Tidbits of Mobile

COUPONSON

BACK$ $

$ $

TAKEONE!

FREE

Family Entertainment Distributed Weekly Throughout Mobile County!Issue #93-94

Turn The Page For More!

www.thebatteryshoprecycling.com

batteries AND MORE!

BatteriesStarters

Alternators A/C CompressorsAluminum Wheels

Catalytic Converters

We Pay Cash!

TIDBITS® WANTS YOU TOTHINK POSITIVE!

by Kathy Wolfe During this time of year as we focus on being thankful, Tidbits urges readers to take a few mo-ments to improve their emotional well-being and happiness by thinking positive! • What makes us happy? Psychologists suggest that each person has a happiness “set point,” which is a personal tendency to be very happy, somewhat happy, or not at all happy. About 50% of the explanation for a person’s set point is deter-mined by genetic make-up, which helps to explain why some folks just seem to be naturally happier than others! It also helps explain why long-term levels of happiness appear to be resistant to many significant life events, both good and bad. Lot-tery winners initially feel “overjoyed” and people who have experienced a negative life event, such as a job loss or death of a loved one, feel “sorrow-ful,” But most of these individuals eventually set-tle back to their set point. Research confirms that personal circumstances, such as level of wealth and where we live, account for a measly 10% of happiness.• Are happier people more successful in their per-sonal and professional lives? It appears so partly because happy individuals’ positive moods mo-tivate them to work enthusiastically toward their goals. They lean toward feeling confident, opti-mistic, and energetic, they have a positive percep-tion of themselves, and others find them more lik-able. Happier folks seem to perform better in job interviews and secure better positions as a result. They also tend to have less absenteeism at work.• Level of happiness also affects an individual’s health. Data indicates that happier people have lower levels of hypertension and lower blood pressure. Those who use humor to cope with .....

“Serving Breakfast All Day Long”

We Make Specialty Cakes And Much More!Breakfast Salads Sandwiches & Wraps

Red Beans & Rice, Chicken & Dumplings,1/2 lb Hamburger, Salisbury Steak, SpaghettiAll Home-Made with FRESH Ingredients!

Daily Lunch Specials

1956-B University Blvd 251.300.8304Call Us & We’ll Cater Your Next Special Event

FreeWiFi

OPEN8AMOPEN8AM

Southern, Seafood & Asian Eatery & Fresh Market

Eat, Shop & Enjoy!Eat, Shop & Enjoy!

Homemade Eggrolls Inside-Out Burger

Open Monday - Friday 11am-8pm Sundays 11am-3pm12953 Wintzell Ave. N. Bayou La Batre

Daily Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

SpecialsDine In or Carry Out

Call Us To CaterYour Next Event!

Call Billy Bolton at 251- 401- 5555or go online at alabamapecanfestival.com

for a printable form for any event.SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL.SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSESYour local businesses give back more to the community.

More of your dollars stay in the community. More jobs stay in the community.

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 70 Yearsdiscount building supply

302 North Gould Ave Whistler, AL 36612Open 8-5 Mon-Sat (251) 452-1641

Don’t Shop The Big Box Stores,Before You Shop Us!

Framing & TreatedLumber

Shingles

PlywoodPlumbing & Hardware

Supplies

NailsBy The pound

A Short Drive for the Lowest Prices

ManyMore Items

Hardware and

For Advertising Call 251-285-4116

TLCWeddingServiceTLCWeddingService

Check out our rentaldepartment for

Columns, Candelabras, Table-cloths, Toppers, Chair Covers, Sashes, Tables, Chairs, China

Silk Draping, Lighted Walls and much, much more!

TLC also o�ers prospective Brides…..

Event Planning & DesignBridal Consulting

Customized Linens

Visit us or Call us,251-865-3000 or 251-421-0398

12881 Highway 90 W in Grand Bay

Continued from Page 1 difficulties have stronger immune systems, and are less likely to get sick. They have fewer doc-tor visits, use less medication, and are much less likely to experience substance abuse. • Do you think you’d be happier if you just had more money? Not so, say researchers! Income actually has a weak effect on levels of happi-ness. In the workplace, employees seem to gain more satisfaction from their rank, position, and sense of achievement than they do from their pay. Surprisingly, spending money on others – as little as $5 a day – creates a boost in happi-ness levels. • Wondering what you can do to increase your happiness level? Since 40% of happiness is subject to self-control, a person’s deliberate choices and intentional activities can amp up cheerfulness and contentment. High-quality so-cial relationships contribute to life satisfaction, and research indicates that married people are generally happier than single ones. Socializing with cheerful people increases the likelihood of being happier.• Think happy thoughts! The average woman has 60,000 thoughts a day – can you believe that 48,000 of them are negative? Avoiding “nega-tive self-talk” can improve attitude and enhance happiness. Rather than saying, “I’m not good at this,” try, “What can I do to get better at this?” Substitute “That’s too diffi-cult,” with “I’m going to give it a try.”

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFULBill escorted Brooke to Stephanie’s party. Eric had some surprises in store for the guest of honor, including a per-formance by Celtic Woman. Thomas got caught up in the excitement about

the new collection and inadvertently made a move on Caroline. Brooke was stunned by Felicia’s announce-ment about Stephanie. Eric and Stephanie headed to what would likely be their final trip to their cabin in Big Bear. Katie learned that her plan for Bill and Brooke actually might be working. Rick told Hope that he was in love with Caroline. Brooke demanded that Taylor come clean about Katie. Liam asked Steffy to move back in with him. Wait to See: Stephanie reminisces about Ridge. Katie ends up in the hospital again.

DAYS OF OUR LIVESMarlena found John and Kristen sleeping at the cabin. Nicole was stunned to see Eric Brady in Salem. Daniel and Jennifer rekindled their friendship. Sonny and Will worked out their differences. Kristen stepped down from her position at Countess Wilhelmina so that EJ could have access to Sami. Eric explained to Nicole how he found his path to the priesthood. Jennifer was skeptical when Kristen approached her like an old friend. Brady was injured while saving Kristen from a mugger. Jenni-fer convinced Daniel to enter a clinical trial to try to cure his tremor. EJ was confident that he was one step closer to winning back Sami. Wait to See: Kayla has an update on Caroline. Hope warns Eric that Nicole is bad news.

GENERAL HOSPITALCarly was stunned to see AJ alive. Patrick was disturbed by Emma’s claim that Robin called her. After Carly had AJ arrested, Michael met his father at the station. Tracy had Monica and Alice charged with assault. Spinelli helped Maxie and Ellie on moving day. Lulu wondered how she was going to afford a surrogate. Sonny and AJ faced off at the jail. Robert Scorpio arrived in Port Charles to protect Anna. Britt bragged to Sabrina about how she was going to sleep with Patrick. Duke and Anna shared a kiss. Maxie told Spinelli that she still loved him. Wait to See: The Quartermaines honor Edward on Thanksgiving. Sonny is hopeful about Kate.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESSPhyllis and Ronan went on an awkward first date. Avery told Nick that he was worth the headache her sister would cause them. Chelsea was suspicious that Adam set the fires around town to take the heat off Sharon. Dr. Watkins diagnosed Sharon as bipolar and prescribed her medication. Lauren was worried that forbidding Fen from seeing Summer would backfire. Neil asked Leslie if she would be his attorney. Cane was thrilled to see Jill in Genoa City again. John’s spirit warned Jack to take a break from work. Billy feared that Victor’s machismo would get Victoria killed by her kidnapper. Phyllis made a toast to Jack over new beginnings. Wait to See: Kather-ine comforts a distraught Nina. Phyllis gives Sharon the third degree.

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

CranberryCoconut CobblerOK, you’re accustomed to enjoying cranberries in sauces, and maybe even muffins. But in a delicious

dessert cobbler? One bite of this sensational dessert and you’ll be a Cranberry Cobbler Craver for life!

1 (4-serving) package sugar-free vanilla cook-and-serve pudding mix1 cup unsweetened orange juice2 cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries1 cup plus 2 tablespoons reduced-fat biscuit baking mix1/3 cup fat-free milk2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract3 tablespoons flaked coconut

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.2. In a medium saucepan, combine dry pudding mix and orange juice. Stir in cranberries. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and starts to boil, stirring often. Spread cranberry mixture into prepared baking dish.3. In a large bowl, combine biscuit baking mix, milk, sour cream and coconut extract. Drop batter by tablespoon-ful to form 6 mounds. Evenly sprinkle coconut over top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 6 servings.

„ Each serving equals: About 150 calories, 2g fat, 3g protein, 30g carb., 359mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Ex-changes: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fruit


1. What was the biggest break the band Elephant’s Memory ever had?2. Who were the Bar-Kays, and whatever happened to them?

3. Which jazz great recorded the “Blue Train” album, and when?4. Name the singer who had a stint with the cir-cus.5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “I’ll just use you then I’ll set you free.”

Answers1. They snagged the gig as backup for Lennon and Ono on the “Some Time In New York City” album in 1972 under the name Plastic Ono Elephant’s Memory Band.2. The Bar-Kays started as studio musicians in Memphis, at one time backing Otis Redding. In 1967, on the way to a gig, their plane crashed in Wisconsin. Six of them died, including Redding.3. John Coltrane, in 1957. The shortest track on the five-song album was seven minutes. A 2003 re-release added two bonus tracks.4. Stacey Q., best known for her 1986 hit “Two of Hearts.” She spent two years with Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus as a showgirl and then an elephant rider.5. “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me,” by Mac Davis, 1972. Some people objected to the song’s sexist story: “I’m not ready for no family ties, ... don’t start clinging to me.”

Q: My Thursday nights just aren’t the same without “Community.” When will the show return, and will it be on Fridays, which is what I heard last? -- David S., via e-mailA: NBC recently an-nounced that “Commu-

nity” -- which stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover and Chevy Chase -- has ping-ponged back to its original Thursday night at 8/7c time slot, beginning Feb. 7. “Community” takes the place of “30 Rock,” which will have concluded its final season by then. We’ll both have to wait patiently for 13 more episodes of one of the best, and most underrated, comedies on television today.***Q: On your recommendation, I watched Bill Pullman in Scott Turrow’s “Innocent,” which carried on the story of “Presumed Innocent” main character Rusty Sabich 20 years later, where he is accused of murdering his wife. I absolutely loved it, and it got me to thinking that in my opinion, Bill Pullman is underutilized in Hollywood. Can you tell me what I can see him in next? -- Virginia F. in ConnecticutA: Beginning Thursday, Jan. 10, at 9:30/8:30c, Bill does a 180 from his “Innocent” role to star as the president of the United

States in the NBC comedy “1600 Penn.” The series was co-cre-ated by Jason Winder, director for “Modern Family,” so I can only hope that some of that comic genius carries over to this new series. And Bill is no stranger to being the POTUS (see: “Inde-pendence Day”), nor is he averse to being funny. In fact, when I spoke with the star of the dark comedy “Mr. Wrong” earlier this year, he told me he was eager to get back into comedy if he got the right script.***Q: My roommate told me that there is going to be a new “Battle-star Galactica” movie on the Syfy channel. Is that true? If so, when? -- Harold W., BostonA: “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” is set to debut this March on Syfy, and stars Luke Pasqualino and Ben Cotton. Ac-cording to reps for Syfy, the film “takes place in the midst of the first Cylon war. As the battle between humans and their creation, the sentient robotic Cylons, rages across the 12 colonial worlds, gifted fighter pilot William Adama (Pasqualino), finds himself assigned to one of the most powerful battlestars in the Colonial fleet: the Galactica.Full of ambition and hungry for action, Adama quickly finds himself at odds with his co-pilot, the battle-weary officer Coker (Cotton).” The film already is airing in weekly seven-to-10-minute segments on the Machinima Prime YouTube channel for those who can’t wait until March, as long as you don’t mind short segments with a week between airings.

***Q: I can’t stand the waiting! When will “Smash” be back? --- Eric P., via e-mailA: You’ll have to wait just a little bit longer. The musical melo-drama returns to NBC on Feb. 5.

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at l e t t e r s @ c i n d y -elavsky.com.

(c) 2012 King Fea-tures Synd.,inc

Bill Pullman


Answers:


1. “I Want to Believe” 2. Police officer 3. Swoosh4. Atlanta 5. Bog 6. Creating a classification system for plants 7. Promised French Protestants the same rights as French Catholics 8. The Caribbean, just north of Venezuela9. A meteor shower most visible in August10. Fear of death

HOLLYWOOD -- Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense and the macabre, and earned his fame through classic films such as “Rear Window” (1954), “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956) and “Vertigo” (1958), all starring James Stewart; “North By Northwest”

with Cary Grant (1959), “Psycho” with Anthony Perkins (1960) and “The Birds” with Rod Taylor (1963), to name just a few. In the recent HBO film “The Girl,” Tippi Hedren (played by Sienna Miller) reveals how Hitchcock (played by Toby Jones) attempted to blackmail her for sexual favors.Now, Fox Searchlight has pushed up the release date for its “Hitch-cock” biopic, due out Nov. 23. The film, which stars Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock, premiered at the American Film Insti-tute Festival, is sure to figure heavily in the Oscar race. Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”) plays his wife, and Scarlett Johansson and newlywed Jessica Biel co-star. It tells the love story between Hitchcock and his wife during the filming of “Psycho.”He’d always had a penchant for beautiful blondes, as demonstrated by the females in his films: Joan Fontaine (“Rebecca”), Ingrid Bergman (“Spellbound”), Grace Kelly (“Rear Window”), Doris Day (“The Man Who Knew Too Much”), Kim Novak (“Vertigo”), Eva Marie Saint (North by Northwest”), Janet Leigh (“Psycho”), and Tippi Hedren (“The Birds” and “Marnie”). Rent any of these films, and you’ll wind up renting them all ... they’re that great!Jeremy Renner, Oscar nominated for “The Hurt Locker” and “The Town,” who took over the “Bourne” legacy from Matt Damon, has replaced Steve Carell in “Imagine.” It’s a dramedy that stars Julianne Moore and Al Pacino, who plays a 60-something Springsteen-type rocker who discovers an unopened letter written to him by John Lennon when he was 19. That inspires him to find the son he’s never met (Renner). Lucky for us, Pacino can play anyone, even Bruce Springsteen.Vince Vaughn, who normally does comedies like “Lay the Favor-ite” with Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and the upcoming reteaming with Owen Wilson in “Internship” out June 7, will next do “Triple Time,” an action-thriller being directed by his “Couple’s Retreat” director Peter Billingsley. Remember the little boy in the pe-rennial holiday movie “A Christmas Story”? That little boy, 12 years old then, is now 40 and the director of “Triple Time.” When you play in an iconic film like “A Christmas Story” it becomes a part of your life forever. For several years he’s been trying to exec produce a musi-cal adaption of it. So when you watch that film again this year, know that the little boy with glasses who longs for a Red Ryder BB Gun can demand Vince Vaughn to move in “Triple Time” ... and he’ll do it!Send letters to Tony Rizzo’s Hollywood, 8306 Wilshire Blvd., No. 362, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.


1. TELEVISION: In the “X-Files” TV drama series, what was the phrase on the UFO poster in Fox Mulder’s office?2. MOVIES: What did Bruce Willis’ character do for a living in “Die Hard”?3. BUSINESS: What is the name of Nike’s logo that ap-pears on its sports merchandise?4. U.S. GOVERNMENT: Where is the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention located?5. LANGUAGE: What is a fen?6. SCIENCE: What is the botanist Carolus Linnaeus famous for?7. HISTORY: What did the Edict of Nantes do for the French in 1598?8. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the island of Bonaire located?9. ASTRONOMY: What are the Perseids?10. PSYCHOLOGY: What kind of fear is represented in thanatophobia?



Eat, Shop & Enjoy!Eat, Shop & Enjoy!

Homemade Eggrolls Inside-Out Burger

Open Monday - Friday 11am-8pm Sundays 11am-3pm12953 Wintzell Ave. N. Bayou La Batre

Daily Lunch, Dinner & Dessert

SpecialsDine In or Carry Out

Call Us To CaterYour Next Event!

“Serving Breakfast All Day Long”

We Make Specialty Cakes And Much More!Breakfast Salads Sandwiches & Wraps

Red Beans & Rice, Chicken & Dumplings,1/2 lb Hamburger, Salisbury Steak, SpaghettiAll Home-Made with FRESH Ingredients!

Daily Lunch Specials

1956-B University Blvd 251.300.8304Call Us & We’ll Cater Your Next Special Event

FreeWiFi

OPEN8AMOPEN8AM

Jane E. Johnson, CPA, PCTax Preparation

Full Service Accounting

Let Us Take The Headache Out of Taxes!

5990 Theodore Dawes Rd.Theodore, AL 36590

(251) 653-5575Fax (251) 653-5580

[email protected]

lWa

Appointments available.

k-ins also welcome.

The Trading Post12731 Highway 90. Grand Bay, AL 36541

251-865-3214 OPEN Tues-Sat 10am - 5pm

~Layaway Now For Christmas~

Storewide Sale!10% to 50% OFF

CALL (251) 680-7052**2 Month Minimum**

HAVE YOUR BUSINESS CARDFEATURED IN OUR

BUSINESS DIRECTORYFOR ONLY $25 PER WEEK!!!

PatriciaTina

DianeJenifer

Mon-Fri 9-5Sat 9-3

Open Late, By Appointment

(251) 957-6505

Irvington Bayou La Batre Hwy(Next to Minute Mart)

Patricia’s Hair Styles& Tanning Salon

¥ On Dec. 1, 1830, French novelist Victor Hugo is due to turn in a draft of his book “Notre Dame de Paris” (“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”). Despite his contract, he instead wrote two plays, “Marion de Lorme” and “Her-nani,” and the book is not published until 1831.

¥ On Nov. 26, 1862, Oxford mathematician Charles Lut-widge Dodgson sends a handwritten manuscript called “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground” to 10-year-old Al-ice Liddell. Dodgson made up the story one day on a picnic, and Alice insisted he write it down. He published it under his nom de plume, Lewis Carroll, in 1865.

¥ On Nov. 28, 1914, the New York Stock Exchange re-opens for bond trading after nearly four months, the lon-gest stoppage in the exchange’s history. The outbreak of World War I in Europe forced the NYSE to shut its doors on July 31, 1914.

¥ On Dec. 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi, Italian-born Nobel Prize-winning physicist, directs and controls the first nuclear chain reaction. He created a jury-rigged labora-tory under the bleachers in Stagg Field at the University of Chicago.

¥ On Nov. 30, 1954, the first modern instance of a me-teorite striking a human being occurs at Sylacauga, Ala., when an 8 1/2 pound meteorite crashes through the roof of a house and into the living room, bounces off a radio, and strikes a woman on the hip. The victim suffered a nasty bruise.

¥ On Nov. 29, 1963, one week after President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, President Lyndon Johnson establishes a spe-cial commission to investigate the assassination. After 10 months the Warren Commission report was released, concluding that there was no conspiracy.

¥ On Nov. 27, 1978, former Board of Supervisors mem-ber Dan White murders Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall in San Francisco. When White pleaded a “diminished capacity” defense and claimed that copious amounts of junk food caused him to suffer mental problems, the so-called Twinkie De-fense was born.


Jewelry Can Make Holidays SparkleBy Miss Bijoux

No red or green gemstone is pre-scribed for the Christmas sea-son, but if you are committed to making a holiday statement with jewelry, here are a few suggestions:

¥ Establish your own signature holiday look by wearing the same poinsettia, Christmas tree or ornament brooch every day from Dec. 1 through Christmas. This will become a family tradition -- with you as the star. And the brooch will acquire the patina and status of aging, just as you do.¥ An inexpensive green stone is peridot, which is mined in the United States. It is the birthstone of August, and looks great with green or brown eyes. Peridot is brilliant, but soft, so pierced earrings would be nice.¥ Two red stones are reasonably priced -- pyrope or almandine garnet, and pink tourmaline (also known

as rubellite). Have your jeweler show you the red-dest pyrope or almandine that he can find -- you want to avoid the brownish-tinged pyrope garnet. Pink tourmaline is a reddish-pink and very lovely for a ring.¥ A perfect holiday green-red combination does ex-ist: emerald and ruby stones. A bracelet with these precious stones set in gold or gold surrounded by white (champleve) enamel is festive incarnate.¥ Create a festive look by affixing an old rhinestone brooch to a black velvet ribbon and tying it around your neck for a great choker. (This is for women with discernible, attractive necks only.)¥ Dress up your Christmas tree with large, gaudy old rhinestone brooches hung by red satin ribbons.¥ Hats are a cool look for the winter for those who to live in an area with seasons. So take that old brooch and pin it on a beret or felt hat for a festive look.¥ Trying to create a Christmas gift? Take apart all of your really disposable, old, junky, rhinestone jewelry and glue the parts or large stones (indi-vidual simulated pearls look great) in the shape of a Christmas tree onto a velvet-covered cardboard rectangle. Frame same, and the lucky recipient has a decoration for a lifetime of Christmases.



Located in the Greer’s Shopping Center13260 N. Wintzell Rd. Bayou La Batre, AL 36509

251-824-6017

Come have some great Sushi or enjoy our signature dish, The Deep Fried Whole Sizzling Catfish!

Dollar Sushi Every Tuesday 5pm-9pm

Coupon On Back PageNOW OPEN

Lunch Specials $6.95Mon-Fri 11am-3pm

Scan This CodeWith Your

Smart PhoneTo Go To Our

Facebook Page,Then Click LIKE.

www.facebook.com/tidbitsofmobileLike Us On Facebook!

Puppy Thinks Shoes Are Chew ToysDEAR PAW’S CORNER: Help! Our new puppy, “Elwood,” is get-ting into everything, chewing up my kids’ shoes and tearing the stuffing out of stuffed animals. Any advice on getting him to stop? -- Jessica G., via email

DEAR JESSICA: Getting a puppy to completely stop exploring and chewing is a job that requires time and patience. You also need to reconfigure your house to keep Elwood safe. If he ingests a shard of plastic or some other indigestible item, a poisonous plant or medicines from lower bathroom cabinets, he could be in serious danger.First, pet proof the house. Invest in toddler safety gates (if you don’t already have some) to limit El-wood to parts of the house where he’s less likely to find shoes, toys and other objects. In that gated-off area, remove kids’ toys, clothing, stuffed animals and other chewable objects. Lift potted plants out of his reach (the leaves of many houseplants are poisonous to pets). Make sure Elwood has access to his pet bed and to appropriate chew toys, and check on him frequently. Puppies should not be left alone for long periods of time, for many reasons. Next, get that basic obedience training regime going. Grab a book or three on dog training, all of which will cover important basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come” and “heel.” Spend at least 30 minutes every day working with Elwood, in addition to twice-daily walks and generous amounts of playtime. Chewing behavior is very common in puppies, but tends to diminish as they mature. If he continues to destroy everything in sight, talk to his veterinarian or try a group dog-training class. Anxiety or other issues can be at the root of long-term chewing problems.

Send your questions or comments to [email protected]. If your question or comment is printed in the weekly column, you’ll receive a free copy of “Fighting Fleas,” the newest booklet from Paws Corner!


To have your local event featured here, email your information to [email protected] submissions may not be run due to time and space limitations.

LODA ArtWalk2nd Friday of each Month, 6pm - 9pm

Lower Dauphin St Arts District More Info: 251.208.7443

www.ncsmobile.org

Film: It’s A Wonderful LifeSunday, December 2, 2012 at 3pm

Saenger Theatre, 6 S. Joachim Stwww.centerforthelivingarts.com

North Pole StrollFriday, December 7th, 2012 at 5:30 pm

Downtown Mobile, Royal St.Enjoy an evening of strolling down Royal Street with

Holiday activities hosted by local businesses! www.facebook.com/northpolestroll?ref=hl

On Display: Mobile Societyof Model Engineers

Through Friday, December 14th, 2012Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Dr.

More Info: 251.208.5200

HolidaysProvide Plenty to

Sneeze At The holiday spirit can trigger allergic reactions to live trees and poinsettias, nut brittles, scented candles, dusty decora-tion boxes and even Santa’s fur-trimmed suit. But allergy and asthma sufferers can breathe easier this holiday season by

following some tips from a national allergy bureau doctor.Getting out the boxes of holiday decorations from years gone by is a time-honored tradition. But in addition to stir-ring up memories, it also stirs up allergies.“The dust from the boxes and on the decorations that have been packed away in dank basements or dusty attics trig-gers reactions in my allergy and asthma patients,” said Jo-seph Leija, MD, allergist at Loyola University’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. During the allergy season (March-October) Dr. Leija is responsible for providing the official allergy count for the Midwest.Carol Leopold suffers from severe allergies, and so do her

12-year-old twins. “My husband and daughter are fine, but fresh Christmas trees and fur from Santa’s suit make my sons and I choke up and stop breathing,” she said. “I still go all out for the holidays, but with three artificial trees, silk poinsettias and lots of carefully scrutinized, nut-free foods,” she said.The holidays are supposed to be some of the happiest times of the year. But popular seasonal items such as fresh trees, scented air fresheners, live plants and more make the holidays miserable for many.Here are Dr. Leija’s top five tips for easier breathing this holiday season:

1. Use an Artificial Tree: The clean fragrance from the bal-sam, fir and pine trees available on every corner tree lot is pleasing, yet also aggravates respiratory conditions. Not only is the scent a problem, but the dust, mites and other pollutants on the live tree wreak havoc on your airways and nasal passages. “The water in the tree holder also grows stagnant and collects mold, which is detrimental to those with allergies,” added Dr. Leija.

2. Never Use Scented Candles or Home Fragrance Oils: The popularity of home fragrance products and scented specialty candles reaches its pinnacle during the holidays -- and so do allergies. Unplug the electric scent distributors

and take a pass on the potpourri simmering pots. “Far from creating an inviting home, the fragrance aggravates the si-nuses and respiratory system so sufferers can’t breathe,” said Dr. Leija.

3. Avoid Real Poinsettias and Fresh Floral Arrangements: “The moist soil encourages the growth of mold. And if there is mold in your house, you are breathing mold spores,” said Dr. Leija. This causes the passageways to swell and restrict airflow, and can even causes skin rashes.

4. Keep the Humidity In Check: Warm and cool air hu-midifiers are up and running in many homes now that the cold, dry air is here. “Get a gauge and keep the humidity no higher than 48 percent to 50 percent,” said Dr. Leija. “Too much humidity encourages the growth of mold, which triggers allergic reactions.”

5. Store Holiday Decorations in Large Plastic Tubs: Save yourself some sneezes next year by purchasing large re-sealable plastic tubs for storage of decorations. Keep them dusted during the year to avoid build up.

Source: Loyola University Health System



¥ It was Ameri-can bridge expert Phillip Alder who made the follow-ing sage observa-tion: “We are born

with talents, but we acquire skills.”

¥ The inventor of Life Savers was Clarence Crane (incidentally, he was also the father of poet Hart Crane). In 1913, a year after com-ing up with the recipe for the candy, Crane sold the patent for his sweet treat for $2,900. Seems like a paltry recompense for creating a pop culture icon that is still going strong after 100 years.

¥ Do you suffer from arachibutyrophobia? If so, you probably refuse to eat PB&J sand-wiches, for fear that the peanut butter will stick to the roof of your mouth.

¥ There are 120 drops of water in a single tea-spoon.

¥ In 1976, John Moore, a California man, had his spleen removed at the UCLA Medi-cal Center in order to treat his cancer. The op-eration was successful -- in more ways than anyone anticipated. It seems that the doctors, upon studying the removed organ, found cer-tain cells that had unique cancer-fighting prop-erties. The discovery led to a new -- and profit-able -- treatment. When Moore found out that his spleen had led to this discovery, he sued

the Regents of the University of California for a share of the profits. In 1990, 14 years after his cancer was cured, he lost his court case.

¥ Those who study such things say that ants stretch and yawn when they wake up.

¥ If you’re like 43 percent of the American population, you refuse to ever try eating snails, regardless of the fact that they’re regarded as a delicacy in other parts of the world.***Thought for the Day: “The fear of becoming a ‘has-been’ keeps some people from becoming anything.” -- Eric Hoffer


Ragan’s Role Grows With New Team

For David Ragan, who drives the No. 34 CertainTeed/31-W Ford for car owner Bob Jen-

kins’ Front Row Motorsports, it’s all a matter of gradual improvement.Ragan, 26, spent five years competing in the Sprint Cup Se-ries for Roush Fenway Racing. He won at Daytona on July 2, 2011 and finished 13th in the Sprint Cup point standings in 2008. He lost his ride at Roush when the team cut its operation back from four to three teams this year.As suggested by his one career victory, Ragan, from Un-adilla, Ga., is adept at restrictor-plate racing. He has two top-10 finishes this season, seventh and fourth in the two races at Talladega Superspeedway. He crashed in both Daytona races.Ragan, whose father, Ken, once competed at NASCAR’s top level, has plenty of time to work his way back into a quality ride, but he hopes he can help lift Jenkins’ team up to a higher level.“I think where we’re at today is about where I hoped we would be,” Ragan said, “and our team is stronger with (teammate) David Gilliland and myself than they were at the end of 2011, so I think that’s a good judge that ... the team is clearly better.

“We’ve got to keep ... fine-tuning on our race cars, but it’s been good, steady progress.”There’s a world of difference between the haves and the have-nots, though.“I’m definitely more hands-on at a team like Front Row Motorsports versus Roush,” Ragan said. “At Roush, I was part of the system. I had my small part of the puzzle to take care of, and you go through the motion that Jack (Roush) and Robbie (Reiser) set forth.“At Front Row, it’s a little different because we’re talk-ing about 55 to 60 employees versus 400 employees, so I definitely have a more personal relationship with each and every one of them, and get to be included on some of the decision-making, which makes it feel like I’m more part of the team, for sure.“It’s kind of made me get fired up and a little more inter-ested, and I definite-ly feel like I have more of a hand in the decision-making process.”*** Monte Dutton covers mo-torsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette. E-mail Monte at [email protected].(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc. After leaving Roush Fenway Racing for Front Row

Motorsports, David Ragan is taking more of a hands-on approach to racing these days. (John Clark/NAS-CAR This Week photo)

For Advertising Call 251-680-7052 FAMOUS LANDMARKS OF

THE WORLD:

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

At the western end of Paris’ Champs-Elysees on the right bank of the Seine, the regal Arc de Tri-omphe stands guard over the city. Here are the highlights about this monument, the Arch of Vic-tory, the brainstorm of Napoleon Bonaparte. • Following his most important victory of the Napoleonic Wars, Bonaparte ordered the con-struction of the Arch in 1805. He intended it as a commemoration to all French soldiers who had fought during the wars, and it was his plan that his soldiers would march through the arch upon their return home. However, it took two years just to lay the foundations, and when Napoleon entered the city in 1810, he came from a different direction. • When the architect of the monument died in 1811, the work was taken over by another for a few years. However, when Napoleon lost power, construction was halted and did not resume until 1833. The Arch was not completed until 1836. Meanwhile, Napoleon died in exile on the island of St. Helena in 1821 and was buried there. In 1840, King Louis Philippe I arranged for Napo-leon’s remains to be returned to France and at long last, Napoleon entered Paris through the Arc de Triomphe. • The Arch sits at the center of 12 main avenues which radiate outward. It reaches 162 feet (49.5 meters) to the sky and is 72 feet (22 meters) deep. Its base features four groups of elaborate sculp-tures, the most famous of which is “La Marseil-laise,” featuring the woman Marianne, the na-tional emblem of France representative of Liberty and Reason. Six other reliefs are sculpted on the facades of the Arch depicting important battles of the French Revolution and Napoleonic era. On the inside of the Arch, a list of French victories is engraved, as well as the names of the military leaders of those battles. The names that are underlined represent those who were killed in action. Still more sculptures representing charac-ters of Roman mythology decorate the Arch.• Beneath the vault of the Arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, interred there on Armi-stice Day (November 11) of 1920, to commemo-rate the signing of the armistice between France and Germany in 1918. Prior to the interment, the Arch was the site of troops parading after mili-tary victories, as well as the annual Bastille Day military parade. However, as a sign of respect, parade traffic now marches to the Arch, but then turns to go around its side. A ceremony is held there every November 11. • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier contains an eternal flame that burns in memory of all the unidentified dead. When President John F. Ken-nedy and wife Jacqueline visited Paris in 1961, they paid their respects at the Tomb. After JFK’s assassination two years later, Mrs. Kennedy re-called the eternal flame and asked that one be placed at her husband’s grave at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery. • Following 1919’s victory parade celebrating the end of World War I, French aviator Charles Go-defroy flew his biplane through the Arch, a feat captured on a newsreel. • If you want to reach the top, you can either climb 284 steps, or ride an elevator to the mid-point and climb 64 steps. • Paris’ Arc de Triomphe held the honor of larg-est triumphal arch in existence from 1836 until 1982. It was displaced by the Arch of Triumph built in Pyongyang in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Trigger Finger Not a Cowboy Disorder

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Three or four months ago, the ring finger on my right hand started making popping noises when I bent it. Now it’s still doing that, and it catches in a bent position from time to

time. I work as a carpenter, and I can’t afford to take time off. What do you think this is? -- R.B.

ANSWER: My guess is trigger finger. The tendons that bend the fingers travel from the forearm into the palm and then onto each finger and the thumb. On their way to the fingers, a sheath of tough tissue encircles them. Repetitive movements of the fingers irritate the protective tendon sheaths, and they swell. The swelling squeezes the tendon, and the popping noise you hear is the tendon freeing itself from its swollen sheath. That snapping noise sounds like the noise heard when cocking a gun’s trigger.As time goes by, the finger might become locked for some time in the bent position.You don’t want to hear this, but rest is essential to permit the tendon to move smoothly. If you must work, padded gloves afford some protection for the finger. Gripping a tool like a hammer is particularly hard on the tendon and its sheath. Tools with a larger-than-normal handle are less of a problem. The best protection is wearing a metal splint so that the finger can’t move.Your doctor can give you a cortisone injection into the problem area, and that often reduces the swelling quickly. You must rest your finger after the injection for at least three days.If two injections fail to free the finger, then you need to consult an ortho-

pedic surgeon for an opinion on surgical release of the tendon. ***DEAR DR. DONOHUE: This past summer, I got the shock of my life at a family get-together. My cousin, whom I hadn’t seen in 10 years, has bulg-ing eyes. Her mother -- my aunt -- told me it was due to a thyroid problem. I’d never heard of a thyroid problem affecting the eyes. Does it? -- G.D.

ANSWER: It can. An overactive thyroid gland can lead to deposits of material in the eye sockets, which causes the eyes to protrude. There are treatments for this complication of hyperthyroidism. I’m sure this cousin is under the care of a thyroid specialist and an ophthalmologist.The booklet on thyroid disorders explains the many conditions arising from a malfunctioning gland. To order a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 401W, 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: Can hair grow on the lips if a person shaves very close to the upper and lower lips? Some informed individuals say no. -- L.G.

ANSWER: Never in my life have I seen hair on people’s lips. Lips have no hair follicles. You even could shave the lips if you felt so inclined (but please don’t try this), and hair would not grow on them. If you have evi-dence to the contrary, let me know.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incor-porate 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) 2012 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Air Travel Without the Baggage

Air travel isn’t much fun any-more, and getting through the airport is the worst of it. Between the crowds, the TSA rules and

dragging heavy luggage, some of us just want to stay home and not bother.There is a way, however, to take care of at least one of the problems with air travel: send your luggage early.UPS, FedEx and DHL all will pick up your luggage at your home and ship it to your destination for you. UPS, for example, has specially designed boxes to hold your suitcases.As with anything else, there are both plusses and minuses to using this service.The benefits:--No standing in line only to be told that your bag is overweight and will cost even more.--No lost bags at the airport.

--No chance of thieving airport personal going through your suitcases and stealing things or at least rummaging around.--Less chance of damage to your bags.--No wasted time at baggage claim and then pushing through the crowd to pull your luggage off a moving carousel.--No wrestling with luggage through the airport or onto the hotel bus or into your rental car.The downside:--The cost. It can be expensive to use a service to get your luggage to your destination so it’s there when you arrive. But it can be a life (or back) saver if dealing with luggage in crowded airports is a hassle for you.Hint: Have your bag shipped days in advance. That way you’re not paying overnight shipping costs. Also, don’t bother using a “luggage shipper.” They use the same DHL, FedEx or UPS services, but they add on their own handling fees.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will in-corporate 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 [email protected]. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.


LighthouseRestaurantSeafood at its best......

Coupon Expires 12/31/2012. Not to be combined with any other o�er.

5 Off$15 or More Purchase$

Valid only after 5pm.

Trade in your old hearing aid. Save a minimum of $500 OFF!

$500 OFF

Call (251) 662-1930

Call for details.Coupon expires in two weeks.

MobileFoley

10% OFFEatery

Purchase

10% OFFEatery

Purchase

12953 Wintzell Ave. N. Bayou La BatreOpen 11am-8pm Mon-Sat Locally Owned & Operated


Let the ADVENTURE Begin!

Family FunCenter

FREE GOLF!One FREE round of golf

with purchase of one round

Fun and Excitementawaits You!

Kids under 3 free! 5103 Girby Rd, Mobile, Alabama (251) 661-2777

Buy One Plate Lunchor Dinner and Receive 8oz Loaded Gumbo

FREE

665-22004380 Hall's Mill Rd.

Family Owned Retail Seafood Market & Take Out Deli

The Trading Post12731 Highway 90. Grand Bay, AL 36541

251-865-3214 OPEN Tues-Sat 10am - 5pm

~Layaway Now For Christmas~

Storewide Sale!10% to 50% OFF

Build Emergency Kit Before

Disaster StrikesRecent storms brought home the fact that we need to be

prepared for emergencies, especially in the winter. Unless you have a storm on the way right now, your best bet is to assemble your emergency supplies one step at a time. Watch for sales, and stock up when the items you need cost less.Flashlights and lanterns: Before buying a new one, read the fine print. Many handheld flashlights now have the specs right on the label: how many batteries it takes, the range of the light beam, the lumens (higher is brighter) and how many hours it will run on a set of batteries. Compare the

features. Don’t spend extra for a torch-type flashlight that will send its beam 100 feet but only for five hours if what you really need is one that will light a room for many more hours. Be sure each member of the family has one for mov-ing around the house safely.Hand-crank radio: These require no batteries, only arm mus-cles to wind the crank to charge. Many of them come with a set of adapters to charge your cell phone as well.Battery-operated TV: Before you buy one, go online and read the comments from others. Many of these tiny tele-visions are finicky about receiving signals, only get a few channels or are otherwise hard to operate. Be sure of the return policy if you buy.Generator: Let history be your guide here. If you’re in an area that frequently loses power for long periods, a genera-tor can help keep a few of your appliances going, such as

refrigerator and freezer, thereby saving the cost of replacing all your food. If you lose power now and then, but only for a short time, a generator might not be cost effective -- unless you need it for heat.Outdoor grill with propane tank: When the power goes out, grills are handy not only to cook meat before it goes bad, but to heat pots of water for tea, coffee, instant oatmeal and other prepared foods like soup or macaroni and cheese. One benefit of propane is that you can instantly turn it off and not have wood or briquettes still hot if the wind blows.A word about candles: Don’t. For safety, use flashlights in-stead.David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader ques-tions, 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 email to [email protected].


Let Us Create a DVD Slideshow

With Your Photos!

WatchYourPrecious Memories

On Any TV Give the Perfect Holiday Gift YOUR FAMILY ALBUM, LETTERS,DOCUMENTS ON DVD AT 300DPI

CALL US TODAY @ 251.455.8407

1 -75 PicsAdditional PicsAdditional DVD Copies

...................................$30.......25 Cents Each

..$10 Each

Shipping&

HandlingExtra

PICKS OF THE WEEK“Men in Black 3” (PG-13) -- This third installment about agents policing the secret world of space-alien immigration adds a twist with time travel -- and it’s still watchable! Agent J

(Will Smith) loses track of his partner, tight-lipped Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones.) The Men In Black HQ says K has been dead for more than 40 years. Agent J has to travel back in time and team up with the young K (Josh Brolin) to stop an alien assassin.Don’t worry, it’s better than MiB 2. Brolin’s performance as a 29-year-old Tommy Lee Jones (Brolin is in his 40s) is the highlight of the movie. The villain, Boris the Animal, is played by comedian Jemaine Clement, who dons a perfectly over-the-top persona instead of his usual dry humor. It may not recapture the magic of the original, but this “threequel” is worth a watch.

“ParaNorman” (PG) -- Norman is an outsider with a bully

problem and a supernatural gift. When zombies and ghosts ter-rorize his tiny town, the hapless citizens can turn to only one person, Norman, the weird little kid who says he speaks with the dead. With the help of his only friend, his annoying sister, a brain-dead jock and the local bully, Norman has to fight a witch’s curse to save the town.It’s a lot of fun and a lot spookier than you would expect. It’s all done in 3D stop-motion animation by the same company that made the creepy “Coraline.” Adults as well as young’uns will be plenty entertained, provided everyone is at least 7 years old and can handle a scary and emotionally weighty finale.

“Lawless” (R) -- In the hills of Virginia, the Bondurant broth-ers were legendary Prohibition-era outlaws. This movie takes the facts and tries to pull out a gritty, dramatic, visually stun-ning crime drama. It almost succeeds. The cast is fantastic: Tom Hardy as an outlaw older brother, Jessica Chastain is a strong woman drawn to the wrong men, Gary Oldman is the infamous Floyd Banner, and Guy Pearce is the chilling federal investigator come to shut the brothers down. The film has a healthy dose of violence, matching pound for pound what it has in acting talent.

“Step Up Revolution” (PG-13) -- The greedy corporatists are about to bulldoze a beloved working-class neighborhood, and only a diverse team of young dancers can save the community center, with their dancing. It’s a plot as old and predictable as “war veteran loses his family, then kills all the bad guys,” floated along only by its action thrills (or in “Step Up’s” case, dance numbers). The dancing is fine and flashy, but it’s not worth the soulless exchanges in between that pass for “drama.”

TV RELEASES“Perry Mason: The Eighth Season, Vol. 1”“Hot in Cleveland: Season Three”“Transformers Prime: Season Two”“In Search Of ... The Complete Series” Josh Brolin, Will Smith and Tommy

Lee Jones in “Men in Black 3”

Tidbits of Mobile

Documents

Transcript of Tidbits of Mobile