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Issue #23The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read®December 17-23, 2011

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TIDBITS® SINGS12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

by Kathy Wolfe

Most of us are familiar with the popular Christmas tune “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This week, Tidbits has a few more details about each of the gifts received by the singer from his or her “true love,” everything from drummers drumming to maids a-milking to swans, geese, turtledoves and the partridge in the pear tree!•The drum is considered the oldest musical

instrument and is also used for non-musical purposes, such as long-distance communication. An Englishman set a world record by playing 400 separate drums in 16.3 seconds in 1995. Ireland’s Millennium Drum, constructed of birch plywood and sailcloth, is considered the world’s largest drum with a diameter of 15 feet, 6 inches. It was built for Ireland’s millennium festivities.

•A set of panpipes consists of from three to 40 tubes, usually cane, but also wood or pottery. The length of the pipes determines the pitch of the note.

•Greek mythology tells of Pan, the god of woods and pastures and the protector of shepherds and their flocks. According to legend, Pan,half-man and half-goat, is the inventor of the panpipe, fashioned from reeds, on which he piped lovely music.

turn the page for more!

Q: What did Frosty’s girlfriend give him when she was mad at him?

A: The cold shoulder!

Page 2 Tidbits® of Michigan12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (continued):

•The title “Lord” can be used if a gentleman is a baron, viscount, earl, marquis, bishop, a dignitary of the Church of England or a member of Great Britain’s House of Lords. An aga is a Turkish Lord.

•The cuckoopint is a European plant with bright red poisonous berries and is often referred to as the “Lords-and-Ladies.” Ingesting the berries canresultinswellingofthethroat,difficultybreathing, burning pain and an upset stomach.

•The 1993 Arizona half-marathon had an interesting entrant, Elizabeth Ursic, who chose to tap-dance the 13.1-mile distance.

• In 1931, a couple set out to win Chicago’s Merry Garden Ballroom dance marathon. They danced over 214 days, with rest periods beginning at 20 minutes per hour, decreasing to zero minutes per hour. They were not allowed to close their eyes for more than 15 seconds. Their record-setting endurance was rewarded with a $2,000 prize.

•A California cow named simply “Number 289” is the leader in lifetime milk production, with more than 54,070 gallons of milk to her credit.That’s enough tofillmore than eight60-foot tanker trucks. She averaged about 7 gallons a day, compared to about 4.4 gallons for a normal cow. Number 289 lived to be 19 years old, about four times longer than the average Holstein.

•Thanks to L.O. Colvin, we have the milking machine. Back in 1860, he introduced the first suction-typecontraption.Asignseen inrecent years on the back of a milk truck read: “Modern Milking Machine Company … All That We Are We Owe to Udders.”

• “Swan” is the 1,471st most popular last name in the United States, which computes to about 20,000 people.

•Swans live on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. The sounds they make vary from whistles to hisses to trumpet-like noises. Beware of the female swan; she will attack anything that presents a danger to her eggs, including dogs, foxes and people.

•The stars Deneb and Albirco mark the head and tail of the swan in the constellation Cygnus. According to mythology, Cygnus was a friend of the son of Apollo, the sun god. When the son fell into the river, Cygnus dove into the water time after time in an attempt to rescue his friend, but to no avail. They myth says Cygnus was turned into a swan by Zeus in order to allow him to dive deeper. The English language uses the word “cygnet” for a baby swan.

•Although the lifespan of the domestic goose averages 25 years, making it the longest-lived bird, George the Goose of Thornton, England, lived to be nearly 50 years old. Speckle the Goose of Goshen, Ohio, is noted for laying the world’s heaviest egg. It was 24 ounces, twice as weighty as the average goose egg.

• In order for it to be made into jewelry, other

metals must be added to gold, creating an “alloy.” If your ring is 18-karat gold, it is 18 parts pure gold and six parts other metals.

•Nevada is the leading gold-mining state in America, producing 79 percent of the nation’s supply. South Africa leads the world. It takes more than two tons of South African rock to yield less than one ounce of gold.

• It’s believed that the calling bird in the song is actually the mockingbird, a bird with the ability to imitate the sounds of other birds. One such bird was heard to imitate the songs of 32 different birds during a 10-minute period.

•Can you identify the famous family who lived at 1313 Mockingbird Lane? It was television’s Herman Munster family — Herman, Lily, Grandpa and Eddie.

•A hen begins laying eggs when she is about 20 weeksold.Ifafarmerusesartificiallighting,the hen will begin laying at a younger age. If she is exposed to about 15 hours of light per day, she will lay more eggs. The average hen lays about 250 eggs in a year.

•A member of the pigeon family, a turtledove is noted for its purring coo. It differs from the mourning dove, although the two are often mistaken. Don’t look for turtledoves in America, as they live mainly in Europe, Asia and Africa.

•The Turtledove Folk Club of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, is an organization for music lovers,specificallythosewhowanttopreserveand promote folk music and dance.

•A partridge is most generally known as a quail or a bobwhite. There are about 150 varieties of partridges. Some parts of America refer to a partridge as a ruffed grouse. If you plan to keep a partridge as a pet, have plenty of grains, plant shoots and insects on hand. A typical bobwhite might consume as many 15,000 weed seeds a day, a tremendous help to farmers.

• If someone offers you a Comice, Seckel, Winter Nelis, Kieffer, Leconte, Anjou, Bosc or Garber, he is offering you an item obtained from a pear tree. Over 800,000 tons of pears are produced annually in the United States, with the state of Washington leading the nation in fresh pear production. The average American eats about 3.1 pounds of fresh pears ayear.■

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Bring On the Snowplowby Samantha Mazzotta

Q: I’d like to hire a contractor to take care of shoveling snow from my walkways and driveway after a snowstorm, as I’m getting too old to do it myself. What are standard rates for snow-clearing service, and how can I be sure to get a reputable contractor? -- Jesse H., Foxboro, Mass.

A: Rates for snow-clearing service can vary widely depending on which

region of the country you live in, the frequency and depth of each snowfall, and the exact type of service you’re contracting for. In the Northeast, there are a great number of independent contractors willing to take on this service for you. Some depend on it for extra income, attaching a plow to their four-wheel-drive vehicle, while others, such as landscapers, offer it as part of a year-round yard service.Try to get a word-of-mouth recommendation from neighbors, friendsorfamilyfirst.You’llwantto know some specific servicedetails: Is the contractor licensed and insured to cover potential damage to your property? Do they charge for snow removal per

storm, or do they have a monthly rate? At what snow depth do they begin charging an additional fee? (It’s not uncommon to increase the rate for storms that drop more than 14 inches.)And what exact services will they provide: just the driveway and the walk to the door, or all of your home’s outside walkways? Do they include application of snowmelt or salt/sand as part of the service? (They should.) Do they offer additional services, like clearing snow off of the roof, and how much do they charge for those? Do you have to contract with them for the entire winter (often December to April in your region)? Under what conditions can you cancel a contract (such as

failure to complete snow removal within a specified time periodfollowing a storm)?

Compare the estimates from at least three or more potential contractors. It’s particularly important to review them with a trusted family member or friend who can help you decide which contractor to hire.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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autumn. The term also refers to the salute Waes Hail from an old English phrase, translating “good health.”

•Wassail can also mean the hot mulled beverage frequently consumed during the holidays. It can be apple cider with several spices and topped with slices of toast or a recipe of wine mixed with brandy or sherry with added apples or oranges. For those who go “a-wassailing,” it can mean going caroling from door to door or going to the orchards to sing to the trees.

•We’ve all seen the red kettles manned by bell-ringing volunteers every December. The Salvation Army, the second-largest charity in America,haditsfirstkettlefundraiserin1891in San Francisco. Within six years, it was a nationwide program. It now has more than three million volunteers and raises upwards of $120 million each holiday season.

•We hear a lot about myrrh and frankincense this time of year, but what exactly are these two substances? Myrrh comes from a small thorny shrub in the Commiphora species that grows in rocky terrain. It’s the gum resin of the shrub that is produced as a reaction to a cut through the bark and into the sapwood. Ancient Egyptians used myrrh, a very valuable commodity, for embalming mummies. Myrrh’s medicinal qualities also made it a good dressing for wounds. In religious ceremonies, it was used on the incense altar in the Jerusalem tabernacle. Today, myrrh is still used in liniments and salves for abrasions, arthritic aches and skin ailments. Like myrrh, frankincense is also a resin, obtained from the Boxwellia tree. Because of its rich fragrance, it’s used for incense, perfumes and aromatherapy. Burning this substance can repel mosquitoes. It can be ingested internally and is a traditional medicine for digestive ailments.

•What would Christmas be without the work of Johnny Marks? This songwriter brought us “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” among others. All in all,Markshad94songstohiscredit.■

Christmas BitsHere are just a few fun and interesting facts you may not know about the holiday season, from toys to trees to songs.• Twenty-four electricians, standing on scaffolding,

string 5 miles of wire containing 30,000 lights on NewYorkCity’sRockefellerCenterChristmastree every year. The tree stands between 75 and 90 feet tall (23 to 27.4 m) and is usually at least 50yearsold.TheCenter’sfirst treewentup in1933 with 700 lights. The annual tree lighting wastelevisedforthefirsttimein1951.Whenit’stime to take the tree down, it’s recycled into three tons of mulch.

•Do you remember the Cabbage Patch Kids craze of Christmas 1983? Within the first sixmonths on the market, there were more than two million sold. Consumers stood in line for hours hoping to purchase a doll, even suffering broken bones when crowds turned violent. Coleco Toys chartered planes to bring 200,000 more dolls per week from its Hong Kong factories. Each of the homelydollscamewithitsownbirthcertificateand adoption papers. A 21-year-old art student was responsible for the creation of the dolls.

• The word “wassail” can have several different meanings. Since the Middle Ages, people in England have held a traditional ceremony of singing and drinking to the health of trees, hoping to scare away evil spirits that keep apple trees from bearing a good harvest the following

Bright orange markers called snow stakes should be placed along the edges of your driveway, either by the contractor or you, to mark them for snowplows, preventing damage to curbing and lawns.

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Page 4 Tidbits® of MichiganOvercoming The Odds:

Scott SmileyFrom despair to hope to victory, Scott Smiley has met overwhelming challenges head-on and triumphed. Check out the story of this inspiring individual, an injured soldier who credits his faith, family and friends with his remarkable recovery from devastating injuries.•Life looked very promising for Scott Smiley

back in 2003. He had recently graduated from West Point and married his high school sweetheart. Following his completion of Ranger school, he was deployed to Iraq in Oct. of 2004.

• In April of 2005, as a lieutenant in charge of a combat team platoon, Smiley’s life changed forever. He and his men approached a car with a nervous driver, who immediately raised his hands in the air. Smiley ordered the man to get out of the car, but seconds later, the driver set off a bomb. Shards of shrapnel sliced through Smiley’s eyes, shredding the optic nerves and penetrating his brain.

• Smiley was put on an emergency airlift and transported to Washington, D.C.’s Walter Reed Hospital, where he remained unconscious for two weeks. During that time an ophthalmologist worked for eight hours on his right eye, attempting to save its sight. Unfortunately, when Smiley woke up, he was informed that he was partially paralyzed and permanently blind.

• Smiley admits his “spirit was crushed” and that he felt he had no reason to live or any purpose in life. He was advised to take medical retirement. Instead,hemadethecourageouschoicetofighthiswayback,firmlybelievingtherewasaplacefor him in the military. He took advantage of the Army’s new willingness to allow certain seriously injured soldiers to remain in the service.

•After numerous surgeries and months of

exhausting physical therapy, including re-learning how to walk, Scott Smiley returned to active duty.

• Smiley was accepted into Duke University’s business school, where he earned a master’s degree in Business Administration. Soon he was teaching leadership classes to West Point cadets.

• Smiley’s list of accomplishments and adventures has continued to grow since his injury. He has been skydiving, gone snow skiing and surfed solo in Hawaii. Although he had never mountain climbed before Iraq, he reached the summit of Mount Rainier with a group of climbers in 2007. With two hiking poles, he was able to keep his balance, listening for the footsteps of the person in front of him. Smiley was the recipient of an ESPY (Excellence in Sports PerformanceYearly) award in2008.With thehelpof anArmy buddy, he participated in the West Point triathlon. He has also been awarded the Army’s MacArthur Leadership Award, given to those officers who demonstrate “duty,honor, and country,” as well as the honor of being named the Army Times’ 2007 Soldier oftheYear.

• In 2010, Smiley was appointed commander of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Unit, becoming only the secondwounded officertoassumesuchapositionandthefirstblindactive-duty officer. His responsibilitiesinclude overseeing the recovery and rehabilitation of about 200 armed forces members at the Army Medical Center at West Point. Hoping to inspire others, he has recently released his autobiography “Hope Unseen.” But his greatest accomplishment remains being a father to his two young sons.

• “We all have tough times. It’s about understanding them and moving forward.” – Scott Smiley■

▶ Here’s a great c o n v e r s a t i o n piece: Get a big, shallow bowl or box, fill it with loose snapshots (preferably of holidays past) and

set it on your coffee table. People can’t resist photos.▶ “I’ve loved this little trick since I saw it used at a party years ago. I serve iced tea (or punch) at most of my get-togethers, and instead of ice cubes, I freeze several pounds of cleaned, de-stemmed white grapes. They are a hit at every party.” -- M.A. in New York

▶ Need almost-instant party snacks? Try a package of store-bought cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions (usually only a few minutes), toss with oil or salad dressing and stick each on a toothpick. ▶ “A great way to make guests comfortable is to print out a copy of the channel lineup for your cable service provider. You also can print out common remote-control buttons or any remote-control or TV instructions for playing a DVD, etc. This helps us older folks enjoy a few hours of TV time while the younger kids are out at work or school.” -- H.P. in Nebraska

▶ If you’re serving hot rolls on a buffet, line the basket with aluminum foil before you line it with a towel. They’ll stay warm longer.▶ Try this tip to avoid overeating at holiday parties: Keep a drink in your dominant hand. You’ll be less likely to graze on high-fat chips and other snack foods. Need a little something? Hope for a veggie platter. But whether it’s veggies or chips, grab a couple and then WALK AWAY from the table before you can hit the dip.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Fine-Tune Finances Before Year’s End

The quiet week at the end of the year is a good time to review finances and make any neededchangesbeforetheNewYear.Tax deductions: The trick is to balance payroll deductions with the taxes you’ll owe in April so that you come out with nothing due and no refund. If too much money is taken out, you’re essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. Instead make the changes to your W-9 form and put that extra money from each paycheck into a savings account.

over from year to year, and the only stipulation is that it be used to pay medical expenses. “High deductible” is defined as $1,200for yourself or $2,400 for family coverage for 2011. Go online to irs.gov and look for IRS Publication 969 for more details about how much you can contribute.If you’re self-employed, stock up on the consumables you normally use. Those become a business expense that you can deduct. If you’ll likely need a new computer soon, or telephones, consider buying those before the end of the year.If you’ve planned to make charitable donations, do it now. It’s a deduction on the Schedule A if you itemize.Invest in an early copy of the 2011 tax software and run the numbers. Thiswill help you fine tune youryear-end strategy.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Dear Dr. Donohue: I have faux gout. At least that’s what I’ve been told I have. It’s in my left foot. I understand it’s not caused by uric acid but by calcium. Can you tell me more about it and what can be done for it? -- C.B.

Answer: Faux (French for “false”) gout -- or pseudogout, as it is more commonly called -- is like gout in many respects, but the differences between thetwoaresignificant.Ingout,uricacidcrystalsinfiltratejointsandinflamethem. In pseudogout, the crystals making their way into and around joints are calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate, CPPD. Just as uric acid crystals do, CPPD crystals inflame the joint and cause greatpain. That’s not true of everyone who has these crystals. Some never experience a minute of pain.The joints most affected in pseudogout are the knees and the wrists. Shoulders, ankles, elbows and hands also might be targets.Who told you that you have this condition? A doctor requires X-ray examination of the affected joint before declaring that a person has pseudogout. Stronger evidence of the diagnosis is obtained by drawing fluid from the joint and examining itmicroscopically. The distinctive crystals of CPPD can be seen -- proof positive.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- Aleve,Motrin, Advil and many others -- usually can control this illness and the pain it causes. If they don’t, an injection of cortisone into the joint will. For recurrent attacks, colchicine -- the same drug used for gout -- works for pseudogout, too.The pamphlet on gout and pseudogout explains

Gout vs. Pseudogout: What’s the Difference?By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

both illnesses and their treatments. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 302W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.Dear Dr. Donohue: My wife of 41 years has tremors. She is 62. The tremors started in her mid-50s. Her mother is 85 and shakes so bad she can’t write or hardly help herself. They told her it is hereditary. Is there any medication or treatment available? My wife is getting very frustrated. She’s not able to carry out simple tasks. -- P.E.

Answer:Yourwife andmother-in-lawmost likelyhave familial tremor, also called essential tremor. It does run in families. There is treatment. Propranolol (Inderal) and primidone (Mysoline) work very well for most. Both your wife and her mother should be getting treatment. A neurologist is the doctor who specializes in tremors and their treatment.Dear Dr. Donohue: My husband and I wish to leave our bodies to science but do not know whom to contact. How do we go about this? -- E. and C.D.

Answer: You and your husband deserve a roundof applause. Most medical schools have a body-donation program. Contact the medical school nearest you and ask for the anatomical donation committee or the anatomy department.If you can’t make contact with a medical school, three organizations can assist you in donating your bodies: MedCure (866-560-2525), BioGift (866-670-1799) and Science Care (800-417-3747).

(c) 2011 North America Synd., Inc., All Rights Reserved

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The holiday season can be quiet for some of us. While it’s a great time to sit back and enjoy the books we received and some of the holiday shows on television, we also need to get out! It only takes a little planning to join up with friends to enjoy some meals out. The bonus is that many restaurants give a senior discount.Here’s a list of a few places you’ll find

discounts, broken down by age. Most give a 10 percent discount or offer a free drink.For those age 55 and above:•Chick-Fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Jack in

the Box (20 percent off), Arby’s, Dairy Queen, Popeye’s, Fuddruckers, Country Kitchen, Wendy’s, Denny’s (usually 10 percent off, but certain days and times it’s 20 percent), IHOP, Chili’s.

For those age 60 and above:•Sizzler, Bob’s Big Boy, Golden Corral,

Applebees (15 percent discount), Roy Rogers, Burger King, Sonic, Friendly’s, Ben and Jerrys.

Be sure to call in advance to make sure there aren’t any restrictions, such as days of the week or times of the day. Not all locations offer a discount. For those in

the 55-plus category, call to be sure they haven’t increased the age to 60.Don’t forget AARP if you’re looking for a discount. The website (www.aarp.org) has alistthatchanges.ClickMemberBenefits,then Discounts.Many of us don’t want to ask for a discount in restaurants or anywhere else -- but we should! We’ve earned it! Here’s a challenge for you for 2012: Ask for your senior discount everywhere you go, and keep track of how much you save through the year. You might be pleasantly surprised. Carryyour AARP card at all times!Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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The Instant ClassicBy Mark Vasto

The classic rubber salmon and cold chocolate-chip cookie award banquet is, sadly, going the way of the two-martini lunch and corporate expense account.We used to complain about them, but nostalgia has a way of making even the most unfortunate catered affairs in dingy hotel “ballrooms” seem like a night at the Playboy Mansion.My old pal Bill Grigsby, rest his soul, was the longtime voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, the inaugural broadcaster for the Super Bowl, and the announcer guy for the local professional wrestling telecasts back in the day. As such, he was a mainstay in the Midwest’s cocktail circuit.We had been to so many luncheons and award banquets that we could almost call ourselves a comedy duo. Though Grigsby never liked to share microphone, I was always happy to toss him a few softballs to get him started, usually with the tried and true “Hey, Grigs, tell us about the time you ...” opening line.Invariably, he’d begin with his “nursing home” shtick. It seems that one time he met up with an elderly lady in the lobby of one such home. “Do you know who I am,” he asked her. “No,” the lady replied, adding, “but if you ask the people at the front desk, they can tell you.”That always killed.Then there was that story “about that one time” he and legendary coach Hank Stram were hired

to speak at a banquet of some sort. Grigsby spoke first,probably told thenursinghomestory, andthen ceded the stage to Stram. This was back in the days of receiving cash for your work, so Grigsby collected the envelope from the event sponsor, then took the envelope to the bathroom where he cranked up the hot water in the sink and used the steam to open the envelope, which yielded $400. Grigs pocketed a c-note, left $300 and then resealed the envelope. Grigs gave the envelope to Stram after he got off the stage. Later that night, driving home, Grigsby asked how they made out money-wise.“Cheapskates,” Stram replied. “They only paid us $200.”I’m reminded of this as I watch the video of former quarterback Joe Kapp deck former defensive tackle and pro-wrestler Angelo Mosca at a recent Canadian Football League banquet. For those who managed to miss it, the 70-something Kapp decked the 70-something Mosca before they were set to recount stories of their playing days. Mosca hit Kapp with a cane, Kapp decked him with a movie star-worthy right to the jaw. And then the two of them dusted off and went on to tell stories “about that one time ...”Like the ol’ cocktail circuit -- unfortunate as it was -- it was an instant classic.Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter who lives in Kansas City.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Outing a Sore Spot for Nosey Dog

By Sam Mazzotta

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: This weekend I took my dog “Marty,” a dachshund-beagle mix, out to some property, where she sniffed and sniffed and dug and sniffed and sniffed. I think she had her nose buried in the rocky soil for so long that she gave herself a rather large (maybe the size of a nickel) blister on her upper lip. It’s not puffy -- just a raw patch under her nose, and she licks at it. I saw something saying that canola oil or olive oil might help chapped lips, but this seems like a larger area. Any tips? -- Matt P., via email

DEAR MATT: First, I have to caution that it’s always wise to consult your dog’s vet. With that out of the way, I’d say the best thing to do would be to treat the raw patch like you would a blister or a raw patch on your own nose. Keep the area clean, rub a bit of Neosporin over it two or three times daily and watch it closely.Marty probably will lick off the antibiotic ointment within a minute or two of application, but in such small quantities it isn’t a problem to ingest. A Band-Aid probably will cause more discomfort and trouble than it prevents. Youalsocanaskyourvetfortopicalmedicineto reduce any discomfort and thereby reduce her licking of the area so it can heal faster. If it is indeed just a raw patch caused by friction, the area should heal up within a few days. But do keep a close eye on it: If the patch looks like its getting infected or otherwise changes for the worse, take Marty to the vet right away.Send your question or tip to ask@pawscorner.com, or write to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. For more pet care-related advice and information, visit www.pawscorner.com.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.Answer on page 5

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ARIES (March 21 - April 19) I know, dear Lamb, that you don’t like anyone trying to take charge of oneofyourprojects,buttrytobeabitmoreflexible.A new idea could help hasten a positive result.TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) I’m sure, like the time-thrifty Taurus that you are, that you’ve done much of your holiday shopping. But don’t relax yet. Wrap those gifts now to save yourself lots of unwanted pressure.GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Be receptive when afamilymemberorfriendaskstoconfideinyou.Yourpositivereactioncouldensure thatheorshewill have a happy holiday experience.CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Don’t be rushed into wrapping up that workplace problem. Consider leaving it until after the holidays. This way you’ll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution.LEO (July 23 -August 22)You’ll get news thatwill make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season. Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly, to avoid giving the wrong impression.VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) That frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidaysifyouweremoreflexible.Givealittle,andyou could get back a lot more than you imagined.LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Things might not seem to be settling down as quickly as you would prefer. But it might be just a little holiday timeflutter.You’llsoongetnewsthatwill leadtomore stability.SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - November 21) Stop getting so involved in everyone’s personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays.SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems finally resolved in your favor.Share the good times with people you love and, of course, who love you.CAPRICORN(December22-Jan.19)Yourplansshould not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest.AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Surprise! Thisholidayfindsyouonthereceivingendofthegenerosity of those who are usually the recipients of so much that you give so freely and lovingly.PISCES (February 19 - March 20) That piece of good news assures that you’ll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. There might be a storm or two ahead, but you’ll weather itallinfinestyle.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Q: I love watching one of my favorite “classic” TV shows, “Designing Women,” in reruns whenever I get the chance. I’ve decided to ask Santa for the boxed sets on DVD, but can only find seasons one through four. Will season five be out before the holidays? -- Jeanne C., Conyers, Ga.

A: You, and the rest of us“Designing Women” fans, are in luck--seasonfivewasreleasedonDVD Dec. 6, right in the nick of time for Jolly Ole St. Nick to place a copy in your stocking. Season fivebeginswithCharleneenrollingin college, Suzanne accidentally bidding on a date with Anthony, Mary Jo deciding to want a baby, and Julia secretly moonlighting as a nightclub songstress. The four-disc set includes all 24 original episodes -- with all the hairspray and shoulder pads that that entails. This season is also the last to include original cast members Jean Smart and Delta Burke, who left before season six to be replaced by Jan Hooks (who stayed for seasons six and seven) and Julia Duffy (who was in season six only).Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for the rest of the second season of “Pretty Little Liars” to air. Please tell me it will be back soon! -- Erin H., via e-mail

Lucy Hale

A: I love to be the bearer of good news.Yourfavorite bad girls, led by Aria Montgomery (played by Lucy Hale), will be back with new episodes on ABC Family on its new night starting Monday, Jan. 2. Watch as Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer takemattersintotheirownhandstotrytofinallyput a stop to their tormentor, the mysterious “A.”Q: Can you tell me if one of my favorite shows on TV will return? “The Killing” on AMC was riveting, and the twist at the very end of the last show blindsided me! -- Ann in Minnesota

A: I was just thinking about that show the other day, so thank you for reminding me. I too love “The Killing” and was glued to my seat for the entire 13-episodefirstseason.Theshowwillbebackfora second season -- thank goodness! -- most likely

in late spring, although an officialdate has not been set. If you’re not already following me on Twitter (twitter.com/celebrity_extra), you should, because I always post up-to-the-minute news on casting and returning series.Q: “Downton Abbey” on PBS was one of my favorite shows of 2011. I remember reading in your column that it would be back for a second season. If so, when?-- Donna B., Tulsa, Okla.

A: “Downton Abbey” season two returns to PBS’s Masterpiece Classic on Sunday nights beginning

Jan. 9 and running through Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET. Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Stevens headline the remarkable cast as World War I shakes Downton Abbey to its very foundations.Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Truck Champ Dillon Going NationwideAnother generation found its wings and tookflight.

Or, at least, hoisted a trophy in celebration.Austin Dillon is the 21-year-old grandson of team owner and former driver Richard Childress. Childress won six (now) Sprint Cup championships with the great Dale Earnhardt.Dillon drove a Chevy Silverado with No. 3 on its sides to the championship of the Camping World Truck Series. Three, of course, is the number indelibly associated with Earnhardt, and Dillon will carry it with him when he competes next year in the Nationwide Series.“Our whole family is involved, and I remember the very first championship withDale Earnhardt,” Childress reminisced. “I had the same feeling tonight watching Austin, my grandson. It’s just so special to have the family and know how hard all of them worked.”Dillon called it “the best feeling I’ve ever had in my entire life.”He said one key to the advancement of his career was “watching these guys in the (Sprint) Cup Series talk to each other.”

“I listen to Tony Stewart, and I listen to Carl Edwards and the different approaches they take to it,” Dillon said. “Offense is your best defense most of the time in racing ...”“Darrell Waltrip told me the best feeling in the world is going home stinking and having a trophy in your lap, and we were able to do that.”YoungerbrotherTywill competenextyear inthe ride being vacated by Austin.

Of Austin, Childress said, “He handles pressure better than a lot of people his age, and his brother Ty does, too.“They must get it from their mom, because me and their dad (Mike Dillon) get a little wound up sometimes.”Monte Dutton covers motorsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette. E-mail Monte at nascarthisweek@yahoo.com.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Using the No. 3 that his grandfather and owner Richard Childress had for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to use in Cup racing, Austin Dillon came away with the Camping World Truck Series championship. (John Clark/NASCAR This Week photo)

• Orchids are lovely flowers, andmany people dedicate years to growing them and finding rarespecimens. If you’re like most people, though, you probably don’t realize that the word orchid comes from the Greek word “orchis,” which means “testicle.”

• Records show that the town of Helena, Montana, had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world -- way back in 1888.

• In the early 1970s, a British plumber named John Hancock replaced an antique toilet in the home of John Lennon, then kept the old toilet for the rest of his life. In 2010, after Hancock’s death, his heirs put it up for auction. Even the auction house was surprised when the former Beatle’s throne fetched a whopping $14,740.

• When you’re in an unpopulated area and gaze up at the night sky, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the

profusion of stars. But what’s truly overwhelming is this: All the stars that are visible from Earth represent only 0.000000000000001 percent of all the stars in the known universe.• Youmaynotbeawareofthis,but there is a new fad that is catching on among some groups across the country: tall biking. Hobbyists

construct bicycles with normal-sized front and rear wheels, but with frames and seats that extend anywhere from 6 to 10 feet off the ground. Some riders actually use these bikes to joust, using lances made out of PVC pipe and foam rubber. It’s unclear, however, exactly how the riders mount their steeds.

Thought for the Day: “If you wish to be loved, show more of your faults than your virtues.”

-- Edward Bulwer-Lytton

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Samantha Weaver

Page 8 Tidbits® of Michigan

Home-Cleaning Tips for the Holidays“It’s dirty work, but someone has to do it!” That has been my catchy refrain the

past few months while partnering with Scrubbing Bubbles to reveal its fascinating Dirty Work Index data on women’s attitudes and feelings on cleaning their homes. Did you know that 51 percent of women actually avoid going into someone else’s bathroom? I also was surprised to learn that three out of four women say that the cleanliness of their homes speaks volumes about them personally, and 83 percent are prompted to clean if they’re hosting a party or guests in their home. That can put a lot of pressure on one person, especially this time of year!Now that we’re in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, with guests coming and going in our homes, here are some practical and easy cleaning strategies for busy families: 1. Start with the front door. To keep dirt and grime out of the house before it gets tracked in, remind kids to leave their boots, shoes, and wet and muddy winter gear at the entryway. When guests pop by, I like to add a bit of humor and suggest that they do the “Cha, Cha, Cha” on the entry mat when they arrive. After a few steps, wiggles and laughs, their shoes are clean before they step inside.2. Think of cleaning as exercise. It can be hard to get everything you want done during these busy days, so make cleaning do double duty when you can’t squeeze in time at the gym. An active 30 minutes of cleaning can get the blood pumping and heart racing.

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Add music to the mix, and it will be done before you know it.3. Get kids to help.You don’t have to do all thetasks alone, especially kid-friendly jobs like shaking rugs, taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom mirrors.4. Clear the clutter. Just before guests arrive at a dinner party, wash and put away mixing bowls and utensils, and be sure the counters are sparkling clean. A clutter-free kitchen makes you feel organized and relaxed.5. Save the night with candlelight. Perfection isn’t everything. If you throw a last-minute get-together, don’t worry about dusting every corner. Simply dim lamps and light candles. There is something about candlelight that makes everything glow.6. Holiday helpers ring in the new year. When packing holiday decorations in boxes until next year, make it a family affair. Laugh together, tell stories and share cups of cocoa while you get another cleanup job done!(c) 2011 Donna Erickson, Distributed by King Features Synd.