Tidbits of the River Region

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September 11, 2012 The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

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The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

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There is something singularly satisfying about finding a really good price on something. Pawn stores and antique shops present opportunities to experience this joy. It’s surely why so many of us are drawn to them.

• The old stereotype about pawn shops was that they were dirty places run by unscrupulous men and women looking for every chance they could find to cheat you out of a buck. Yet the massive success of reality shows such as “Pawn Stars” and “Hardcore Pawn” has done a lot to rebut that inaccurate image.

• David Bakke of “Market Crashers” notes that while you, “probably look for ways to save money as often as you can… here’s one you may never have considered: shopping at a pawn shop. It’s actually a viable way to save money — and not just on guns.”

• In his article, “7 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Buy from a Pawn Shop,” Bakke outlines the best things to buy.

• Bakke says that perhaps the safest buys at any pawn shop are tools. He notes that the prices are often far superior to those of new tools. This is doubly true if you’re just looking for one or two specific tools for home renovation or repair. “It’s simply not worth it to pay full price for seldom-used tools,” says Bakke.

• According to Bakke, the other great value found at almost any pawn shop is jewelry. He explains that it’s typical to find prices that are half what they would be for new retail jewelry. Bakke chalks this up to people’s distrust of the idea of “used” jewelry.

• “Some people may have an issue with buying turn the page for more!

Vol 1 Issue 35of the River Region

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LAST GOOD-BUY (continued):

‘used’ jewelry, but isn’t almost all jewelry ‘used’ in some way, shape, or form?” Bakke argues. Since so much jewelry, even retail jewelry, is comprised of items made from melted down gold from other sources and re-set diamonds, why not buy it “used” for a much better price?

• As for items that are best left on the pawn-shop shelf, Bakke is emphatic. He advises to never buy electronics or home appliances with a lot of moving parts. He singles out vacuum cleaners, computers, digital cameras and televisions as things to avoid.

• Bakke thinks televisions are possibly the riskiest pawn-shop purchase. “There is an implied risk with purchasing anything from a pawn shop since it’s all used merchandise, but this risk goes up even farther with televisions, especially flat-screen LED TVs,” says Bakke.

• Bakke warns that almost no pawn shops allow money back returns. The most they offer is in-store credit, so buyer beware. He advises, “Be sure to inquire specifically about all aspects of any return policy they may have.”

• Though he mentions that he has experienced instances where something he bought at a pawn shop broke soon after, Bakke thinks that the positives easily outnumber the negatives. He says, “The overall money that I have saved over the years has far outweighed the replacement cost of the few things that did break down.”

• The process of finding good value at antique shops requires a little more time and thought, but it’s just as rewarding. An advice column from the website Antique-Marks.com entitled “Buying antiques — how, where, when and why to buy” gives 10 sure-fire tips on how to make a wise purchase.

• Most antique dealers are happy to haggle over their prices. The column strongly advises antique shoppers to ask for a discount on any item they are interested in. It notes that dealers usually assign a private code to each

item advising how much of a discount they’re prepared to give (for instance, 25 percent off the sticker). Asking for a discount prompts the salesperson to investigate this. Simply ask, “What’s your best price on this item?”

• Another potential option for getting a discount is paying cash, but don’t offer to pay in hard currency up front. After negotiating a maximum discount under the auspices of paying by check or credit card, then (and only then) ask if there might any further cash discount. Not every seller will offer one, but some do.

• Another essential tip when antique shopping is to thoroughly examine any item of interest before buying. Antique-marks advises you to, “Look at the bottom, the top, the sides. Look from odd angles and use a magnifier to look close.”

• Examining each item of interest extensively is vital, as is inquiring about any damage or restoration the item might’ve undergone. As Antique-marks notes, “If you don’t ask, they don’t need to tell you.”

• One of the best ways to find a good deal is to look for items that don’t fit the focus of the individual antique shop. If you’re in a shop that focuses on furniture, look for the odd bit of ceramics or jewelry. Items that don’t fit in will often be discounted much higher to get rid of them.

• Check if the shop is a member of any trade associations. As Antique-marks notes, this provides “a greater degree of security and protection” for your purchases. Fake antiques are not uncommon, and some are quite convincing.

• When completing your antique purchase, make sure you a get a receipt. Make sure it lists specifics about the item, including age, damage or restoration, the material it’s made of and its value.

• Finally, if you decide to purchase antiques at auction, do your homework! Know the rules of auction bidding and familiarize yourself with items shipped from outside the country. Valuable and antique items must be declared through customs.

Last year the AARP sued the Department of Housing and Urban Development because of tactics that were being used to scam seniors in reverse mortgages. Now Consumers Union, the group that brings us Con-sumer Reports magazine, is asking for stricter over-sight of reverse mortgages. While reverse mortgages can be a lifesaver in certain situations, for most senior homeowners that particular route is full of potential danger.Mortgage origination costs can be astronomical, draining away the equity. Scammers tie home-equity mortgages to other financial products. And, it learned, homeowners were found in default if they failed to pay property taxes or homeowners insurance.The biggest concern, however, is if only one spouse’s name is on the paperwork. You can’t take a reverse mortgage unless you’re age 62. If only one spouse is that age, then only that person’s name goes on the paperwork. If that older spouse dies, the younger spouse can be evicted from the home if he or she can’t come up with all the money to immediately pay off the mortgage.Consumers Union is asking for a number of safe-guards:* Ensure that the loan is suitable for borrowers and won’t put them at risk.* Establish a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of the homeowner.* Outlaw deceptive marketing.* Prohibit mingling a reverse mortgage with other financial products.* Strengthen the pre-mortgage counseling that home-owners are required to have.* And the big one: protect the non-borrowing spouse.TIP: Did you know you can get an online subscription to Consumer Reports? It’s much handier than trying to store back copies of the magazine. Visit consumer-reports.org to decide if you’re interested. Call 1-800-333-0663 to subscribe instead of putting your credit-card number online.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally an-swer 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 email to [email protected].

Reverse Mortgages Under Fire Again

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When I return from a trip, some of my best souvenirs are recipes collected along the way. While photo-graphs provide a visual journal of our adventures, preparing a new dish is like a journal of the senses. The aroma in our kitchen and robust tastes at first bite bring back the memory of people and places.Now back home from a trip to the Colorado moun-tains, I’m eager to prepare the Spanish tortilla recipe my friend Joana Iniguez, originally from Barcelona, taught me in her bright kitchen nestled in Aspen. “It’s Spanish tradition to make a ‘tortilla’ as a snack (tapa) or for picnics and serve slices warm or cool,” she said as she expertly sliced a zucchini into almost paper-thin disks. “It’s commonly prepared with pota-toes, eggs, onions, olive oil and salt, but I prefer re-placing the potatoes with zucchini for a sweeter taste. “Best of all, it’s a special hit with my 9- and 10 year-old nieces, who are generally picky eaters,” she added.While zucchini are still plentiful, prepare this tortilla with your kids and enjoy it as a healthy snack or eve-ning meal on a busy school night. Serve with crusty bread, and do like the kids in Barcelona: Cut a juicy, ripe tomato in half, squeeze out some of the center portion onto a slice of French bread and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Pure deliciousness!

SPANISH TORTILLA WITH ZUCCHINI

Ingredients:4 tablespoons olive oil2 medium onions, thinly sliced6 medium zucchini (about 2 1/2 pounds total), cut in very thinly sliced rounds using a knife or mandoline 6 eggs1 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste

1. Put 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet and saute the onions on low heat for 5 minutes or until they are soft but still glistening. Stir frequently. Add zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and saute 15 minutes or until zucchini are tender and ruffled around the edges. Spoon the mixture into a colander to drain juices. 2. Let kids crack and whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in drained zucchini mixture and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. 3. Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet drizzled with oil. Add the egg mixture and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until eggs have set and bottom is golden, about 10-12 minutes. 4. Run a spatula around the edges. Place a flat, rimless frying-pan lid that is larger than the tortilla over the skillet. Hold the lid handle with one hand and the skil-let with the other, let the kids count to three, and then quickly flip the tortilla onto the lid. Slide the flipped tortilla back into the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until firm. Slide onto a flat plate, slice and serve. ***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.”

Spanish Tortilla Is Healthy Snack

Tidbits® of the River Region Page 4

To Your Good Health By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My wife’s doctor thinks she has intermittent claudication due to peripheral vascular disease. She also has diabetes. Would you describe it and its treatment? -- S.B.

ANSWER: Peripheral vascular disease also goes by the name peripheral artery disease, PAD. “Peripheral” refers to the outer boundary, and when speaking of the body, the legs are its periphery. Leg arteries are narrowed and often blocked by the buildup of cholesterol, fat and many other components found in the circulation. The buildup is called plaque. The buildup can be so great that no blood runs through the main leg arteries.Intermittent claudication is leg pain that develops when someone with PAD walks any distance. The person can tell, almost to the number of steps taken, when pain will arise. Taking a rest relieves the pain.About 15 percent of those 70 and older have PAD. Its main sign is intermittent claudication.Your wife can do many things on her own that will help her. If her cholesterol is high, she has to get it down. She has to maintain normal blood pressure. She must exercise within the limits prescribed by her doctor. Walking is one of the best exercises. If she starts out modestly and gradually increases the distance and pace, she should aim for 30 minutes of walking daily. When pain arises, she should stop, take a break and then resume once pain has gone. One simple test for determining PAD is comparing blood pressure taken at the ankle with blood pressure taken in the arm. They should be nearly equal. If the ankle pressure is lower, that’s evidence of PAD.Your wife’s doctor will discuss the use of medicines like Plavix, Pletal and aspirin. With severe blockage of an artery, opening it up with a balloon-tipped catheter and inserting a shunt is one treatment. It’s the same procedure used for clogged heart arteries. Removing the obstructed artery segment and replacing it with a graft is another way to treat this illness.The booklet on PAD discusses the details of this common malady in depth. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 109, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. ***DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Ever since I was 10 years old, I have had this problem: If I set something down or reach or touch something, I have to touch it again to make it feel right. When I hang clothes, I reach for a hanger and then put it back for a different one. I do things like this all day. I am 55. Am I crazy? -- N.H.

ANSWER: You describe obsessive-compulsive disorder. You’re not crazy. Many people have it. It’s an irresistible urge to perform a certain ritual, like touching things a second time or constantly washing the hands. That’s the compulsion, an act that relieves inner unease, the obsession. Help is available. Ask the family doctor to refer you to a specialist in this disorder. You’ve put up with it for too long.***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) 2012 North America Synd., Inc.All Rights Reserved

Leg Pain a Sign of Blocked Artery

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Register to win at www.riverregiontidbits.com and click on “Tommy Tidbits”. Fill out the registration information and tell us how many times Tommy appears in ads in the paper for this week. From the correct entries, a winner will be selected. You must be 18 years of age to qualify. The gift certificates will range in value from $25 to $50 each week. Entries must be received at the website by midnight each Saturday evening or at PTK Corp, PO Box 264, Wetumpka, AL 36092.

This week’s winner receives a $25.00 Gift Certificate from Must Stop Cafe

Last Week’s Ads where Tommy was hiding:1. Krispy Kreme Donuts, p. 22. Jim Horne Insurance, p. 73. Integrity Roofing, p. 74. Airport Trailer, p. 7

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: A number of cats in our area disappeared this spring and summer, and I noticed the rabbits that used to plague our garden don’t come as frequently. A neighbor told me he saw a coyote crossing the street just be-fore dawn recently, and I suspect it is the cause of many of these disappearances. Please warn your readers they need to protect their pets as wild animals are encroaching on well-populated neighborhoods. -- Pat C., Weston, Mass.

DEAR PAT: That’s a very good point! As wild creatures lose more and more of their natu-ral habitats, they are being seen much more frequently in the suburbs and even in urban areas. This goes beyond nuisance animals like raccoons and skunks: Black bears frequently wander into back yards in central Florida, and residents in urban Allston, Mass., are sometimes

confronted by wild turkeys foraging along city streets. And coyotes and cougars have been re-ported in suburban neighborhoods in many parts of the United States.Wild animals present a lot of risk to pets (as well as humans). Besides the threat of contract-ing rabies or other diseases, some predators find smaller pets to be easy, tasty prey. Keep cats and small dogs indoors at night. If wild animals have been reported in your area, don’t let your pet out unaccompanied or off a leash, even during the day when no danger is ap-parent. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.If you have pets, like rabbits, that are kept out-side, reinforce and strengthen protective fencing around their cages.

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 book-let from Paws Corner!

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Wild Animals Pose Threat to Pets

by Samantha Mazzotta

Tidbits® of the River Region Page 6

1. Is the book of Issachar in the Old or New Testament or neither?2. What bread component did Jesus compare with the kingdom of heaven? Yeast, Crust, Gluten, Wheat3. Which of the twelve tribes of Israel wasn’t allotted any land? Simeon, Dan, Asher, Levi4. Who removed a thorn from the lion’s foot? Benjamin, Job, Naphtali, Andro-cles5. How many books of the Bible are credited to Moses? 3, 4, 5, 66. What was first to leave Noah’s Ark? Gull, Dove, Raven, Serpent

1. Jose Valverde set the record for the Detroit Tigers in 2011 with 49 consecu-tive saves. Who had held the franchise mark? 2. How many times did Juan Gonzalez have more home runs than walks in a season during his 17-year major-league career?3. Who is the only college football coach to win a BCS title with two losses?4. In 2009-10, Aaron Brooks set a Houston Rockets re-cord with 209 3-point field goals made. Who held the old record?5. How many Edmonton Oilers have won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie?6. Name the last female be-fore Danica Patrick in 2012 to secure the pole in NAS-CAR’s Nationwide Series?7. How many times did Chris Evert reach the women’s singles final at Wimbledon, and how many times did she win?

FEAR & PHOBIAS 2 of 3

Virtually all people are subject to a variety of rational or irrational apprehensions. Many of these originate in childhood through traumatic experience. A key point is that a phobic person is threatened by something that does not in reality present a life threat. Yet the reaction is the same as it would be in a situa-tion of real danger. The fear generates more fear, and the situation cannot be confronted in a calm state, so the victim makes every effort to avoid it. The more a person tries not to encounter the phobic place, person or situation the greater and more long lasting the phobia will become. The next segment will address hypnotherapy as an effective approach to phobias.

See online videos at hypnosisworksnow.com. Doc-tor directed since 1992. We are the Last Resort and Best Choice to Get Results!! Call for free screening & bring a friend 334-213-0054.

Page 7“Be known before you’re needed” Advertise with Tidbits (334) 202-7285

1. Willie Hernandez had 32 straight saves in 1984.2. Seven times.3. LSU’s Les Miles, in the 2007 season.4. Rafer Alston, with 192 in the 2006-07 season.5. No Oiler has ever won the award.6. Shawna Robinson did it in 1994, when it was the Busch Grand National Series.7. She was in 10 finals between 1973 and 1985, winning three.

BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWERS:

1) Neither; 2) Yeast; 3) Levi; 4) Androcles; 5) 5; 6) Raven

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Tidbits® of the River Region Page 8

* It was British playwright and noted wit Oscar Wilde who made the following sage observation: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”

* If you’re like the typical human, your brain makes up only 2 percent of your body’s weight, but it uses about 20 percent of your body’s energy.

* Some people, it seems, have more money than sense. For example, in December of 2008, some unknown person paid $5,300 to buy a single tissue off eBay. What was so special about the tissue? Reportedly, it was used once by actress Scarlett Johansson. Fortu-nately, proceeds from the sale benefited a nonprofit organization.

* The average ant lives less than two months.

* Using leeches as a form of medical treatment is ar-chaic, right? Maybe not so much. As recently as 2004, a request to market leeches as medical devices was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

* When the infamous Titanic was being built, shifts were 14 hours a day, and workers only had one day off a week. Each day, each worker was allowed a total of seven minutes for bathroom breaks.

* Those who study such things say that marriages involving so-called mail-order brides have a lower rate of divorce than marriages that come about in more traditional ways.***Thought for the Day: “Among men, it seems, histori-cally at any rate, that processes of co-ordination and disintegration follow each other with great regularity, and the index of the co-ordination is the measure of the disintegration which follows. There is no mob like a group of well-drilled soldiers when they have thrown off their discipline. And there is no lostness like that which comes to a man when a perfect and certain pattern has dissolved about him. There is no hater like one who has greatly loved.” -- John Steinbeck

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

by Samantha Weaver