Volume 3, Issue 6 · Late March, 2008
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March 20, 2008
March 06, 2008
Volume 3, Issue 5 · Mid March, 2008
March 05, 2008
Senior's News
SENIOR NEWS LINE
by Matilda Charles
Happiness Cycles
We could have told them, if they'd asked: We're happier now than we were a decade or two ago.
There is a new study out about happiness cycles throughout life. Scientists have done tests all around the world (80 different countries) and have come to a conclusion: We're fairly happy when we're young, but middle age takes a toll and our happiness levels fall, sometimes to the point of actual depression. Once we become seniors, the happiness levels rise again. They call it the U-Shaped Cycle.
Researchers pinpointed the late 30s for women as the most likely time for depression and low happiness levels, and the early 50s for men -- then we spring back by the time we're 70. They concluded that middle-age depression wasn't related to having young children, income or job changes, or even divorce. The research paper is loaded with technical jargon, but once you wade through it one thing is clear: The researchers couldn't come to a conclusion about what really causes the rise in happiness levels once we become seniors.
So they came up with three possibilities: 1) Cheerful people live longer. 2) Friends die and we start to count our blessings. 3) We adapt to our strengths and weaknesses and in midlife give up our "infeasible aspirations." (Translation: We give up our impossible dreams.)
That last one is irritating because scientists were grabbing guesses out of the air, not having any real answers.
To explain the low happiness levels, think about what happens in middle age: We had a child in college, or maybe two children. We had a mortgage. We had parents to care for.
I think it's fairly clear why we become happier as seniors: We don't have as many responsibilities -- and we have the time, finally, to go after our "infeasible aspirations."
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) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
March 04, 2008
Soap Updates
SOAP UPDATES
By Dana Block
Want to check out what is happening on your favorite soap?
ALL MY CHILDREN
Samuel had Erica arrested at the fashion show for a white-collar crime. Kendall told Aidan and Greenlee that she isn't pregnant. Zach hired Aidan to be Kendall's bodyguard. Jesse told Angie that he must continue to elude his captors alone. The remains in the bomb shelter were identified as Remy, Angie's old boyfriend. Richie had a diabolical plan for JR after he wrongfully assumed JR wouldn't be a willful donor. Wait to See: Frankie is being watched. Samuel goes after his next target -- Zach.
AS THE WORLD TURNS
Paul was nearly killed by a car bomb detonated by Craig. Chris gave Sofie a kiss on the cheek. Later, Sofie paid a mysterious visit to Paul in the hospital. Craig escaped to the Cayman Islands. Jack and Carly reunited briefly in an attempt to prove Parker's innocence in Sam's death. However, Katie unintentionally thwarted their plan to coerce a confession out of Kit. Ameera, the daughter of Col. Mayer's lover, came to Oakdale to meet Noah. Wait to See: Holden and Lily are back together, but taking it slow. Aaron turns on Sofie in the courtroom.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
A newspaper photographer captured the image of a nude Eric hiding from Stephanie. Bridget couldn't help feeling close to Nick again when she rocked his baby to sleep. Nick was impressed with Taylor's level-headedness when she ended their marriage, but was shocked when she announced that she is taking Jack. Stephanie refused to budge, telling Katie that Storm is going to jail. Wait to See: Brooke and Nick are drawn to each other again. Taylor and Nick face off in a custody battle.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Everyone was saddened when Grandpa Shawn died in the plane crash. Chloe found comfort in Philip's arms. Marlena had a romantic tryst with John, but vowed to cut him off until his memory came back. Chloe clearly had an enemy in Victor when she emerged among the survivors. John contacted Stefano's attorneys to determine what is rightfully his. Steve received a threatening note from Ava concerning Kayla. Wait to See: Kimberly Brady returns to Salem for a funeral. John might inherit Stefano's empire.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
Logan told Lulu that he was simply trying to frame Johnny for the murders and didn't commit the murders himself. Michael ran away after accidentally shooting Kate. Tracy showed Luke evidence connecting Monica to Sam's accident. Sonny accused Johnny and his family of going after Kate. Maxie hovered over an unconscious Logan, but couldn't go through with her plan for revenge. Ric turned to Elizabeth for help with Marianna's injuries. Wait to See: Maxie and Spinelli play detective. Claudia pays Kate a visit.
GUIDING LIGHT
Reva encouraged Josh not to let go of his dream to be a minister after he was defrocked. Will was taken to juvenile detention. Rick told Beth that he still wants to be Bernadette's father, no matter what the DNA results reveal. Dinah offered to help Marina get Cyrus back if she, in turn, helps her with Mallet. Natalia left Gus so that he could tend to a dying Olivia. Alan tried to convince Olivia to give him custody of Emma. Wait to See: Harley and Cyrus take a huge risk in their affair. Jonathan gives Lizzie an engagement ring.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
Jared saved Jessica from being shot by crazy Allison. Gigi was beside herself after learning about Ramsey's promotion. Cole and Langston tried to suppress their new feelings for one another. Dorian stopped Jared from telling the Buchanans the truth. Later, Natalie was hurt when Jared rescinded his love confession. Adriana went to Paris on a business trip. Todd was fearful of Ramsey. Wait to See: John is stunned to learn that Ramsey is his new boss. Nash pays a visit to the newly conscious Allison.
PASSIONS
Paloma realized how much she loves Noah when he nearly plummeted to his death. Ethan and Theresa basked in their happiness shortly before her death. Gwen turned to Juanita for help after Ethan threatened to get sole custody of Jonathan. The search for Theresa was called off. Marty unknowingly held the controls to Fancy's personality-altering brain chip. Wait to See: Noah turns to the witches for help. Vincent plots to kill his parents.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Katherine asked Amber to help write her memoirs. Victoria contacted an old friend named Sabrina from her days in Italy. Kevin discovered that the poison he gave Gloria was merely water. Vic, now going by the name Adam, agreed to work for Victor on a temporary basis. Jeff confronted Gloria about her plan. Adam made a pass at Phyllis. Wait to See: Lily's modeling career gets off to a rough start. Jack and Sharon meet with Eric Forrester.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
March 03, 2008
Hollywood Stories
JILL JACKSON'S HOLLYWOOD
By Jill Jackson
HOLLYWOOD ... Heather Locklear, so familiar on the small screen, is set to make a movie for the big one.
It's tentatively titled "Flirting With 40," and is about a divorced mother of two kids on the brink of her 40th birthday who falls in love with a much younger man. She soon learns life really CAN begin at 40. The film is based on the novel by Jane Porter. ... Heather, 46, is one of Tinseltown's favorites. Everybody likes her. She once announced to one and all: "Having to sit like a lady isn't one of my favorite things. It's nicer to be comfy. So, I mostly wear pants, and not a skirt."
Emilio Estevez is a multi-talented man. This son of Martin Sheen writes, acts and directs. His next film will be "The Public," which he wrote. He will star in and also direct this story of libraries becoming the home for many derelicts and the mentally ill. They wander into these public places and make their homes among the shelves until they are discovered and evicted. In his private life, Emilio was once married to Paula Abdul.
Julia Roberts will leave the bambinos with nannies in the daytime while she makes a movie. She will act in AND produce "Hothouse Flowers," about a Manhattan divorcee who trades her staid life for one of adventure. More about casting and etc. when we find out. Meanwhile, the Moders "just keep rolling along."
Michael Douglas, his hair tinted a nice soft reddish color, has signed on for "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt," about a journalist who sets out to expose a corrupt district attorney by setting himself up as the suspect in a murder he didn't commit. Douglas plays the D.A. As time goes by, Michael is looking more and more like his father, Kirk Douglas, looked in his younger days. In his private life, Michael is a happy husband to Catherine Zeta-Jones and a fun and loving father to his kids.
Hard to believe it has been 10 years since we lost Frank Sinatra. But thank heaven he left much of his memorable music on records, CDs and film. AND come the month of May, a humongous tribute will be paid to "Ole Blue Eyes." Record companies, music studios and film studios will band together to release his recordings, his films and his many personal appearances and other shows. His kids -- Frank, Jr., Tina and Nancy -- will introduce many of the presentations at gala events and public airings. And to those of you who weren't around when Frankie was, don't miss out on this!
It is so difficult to write about them, because their whole scenario can change in a moment. Of course, you know I'm talking about Paris, Lindsay and Britney. At this moment Paris is out and about, not creating too much chaos. Lindsay is once again out and about and seen nipping a bit, and Britney -- things keep changing. Every time I hear a pack of helicopters swarming outside my windows, I know something is going on. They all live in the hills just about my "digs" ... Didya know Alan Alda was once a taxi driver and a doorman before he became an actor?
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
March 02, 2008
"Fatal Revenant: The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (Book Two)"
"Fatal Revenant: The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (Book Two)"
by Stephen R. Donaldson
(Putnam Adult, $27.95)
Reviewed by Chris Richcreek
When readers finished the first book of Stephen R. Donaldson's fantasy series "The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant," heroine Linden Avery was at Revelstone, the main fortress of the Land, and could see that riding toward her on horses were her adopted, mute son, Jeremiah, and Thomas Covenant, the famed hero of the Land and her former lover who died at the end of "The Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant."
It was a great ending twist.
"Fatal Revenant" picks up where "Runes of the Earth" left off, then twists things in a few more directions.
Covenant apparently has returned, but his explanations are strange, and he does not display the same personality as before. Instead, he's much harsher toward Linden. He has his reasons, but are they believable? The formerly unresponsive Jeremiah can now communicate, and it appears he idolizes Covenant.
Linden, in possession of the Staff of Law, the even more powerful white gold and her own doubts, has a hard time getting on top of the situation, and before the book is over, she will travel back in time, meet noted figures of the Land's past, encounter powerful forces and take on formidable opponents.
Donaldson continues to weave a complex tapestry in "Fatal Revenant," the second of four planned books for the final chronicles (and eighth of 10 books overall in the Thomas Covenant series). His writing can be somewhat wordy (enthusiasts of the word "puissance" will enjoy how many times it shows up in its various forms), but the book presents an engaging tale.
Ultimately, at the end of "Fatal Revenant," the reader is hit by one more twist, along with a desire to get the next book. Alas, "Fatal Revenant" arrived three years after "Runes of the Earth," which means Thomas Covenant fans likely have three more years to ponder what comes next.
Books reviewed in this column are available online or at your local bookstore.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
Celebrity Extra
CELEBRITY EXTRA
By Cindy Elavsky
Q: I have a question about a voice on a TV commercial. Please tell me who is the woman's voice on the Olay commercials. I know that I know her, but it's driving me crazy. -- Dot S., Lady Lake, Fla.
A: I get the same way when I hear a voice and the answer is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't quite make the connection. The answer to your query is actress Christine Lahti ("Chicago Hope"). I decided to do some digging and reveal some more voice-over actors whom you might or might not have know about.
Zach Braff ("Scrubs") is the voice of the Cottonelle puppy; David Duchovny ("X-Files") does work for Pedigree dog food; Gene Hackman does ads for Lowe's; George Clooney is the voice behind Budweiser; Antonio Banderas ("Shrek") is the voice of the Nasonex bee; Susan Sarandon lends her voice to Stouffer's; and Patrick Dempsey ("Grey's Anatomy") does voice work for Mazda. There are many more, of course, but I'll save them for another day.
***
Q: There is a song in the Accord commercial that goes: "Hang on tight to your dreams." I would like to know the name of the song and who recorded it. -- Nancy V., via e-mail
A: The song in question is by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and is called "Hold On Tight." The song was released in 1981, and at the time of its release, the accompanying music video was the most expensive yet produced. The song can be found on the band's album "Time."
***
Q: I enjoy watching "The Andy Griffith Show" on TVLand and often wonder about the career of Aneta Corsaut, who played the character Helen Crump. I don't recall seeing her in films or on TV after "The Andy Griffith Show" ended. Can you enlighten me? -- Aaron in Delaware
A: Aneta Corsaut had many guest-starring turns on such shows as "Emergency!" "Columbo," "Adam-12," "Hart to Hart" and even the daytime soap opera "Days of Our Lives." She also co-starred in quite a few episodes of Andy Griffith's hit show of the late '80s and early '90s, "Matlock." Aneta succumbed to cancer in 1995, just a few days after her 62nd birthday.
***
Q: I have tried unsuccessfully many times to find information on the "Newhart" series based at a B&B in Vermont. Are there plans to release the series on DVD? -- Sue W., via e-mail
A: "Newhart" finally became available on DVD on Feb. 26, so Season One should be in stores by the time you read this. Other seasons are sure to follow, but for now, you can refamiliarize yourself with the first season -- a time before spoiled maid Stephanie (Julia Duffy) and her slightly sleazy beau, Michael (Peter Scolari), who don't appear until Season Two.
Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com, or write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
Journal Can Offer Roadmap to Fitness
FROM START TO FITNESS
By Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.
Journal Can Offer Roadmap to Fitness
Q: A friend of mine met with a personal trainer after she joined a new fitness center. The trainer told her to start keeping a lifestyle log.
My friend is supposed to write down all her activities each day, plus everything she eats and drinks. After a week she is supposed to turn in her lifestyle log so they can discuss it. What benefit would keeping such a log have? I am trying to become healthy and lose a little weight.
A: Keeping a journal, or lifestyle log, has been shown to be a very effective way to stay committed to your fitness goals and to have a written account tracking the process it took to get there. Although this is not a new concept, the traditional food log can be modified to include exercise, activities and other lifestyle components essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Many fitness professionals are asking clients to keep logs of their daily lifestyle choices so they can better help them develop realistic goals, and also to get a snapshot of what is happening with their clients on days they are not together. Most people who meet with a trainer or fitness professional do so only two to four days a week, leaving plenty of unknown lifestyle habits.
Developing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes factors not often realized. The traditional nutrition logs/journals include monitoring eating habits by keeping track of calories, portion sizes and fluid intake. Lifestyle logs also include daily exercise, hours of sleep per day and activities outside of organized exercise, such as playing with your children or walking the dog, and levels of perceived stress.
Noting on a scale of 1 to 10 how well you felt with each lifestyle component is also helpful. For example if you got only five hours of sleep, you would note if you felt well-rested, fatigued or tired throughout the day.
After keeping a log for a few days of normal activity, the results can be used to help make changes to your current nutritional and lifestyle routines to help you reach your goals. You might be amazed how just a few tweaks can make a major difference. You can also review old logs to see what worked and what did not work for you.
When keeping a log, it is most important to be completing honest. Withholding information is only going to hinder you from reaching your goals. Lifestyle logs can also be used to hold yourself accountable to your goals. Knowing that you will have to write down a poor lifestyle choice might make you think twice before doing it.
Whether you are meeting with a personal trainer or managing your own fitness program, a lifestyle log can be an extremely useful tool, and maybe the missing link in achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S., is a personal trainer with an extensive in strength and conditioning as well as therapeutic recreation. If you have a fitness or training question, write to Andrea in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
Moments in Time
MOMENTS IN TIME
The History Channel
Ever wondered what happened on this date in the past?
¥ On March 6, 1899, the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin registers Aspirin, the brand name for acetylsalicylic acid, on behalf of the German pharmaceutical company Friedrich Bayer & Co. In its primitive form, the active ingredient, salicin, had been used for centuries in folk medicine.
¥ On March 9, 1913, writer Virginia Woolf delivers the manuscript of her first novel, "The Voyage Out," to her publisher. In 1941, fearful for her own mental state and afraid of the coming world war, she filled her pockets with rocks and drowned herself.
¥ On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signs a congressional act making "The Star-Spangled Banner" the official national anthem of the United States. Francis Scott Key composed the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814.
¥ On March 7, 1946, actress Joan Crawford, born Lucille Fay Le Sueur in 1905 in Texas, is awarded the Oscar for her performance in "Mildred Pierce." Crawford made some of the finest films of her career after age 40.
¥ On March 4, 1952, Ernest Hemingway completes his short novel "The Old Man and the Sea." He wrote his publisher the same day, saying he had finished the book and that it was the best writing he had ever done. The critics agreed, and the book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953.
¥ On March 5, 1963, the Hula-Hoop, a hip-swiveling toy that became a huge fad across America when it was first marketed by Wham-O in 1958, is patented by the company's co-founder, Arthur "Spud" Melin. An estimated 25 million Hula-Hoops were sold in its first four months of production alone.
¥ On March 8, 1986, "Mask," starring Eric Stoltz and Cher, opens. Cher, who had launched a serious acting career with her appearance in Robert Altman's "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" in 1982, received the Best Actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in "Mask."
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
Scrimp and Save
DOLLARS AND SENSE
BY David Uffington
Scrimp and Save
If you made New Year's resolutions to save money wherever you could, how are you doing?
Are you meeting your goals? For many of us, the initial rush of determination has worn off, and we're back to our normal spending patterns -- which means we're not saving much at all.
It's never too late to try again. It's said that if you can do something for 21 days, it will be come a habit. Here are some relatively painless ways you can save a few dollars.
Food: Are you still eating out twice a week, or back to grabbing an expensive cup of coffee on the way to work? When you cook at home, fix double the amount and freeze half. Take lunch to work a few days a week.
Money: Empty your pockets and purse of all coins every night and put them in a jar. Don't carry your credit cards. Don't pay full price for anything. Look for bargains. (This keeps you from making fast purchases, as well as saving money.)
Maintenance: Is the bathroom faucet still dripping? Spend a few minutes and a few cents, and the savings will add up. Get in the habit of tending to money-draining repairs immediately.
Insurance: Can you logically raise your deductible and reduce the monthly insurance payment?
Telephone: Many people have realized that they're paying for two phones -- a landline at home and a portable cell phone -- and have dropped the home phone altogether. This could be a savings of hundred of dollars per year. If you absolutely need the landline, consider dropping options such as call waiting or call forwarding.
Coupons: Are you clipping grocery coupons and actually using them? Coupons aren't just for food and entertainment. Check your local phone book. Quite often there's a whole section of coupons from local merchants for oil changes, carpet cleaning, video rentals and more.
Cable TV: Compare the cost of the premium movie channels and one of the by-mail video rentals. Some of the rental plans will let you have up to four movies at a time for less than $20 per month.
Try to develop frugal attitudes about your money.
Remember: It takes 21 days for a good habit to be formed, but you have to do it every day.
David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.
(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.
How to Choose Heartburn Medicine
TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.
How to Choose Heartburn Medicine
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Please explain the difference between Protonix and the other medications available for GERD. I have been on Protonix for nine months, and no one is able to give me a clear definition. -- E.S.
ANSWER: Heartburn, acid reflux, hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease are different names for the same condition -- the upward spurting of stomach acid and digestive juices into the esophagus, the long muscular tube that stretches from the throat to the stomach and through which food travels to arrive in the stomach.
The medicines that are the most powerful in suppressing acid production, and therefore in quieting heartburn symptoms, are proton pump inhibitors. "Proton" is another word for "acid." There are five of them: Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Aciphex and your Protonix. They work in a similar fashion. Each has its own slightly different profile and its own slightly different set of side effects. Which is best? The best one for you is the one that stops your heartburn, causes you the fewest side effects and costs the least.
There are many other GERD medicines -- simple antacids like Maalox, for example. Tagamet, Zantac, Axid and Pepcid cut acid production in different ways from the proton pump inhibitors. If they work for a person, then he or she should stick with one of them.
Raising the head of the bed with 6-inch blocks under the bedposts or lying on the left side while asleep keeps stomach acid in the stomach and can put an end to some people's heartburn without resorting to medicine. Staying away from caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato products, chocolate, peppermint, onions and fatty or fried foods is another approach to minimizing heartburn symptoms.
The booklet on GERD (heartburn and hiatal hernia) explores this topic in full. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 501W, 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: A psychiatrist recently diagnosed my 20-year-old granddaughter with dysthymia. Can you explain what it is? -- B.L.
ANSWER: Dysthymia is sadness that lingers for no good reason. It's not quite the depths of dejection that qualifies as a major depression, but it is a state of a down mood that affects a person's life and work. Dysthymic people have little energy, have poor appetites, are unable to sleep or sleep excessively and are consumed with pessimism.
With direction from a mental health professional and perhaps with medicines to right any imbalance of brain chemistry, most dysthymics can obtain relief.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 67 and have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritic knees. Walking was my favorite exercise, but knee pain now prevents that. What exercise would be best for my knees? -- R.C.
ANSWER: Swimming would be the ideal exercise. Even if you don't know how, 67 is not too old to learn. You also could do water aerobics -- exercising in the water. Water provides buoyancy that protects your knees.
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) 2008 North America Synd., Inc.
All Rights Reserved