s sick. Is it the same for cats? — David in Columbus, Ga.

DEAR DAVID: It’s a good guideline to follow for both dogs and cats, althoughthere’s more to a nose than just wet or dry.

A healthy dog or cat’s nose will be slightly moist — although sometimes acat’s nose will seem a little bit dry. Neither animal should react negatively to alight touch or rub on the nose.

If a dog or cat’s nose is very wet, it may not be completely healthy. Conversely,if the nose is extremely dry, that’s not a great sign either. If a pet doesn’t wantyou to touch its nose (when it normally doesn’t have a problem with you doingit), that might not be a good sign.

I say “maybe” and “might” a lot, because a pet’s nose isn’t the single bestmeasure of that pet’s health. Each pet is an individual with a different level ofnose wetness or dryness. If, for example, you have a cat whose nose alwaysfeels a bit dry, but is otherwise healthy, then the cat is probably healthy.

So, you have to be aware of more than just a pet’s nose when evaluating itshealth. Certainly, you can give it a daily check — you’ll learn quickly what’s“normal” for your pet. But also be familiar with your pet’s usual behaviors,when it eats and sleeps, and how itinteracts with other familymembers. Changes in behavioroften indicate illness. Be familiarwith how his or her coat looks — ifit becomes shaggy or chronicallymatted, for example, that’sabnormal.

And of course, always checkwith the veterinarian if you’re notsure.

Send your tips, questions and comments toPaw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service,P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to [email protected].


BradyDomestic Short Hair

Small - YoungMale - Pet ID: 1579682

BuddyDachshund

Small - AdultMale - Pet ID: 1706687

LexieLhasa Apso

Medium - AdultFemale - Pet ID: 1704287

ColbyLhasa Apso

Medium - AdultFemale - Pet ID: 1703995

NixonJack Russell Terrier

Small - YoungMale - Pet ID: 1704307

Photos by DeMaine Image 400 E. 1st Street234-5300

Todd Talbert265-0200

421 South Center Street251 S. Center (Downtown)

234-6605

1973 EastA St.

266-2677

Tracie Bopp

1421 E. 2nd St.265-0517


• On Sept. 2, 1666, in the early-morning hours, theGreat Fire of London breaks out in the house of KingCharles II’s baker on Pudding Lane near LondonBridge. The fire spread to engulf 13,000 houses, nearly90 churches and scores of public buildings.Miraculously, only 16 people were known to havedied.

• On Sept. 6, 1847, writer Henry David Thoreau moves

For homes with large windows that receive a lot ofsun, awnings can be a real plus. They block out harshrays, reducing cooling costs and fading. Many oftoday’s awnings are made from heavy cotton or syn-thetic fabric that has been treated to be water resis-tant. As a result, awnings are much easier to care forthan ever.

Awning CareBy Tresa Erickson Because they are outside and prone to the elements,

it is essential that homeowners care for their awningsproperly. They must keep all leaves, twigs, vines andother debris off the awnings, or it could stain and rotthe fabric. Homeowners should also keep the guttersabove the awnings clean to prevent roof runoff fromdamaging the fabric.

Awnings should be cleaned periodically to preventdirt and debris from lodging into the weave of the fab-ric. Homeowners should sweep off the awnings, insideand out, with a broom. Then they should get out a softbristle brush and a pan of warm, soapy water and cleanthe inside and outside. For awnings with deep stains, itmay be necessary to use some type of cleaner.Homeowners should use products recommended forthe type of material their awnings are made of and steerclear of all products with chlorine, which could ruin thefabric.

After the initial washing, homeowners should rinsethe awnings with a hose and give them ample time todry. Homeowners should never retract their awningswhen wet. The fabric could mildew. Once the awningsare dry, homeowners may apply a water-repellent fab-ric protector to them for added protection.

From time to time, insects like spiders or wasps maynest in awnings. Homeowners should use a broom todislodge the nests and remove the insects. They shouldnever use sprays or insecticides, which could damagethe fabric and destroy its water resistance.

Homeowners should inspect their awnings regularlyfor damage and make repairs as necessary. All tears

and holes should be mended quickly, while rustedframes should be stripped and repainted. For the bestresults, homeowners should take down their awningsduring the winter and store them in a cool, dry, darkplace.

Awnings in general don’t require a lot of care, andthe occasional care they do require is offset by thesavings in costs. Rooms with windows covered by aw-nings require less energy to cool and are more com-fortable. Coming in a variety of fabrics and colors, aw-nings make an attractive, energy-efficient addition toany home.

in with Ralph Waldo Emerson in Concord, Mass., afterliving for two years in a shack he built himself onWalden Pond. While at Walden, Thoreau spent a brieftime in jail for refusing to pay taxes to support the warwith Mexico. He later wrote Civil Disobedience basedon the experience.

• On Sept. 5, 1930, Charles Creighton and JamesHargis, from Maplewood, N.J., arrived in New York City,having completed a 42-day round trip to Los Angeles.They drove their 1929 Ford Model A the entire 7,180miles in reverse gear.

• On Sept. 4, 1886, Geronimo, the wiliest and mostdangerous Apache warrior of his time, finallysurrenders in Skeleton Canyon, Ariz. After several yearsof imprisonment, Geronimo was given his freedom,

and he moved to Oklahoma, where he convertedto Christianity and became a successful farmer.

• On Sept. 3, 1977, Sadaharu Oh of Japan’s YomiuriGiants hits the 756th home run of his career, breakingHank Aaron’s professional record for career homeruns. Oh, the greatest Japanese player of his era,retired in 1980 with 868 home runs, still a professionalrecord.

• On Sept. 1, 1985, seventy-three years after it sankto the North Atlantic Ocean floor, a joint U.S.-Frenchexpedition locates the wreck of the RMS Titanic about400 miles east of Newfoundland. Researchers usedan experimental, unmanned submersible developedby the U.S. Navy to search for the ocean liner.


Tidbits of Casper 08/20/09

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