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Issue #19The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read®November 19-25, 2011

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TIDBITS® WE’RE NUTS ABOUTCHESTNUTS

by Patricia L. CookThe lyrics of a favorite Christmas carol say, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” Let’s explore some interesting Tidbits about chestnuts, the subtly sweet, healthy nuts.• American chestnut trees were the dominant

hardwood trees for food and timber in the Appalachian Mountains several hundred years ago. When Chinese chestnut trees were imported, a bark fungus came with them for which the American species had no resistance. The American chestnut died off; over 30 million acres (12 million ha) died from Maine to Georgia and west to the Ohio Valley from what was known as the chestnut blight. The death of these trees was one of the largest ecological disasters in America.

• Back in the heyday of American chestnuts, they were an important food for people and wildlife from birds to bears. Rural communities depended on the nuts as a cash crop for feeding livestock, and the sale of lumber was also important for rural economics. Another chestnut product was tannin, a chemical substance found in some plants that is used in the leather tanning industry.

• The loss of the chestnut industry cost rural communities millions of dollars. Scientists have been working to restore the species.

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Page 2 Tidbits® of MichiganCHESTNUTS (continued):

• James Carpentar of Salem, Ohio, a member of the Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA), discovered a large living American chestnut in the midst of a grove of dead trees in the early 1950s. The tree showed no sign of blight infection. Carpentar and Dr. Robert T. Dunstan, another member of the NNGA and a well-known plant breeder in Greensboro, North Carolina, conducted research, grafting and cross-pollinating chestnut trees. They cross-pollinated grafts from the strong American chestnut with a mixture of three United States Department of Agriculture-released Chinese chestnut varieties. After years of work, Dunstan Hybrid Chestnuts were developed. They have a combination of American and Chinese traits. The first chestnuts to ever receive a U.S. Plant Patent, the Dunstan trees are healthy, vigorous trees that bear heavy annual crops of large, sweet-tasting nuts.

• The grandson of Dr. Dunstan, R.D. Wallace, and his wife, Deborah A. Gaw, started Chestnut Hill Tree Farm in 1981 in Alachua, Florida. Dunstan Chestnuts are the most widely planted chestnut variety, and Chestnut Hill is a national leader in the chestnut industry.

• The American Chestnut Foundation, started by plant scientists in 1983, is also working to reestablish American chestnut trees. They have worked to breed blight-resistant trees, while maintaining the characteristics of the original trees. The successful program has resulted in trees that retain “no Chinese characteristics other than blight resistance.”

• Canadian scientists and naturalists established the Canadian Chestnut Council in 1988 to work on reestablishing the trees in Canada as well, mainly in Ontario.

• There are fewer than 2,500 acres (1,012 ha) of chestnut orchards in the United States. We import $20 million of chestnuts annually. Our consumption of chestnuts is very low compared to Europe, Asia and Africa. Most chestnuts are imported from Japan, China, Spain and Italy.

• Chestnuts are used as a potato substitute frequently in Europe, Asia and Africa. The nuts actually contain twice as much starch as potatoes. They are also similar to brown rice in their nutritional value and sometimes called a “grain that grows on a tree.” They are 40 percent carbohydrates and only 2-3 percent fat, compared to many nuts that contain 50 percent fat. They contain 5-10 percent high quality protein and no cholesterol.

• In some European countries, Catholics give chestnuts to the poor on the Feast of Saint Martin in November. Also, chestnuts are eaten

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as a traditional food on Saint Simon’s Day in Tuscany, Italy.

• Chestnuts are excellent steamed or roasted. They are often included in dressing with turkey for holiday meals and are a great addition to soups and stews. Chestnuts can be ground into flour and used for baking pastries and bread. A traditional European dessert, “Mont Blanc,” has chestnuts sweetened with honey and topped with whipped cream. Also, a few beer brewers are now producing gluten-free chestnut beer.

• One of the largest chestnut forests in the world is on the French island of Corsica. In the 16th century, landowners were ordered to plant four trees each year in an eastern mountainous area of the island. The town of Castagniccia, which means chestnut grove, became forested with magnificent chestnut trees. Today, that forest is dying from neglect.

• Tourists and locals walking the streets of Beijing and other Chinese cities are likely to find chestnuts being roasted and sold by street vendors. About 40 percent of the world’s chestnuts are consumed in China. They roast them in ovens, on coals or even in hot sand. They also simmer them in numerous dishes and add them to soups.

• American chestnut wood is straight-grained, easily workable, lightweight and highly rot-resistant. It is used for railroad ties, fence posts, barn beams and home construction, as well as for musical instruments and fine furniture. Healthy chestnut trees grow straight and tall, often not producing branches until around 50 feet (15 m). The trees are known for being used “from cradle to coffin.”

• A famous piece of chestnut furniture is an armchair on display at the Longfellow National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service, in Cambridge, MA. The chair was a gift to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the most widely read American poets of all time, from Cambridge children for his 72nd birthday. The chair was built from wood from the “spreading chestnut tree,” written about by Longfellow in “The Village Blacksmith.” The tree in the poem, that he and many others loved, was removed in 1876 in order to widen Brattle Street in Cambridge.

• There are chestnut trees around still today, and restoration efforts are ongoing to return the American chestnut trees to their majestic glory. There are growers selling chestnuts in the fall, mostly blight resistant Chinese varieties. It is hoped that someday soon, there will be more healthy chestnut forests of the American variety that produce chestnuts for us to “roast on an open fire.” ■

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GOES LONG.................One animal that had to change its eating habits because of the death of American chestnuts was the wild turkey. Years ago, a hunter found 92 undigested chestnuts inside a wild turkey he had shot.

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DEAR SAM: Nine years is definitely “senior dog” territory, and it is normal even for very energetic dogs to begin to noticeably slow down. Their dietary needs and their digestive system also go through gradual change.

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If Jessie isn’t showing signs of distress or extreme lethargy, he’s probably OK. However, as his owner, you know him best, so if his behavior or digestion concern you, take him to the veterinarian for a checkup.Senior dogs do have unique needs that owners should address. Heidi Ganahl, owner of Camp Bow Wow, recently listed a few considerations senior dog owners should take:• Schedule a veterinary checkup every six months,

rather than once a year. A senior pet’s health can change rapidly.

• Learn the signs of common ailments in senior dogs, like hip & joint problems, diabetes and eye/ear issues.

• Feed your senior dog two smaller meals per day, rather than one. This may help with digestive problems.

• Consider adding at least two fresh meals to your dog’s diet per week. The added nutrition can be a big help.

• Replace long runs or walks with shorter jaunts followed by a daily training or toy romp.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Senior Dogs Need Extra AttentionBy Sam Mazzotta

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The winner is drawn at random at the beginning of each week from all the correct contest entries received from the previous month. Must be 18 years or older to enter. One entry per household weekly. Your info will not be shared or sold to anyone. Winner’s name and city will be published in the following issue.

1. Find the AD where Tommy Tidbits is hiding this week.

2. Submit the following by email to: TommyTidbits@TidbitsMI.coma. Tidbits Michigan Issue Number

(located on the Front Page, top right corner)b. Name of the AD where you found Tommy Tidbitsc. Your Name, Address, Phone, and Emaild. Where did you pick up Tidbits Michigan

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Using Linseed Oil toPreserve Tools

by Samantha Mazzotta

Q: I’ve heard mixed information about using linseed oil to preserve tools over the winter. Do you place it on the cutting blades of garden tools, or only on the handles? Is there an alternative protectant for garden and work tools? -- John F., Providence, R.I.

A: Linseed oil isn’t a good protectant for the metal parts of tools. The reason is that it creates a somewhat gummy, sticky coat that may be hard to clean off come springtime. It often is used to coat and protect wooden handles, but like most preservative products, linseed oil has its benefits and its drawbacks.First, many people don’t know that there are two kinds of linseed oil available: raw and boiled. Raw linseed oil is extracted directly from flax seeds, with no additives of any kind. It’s straight-up linseed oil and nothing else. The raw oil dries extremely slowly, over several weeks, and so it develops a kind of gummy or sticky texture that you may not want to experience when picking up a hammer.Boiled linseed oil is not actually boiled. It has several ingredients added that quicken drying time and prevent mildew from setting in. If you want to coat wooden tool handles with linseed oil to preserve them, this is the product to use.The website NaturalHandyman.com has a pretty detailed article available on various uses for raw and boiled linseed oil.A note of caution when using linseed oil: After use, wash any rags that are soaked with the oil in soap and water immediately, or store the rags in a pail of water that is covered. Linseed oil tends to heat up as it dries (through a process called oxidation), and while that isn’t a problem for a tool handle with a light coat of boiled oil on it, it can be a problem if a pile of oil-soaked rags are sitting in a corner of your garage drying out. For the same reason, you’ll also want to air-dry the washed-out rags rather than placing them in the clothes dryer. Spontaneous combustion is only fun in science class.

Before you get completely turned off toward linseed oil, keep in mind that safety is a priority when working with any type of solvent or chemical, and review the warnings on the back of all the products you use.Which leads into alternatives to linseed oil. You’ll find several kinds of wood preservatives on the shelf at your home-improvement store. Pick a protectant that is specifically formulated for wooden tool handles. It needs to quickly penetrate the wood, not leave a residue on the surface and ideally provide some protection from the sun as well.Send your questions or comments to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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INGREDIENTS:• 2 cups (8 ounces) elbow macaroni• 1/2 stick butter, divided• 1/3 cup unseasoned fine dry breadcrumbs• 1/2 teaspoon paprika• 3 tablespoons flour• 3 cups milk• 1 4-ounce log soft Chevrai (unripened goat cheese)• 2 cups coarsely shredded Jarlsberg cheese• 1 cup diced American cheese1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 2-quart round ovenproof casserole dish. Cook pasta until al dente; transfer to colander and drain.2. In same pasta pot over very low heat, melt butter; remove from heat. Measure off 2 tablespoons butter and, in small bowl, combine with breadcrumbs and paprika. Set aside.3. Return pot to heat. Blend in flour and simmer until bubbly (1 minute). Gradually whisk in milk, goat cheese and shredded Jarlsberg. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is creamy-smooth and thickens slightly. Return pasta to pot and toss until coated; mix in diced cheese.4. Transfer to prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs. If desired, sprinkle with additional paprika. Bake 30 minutes or until center is bubbly-hot and crumbs are golden. Serves 8 to 10.

VARIATIONS:When combining pasta with cheese sauce, fold in:• 2 cups cooked small shrimp or shredded cooked

chicken with 1 cup frozen petite peas.• 2 cups small cubes of chorizo, kielbasa or ham,

with 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes. Instead of buttered breadcrumb topping, use crushed, lightly salted tortilla chips.

• 2 cups small broccoli florets and 1 cup each (cooked, well drained) lean, chopped beef and chopped mushrooms.

• 2 cups cooked crumbled bacon or prosciutto and 1/4 cup fig jam.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Three Cheese Macaroni

If you and your guests drink wine at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, consider recycling your wine corks. There are people who collect them for making cork boards or trivets. There are also companies that recycle them into great eco products. Consider sending your corks to Yemm & Hart Green Materisl (www.yemmhart.com). This company has an experimental program evaluating cork for flooring and wall tiles. The company hopes to someday pay contributors for cork that is sent to them, but potential products are still in the experimental state and not yet returning a profit.

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Dear Dr. Donohue: Many years ago, when I was still a teen, I went skiing with my older brother. He was a much better skier than I, so we went our separate ways. Later, I saw a group huddling around one skier who looked a lot like my brother. It was my brother. He lost one of his gloves, and he had two frostbitten fingers. His only permanent damage was the loss of a fingertip. Ever since, I have been careful about dressing warm, often with two pair of gloves in cold weather. I don’t know what to do about frostbite. Will you run the basics by me? -- S.S.

Answer: Frostbite happens when the temperature drops to 32 F (0 degrees C) or lower. Actually, the temperature has to be lower than 32, since the minerals in the fluids bathing the tissues lower their freezing point.The places most susceptible are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose and ears. The first sign of trouble is pain. Then the skin turns quite pale. After that, numbness sets in. People might think that nothing is wrong at this stage, but numbness is a sign that freezing is imminent. The skin and involved tissues become hard and firm.Ice crystals form in the spaces between cells. They pull water out of the cells and dehydrate them. The dehydration, decreased blood flow and ice crystals all work together to cause tissue damage. One of the most destructive factors is the lack of oxygen that comes from artery constriction to prevent heat loss from the rest of the body.Fast rewarming is the treatment. It should not begin if you are in a place where there’s a chance of refreezing. Refreezing is a more destructive process than leaving

Taking Care of FrostbiteBy Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

things alone until you are in a place where the person can be kept warm.The affected part should be immersed in a bath of hot water whose temperature is around 104 F (40 C). The water has to be kept warm by adding more hot water as the bath begins to cool. At no point should you rub the frozen part. If the affected area cannot be warmed in a water bath, then use hot compresses.Rewarming is painful. Tylenol or a stronger medicine should be given. In 12 to 24 hours, blisters form. Do not break them. At this point, have a doctor examine the patient for definitive care.Dear Dr. Donohue: What can I do to improve my chipping, splitting fingernails? I was getting a weekly manicure but stopped due to economic reasons. My nails had grown stronger. Now they’ve become a disaster again. Please help. I take vitamins and calcium. -- M.H.

Answer: Aging makes nails brittle, thin and fragile for quite a few people. Dryness fosters brittleness. After every handwashing and before going to bed, coat your nails with a moisturizer. Petroleum jelly (the many Vaseline products) works well. When washing dishes or putting your hands in water, wear waterproof gloves. Don’t use nail polish remover often.The B vitamin biotin toughens nails for some. You’ll need 2.5 mg daily.Neither calcium nor gelatin strengthens nails.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) 2011 North America Synd., Inc., All Rights Reserved

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NaturalGasmove the warm ceiling air down into the main part of the rooms.6. Consider turning down the temperature on your water heater. Generally they’re set at 140 degrees F. You can still get a hot shower, and it will save 3 percent to 5 percent of your energy bill with the temperature set at 120 F.7. If you’re home during the day, open the drapes on the sunny side of the house, and close them

when the sun moves to the other side. 8. Turn down the temperature on your thermostat 1 degree. In a few days, turn it down another degree. You likely won’t feel the difference in temperature, but you’ll save between 2% and 5% on your heating costs. If you can, invest in a programmable thermostat set to lower the temperature when no one is home.9. Insulate your attic access door, if you have one.10. Add a warm-air humidifier: Moist air feels warmer.11. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, water heater, doors and windows or attic insulation, remember to check www.energysavers.gov for rebates before you buy.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Here are a few ideas to help you save money during the coldest months of the year.1. If you haven’t had your furnace inspected this year, it’s not too late to do so. Consider buying one of the service plans. If your furnace quits in the middle of a cold night, you not only want to know who’s going to come fix it, you want to know that some or all of the repair costs are covered.2. Be sure you’re not blocking any air vents with furniture.3. If you never got around to caulking your windows and are feeling drafts when the wind blows, head to the hardware store and look for Frost King plastic window sheeting. This clear plastic (three large sheets to the box) goes on the inside of windows with the adhesive tape that’s supplied. Shrink the plastic tight with a hair dryer and trim off the extra. The trick is to get a few inches of dead air space between the window glass and the plastic. The wider that area, the better the insulation factor.4. While you’re at the hardware store, pick up two or three furnace filters. Plan to change them on the first of every month during the winter, when the furnace is running frequently.5. If you have ceiling fans, run them in reverse to

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Finally, A Bump Up inSocial Security

We’re about to receive our first Social Security cost-of-living increase in three years. But don’t rush out to buy jewels, furs and vehicles with your new riches: The increase will be 3.6 percent and will take effect in January.

These past two years were the first time since 1975 that there was no adjustment, but the economy changed just enough

to trigger the small increase. The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is based on any increase in the Consumer Price Index from one year to the next.

The average Social Security check this year was $1,177. The 3.6 percent increase of $42.37 will bring that up to $1,219 per month in 2012.

Per the Social Security website, the earnings limit for those under age 66 is as follows: For those born in 1943 through 1954, the limit will be $14,640 with $1 deducted from benefits for each $2 earned over that amount. If you’ll turn 66 in 2012, you can earn up to $38,880 without penalty, but will lose $1 for every $3 you earn over that amount until the month you reach age 66. These limits are slight increases.

Then, too, there is the possibility of an

increase in Medicare Part B premiums. (You should have gotten your Annual Notice of Change in the mail.) Your Social Security increase might be completely eaten up by the increase in Medicare premiums.

If you haven’t filed for Social Security, run the AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator [www.aarp.org] to get a better idea of whether it will benefit you to wait, or to keep working and file at the same time.

To save money, the Social Security Administration no longer mails out annual statements.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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Kensington MotorsportsMichigan is Our Year Round

Outdoor PlaygroundOwner: Tim ThomasQ: Tell us about Kensington Motorsports?A: Kensington Motorsports is a full line dealer carrying top name brands like Polaris, Arctic Cat, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha. We pride ourselves in being able to provide fun, affordable avenues to truly enjoy all that the Michigan Outdoors had to offer.Q: Why Kensington Motorsports?A: Our motto here is “Personal Attention”. We want people not to ask for a department but a person. Our employees have been here for a longtime and that makes them more qualified and experienced to ensure that our clients have the most positive experience. We will try to bend backwards to get financing for everybody. Did you know, you can afford some of our products for as little as $69 a month?Q: Why did you use the phrase “Michigan is our year round outdoor playground”?A: Michigan is a state where we are blessed

with all four seasons. When it is warmer people can enjoy it with our motorcycles, Jet Ski’s, sports ATV’s, scooters, etc. When it is colder, we have products such as snowmobiles, side by sides, and ATV’s. This is a great way to experience the outdoor in a fun positive way. Personally I have found it to be a great excuse to bring friends and family together as well as meet other people with a common interest. In all the years I have been involved with motor sports, the one thing that I can conclude is that this is one of the friendliest community to be involved in.Q: What is hot right now?A: You have got to try our side by sides. One of the things we do at Kensington Motorsports is that people can actually drive their vehicle of choice with no obligation to buy. Come in and experience the difference, and discover how fun purchasing a vehicle can be. We won’t put you through a production line of people & papers to purchase a vehicle or get your vehicle serviced!

Q&A With Your Community Business Leaders

Q: How are you involved in the community?A: We are part of the community and believe in it. We are strong supporters of the Oakland County Sheriffs Department. Over the years we have sponsored numerous Little League teams and athletic departments. We all have to support each other to keep Michigan strong.To get in touch with Tim Thomas please call (248) 446-0000 or visit them at 56605 Pontiac Trail, New Hudson, Michigan 48165.www. Kensingtonmotorsports.com

Page 7 For Advertising Call (248) 423-1765

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) This is a good time to let that intrepid Aries temperament take charge. Your strong leadership will help settle those still-unresolved situations. Support comes from a surprising source.TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Your problem-solving talents shine as you move to cool down heated emotions. You also inspire trust in all parties when you act with careful consideration of their feelings.GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) That long-delayed commitment begins to look better to you. But there’s still a crucial fact or two you need to know about it. A health problem needs to be taken care of.CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Don’t waste time trying to learn why someone you relied on is wavering in his or her support of your stand on a workplace issue. Move on with the help of more steadfast allies.LEO (July 23 - August 22) Relationships enter a brighter period, both at home and in the workplace. Prospects also look good for single Leos and Leonas, who can expect a welcome visit from Cupid.VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Those mixed signals that were complicating your life are giving way now to clear, definitive guidelines. This makes it easier for you to weigh your options and make decisions.LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Ask your partner for an explanation of what seems to be a sign of strain in your relationship. The sooner you understand the problem, the sooner you can both act to resolve it.SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) A new challenge in the workplace holds an exciting promise for the future. But be aware of the fact that you haven’t been told about all the demands you might have to meet.SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) Your financial picture brightens as you get into sorting out realistic goals and those that are not reachable at this time. “Caution” remains your fiscal watchword.CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) You’re deep into your new project, and that’s just fine. But don’t neglect your family and friends. Spending time with people you care for is always a wise investment.AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Past feelings are suddenly reawakened. This could make you emotionally vulnerable. Be careful about decisions you might be asked to make at this time.PISCES (February 19 - March 20) You’ve come to a place where you’ll be facing important decisions that can affect your future. Rely on your strong moral compass to guide you toward making the right choices.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Q: I am loving the new fall season so far -- lots of good shows and only a few stinkers in the bunch. Which shows are you digging so far?-- Clyde R., via e-mail

A: In the drama category, far and away my favorite show has to be ABC’s “Revenge,” which has injected a much-needed shot of campy, soapy, sexy drama into my Wednesday nights. (If you are on Twitter, you can follow my live-tweeting feeds at twitter.com/celebrity_extra every Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. ET, where all of us “Revenge” fans whoop and holler together.) I haven’t had this much fun watching a nighttime drama -- nor have I talked to the TV screen so much -- since “Melrose Place.”On the comedy side, it’s a tie between Zooey Deschanel’s “New Girl” on Fox and ABC’s “Suburgatory,” whose ensemble cast of Jeremy Sisto, Jane Levy, Cheryl Hines, Alan Tudyk and Ana Gasteyer has me wiping tears of laughter from my face every episode.Q: I love watching “The Talk” every afternoon. What happened to two of the original hostesses, Holly Robinson Peete and Leah Remini?-- Joanne M., Fairport, N.Y.

A: Holly’s and Leah’s contracts were not renewed by CBS after the first season. As of Sept. 6 and Oct. 23, respectively, CBS officially replaced them with

Tim Griffin

Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler.Q: I really like “Prime Suspect,” especially the actor who plays Detective Blando. Can you tell me a little about him? He looks so familiar.-- Gennifer F., Allentown, Pa.

A: Tim Griffin, 42, has starred and guest-starred in countless TV series and big-screen movies, including “Party of Five,” “Charmed,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” “24,” “Iron Man,” “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” and most recently, “Super 8” and “Abduction.”I spoke with Tim about his role in the American version of the British cop drama and asked if he had any qualms about trying to “remake” such a popular series. Tim told me: “It wasn’t really until we started doing the initial press work that I realized, ‘OK,

this is a sacred institution,’ because I was a huge fan of the British series too. It’s almost like a trial by fire that you have to go through. Can it be envisioned, reimagined with an American voice?“Our partners are the original producers of the original ÔPrime Suspect,’ Tim said. “So we have that entire cannon of scripts at our disposal, and we have Peter Berg as the executive producer and director. It’s like its own new animal.”Q: I read somewhere that James Van Der Beek’s wife recently had another baby. Didn’t they just have a daughter? -- Barb D., via e-mail

A: You are halfway correct, Barb. James and wife Kimberly have a daughter, Olivia, who recently turned 1, and are expecting their second child next year. James tweeted: “Just when we thought we couldn’t feel any more blessed, it seems the universe has plans to give our daughter a sibling.”(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Stewart Makes It a Two-Car ChaseIt’s seven down, three races to go in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, and quite obviously far from over, but one must marvel at Tony

Stewart’s versatility.Stewart has a) won a championship before the Chase format existed in 2002; b) won a Chase without actually capturing any of the races in it, in 2005; and c) won three races in a Chase he wasn’t actually in, in 2006.Now, at age 40, burdened by the responsibilities -- like, oh, owning his own business -- that come with advancing years, he’s turning into the oddest elder statesman since Willie Nelson.Not for the same reasons, mind you.Stewart is so close to the point lead, he can taste it. If it weren’t for what can only be described, in Carl Edwards’ case, as the Luck of the Missourians, Stewart might be in the driver’s seat right now instead of trying to shove Edwards out of it.The one-time “enfant terrible” -- that’s French for “terrible child” -- is now NASCAR’s informal sergeant at arms. To his credit, he recognizes the irony.“I’m a car owner now,” he said. “I remember Joe Gibbs (for whom he was driving during his championship seasons) sitting me down and saying, ‘There are other guys working on these things, too. You knock the nose off it after a race because you’re mad at somebody, all of a sudden, you create more work for these guys.“Maybe the crew guys need to get mad at the drivers when we do something stupid. Maybe the crew guys ought to pull the drivers back in the shop and make them fix it.”

Maybe, if they’d done that back in the days of Stewart’s impetuous youth ... he’d have had to give up driving because of all the time he spent working on wrecked cars. “I can barely put something that bolts together ... together,” he admitted.Lots of chuckling took place during the winner’s press conference at Martinsville Speedway. The image of Stewart preaching moderation and advocating good sense just seemed ... hilarious.“NASCAR has to stay involved,” Stewart said. “You can’t just make it a free-for-all.”But, in a way, that’s what Stewart said he wanted. He doesn’t want a free-for-all on the track. He’s inclined to prefer a free-for-all in the garage or on pit road.“It’s easier for drivers to handle it back here,” he said. “They’ll find a way to sort it out amongst each other if

you give them the opportunity.”Stewart waxed poetic of the good old days when a Dale -- he mentioned Earnhardt and Jarrett -- would “pull you out of the car at the end of the practice session, rip your head off talking to you about it, intimidate you into understanding why you didn’t do that.“Now,” he said, “there’s nothing. ... You let a guy get his butt kicked once or twice, he’ll quit doing stupid stuff like that.”So ... maybe Stewart isn’t actually such a preacher of moderation, after all. He just yearns for a time in NASCAR when men were men, eyes were blackened and knuckles were bleeding.Monte Dutton covers motorsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette. E-mail Monte at nascarthisweek@yahoo.com.(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

With his win at Martinsville, Tony Stewart cut Carl Edwards’ lead in the Chase to just eight points with three races remaining. (Getty Images for NASCAR photo)

Pig Out at Thanksgiving andYou May Shop Less

Eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and mashed potatoes makes consumers less likely to buy on impulse, which might affect their shopping on Black Friday, historically one of the busiest retail shopping days of the year, according to two University of Utah marketing professors.In “We Are What We Consume: The Influence of Food Consumption on Consumer Impulsivity,” Arul Mishra and Himanshu Mishra show how the types of food consumed during Thanksgiving can influence impulsive choices; for instance whether consumers buy on sales the next day or not.“Most of us don’t connect what we eat to our subsequent choices,” Arul Mishra said. “However, our research

shows that types of food, such as turkey, make people behave less impulsively. Such people are less likely to buy products available at a discount and will find it easier to restrain their impulsive urges and choices.”In other words, if you’re looking to spend less this holiday season, eat a good Thanksgiving meal.And what about cutting down on impulse buying the other 364 days of the year? Try protein shakes, which --

like turkey -- have high levels of serotonin and also were found to reduce consumers’ impulses. “Given that people consume several types of protein drinks for breakfast, they should be made aware that such drinks can reduce their impulsive responding,” Himanshu Mishra said.The authors suggest that if consumers are made aware that serotonin from specific foods can reduce impulsive product choice and responding, they could use this information to modify their behavior. ■(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Leaves to TreasureMemories of times and places from my childhood flood my mind this time of year, whenever I toss on a light jacket and grab a rake. I remember jumping in piles of newly raked leaves on a Saturday morning, and the smell of burning them by the curb at day’s end. It was legal to do that then, even in the city.I also recall sitting on the front porch with my friends, weaving colorful leaves into crowns just as we had done with dandelions and daisies the previous spring.Years later, in a dorm at North Park University in Chicago, fall’s leaves arrived early, in a box mailed by my friend’s mom from Massachusetts. Carefully layered between sheets of waxed paper were dozens of the biggest, most brilliant red and orange maple leaves I had ever seen. We taped them to the walls, one by one, just like kindergartners decorating an elementary-school hallway.

Leaves and the memories they evoke are treasures for many families this time of year -- even in Orlando, Fla. Amy Anderson, mom of two girls ages 2 and 8, says that leaves just keep on falling in her yard long after the snow begins to fall in states “up north.” “Sometimes it takes extra effort to motivate my family to do the constant raking, so we’ve turned the chore into a game,” she says. “We estimate the number of bags we’ll fill with leaves in any given session. Afterward, we go out for ice cream -- bragging rights and extra sprinkles on top of a scoop go to the best estimator. A simple game not only motives the kids to help but it has become a great family tradition.”Here are a few leaf activities you can enjoy with your kids this season, even if you don’t have a giant oak in the backyard:• After a rainfall, find a stick and use it to poke

under a pile of fallen damp leaves. Look for bugs, worms and other critters.

• Press leaves and use them for decor around your home. Spread them out between sheets of smooth paper towels. Place heavy books on top and let the leaves dry for about one week. Remove books and gently remove leaves.

• Draw pictures on pressed leaves using nontoxic paint pens or permanent markers. Draw a fall scene of pumpkins, a colorful tree or a simple design. Set on a plate for a festive place card at a special gathering of friends and family.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”(c) 2011 Donna Erickson, Distributed by King Features Synd.