Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

8
Issue 27 Feb. 6- Feb. 12, 2009 Stop searching for talent. Start finding it. Manpower can find it for you faster. With unmatched know-how, perfected processes and access to qualified candidates, we can find the talented people you need. For temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent placements. We’ll deliver what you’re searching for. 241 Charles H Dimmock Pkwy., Ste. 4 Colonial Heights 804.520.8442 us.manpower.com WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS? If You Can Provide: Sales Experience · A Computer · Desktop Publishing Software · A Reasonable Financial Investment We provide the opportunity for success! Call 1.800.523.3096 www.tidbitsweekly.com Publish a Paper in Your Area 306 North 2 nd Avenue, Hopewell, VA WE HAVE MOVED to a new location to better serve YOU! 804-452-4442 Office • 804-452-0043 Fax www.belzerbusiness.com Where Quality is Guaranteed! ACCOUNTING • PAYROLL • TAX $ 25 00 TAX PREPARATION Call 1-804-520-8535 or visit www.JacksonHewitt.com Off “IT HELPS TO BE ON A WINNING TEAM.” - Earvin “Magic” Johnson 9 OUT OF 10 JACKSON HEWITT CUSTOMERS GET A TAX REFUND* That’s because our team works hard for you. We dig deep, asking you all the right questions so you’ll get every credit and deduction you deserve. 707 Southpark Blvd Ste 5, Col. Heights 804-520-8535 2130 S. Crater Rd Ste D, Petersburg 804-733-6055 12710 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Chester 804-768-1040 *Based on 2007 & 2008 customers receiving a federal tax refund. Current year customer experience may be different. A taxpayer’s refund eligibility is determined by his/her individual tax situation. Most offices are independently owned & operated. Offer valid on tax preparation fees only. Does not apply to financial products or other services. Present coupon at time of tax preparation. Valid at participating locations only and may not be combined with other offers. Expires 4/15/09 COUPON CODE W9PHH Turn the page for more! ...get gorgeous. Custom salon services with a personal touch. by appointment only Tammy Eads: Owner 804.526.2641 located in the Harrowgate Corridor area of Chester New Client Special get 25% off a Chemical Service or $2 off a Haircut r r The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2006 FREE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2007 Barrett Media Solutions, LLC. For Ad Rates call: 1.804.731.7504 [email protected] 4605 County Drive Petersburg (Rt 460) Ph 732-3278 Buy 1 Dinner, Get 2nd Dinner 1/2 PRICE Good after 4 p.m. Mon-Thurs Only Half price meal must be of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers. Tidbits offer exp. 4/4/09 • PGF BBQ Serving Lunch & Dinner 7 Days A Week! 10 AM - 9PM Catering Available for 25-100 people Fx 732-3277 Take Out $ 5.95 ALL DAY, EVERY DAY Come join the fun and taste our authentic Mexican cuisine at Don Jose! Open 7 Days a Week! Sun.-Thurs. 11-10 Fri.-Sat. 11-11 3609 Boulevard • Col. Heights (804) 520-8422 1/2 PRICE Buy 1 Lunch or Dinner, Get 2nd Half price meal must be of equal or lesser value. Valid only at Col. Heights location. Exp. 4/4/09 New Extended Menu! Don Jose Coupon $2.50 Kid’s Meals on Mon. & Wed. (Includes Drink - Dine in only) turn the page for more Tidbits! THIS EDITION OF TIDBITS COMES FROM THE HEART by Kathleen Lakeland From our heart to yours, Tidbits wants you to have a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Richard Cadbury devised the first heart- shaped candy boxes in Birmingham, Eng- land, in 1861. The covers for the original boxes were decorated with a painting of Cadbury’s daughter holding a kitten. Just how long have those tiny Valentine’s Day slogan candies – known as conversation hearts – been around? When they were in- vented back in 1860, Abraham Lincoln had just been elected president, the telephone had not yet been invented, and millions of bison still roamed the Great Plains! The back yard of Jayne Mansfield’s famous ‘Pink Palace’ was the home of Hollywood’s first heart-shaped swimming pool. It was custom built by Mickey Hargitay, her hus- band at the time. As a finishing touch, he spelled out “I Love You Jaynie” in gold mo- saic tiles at the bottom of the deep end. In 1973, Milton Glaser designed the popular “I Ɔ” symbol that stands for “I Love (some- thing).” He came up with the idea as part of a campaign to promote New York tourism, and his “I Ɔ NY” logo was an immediate hit. of the Tri-Cities

description

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

Transcript of Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Page 1: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Issue 27Feb. 6- Feb. 12, 2009

Stop searching for talent. Start finding it.Manpower can find it for you faster. With unmatched know-how, perfected processes and access to qualified candidates,we can find the talented people you need. For temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent placements. We’ll deliver what you’re searching for.

241 Charles H Dimmock Pkwy., Ste. 4Colonial Heights 804.520.8442 us.manpower.com

The Tidbits® Paper is a Division of Tidbits Media, Inc. • Montgomery, AL 36106(800) 523-3096 • E-mail: [email protected] • All Rights Reserved ©2008

Information in the Tidbits® Paper is gathered from sources considered to bereliable but the ac cu ra cy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Can’t Get Enough Tidbits?

Limited EditionBook Set

Limited Edition

T R I L O G Y

Send $24.95 (plus $5.00 S&H) by Check or Money Order to:

Tidbits Media, Inc.1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 301

Montgomery, AL 36106(800) 523-3096

(Alabama residents add appropriate sales tax.)Reprints of Books I, II, & III.

RESERVE NOW!

WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSI NESS?

If You Can Provide: Sales Experience · A Computer · Desktop Publishing Software · A Reasonable Financial In vest ment

We provide the opportunity for success!

Call 1.800.523.3096www.tidbitsweekly.com

Publish a Pa per in Your Area

306 North 2nd Avenue, Hopewell, VA

WE HAVE MOVED

to a new location to better serve YOU!

804-452-4442 Office • 804-452-0043 Faxwww.belzerbusiness.com Where Quality is Guaranteed!

ACCOUNTING • PAYROLL • TAX

$2500TAX

PREPARATION

Call 1-804-520-8535 or visit www.JacksonHewitt.com

Off

“IT HELPS TO BE ON A WINNING TEAM.” - Earvin “Magic” Johnson

9 OUT OF 10JACKSON HEWITT CUSTOMERS GET A TAX REFUND*

That’s because our team works hard for you. We dig deep,asking you all the right questions so

you’ll get every credit and deduction you deserve.

707 Southpark Blvd Ste 5, Col. Heights 804-520-85352130 S. Crater Rd Ste D, Petersburg 804-733-605512710 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Chester 804-768-1040

*Based on 2007 & 2008 customers receiving a federal tax refund. Current year customer experience may be different. A taxpayer’s refund eligibility is determined by his/her individual tax situation.

Most offices are independently owned & operated.

Offer valid on tax preparation fees only. Does not apply to financial products or other services. Present coupon at time of tax preparation. Valid at participating locations only and may not be combined with other offers. Expires 4/15/09 COUPON CODE W9PHH

Turn the page for more!

...get gorgeous.

Custom salon services with a personal touch.

by appointment only Tammy Eads:

Owner

804.526.2641located in the Harrowgate Corridor area of Chester

New Client Specialget 25% off a Chemical

Service or $2 off a Haircut

r

r

tangles08b.pdf 12/10/08 3:50:58 PM

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2006

FREEALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2007

Barrett Media Solutions, LLC. For Ad Rates call: 1.804.731.7504 [email protected]

4605 County Drive Petersburg (Rt 460)

Ph 732-3278

Buy 1 Dinner, Get 2nd Dinner1/2 PRICE

Good after 4 p.m. Mon-Thurs OnlyHalf price meal must be of equal or lesser value.

Not valid with other offers.Tidbits offer exp. 4/4/09 • PGF BBQ

ServingLunch & Dinner7 Days A Week!10 AM - 9PM

Catering Available for 25-100 people

Fx 732-3277

Take Out

$5.95ALL DAY,

EVERYDAY

Come join the fun and taste our authentic Mexican cuisine at Don Jose!

Open 7 Days a Week!Sun.-Thurs. 11-10

Fri.-Sat. 11-113609 Boulevard • Col. Heights

(804) 520-8422

1/2 PRICEBuy 1 Lunch or Dinner, Get 2nd

Half price meal must be of equal or lesser value.Valid only at Col. Heights location. Exp. 4/4/09

NewExtended

Menu!

Don Jose Coupon

$2.50 Kid’s Meals on Mon. & Wed.(Includes Drink - Dine in only)

turn the page for more Tidbits!

Did you hear the one about the nearsighted porcupine that fell in love with the pincushion?

THIS EDITION OF TIDBITS COMES

FROM THE HEART by Kathleen Lakeland

From our heart to yours, Tidbits wants you to have a very Happy Valentine’s Day! • Richard Cadbury devised the first heart-

shaped candy boxes in Birmingham, Eng-land, in 1861. The covers for the original boxes were decorated with a painting of Cadbury’s daughter holding a kitten.

• Just how long have those tiny Valentine’s Day slogan candies – known as conversation hearts – been around? When they were in-vented back in 1860, Abraham Lincoln had just been elected president, the telephone had not yet been invented, and millions of bison still roamed the Great Plains!

• The back yard of Jayne Mansfield’s famous ‘Pink Palace’ was the home of Hollywood’s first heart-shaped swimming pool. It was custom built by Mickey Hargitay, her hus-band at the time. As a finishing touch, he spelled out “I Love You Jaynie” in gold mo-saic tiles at the bottom of the deep end.

• In 1973, Milton Glaser designed the popular “I ” symbol that stands for “I Love (some-thing).” He came up with the idea as part of a campaign to promote New York tourism, and his “I NY” logo was an immediate hit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Issue 2009.06

From the Heart pages 1-4

An A+ for Air Travel pages 5-6

Soup’s On! pages 7-8

1st Quarter 2009 Week 06

Feb 01 – Feb 07 Page 1

of the Tri-Cities

Page 2: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities Page 2

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Our beloved mutt “Pistol” was put to sleep a year ago after battling cancer. Two months ago, my son and I adopted a new dog, “Skyler,” who is mostly Swiss mountain dog and we’re not sure what else. Skyler is about 3 years old, and I’m not sure if he’s adapting well to his new home, He barks furiously at the slightest noise and barks constantly at any visitors. Pistol was never like this, and he also was an adult adoption. How can we get Skyler to settle down? -- Janet in Kansas City, Mo.

DEAR JANET: Well, first, remind yourself that Skyler and Pistol are two different dogs, and that -- as adult adoptees -- you don’t know what either of their upbringings were like. As a different dog, Skyler will have a different personality as well, and that also determines how he reacts to new noises and people.It’s important not to compare your new dog to the old dog. But we often do that with pets -- it’s part

of the grieving process when we lose a beloved companion.So, be patient with Skyler. He needs time to become accustomed to his new environment, and he needs to be slowly socialized rather than introduced to all your friends at once, which can be quite overwhelming for a pet. He needs regular obedience training and steady, predictable interaction with the household so he will become comfortable with the rhythms and rules of his new life.And, be patient with yourself. Pistol will always be a part of your life, and you will miss him. Skyler isn’t a replacement for Pistol; he’s a new addition. Give yourself time to get past Pistol’s loss and to accept Skyler for the dog that he is.

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

New Dog Isn’t Like Old OneBy Sam Mazzotta

of the Tri- Cities

Published weekly by Barrett Media Solutions, LLC

(804) [email protected]

Visit us on the web at www.tricitiestidbits.com

Now’s thetime to

Call Amy to book your appointment!Call

520-BARK16416 Jeff Davis Hwy

Col. Heights

“Spaw” ServicesAquamassage • Blueberry Facials

Mud Baths & More

Other Services:Creative Grooming • Teeth Brushing

Shedless Treatments & More

$2.00 Offany service when you

mention Tidbits

EXOT

IC AN

IMAL

S NAKES & OTHER REPTILES

ACCESSORIES

520-8121

1Q2009 :: Wk 06 :: Feb 01 - Feb 07 :: Pg. 2

FROM THE HEART (continued): • William Shakespeare was the first to use the

expression “cold-hearted” to describe some-one who is unkind and insensitive. In Sha-kespeare’s 1606 play Antony and Cleopatra, Marc Antony accuses Cleopatra of betrayal by claiming that her feelings for him were “cold-hearted.” Cleo responds by declaring if she had been unfaithful, poison hail from heaven should rain down upon her head. (“May lightning strike me” wasn’t quite dramatic enough in those days, apparently.)

• Piano teachers report that “Heart and Soul” is the second-most popular tune played by people who don’t really know how to play the piano. (Number one on the list, as you might expect, is “Chopsticks.”) Hoagy Car-michael and Frank Loesser wrote “Heart and Soul” in 1938, when songs charted based on the sales of sheet music, not records. Be-cause the tune’s four chords were so easy to pick out, the sheet music wasn’t a big seller.

• In the early 1950s, the Chamber of Com-merce of the State of Alabama met to discuss a new state motto. The existing nickname (the Cotton State) was also used by a few other states. “Heart of Dixie” was ultimately adopted because the state is considered – both geographically and industrially – the heart of the South. The slogan was added to the state’s license plates in 1955.

• Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler belted out Top-Ten hits like “It’s a Heartache” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Her raspy voice caused many to refer to her as “the female Rod Stewart,” but she wasn’t singing that way on purpose. After having surgery in 1977 to remove nodules on her vocal cords, she returned to singing more quickly than her doctor recommended. Her voice was dam-aged a bit as a result, which gave her that trademark “gravelly” sound.

Page 3: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Page 3For Advertising Call 1.804.731.7504

Special equipment:Parchment Paper

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.

CotcampCuts Trees

FirewoodAvailable733-0324

White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

of the Tri-Cities

Moxey’s Tree ServiceFREE

Estimates!Licensed& Insured

AFFORDABLE RATES • REFERENCES AVAILABLE

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

Specializing In:

• Tree Removal• Stump Grinding

• Underbrush• Chipping

Tight Place?We Can Do It!

Call Day or Night!265-5142

931-5700voicemail

If no answer please leave message!

• Rates LOWER than most centers• Convenient flexible hours (1st, 2nd, 3rd & overnight shifts)• CPR + First Aid certified staff• Meals included• Spacious play area

Would you like to save money and make sure your kids are safe and having fun? Sleepy Time Daycare offers:

Sleepy Time DaycareCall Arline

804-452-4211 or 804-397-13763307 Forest Ave • Hopewell

O UR LOCA LOUR LOCALTidbits presents:

Kimberley Trapulionis has been a Chef for over 10 years. She offers catering and can be reached with any questions, sug-gestions or comments at:[email protected].

People pay a fortune for these delicacies, but you can create the same thing, if not better, with this sure-fire recipe.

Directions:In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine cream and butter. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Re-move pan from heat. Add white morsels. Stir until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

Transfer to a fondue pot, chafing dish, or ceramic bowl. Serve with apples, bananas, strawberries, cookies, pretzels, and pound cake. Serves 6.

Colonial Heights:Academy Vet ClinicAmerican Family FitnessAmple StorageAngel NailsBank of McKenneyBB&T BankBoulevard BarbequeBoulevard PrintingBSV BankC.H. Chamber of CommerceC.H. Public LibraryCaldwell PediatricsCare AdvantageCarini’s Italian RestaurantCarvel Ice CreamColonial Heights Vet ClinicColonial Italian PizzaDairy Queen/Jersey Mike’sDance’s Sporting GoodsDomino’s PizzaDon Jose Mexican Family Rest.Dunkin Donuts/ExxonEl Caporal Mexican Family Rest.Family Care Eye PracticeFlagstop Car WashGateway HondaGateway HyundaiGolden CorralGoodyear TireHair ArtistJames River PrintingJohnson CleanersKentucky Fried ChickenLong John SilversMcDonaldsMi Rodeo Mexican RestaurantNo. 1 New ChinaPapa JohnsPet SafariPharmacy PlusPilo Arts Hair SalonPino’s Italian RestaurantPizza Hut

Prime Care Family PracticePriority ToyotaQuiznosRent-E-QuipSignature Salon & SpaSmart Choice Deli & CaféThe Bowling AlleyThe Tanning ClubTina’s NailsTokyo ExpressTop’s ChinaWhat-a-Burger

Hopewell:Appomattox Regional LibraryAsian American ChineseBB&T BankChanello’s PizzaCourthouse CaféDairy QueenDenny’sHeretik Feed & SeedHong KongHopewell Bowling CenterHopewell Builder SupplyHopewell Community CenterHopewell Health Care CenterHPG Chamber of CommerceJohn Randolph Medical CenterKentucky Fried ChickenLong John SilversLuna RestaurantPapa JohnsPizza HutRandolph MarketRosa’s ItalianShoney’s RestaurantSub HubSubwayTops China

Petersburg:Andrade’s International Rest.

BB&T BankCaptain D’sJava MioKirkpatrick’s PharmacyLighthouse RestaurantMad Italian RestaurantMcDonaldsPizza HutSals PizzaSimonas Italian RestaurantSteven Kent RestaurantSubwayThe Retreat Salon & SpaWalnut Hill CleanersWalnut Hill Pharmacy

Prince George:Prince George Family BarbecueSwader’s Sports ParkWendy’s (Travel Plaza)What-a-Burger

Dinwiddie:BB&T BankBrother’s PizzaBSV BankEley’s BBQHong KongWhat-a-Burger

Chester:Bermuda Hundred Animal Hosp.Caesars RestaurantChen’s RestaurantChina KitchenEnon Self StorageGo OrthopedicsJalapenos RestaurantSalon & Day SpaStephanie’s Pet GroomingThe PlayroomTotal Tutors/C.H. PediatricsWings, Pizza & Things

A special thanks to many of the areabusinesses that distribute to Tidbits

Page 4: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities Page 4

I’ve experienced a lapse in keeping my New Year’s resolution. I started a walking program three mornings a week. I was excited to begin. It was held in a heated indoor arena with a flat track. Two people from the Healthy Heart Program would be there giving advice and taking blood pressure, as well as leading the gentle exercise classes. It seemed perfect. And the first few classes were fun. I felt better after each class, energized and ready to face the rest of the day.

Alas, I neglected to consider the human element -- me. It appears that I need more encouragement than just the opportunity to put a check next to my name on the attendance list for every day I show up.

Setting goals didn’t help. Promising myself rewards for attending didn’t help either.

On the Internet I found companies that will

Kirkpatrick’s Pharmacy518 South Sycamore St., Petersburg, VA 23803

804-733-5888www.kirkpatrickspharmacy.com

• Custom Compounding for People and Pets • Large Inventory of Braces and Supports• Compression Products Fitter on Staff• Delivery Service Available• Fast and Friendly Service

A different kind of pharmacy

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm, Sun Closed

send telephone reminders, some of which you can record yourself. The services, however, are expensive.

Then there are computer software programs that will pop reminders up on the monitor.

There’s always the alarm clock, set to go off at the right time.

In my case, the solution was a lot easier than signing up for a call-reminder service. Instead, I swapped phone numbers with one other person in the class. It was her idea because she also found herself lacking the right motivation to get to class. On even days of the month, I call her in the morning to ask if she’s going to class. On odd days she calls me. Having to answer to someone else seems to be working. I’ve gone to enough classes in a row now that I don’t think I’ll start skipping them.

It might be low-tech, but it’s working.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have heard a lot about MRSA. Can you give me some more information about it? What can we do to prevent getting it? I am a student at San Jacinto High School in California. -- J.R.

ANSWER: “MRSA” is short for “methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,” a common bacterium found all over the place and a common inhabitant of the skin. “MRSA” is pronounced “mersa,” as though it were a word. In the early days of penicillin, it could kill many germs, including the staph germ. That germ is a wily creature. It soon learned how to dodge the killing power of penicillin. Clever scientists came up with a new model of penicillin called methicillin. It was effective against those resistant staph germs. This happy situation came to an end when staph learned how to evade methicillin. These are the MRSA bacteria. We do have antibiotics that can deal with MRSA bacteria. However, the lesson is that antibiotics must be restricted only to infections by bacteria that respond to them. Using antibiotics indiscriminately paves the way for the development of resistance.MRSA can cause all kinds of infections, but the most common are skin and soft-tissue infections. Soft tissues are the tissues just below the skin, the subcutaneous tissues. Outbreaks of MRSA infections are common in high-school football players and wrestlers because of the skin-to-skin contact that occurs in those sports. Anyone, athlete

or not, can come down with this infection.Frequent hand-washing is the best defense against MRSA. All skin wounds should be covered with a bandage of sterile, dry gauze and inspected daily to see if they are becoming infected. Athletes should launder their playing clothes after each use and should not store dirty clothes in a locker. They should shower immediately after a practice. No one should share towels, brushes or combs.***DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My mother’s neighbor “candles” her ears when they fill with wax. I am not acquainted with this procedure. My mother believes it is an excellent treatment, and she won’t discuss it with me. What is your opinion? -- H.M.ANSWER: My opinion on candling gets me in trouble with aficionados of the practice. It involves inserting the narrow end of a cone-shaped device into the ear canal. The other end is lit. Heat is supposed to soften the wax and create a vacuum that draws it out of the ear.I think it is dangerous. The FDA doesn’t approve of it.***Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2009 North America Synd., Inc.All Rights Reserved

To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Supergerms Demand Respect, But Not Fear

Staying Motivated toExercise

Page 5: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Page 5For Advertising Call 1.804.731.7504

Name the last time before 2008 that the Yankees and the Dodgers each started the season with a new manager.

How many times during his career did Hank Aaron lead the National League in home runs?

Which NFL team holds the record since the post-1970 AFL-NFL merger for winning its division the most consecutive times?

Name the last time the Army men’s basketball team made the NCAA Tournament.

Ottawa defenseman Filip Kuba set an NHL record in 2008 for the most consecutive games to open a season in which he assisted on a goal (eight). Who had held the mark?

Richard Petty had 1,184 career starts in NASCAR’s top three series. Who was the second driver to join the 1,000-start list?

In what Grand Slam event in 2008 did tennis star Roger Federer fail to make the finals?

Play better golf with JACK NICKLAUS

The great hibernation is coming to an end.Oh, I’ve kept myself occupied during the NASCAR

offseason. I’ve written numerous columns about other sports. I’ve gone to a few ballgames as a fan. I’ve read quite a bit.

I’ve written a few songs and recorded all the ones I’ve written -- 19 now, I think, along with several others in various stages of completion -- in a studio, and now friends of mine are adding other tracks (lead guitar, bass, percussion) in order to make it look like I know what I’m doing.

I’ve tried to become a better guitarist and get a little better on a few other instruments (electric guitar, harmonica, mandolin) lying around the house.

I’ve organized my home music collection. My house isn’t exactly conceived by an interior decorator. All those CDs are in a gigantic chest of drawers -- a friend changed jobs and didn’t want to take it with him -- between the kitchen and the kitchen table, on the other side of the bar, which is not a bar where beverages are prepared, but a bar where food is prepared, where cheese is sliced and instant pudding and Jell-O (sugar-free, of course!) are whisked.

Music and Jell-O. In close proximity. Why? There was room for a dresser there ... and room in the dresser for CDs.

I’ve cooked a lot. I’ve conducted experiments in the rapidly growing field of chicken-wing sauces. I’ve further perfected the chili recipe. I’ve explored new innovations in regard to the microwave, the electric grill and the crockpot.

I’ve written a few chapters of fiction, not because of some book deal but because I really want to. I’d like to get a novel published, but have no clear confidence that I’m capable of it. I’ll never be capable of it unless I try. If I’m not good enough now, maybe I can get good enough with practice. The downside is that fiction is often pushed back in the name of projects that actually produce money.

The best way to become a better writer is ... to write. Fortunately, I get a lot of practice.

If I lack direction, though, I’ll get it soon. NASCAR lasts for 10 months. When writing about it is your primary job, there isn’t much time for anything else.

I never had a hobby until fairly recently because my job was so all-inclusive. Now music is a genuine hobby, and it’s made my life more enjoyable.

Writing about NASCAR is a cool job, as my friends are fond of telling me. I’m looking forward to it right now. I feel revitalized. There have been years when I dreaded the season’s onset.

Maybe, by stepping away a bit and diversifying myself, I’ve found a happy medium. Maybe obsessing less about NASCAR will make me better at writing about it.

Or maybe it won’t. I’m happier, though.

Covering NASCAR Is a Cool Job

To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

1Q2009 :: Wk 06 :: Feb 01 - Feb 07 :: Pg. 3

FROM THE HEART (continued): • Sally Field is popularly remembered for her

gushing speech at the 1985 Academy Awards ceremony, when she won the Best Actress trophy for Places in the Heart. It’s commonly remembered as: “You like me, you really like me!” But in reality, when she stepped up to the podium to accept her Os-car, her words were: “I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!”

• King Richard I of England is better known as Richard the Lionhearted. He commanded his own army at age 16 and spent much of his time in France quashing rebellions aimed at deposing his father, Henry II. Richard was crowned king in 1189, but he only spent six months of his reign in England; the rest of the time he spent fighting alongside his troops both in the Holy Land and in France.

• Playtex introduced its famous “Cross Your Heart” brassiere in 1965, but reclusive bil-lionaire Howard Hughes designed a similar undergarment more than 20 years prior. While directing the 1941 film The Outlaw, Hughes put his aeronautical engineering skills to work to design a seamless, under-wire bra for actress Jane Russell to wear un-derneath her tight-fitting costumes.

• One of the plot lines in the 1997 film block-buster Titanic focused on an expensive neck-lace that was designed around a fabulous di-amond called “the Heart of the Ocean.” This part of the story was fictional; there was no such jewelry item aboard the real RMS Ti-tanic. But thanks to the immense popularity of the motion picture, London’s elite jeweler Garrard & Company created a replica of the film’s necklace using a 170-carat sapphire surrounded by 65 diamonds. Celine Dion wore the necklace to the 1998 Academy Awards, where she sang “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme from the Titanic movie.

Page 6: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Tidbits® of the Tri-Cities Page 6

HIGH VISIBILITY • RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! • CALL 1.804.731.7504

Q: I want to set up more shelves and hang-ing rods in my small bedroom closet so that I can store more stuff in it. I decided to get some of those white, metal-grid shelving kits that you just screw into the wall because they cost less and are supposedly easy to install. But I don’t have a clue how to go about this. Any tips? -- Frank in Chesapeake Bay

A: The first thing to do is measure your clos-et space so that you know exactly how much shelving you can put into it. Take a tape measure and get the height, width and the depth of the closet. You’ll need this in order to make the correct kit purchase.Next, decide what configuration you’d like in the closet: how many shelves, how much hanging space and so on. Third, compare shelving kits at a home-improvement or hardware store to the kits

available at most department stores. You may find more choice at a home improve-ment store, plus the ability to expand or change your configuration by purchasing individual components.Finally, follow the directions closely when doing the installation. Make sure you have all the appropriate tools before starting work, and remember the axiom “measure twice, cut once.” Figure out that final config-uration before starting the shelving installa-tion. You’re working with drywall and studs, so you don’t want to have to pull things out of that wall once they’re placed.

HOME TIP: An electronic stud finder is an invaluable tool for locating precisely where studs are placed behind drywall, so keep one in your toolkit.

Send questions or home-repair tips to [email protected], or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Installing Closet ShelvesBy Samantha Mazzotta

“I had bought some really beautiful wallpaper for my dining room. I had some left over, so I used it to line the drawers of my buffet. It looks like it was a custom job.” -- B.P. in Tennessee

“I guess I’m pretty sensitive to whatever it is in onions that makes you cry. Here are two tricks that work for me whenever I have to chop on-ions. First, try putting your onion in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you chop. Also, do it on the stove area with the fan going, or use a small fan blowing the onion fumes away from you. Hope this helps other crying chefs.” -- A.D. in Missouri

“Give mini blinds a quick washing in the tub. I take mine down, throw them in a filled tub with a little powdered laundry detergent and give them a shake. A quick wipe with a wash-cloth usually takes care of anything stuck on, then they get hung over the shower rod. About 10 minutes of drip time gets them to a point where they can be hung back up in the window, and there they dry all the way very quickly, especially if I do it on a sunny day.” -- U.L. in Washington

“I love to work on embroidery, but it’s very an-noying to have a thread that keeps knotting up. If you are frustrated by knotting embroi-dery thread, run a sheet of fabric softener over the thread. It can be a used sheet if necessary, but I find that a fresh one works best. The fab-ric softener keeps the thread slick, and it knots way less.” -- T.F. in Georgia

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Tidbits® Paper is a Division of Tidbits Media, Inc. • Montgomery, AL 36106(800) 523-3096 • E-mail: [email protected] • All Rights Reserved ©2008

Information in the Tidbits® Paper is gathered from sources considered to bereliable but the ac cu ra cy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Can’t Get Enough Tidbits?

Limited EditionBook Set

Limited Edition

T R I L O G Y

Send $24.95 (plus $5.00 S&H) by Check or Money Order to:

Tidbits Media, Inc.1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 301

Montgomery, AL 36106(800) 523-3096

(Alabama residents add appropriate sales tax.)Reprints of Books I, II, & III.

RESERVE NOW!

WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSI NESS?

If You Can Provide: Sales Experience · A Computer · Desktop Publishing Software · A Reasonable Financial In vest ment

We provide the opportunity for success!

Call 1.800.523.3096www.tidbitsweekly.com

Publish a Pa per in Your Area

Partners in Business and Education

COLONIAL HEIGHTSChamber of Commerce

Join today and let us help YOUR BUSINESS

prosper & grow!

201 Temple Ave., Suite E

804-526-5872www.colonial-heights.com/chamberofcommerce.htm

Do You Have A Plan B?

If you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do?

MakeMore

MoneyNOW

For free information, contact William Patrick at:

www.vacationsperks.com or1-641-715-3900 x78483#

1Q2009 :: Wk 06 :: Feb 01 - Feb 07 :: Pg. 4

FROM THE HEART (continued): • Why did Dick Tracy decide to become a de-

tective? Yes, it was due to “a dame” (as they said back then). In the very first Dick Tracy comic strip, girlfriend Tess Trueheart was kidnapped and her father was murdered. Tra-cy joined the police force to track down the man responsible. Tracy did rescue Tess and arrest the mug who murdered her dad, but he got so involved in fighting crime that he didn’t get around to marrying Trueheart for another 20 years.

• Lisa Bonet was Bill Cosby’s “problem child” during the run of The Cosby Show. She often showed up late for work and argued with the cast and crew. Because her character (De-nise) was the most popular Huxtable, Cosby overlooked her faults. But the last straw fell in 1987 when Bonet co-starred in the contro-versial film Angel Heart. Most of her scenes had to be severely edited for the movie to avoid an X rating. Being a brat on the set was one thing, but wearing your “birthday suit” on the big screen was unforgivable for a Huxtable kid. Bonet’s character was spun off into A Different World.

• “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was written in 1954 for opera singer Claramae Turner. Although she performed the song on stage, she never recorded it. Tony Bennett’s manager came across the track and recom-mended it to his client. Bennett cut the song in 1962, and it became his signature tune.

• While Rin-Tin-Tin became more famous lat-er on, the first true big-screen German shepherd star was a dog named Strongheart. Trained as a police dog in Germany, a hus-band-and-wife filmmaking team brought Strongheart to America to appear in silent films. The canine proved so popular that his name and picture were placed on cans of his very own Strongheart-brand dog food.

Flowers& More

804-861-9500www.flowersandmoreva.com

4336 Westgate Dr • Petersburg

We deliver anywhere!

Let us be your first choice for flowers!

for Valentine’s Day,Feb. 14th!

Want something specialfor your sweetheart...

DIAMONDS* (Faux)

in the center ofevery rose!!

Call for details!

804-526-9890Shop Online:

www.flowerswstyle.com

Flowers with Style3604 East River Rd., Ettrick, VA 23803, 9-5 Mon-Sat

Custom Carpentry

• Roofing & Siding• Replacement Windows

• New Construction• Additions

• Remodeling

541-8273

We specialize in:

General ContractorClass A

Licensed &Insured

Put Your Refund toWork For You!

Page 7: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

Page 7For Advertising Call 1.804.731.7504A

NSW

ERS 1. It was 1947 (Bucky Harris for the Yankees

and Burt Shotton for the Dodgers).2. Four times (1957, 1963, 1966, 1967).3. The Los Angeles Rams won the NFC West seven times in a row (1973-79).4. Army has never reached the tournament.5. Boston’s Brad Park did it in seven consecutive games in the 1981-82 season.6. Michael Waltrip topped 1,000 in 2008.7. He lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

By now you should have received your W-2 or 1099 forms for your taxes. If you’ve run the numbers and suspect you’re going to be short when it’s time to pay, you’re not alone. Lots of people are experiencing adverse financial situations right now, and the Internal Revenue Service knows this. It’s devoted a whole section of its Web site to help you.Gather your information now. The worst thing

you can do is delay making a game plan.Here are some things you need to know:--If you lose your job and get severance pay, it’s

taxable, including any amounts for sick time or vacation pay.--If you get unemployment compensation, it’s

taxable.--Even if your employer went out of business, it

must provide you a W-2 form by Jan. 31. Contact the IRS for help in getting a substitute W-2.--For information on moving or cashing out

an IRA, moving costs to take a new job, getting food stamps or selling assets, see IRS Publication

4128 (Tax Impact of Job Loss).--Keep track of your mileage and expenses

(including having a resume written) while you hunt for a job. They might be deductible. See IRS Publication 529 if you have expenses related to your work or if you move more than 50 miles away to take a new job.--Debt cancellation generally incurs a tax

liability. For example, if you settle a credit-card debt for less than you owe, the forgiven amount becomes income that is taxable. However, this is not necessarily so with mortgage forgiveness, including foreclosure. The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 creates exceptions to the kind of debt cancellation that is taxable. See the details in Publication 4681.-- If you have an installment agreement for a

prior tax year, and you can’t meet your payments because you’ve lost a job, call the IRS. It’s possible that the IRS will be able to reduce those payments. Be prepared to supply proof of your changed situation.If you already suspect that you won’t be able to

pay all your taxes by April, there are options such as a short-term extension, offer in compromise and installment agreements. Don’t be too hasty in setting up an arrangement, however. Your situation could change by April.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Paying Taxes During Hard Times

The NeatestLittle Paper Ever Read.®

731-7504(804) 526-1333

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

“Kids Stuff With Previous Experience”®

50% OFF select

Fall/Winter Clearance ItemsWe buy and sell gently used and new clothes, furniture, equipment

and more!

Big Savings For Your Child...

1Q2009 :: Wk 06 :: Feb 01 - Feb 07 :: Pg. 5

AN A+ FOR AIR TRAVEL Preparations for a trip aboard an airliner have changed quite a bit in the last few years. Enjoy these tips, offered by some kind Tidbits readers! • If your flight leaves in “prime time” – for

airports, that’s in the morning or late after-noon – don’t be shy about getting to the air-port even earlier than the airline recom-mends. You’re going up in the air and will land hundreds or thousands of miles away, after all. Make sure you have plenty of time to get there, park, find the gate, and (if ne-cessary) use the bathroom facilities.

• By checking in early, you’ll also guarantee your seat in case the airline has overbooked, which is a distinct possibility for flights dur-ing those prime-time hours. Waiting around an airport is not much fun, but it’s far better than possibly having to jump on the plane harried, sweaty, cranky, and uncomfortable.

• If you’re traveling across the United States from coast-to-coast, check round-trip airfare rates to Las Vegas first. Due to the number of flights going into and out of the gaming capital, cheap air rates are common. If you’re headed from Miami to Seattle, round-trip tickets from Miami to Vegas (and then Ve-gas to Seattle) could be less expensive than a direct flight or even a one-stop flight that lands in a different city.

• Unless you’re flying First Class, you may prefer to dress for comfort rather than fa-shion. Certainly, slip-on shoes and sweat-pants are more comfortable in the cramped seats on the plane, but there’s another reason these clothing choices might serve you well. If you’re unlucky enough to be asked to re-move your shoes (or partially disrobe) while going through a security checkpoint, it’s much easier to do so if you don’t have to deal with zippers, belts, and shoelaces.

1Q2009 :: Wk 06 :: Feb 01 - Feb 07 :: Pg. 6

AN A+ FOR AIR TRAVEL (continued): • Weigh the cost and risk of checking bags be-

fore doing so. In these cost-conscious times, most airlines charge a moderate fee to check bags. If you can get by with the items that will fit in a carry-on bag, you’ll avoid the fee. What’s more, you won’t have to wait for your bags to come around on the carousel once you reach your destination. You’ll also ensure that your belongings aren’t acciden-tally abused (or worse yet, lost) by the air-line’s luggage handlers.

• If you’re going on a vacation and plan to wear nothing but inexpensive, casual clothes, consider purchasing them at your destination. Pretend that you’re bound for Orlando on an airline that charges $25 to check a bag. If you bring your own clothes in a suitcase, you pay $50 total ($25 each way). But you could forego the checked bag and just buy some T-shirts and shorts from a discount retailer once you arrive. (Other items like socks and underwear will fit in a carry-on bag.) Here’s the kicker: Just before you leave, arrange to donate the clothes to a charity such as the Salvation Army. That way, you don’t have to pay to take the clothes home, but the almost-new clothes go to good use. What’s more, if you’ve saved your receipt, you can write the donation off on your income tax!

• If you’re traveling by air and it’s absolutely imperative that you reach a destination on a particular date, booking a mid-day flight may be your best bet. In the late morning or very early afternoon, you’re less likely to be af-fected by weather problems like fog or over-night snow accumulation. And if some unfo-reseen problem does result in a delay or can-cellation, you have the rest of the day to make necessary arrangements for a different flight, a different airline, or even an alternate mode of transportation.

Page 8: Tidbits of the Tri-Cities (Issue 27-1)

To Advertise Call (804) 731-7504

SEAFOODRESTAURANT

Still in the same location...serving quality seafood in the Tri-Cities area

for over 40 years!

804-520-02773650 Boulevard, Col. Heights • Open Tue-Sat at 5pm

Come Try Our Daily Seafood Specials!

Presenting

By

Now OpenSimply Casual by Day

Divinely Elegant by Night

Lunch ~ Dinner ~ Sunday BrunchBANQUET ROOM

CATERINGGOURMET DESSERTS

120 E. City Point Rd.Hopewell, VA

804-541-8000

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-10Sunday 10 - 3

Mim’s

Come enjoy our live entertainment and ballroom when you dine with us this Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14th.

733-0500

12205 South Crater RdPetersburg, VAReservations are recommended:

Valentine’s Day SpecialPackages Available

Call for details!

y

e ur t

u

Restaurant

Ad on Page

Coupon O

ffer

Description

Meals Served

Meal Price R

ange

Credit C

ards

Menu

Children's

All-You-Can-

Eat

Outside

Seating

Sen. Citiz./M

ilitary D

iscount (SC/M

)

Carryout, D

elivery, C

atering (C

O/D

/CT)

Reservations Accepted

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant 3609 BoulevardColonial Heights, VA(804) 520-8422

1

Come join the fun anauthentic Mexican foseafood dishes and extensive dessert msure to please.

d tastod! Nanenu ar

e ourew

eL/D

$4.50$12.95

AllMajor

CO

Mim's by Simply Divine120 E. Cit Point Rd Hopewell, VA(804) 541-8000

8Simply Casual by DaElegant by Night. SoGourmet at its finest

y - Diuther

.

vinelyn L/D

$6.50$24.99

AllMajor

SC/MCO/DCT

Pleasure Island SeafooR t tR sta an 3650 Boulevard Colonial Heights, VA(804) 520-0277

d

8

Serving quality seafoS g q yTri-Cities area for ovParty room available25 guest.

od iner 40 for u

the years!p to D

$5.99$24.99

AllMajor

CO

Prince George Family Barbecue4605 Co nty Drive (Rt. 460)Petersburg, VA(804) 732-3278

1

Delicious barbecue, bone" pork ribs, sousandwiches, and appCatering available.

"fall-ops, saetize

ff-thelads,

rs.

-

L/D$3.49$19.99

V/M SC/M CO/CT

Steven Kent Family Restaurant 12205 South Crater Rd Petersburg, VA(804) 733-0500

8

50 years of SouthernHospitality. Daily spholiday buffets, banqspecial events

ecialsuets

,& All

$4.99$17.99

AllMajor

M CO/CT

Chester:

Henricus Historical Park: Surviving the Colo-nial Winter MonthFebruary, Daily, 10:00am-5:00pmInterpreters demonstrate how to winter-proof your home in 1611-1622 and the daily chores that go along with short days and long nights! Daily admission fee. For more information call 804-748-1613 or visit www.henricus.org

Colonial Heights:

Interior Decorating – The Next LevelClass is being offered March 18, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This two hour class is designed for students who have completed the introductory class or who has pro-ficient experience in interior decorating and is ready for the next step in the decorating process. This class cost $40.00 and is interactive and knowledge based.

Hopewell:

Spring Youth Soccer RegistrationThe Hopewell Department of Recreation and Parks will be holding registration for youth soccer for kids ages 4 to 15 at the Hopewell Community Center. Proof of age plus parental signature is required. Register By: Fri., Feb 13, 2009 at the HCC.