Tap Into America's Beer-Making History During March, 'National Beer Month,' in Pennsylvania

To celebrate "National Beer Month," the Pennsylvania Department of Tourism offers the following media release ...

"America's Oldest Brewery," the enigmatic number "33" and the "Eternal Tap" have played significant roles inthe rich history of beer. During "National Beer Month," they'll be part of the focus of 177 years of beer-making traditions in Pennsylvania, the self-proclaimed national capital of beer.

In the annals of beer history, perhaps the most well-known brewery is the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, Pa., "America's Oldest Brewery" since 1829. The company's original founder, David G. Yuengling, brought his brewing expertise from his home country of Germany, and Yuengling fans can still visit the original factory. Go to http://www.yuengling.com/ for hours and tour information.

One of America's greatest beer tales unfolded in 1939 in the Laurel Highlands at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, a place where fresh spring water tumbles over rocks into crystal-clear pools. That's when Rolling Rock, inspired by the "heart and soul" of Latrobe, began brewing beer. What about that mysterious "33" on the every bottle of Rolling Rock? Some claim it stands for the year Prohibition was repealed, others say that it stands for the number of words on the label's quality promise to consumers. "Rock"enthusiasts can try to find out for themselves with a visit to the brewery. Go to http://www.rollingrock.com/ for hours and tour information.

And then there is the fountain of youth for beer drinkers, the "Eternal Tap," located at Straub Brewery in St. Marys, Elk County. Well worth the trip through the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds region, some beer historians claim the beer from the "Eternal Tap" is the freshest beer they've ever tasted, made with 100-percent-natural brewing ingredients. Go to http://www.straubbeer.com/ for hours and tour information.

Of course, there are many more breweries and microbreweries inPennsylvania. To celebrate National Beer Month in the State of Independence, find one on the Internet at http://www.visitpa.com/.

Interested in exploring big city brews? Sample brewery road tripitineraries like the "Three Rivers - of Beer!" through Pittsburgh and"Toasting the City of Brotherly Love" through Philadelphia, as well as several beer-themed travel packages available at http://www.visitpa.com/.

(Source: Pennsylvania Tourism Office)

Americans Engage in Unhealthy Behaviors to Manage Stress; New Survey Findings Show Gender Differences, Effects on Mind/Body Health

Americans deal with stress in ways that can damage their mind/body health, according to a new national survey on stress conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) in partnership with the National Women's Health Resource Center and iVillage.com.

The survey shows a high number of health complications related to stress, implicating stress as a major U.S. health problem. According to the survey, those experiencing stress are more likely to report hypertension, anxiety or depression and obesity. In particular, women report higher levels of stress than men, and are more likely to feel the effects of stress on their physical health, putting them at greater health risk.

Adults who experience chronic stress rate their mental and physical health lower than adults who are not experiencing stress. People experiencing stress are more likely to report fatigue, inability to sleep, headaches and muscular tension, among other symptoms.

According to the survey, one in four Americans turns to food to help alleviate stress or deal with problems. Comfort eaters report higher levels of stress than average and are more likely to experience health problems like hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Additionally, people who are "very concerned" about their stress are more likely to be smokers and exercise less.

"The key is how effectively people deal with and manage stress. People who turn to comfort food or smoking are starting a vicious cycle. Their attempts to reduce stress can actually lead to health problems that result in increased stress," says Russ Newman, PhD, JD, executive director for professional practice, APA.

Most often, stress is caused by concerns about work and money, followed by personal and family health and children. Overall, health care decision makers for the family experience the most stress and women identify with this role more often than men.

"As the health managers of their families, women disproportionately feel the effects of stress. From taking care of children to serving as the caregivers for elderly parents, the survey found that women report more stressors and greater concern for the effects that stress has on their daily lives," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of the National Women's Health Resource Center.

Kellie Gould, editor-in-chief of iVillage.com, said, "Consistent with the survey findings, we hear from the women who visit our site that they are under a great deal of stress and shoulder the majority of responsibility for caretaking."

To learn more about the new stress survey findings visit http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=61399&Link=http://APAHelpCenter.mediaroom.com. Visit http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=61399&Link=http://www.ivillage.com/StressQuiz to take the Stress Smarts Quiz, and look for strategies for effective stress management at http://releases.usnewswire.com/redir.asp?ReleaseID=61399&Link=http://www.APAHelpCenter.org and http://www.healthywomen.org.

(Source: APA media release)

Five New Instant Games Join Pennsylvania Lottery's Lineup

Five new Pennsylvania Lottery instant games, Quick $50, Wizard of Odds, Mystery Multiplier Bingo, $100,000 SUPERCASH and DIAMOND WHITE RICHES, go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 28.

QUICK $50 is a $1 game with 10 top prizes of $5,000 and more than $2 million in $50 prizes in the game. Three like dollar amounts win that prize amount. A “WIN $50” symbol in the BONUS BOX wins $50 automatically; a “TICKET” symbol in the BONUS BOX wins a free ticket automatically. The odds of winning a QUICK $50 prize are 1-in-4.78.

Wizard of Odds is a $2 game with 10 top prizes of $20,000 and more than $10 million in total cash prizes. There are 10 chances to win on each ticket and more than 140,000 prizes from $20 to $500 in the game. Win the prize shown under the matching number when any of YOUR NUMBERS match either of the WIZARD NUMBERS. A “WAND” symbol wins the prize shown under it automatically; a “CRYSTAL BALL” symbol wins double the prize shown under it automatically. The odds of winning a Wizard of Odds prize are 1-in-4.28.

Mystery Multiplier Bingo is a $3 game with five top prizes of $60,000, more than

$11.5 million in total cash prizes in the game and six chances to win on each ticket. The ticket features six bingo-type games and each game is played separately; there also is a MYSTERY MULTIPLIER BONUS that instantly will multiply any prizes won by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. The overall odds of winning a Mystery Multiplier Bingo prize are 1-in-4.22.

$100,000 SUPERCASH is a $5 game with 12 top prizes of $100,000 and 12 chances to win on each ticket. There are more than 375,000 prizes from $25 to $2,500 in the game. Win the prize shown under the matching number when any of the SUPERCASH NUMBERS match any of YOUR NUMBERS. A “SUPER CASH” symbol wins the prize shown under it automatically. The overall odds of winning a $100,000 SUPERCASH prize are 1-in-4.10.

DIAMOND WHITE RICHES is a $10 game with 12 top prizes from $250,000 to $500,000; more than 100,000 prizes from $100 to $1,000 in the game; and 15 chances to win on each ticket. A “DIAMOND RING” symbol wins the prize shown to the right of the symbol. A “10X” symbol wins 10 times the prize shown to the right of the symbol. A “DIAMOND NECKLACE” symbol automatically wins all 15 prizes shown on the ticket. The overall odds of winning a DIAMOND WHITE RICHES prize are 1-in-3.87.

Prizes, including top prizes, are subject to availability at the time of purchase. About the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception 33 years ago, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $15.5 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free and reduced-fare transit; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including 650 full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state. The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds its players to play responsibly. Players must be 18 or older.

(Source: Pennsylvania Lottery media release)

New Pennsylvania Powersports Expo Coming To Carlisle

Carlisle Events announced today the launch of the Pennsylvania Powersport Expo, a brand new event, to be held at the Expo Center, one block from the Carlisle Fairgrounds. The Powersport Expo will take place on Friday (4-9 p.m.) - Saturday (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.), March 24-25, 2006. Price of admission is $10 (including a $5 coupon good for purchases at local dealerships).

The Pennsylvania Powersport Expo will feature a wide array of motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles and water sport vehicles, along with other industry-related products.

Powersport Expo Event Manager Ed Scholly thinks the event is long overdue; “Central Pennsylvania is jam-packed with fans of these hobbies. We are one of the largest AMA districts in the US – a stone’s throw from Harley-Davidson’s headquarters in York; we have great on and off-road resources in our backyards; Irish Valley and Rousch Creek are just a couple that come to mind for the motocross and ATV enthusiasts. We have an abundance of motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile clubs that support the hobbies all throughout the region. We also have a number of great dealerships that nurture these hobbies in central Pennsylvania; they will be out in full force at the event. The powersport craze is not only a fun hobby, but also one that covers all the seasons. The snowmobile and watercraft vehicles have obvious weather-related constraints, but ATV’s and motorcycles are pretty much year-round or three-season hobbies.”

Motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile and water sport dealers from around the mid-state area will exhibit, demonstrate and provide information on a wide variety of makes and models of these fun recreational vehicles at the Expo.

Recently, when asked about the upcoming expo, Bryan Perry, Co-Owner of Appalachian Harley-Davidson commented, “This region of the country is a great place to be a motorcycle dealer. I can’t speak for other dealers, but I hope they would agree, that this area abounds with motorcycling enthusiasts! Our dealership strives to maintain and cultivate that enthusiasm and we look forward to sharing our products and services with everyone at the Expo.”

Dixie Miller, Owner of Motor-Vation, Inc. said, “This is the prime area for a Powersport Expo because there are so many owners of ATV's & motorcycles in this region. This show will give them the opportunity to see everything pertaining to their sport in one location.”S

upport market vendors, suppliers and associations will also be present. Services such as insurance and financing, aftermarket products like batteries, tires, helmets, filters and custom paint will be on hand to advise the consumer. Additionally, representatives of local clubs and organizations that support the sport will be in attendance.

In addition to the exhibits, there will be informative seminars relating to the different categories of vehicles. “Additionally,” Scholly stated, our vendors will be supplying us with some nice door prizes that will be drawn every hour during the Expo.”

Carlisle Events, host of 11 collector car, truck and motorcycle events each year, attracts more than half-a-million people to its 82-acre fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pa., each year. Included in the annual schedule are two huge automotive swap meets – in the spring and fall – two collector car auctions, and individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, sport compacts and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the “Cars at Carlisle” shows attract automotive enthusiasts from around the world.To download high-resolution photos, visit carlislemediasite.com.

(Source: Carlisle Events media release)

First Smokes, Now Cokes

The following is an editorial that appeared in the Los Angeles Times on February 2 and was written by Walter Olson, a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute. This article is adapted from the Winter 2006 issue of City Journal.

GET READY for the next mass-tort crusade: protecting our kids from the ravages of "Big Cola." According to news reports, a group of lawyers is gearing up to file lawsuits that will seek to blame Coke, Pepsi and others for obesity, tooth decay and other childhood health ailments. An article in the Boston Globe Magazine ...

To read the rest of this editorial, visit the LA Times.

Or, to read the actual article in City Journal, click here.

Pennsylvania Home Show Starts February 25

Once again, it's time for the annual Pennsylvania Home Show, held in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, just off Interstate 81.

The show runs from February 25 through March 5, offering great opportunities for home owners to check out new products and ideas for building or remodeling.

Adult admission is $7, while children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5.

For more information on this year's show including a full schedule of events, click here.

PHC4 Heart Surgery Report Shows Quality To Be High

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) today said that the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council’s (PHC4) latest report on heart surgery confirms that hospitals are providing top-notch cardiac care, and that improvements in that care are continuing. Pennsylvania’s Guide to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, 2004 documents continuing declines in mortality rates and readmissions.

“The in-hospital mortality rate for cardiac surgery has dropped below two percent—an all-time low,” said Carolyn F. Scanlan, president and chief executive officer of HAP. “This represents a remarkable decline in mortality of 60 percent since 1991.”

Scanlan noted that the 30-day mortality rate also dropped to its lowest level ever, to 2.31 percent, and 7- and 30-day readmission rates remained near historic lows in 2004.

“This is good news for patients and for hospitals,” Scanlan said. “For patients, this provides data that they can use—in conjunction with other data and in discussions with their physicians—as they seek the highest quality heart surgery.

“For hospitals, this report provides critical information that they can use to further improve the quality and safety of their coronary artery bypass graft programs.”

Scanlan added that the aggregate data on the relationship between newly-added data on hospital-acquired infections and mortality rates, lengths of stay, readmissions, and charges will need to be examined in greater detail to determine the precise impact of infections on these attributes and to evaluate these attributes over time. For example, the report does not risk-adjust outcomes related to the presence of hospital-acquired infections given a patient’s health status or susceptibility to acquiring an infection. Persons with diabetes needing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure are more prone to poor wound healing and thus are at a greater risk for infection, and the report does not reflect such differences.

“Most importantly for patients, they should know that hospitals will use their specific data to aid them as they evaluate how to provide safe care and to make that care even safer,” Scanlan said.

Cheers to the New "UnCork York" Wine Trail

Experience the NEW “Tour de Tanks” Event

The award winning wineries of Pennsylvania Dutch Country Roads Region present the new UnCork York Wine Trail featuring the many wonderful vineyards and wineries in York County and the surrounding area. Toast to your getaway on a tour of the region’s spectacular wineries to sample award winning wines, and watch grapes transformed from the vineyard to the finished product.

Nestled in the scenic heart of Pennsylvania’s number one tourist region, the UnCork York Wine Trail features 10 family-owned wineries in the York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg area. From some of the best-known vineyards to newly emerging vintners, each stop on the trail provides a unique experience sure to please your palette.

Tours, tastings, distinctive festivals, and warm welcomes await. Visitors are sure to be mesmerized by the enticing bouquets and irresistible swirls of locally produced reds and whites.
York County offers a variety of lodging opportunities to complement your visit. Choose a historic bed & breakfast, a full-service resort, complete with a spa, or one of our many hotels. Many of our properties offer unique UnCork York packages with special touches to complement your visit.

Visit http://www.uncorkyork.com/ or call the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (888) 858-YORK for more information, or for assistance in planning your visit.

Of course, a new wine trail wouldn’t be complete without a new wine celebration. Mark every Saturday in March 2006 on your calendar for the Premier UnCork York Tour de Tanks event. Participating wineries across the region will host tank or barrel tastings from noon-5pm March 4, 11, 18 & 25, offering visitors a preview of their upcoming wines before they are bottled! These special vintage previews will be coupled with festive activities. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at participating wineries.

(Source: York County tourism media release)

How Can I Get A Good Night's Sleep?

The following article is part of the "Medically Speaking" Series from the physician members of the Delaware County Medical Society. This article in particular is written by Beverly K. Dolberg, M.D.

Many people have trouble falling asleep at night. Others have trouble staying asleep – and for other people, the trouble is being able to return to sleep after getting up to go to the bathroom, or caring for a child. What is the best long-term solution to these problems? Unfortunately the answer is not "to pop a pill". Rather, it is to evaluate your bedtime habits. Many of us have developed remarkably bad nighttime routines that actually inhibit sleep, rather than enhance it.

The first thing to consider is the sleep environment. You need comfortable bedding – a lumpy or too soft mattress can affect restful sleep. Cotton sheets (and mattress covers) can prevent perspiration and make for a more comfortable bed. The room should not be too hot or too cold. Eliminate distracting noise, and eliminate as much light as possible. A night light to guide passage to the bathroom may be a good idea".

Do not plan to fall asleep with the radio or TV on. Many sleep experts recommend that the TV not be in the bedroom if sleep is a problem. This is to help your body learn that the bed is for sleep – not recreation.

You may need a sleep "ritual". Warm mild and foods such as bananas are high in the amino acid tryptophan which may help with sleep. Relaxation techniques (tapes, deep breathing) may relieve anxiety and reduce muscle tension. A few minutes of reading or a warm bath are good pre-sleep habits. When you get into bed, get into your favorite sleeping position. If you don’t fall asleep in 15-30 minutes, get up, go into another room and read or watch TV for a short time before returning to bed.

For several hours before sleep, avoid fluids, especially alcohol, and caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda). Also, avoid chocolate and spicy or sugar filled foods, and smoking. All can affect your ability to fall asleep or achieve deep restful sleep.

Regular exercise is essential for good health, but NOT before sleep. A sleep schedule is essential – go to sleep the same time each night and wake up the same time each morning.

Persistent sleep problems need to be evaluated by a physician. Physical problems, especially pain, arthritis, heartburn, headache and hot flashes can cause sleep problems. Psycho logic issues such as depression and stress can cause problems and may require anti-depressant medication. Sometimes a medication, or the time that you take the medication, may need to be adjusted to allow for restful sleep.

Sleep Medicine Specialists are available to evaluate continuing sleep problems. Sleep Labs are used to evaluate for Sleep Apnea, decreased oxygenation during sleep, Restless Leg Syndrome, Leg Cramps and other problems which prevent restful sleep.

Over the counter sleeping pills should only be used as directed on their labels – and never for more than two weeks. Monitor for addiction and lack of efficiency. In some cases daytime drowsiness and decrease in thought processing may occur if these drugs are used incorrectly or in the wrong patient.

The goal is to achieve a safe, natural sleep and to avoid worry about falling asleep. Often life-style changes are the best way to accomplish this goal.

Note: this article is presented through the efforts of the Delaware County Medical Society and is intended for informational purposes only, the contents should not be intended as medical advice. "You and Your Doctor – Preserve the Relationship".

(Source: Delaware County Medical Society)

The Year Of American Design: Interior Design Expert Offers Home Decor Tips For 2006

If looking to renew or refresh your home décor, this year anything goes – anything, that is, with a “Born in the USA” pedigree.

“This year I’m finding that people want to define what it means to be American - who they are and what they believe in,” says Davis Remignanti, lead design consultant at www.furniture.com. “And they want to see those beliefs reflected in the style of their homes’ decor. The result is a new focus on bringing ‘American Design’ into our homes. The wonderful consequence, of course, is the diversity of looks we’re seeing now, as each person defines ‘being American’ in a very personal and unique way.”

“For 2006, there will be a renewed interest in finishes that are textured, slightly rough-hewn, reflecting common histories as make-do immigrants in a new land,” he said. “And, in a single room, diverse pieces can find a common focus through beauty of line, quality of craftsmanship, and connection to the world that inspired their creation.”

Davis offers these home decor tips for 2006 – The Year of American Design:

• Rugged Individualism: Polished materials and finishes are falling into disfavor, being displaced by ones that might be considered a little rough around the edges. Look for woods to show more knots and grain, “natural” minerals like limestone and slate used in place of marble and granite.
  
• American Charm: Linens, boucles, tweeds, raw silks and cottons and other “rough” textiles are replacing damasks, velvets and other refined fabrics throughout home decor - from bed linens to upholstery to window coverings. Their imperfections define their charm.
  
• Natural Connection: Materials like seagrass, jute and sisal - used in carpets mostly for casual settings - are finding their way as floor coverings in to formal interiors, where their natural characteristics reflect our sense of being rooted in "our soil."
  
• Diverse Design: Overly matched interiors and suites are giving way to a “melting pot” of complementary pieces. Multi-cultural influences blend into our current identities, making a statement - by their very diversity - about "being American."
  
• New ‘n Old: The desire for typically European or Asian furniture design is waning, as people discover a new appreciation for designs, new and antique, with a "homegrown" heritage - even if those designs, like most Americans, might trace their lineage to other continents and cultures.
  

“This year, look for home interiors to become more personalized, as we define and redefine ourselves,” Davis suggested. “Each home, though it could be vastly different than the one next door, will feel more uniquely American during 2006 than ever before.”

(Source: Furniture.com media release)

By Remembering George Washington This Presidents' Day, We Remember How Far Health Care Has Come

One doctor’s opinion on the progress made

The following was written by Daniel J. Glunk, M.D., Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Dr. Glunk is also a practicing internal medicine specialist from Williamsport, Pa. This is a second story in a planned series of articles that takes a look at the history and advancement of medicine through the lives of historical figures. In December 2005, Dr. Glunk released his first story titled “Diagnosing Tiny Tim: What the Internet’s medical sleuths say ailed Scrooge’s little friend, and one doctor’s opinion.”


Presidents’ Day: a day to honor American leaders and to reflect upon their lives and our country’s history.

When most think of Presidents’ Day, they often think of George Washington. Considered our country’s founding father, he is best remembered for his roles as both a soldier and a president.

What might be less well known is that Washington’s life was filled with medical hurdles. The medical experiences of this famous American highlight how health care has improved in the United States over time with the help of research and advancements in medicine, dentistry, and public health.


George Washington and his health

According to historical sources, our founding father faced a variety of illnesses. He survived malaria, dysentery, and pneumonia. Some reports indicate he dealt with tuberculosis, arthritis, and boils. There are also reports of surgery without anesthesia.

In particular, three areas of his health care—dental care, smallpox, and bloodletting—best demonstrate how George Washington would have benefited from modern health care.

To read the rest of this article and learn more about George Washington's battles with dental care, smallpox, and his final illness, visit Newswise.

Honeymoon Goes Up in Flames for Winners of Honeymoon Disasters Contest

Honeymoons are supposed to be a time of romance and moonlit walks, but not for Jeff and Rhonda West of BessemerCity, NC. Their honeymoon was downright criminal -- stolen right out from under them, in fact -- which is why they were recently awarded the Grand Prize in Thrifty Car Rental's Honeymoon Disasters Contest.

For surviving their postnuptial trauma, the couple was awarded a second honeymoon courtesy of Thrifty Car Rental, the contest sponsor. As winners, the Wests will receive roundtrip airfare to a destination of their choice inthe continental U.S., hotel accommodations for three nights, a four-day carrental from Thrifty Car Rental and $500 spending money. (See http://www.honeymoondisasters.com for details and contest rules).

Into every life a little rain must fall, and that's exactly how the West's honeymoon started -- with a torrential downpour. Headed for the hotel in Jeff's mint-condition 1968 Camaro RS, they lost a hubcap. After chasing it down, they resumed their journey again, until they heard a very loud THUD. Jeff, still dressed in his tuxedo, got out of the car to survey the blown-outback tire when the car, along with his new bride, started rolling down the hill -- he had forgotten to put the car in "park."

"I could hear my beautiful bride screaming at the top of her lungs," saidJeff. "'Help! Help!' Then I started chasing the car until it came to rest in a bunch of bushes. By now my wife is in tears, wondering what's going tohappen next."

After changing the tire and double-checking the hubcap, the newlyweds wereoff again. Not that things improved for them.

"We finally get to our hotel, only to find out that it had caught on firethe day before and was completely shut down," said Jeff. "This almost pushed my new wife completely over the edge -- sitting in a parking lot at 3 o'clock in the morning on our wedding night without a place to bed down for the night."

So the couple started driving from hotel to hotel, trying to find one with rooms available. "While we are stopped at this one little hotel/motel outside the city limits, my bride comes in with me," said Jeff. "When we find out they don't have any place to stay and head back out to our car ... IT'S GONE! Someone had just stolen our car!"

Taking pity upon them, the hotel finally found room at the inn, and the newlyweds slept until 2 p.m. "Then we got up, got dressed and went backhome," said Jeff. "No honeymoon for us!"

But Thrifty Car Rental is remedying the West's situation with a second honeymoon. Where does the couple plan to go? "Rhonda would like to go to Vegas, if the trip is real," said Jeff jokingly, as his wife of 16 years still doesn't believe they have really won the contest. "Vegas would be the perfect place to renew our vows, which I'll keep secret until we arrive there. So 'Viva Las Vegas' it will be!"

Thousands of entries were received in Thrifty Car Rental's 11th Honeymoon Disasters Contest and judged by a panel of Thrifty employees.

More disastrous stories from this year's contest:

• Carlos and Janette Arroyave, Miami Lakes, Fla.: Carlos's sister and family from Columbia shacked up with the honeymooners in the couple's efficiency apartment. Not only was Janette serenaded by her brother-in-law's incessant snoring, but the two kids decided to sleep with the newlyweds on the airmattress. "Come on, I wanted to spend my wedding night with my husband alone," said Janette. "Romantic? Yeah, right!"
• John Bowersox and Laura Christopher, Baltimore, Md.: While bathing in a tacky heart-shaped tub, John had trouble following the instructions on the bottle of bubble bath. "Pour one capful" became "pour one cupful" and the couple was overcome by bubbles.
• Tony and Daisy Delgado, Oswego, Ill.: If having the flu on your wedding night wasn't bad enough, Daisy and her husband stayed at a hotel hosting a convention of 5,000 Beatles fans. To add insult to injury, the couple in the adjoining suite sang Strawberry Fields all night long, killing any chance of romance.
• Dave and Kelli Faherty, Brighton, Mass.: The couple cut their honeymoon short to accommodate Dave's new job, which had also required him to move from New York to Boston. On Day 2 of their abbreviated honeymoon in Newport, RI (and not St.Martin, as originally planned), Dave got a message from the new boss: "Your job offer has been revoked." The Fahertys had changed their honeymoon plans -- and moved to Boston -- for nothing.
• Nestor and Sonna Lynn Fernandez, Nampa, Idaho: When Nestor's mother visited the U.S. for the wedding, the couple didn't have a place for her to stay during the honeymoon, so they took her along. "When we arrived at the bed-and-breakfast, my husband was upset that I had arranged for separate rooms," said Sonna Lynn. "The farther apart, the better, I thought." But Nestor had Mama Betty moved to the adjoining room, and in the heat of passion, they were interrupted by a dainty knock on the wall. "After that, it was all downhill for us. Nestor wanted to know why I wasn't in the mood, and every time I saw Mama Betty, I felt like a caught teenager."
• Nathan and Michelle Johnson, Logan, Utah: Weeks before the wedding, Nathan was in a motorcycle accident that left him in a drug-induced coma for over a month. Later, when trying to reschedule, the couple was in a car wreck that left them black and blue. The third time is usually a charm, but the Johnsons were treated to a visit by the fire department when the reception hall caught fire. "The firemen did join in some wedding pictures with us," said Michelle. Due to Nathan being out of work, the couple honeymooned at a local BestWestern.
• Kurt and Joanne Kreher, Clarence, NY: In Bermuda, the taxi driver had trouble finding their hotel. When dropped off at a day care filled with screaming babies, the couple questioned if they were really in the right place. Their second-floor room came complete with a plastic-covered mattress that crackled loudly every time they made the slightest move. Romance was not in the air -- but stinky diapers were.
• James and Mary Ann Lakeman, Buffalo, NY: Thirty-three years ago, while visiting Toronto, the newlyweds decided to take in the musical Hair. The wine Mary Ann had at dinner made her a little tipsy, so when she stepped into the aisle to take a potty break, she got caught in a rush of performers running down the aisles. After tripping a performer and going down for the count, Mary Ann lay on the ground -- in the spotlight -- with her skirt hiked up overher face. To this day, James says, "I can dress her up, but I can't take herout!"
• John and Ruth Madewell, Lemoore, Cal.: John's dad is a pastor, and Ruth always tried to be on her best behavior around him. When the in-laws said they would hook up with the newlyweds at the mountain chalet about three days into the honeymoon, Ruth wasn't counting on them showing up early. The holy family must have said more than a few "Hail Mary's" when they walked in on Ruth stirring au gratin potatoes in a sexy negligee. Say a prayer for Ruth's relationship with the in-laws.
• Rick and Libby Parker, Las Vegas, Nev.: Honeymooning in Belize, Libby burned her hands on the nylon line while trying to reel in a hungry barracuda. En route to a jungle resort, the couple had to cross a river in a tin boat.That's when Libby got bitten by the captain's little monkey sidekick. Accommodations were thatched-roof cabins without running water and electricity. "At night, we heard snakes slithering through the roof," said Libby. Add giant hairy spiders on the toilet seat and rabies shots for the monkey bite when they got home, and these newlyweds got more than they'd bargained for.
• Brian and Chris Rogalski, Hopatcong, NJ: In the heat of the moment, the couple was interrupted by a knock at the door at their Hawaiian hotel. Ignoring the summons, the newlyweds resumed their activities as the bellboy entered with fruit basket in hand. "Now we don't ignore a knock at the door,"said Chris.
• Laurel Yost, Scarville, Iowa: In the dark, Laurel and her husband missed the driveway and drove across the lawn of the motel on their wedding night. It wasn't until morning when they noticed the tire marks leading from the highway, across the grass, to their parked car with the "Just Married" sign." It must have looked like we were terribly anxious," said Laurel.

(Source: Thrifty Car Rental Web Site and Honeymoon Disasters)

Lincoln Didn't Boast of His Humble Roots, Historian Says

Differing from today's politicians in two ways, President Abraham Lincoln neither boasted of his humble roots nor allowed himself to become out of touch with political realities, according to Allen Guelzo, who is the Henry R. Luce Professor of the Civil War Era Studies program at Gettysburg College.

“The image of Lincoln as a pioneer, growing up in a log cabin, is an image that Lincoln did not particularly like,” Guelzo said. “He did not want people to think of him as crude or unlettered.”

Guelzo explained that it was his political advisors who wanted to portray Lincoln as “a man of the people,” a phrase that many contemporary politicians use to appeal to voters even when it may not be true. Lincoln was an intellectual who became an accomplished lawyer before running for political office and he wanted that to be known, Guelzo said.

Lincoln also had a strong belief in democracy, like many politicians today, but he brought to the position of president a certain “political prudence,” Guelzo said.

“Lincoln possessed the real ability to read the signs of the times and understand where they were going,” Guelzo said. “He would still have had a landmark presidency without the Civil War because of the successfulness of his domestic policy initiatives. He was the essence of prudence as a political virtue.”

(Source: Gettysburg College via Newswise)

2006 Phillies promotion and event schedule

Features Kid's Opening Day, Rooftop Thursdays, player bobble figurines, a Phanatic jersey, Minor League games and family celebrations

A Kid's Opening Day, Rooftop Thursdays which includes mechanical bull and surfing competitions, Player Bobble Figurines, a Phanatic Jersey, minor league games and family celebrations are among the many promotions and events being planned by the Phillies during the 2006 season at Citizens Bank Park.

The event schedule includes something for fans of all ages.

Tickets to these special events and all 81 home games will go on sale starting on Wednesday, February 22, at phillies.com, via the Phone Center (215 463-1000) or in person at the Citizens Bank Park First Base Gate ticket windows.

Celebrations, Promotions & Events

Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day: Monday, April 3, 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis Cardinals) - Baseball returns to Citizens Bank Park!

Citizens Bank Businessperson's Specials: These seven mid-week day games include:

• Thursday, April 6, 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis Cardinals)
• Thursday, April 27, 3:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
• Wednesday, May 31, 1:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
• Thursday, June 15, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
• Thursday, July 27, 1:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Monday, July 31, 1:05 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
• Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
  

Rooftop Thursdays: Every Thursday it's an exclusive party on the rooftop in Ashburn Alley for college students and young adults. Tickets are only $12 and include food and drink specials, Mechanical Bull and Surfing Contests, and more.

Kid's Opening Day/Ryan Howard Rookie of the Year Growth Chart: Saturday, April 8, 3:05 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers) - Kids won't want to miss this! Features plenty of fun, festivities and prizes...plus a unique growth chart giveaway for children 14 and under showcasing 2005 NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard.

Southwest Airlines Schedule Magnets: All fans receive a Phillies 2006 schedule magnet on Sunday, April 9, 1:35 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Tuesday, April 18, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals).

Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Dates: $1 dog days are back!

• Sunday, April 9, 1:35 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• Wednesday, April 19, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
• Monday, April 24, 7:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
• Monday, May 29, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
• Tuesday, July 4, 3:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres)
• Monday, September 4, 3:05 p.m. (Houston Astros)
  

College Night at the Phillies: Bring your college I.D and receive a $4 discount. College nights include:

• Wednesday, April 19, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals) • Also Hatfield Dollar Dog Day.
• Thursday, April 20, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals) • Also: fans 15 and over receive the fun and trendy McDonald's Jimmy Rollins Knit Beanie Hat giveaway. • Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a mechanical bull competition.
• Wednesday, April 26, 7:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
• Thursday, April 27, 3:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies) • Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a surfing contest.
• Thursday, May 4, 7:05 p.m. (Atlanta Braves) • Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a surfing contest.

Women's Softball Celebration: Saturday, April 22, 7:05 p.m. (Florida Marlins) - Members of the professional softball league, National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), will sign autographs, give softball tips and participate in a special pre-game ceremony. All softball players, coaches and their families will receive a special ticket discount for that night.

Citizens Bank Phanatic Birthday/Phanatic Jersey: Sunday, April 23, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins) - The Phanatic's birthday bash is back with mascots from all over the country attending! Guests 14 and under receive a Phanatic jersey.

Teacher Appreciation Night: Friday, May 5, 7:05 p.m. (San Francisco Giants) - The Phillies salute teachers for their hard work and dedication. Ten teachers will be selected as Delaware Valley Teacher All-Stars and honored pre-game. Teachers and their families receive a special ticket discount to the game.

Mother's Appreciation/Breast Cancer Awareness Night/Ladies Tote Bag: Sunday, May 7, 8:05 p.m. (San Francisco Giants, ESPN telecast) - All mothers will be honored with a special pre-game tribute. All women 15 and over receive a chic pink tote bag.

WB Mason Delivery Truck: Saturday, May 20, 7:05 p.m. (Boston Red Sox) - A great collectible for kids 14 and under.

Phillies Phestival for ALS: Monday, May 22 - Join the Phillies for this annual benefit for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Features player autograph signing, specialty photo booths, live and silent auctions and family games.

Minor League Games at Citizens Bank Park: Monday, May 15, 7:05 p.m., Lakewood BlueClaws vs. Delmarva Shorebirds and Monday, June 12, 7:05 p.m., Reading Phillies vs. Altoona Curve.

Collectible Bobble Figurines: It's a bobble head and figurine rolled into one; available to all fans. Collect them both:

• Chase Utley Bobble Figurine, Friday, May 26, 7:05 p.m. (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Ryan Howard Bobble Figurine, Wednesday, July 26, 7:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Be a Phanatic About Reading Literacy Night/Book Drive/Celebrity Readers: Tuesday, May 30, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals) - All students, teachers and their families participating in the Phillies Be a Phanatic About Reading program will receive a special ticket discount. Students selected as Most Outstanding and Most Improved Readers will be honored pre-game. A book drive to benefit Philadelphia Reads will take place and there will be celebrity readers in the Phanatic Attic.

Modell's Sporting Goods Kids Run the Bases: This popular promotion allows kids 14 and under to find out what it's like to be a Major League player and run the bases after the game. Dates include:

• Sunday, May 28, 1:35 p.m. (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Tuesday, July 4, 3:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres), Also Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Day
• Thursday, July 27, 1:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
• Monday, September 4, 3:05 p.m. (Houston Astros) - Also Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Day

Sound of Philadelphia Celebration: Tuesday, June 13, 7:05 p.m., (New York Mets) - In celebration of Black Music Month, the Phillies will host this special event featuring musical performances before and during the game.

Father's Appreciation Day/Men's Baseball Cap: Sunday, June 18, 1:35 p.m. (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) - Fathers will be honored with a special pre-game tribute. Plus, men 15 and over receive a trendy baseball cap.

Independence Blue Cross Fireworks Shows: Wednesday, July 5, 7:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres) and Friday, July 7, 7:05 p.m. (Pittsburgh Pirates) - Two nights of the ultimate fireworks show.

Turkey Hill Picnic Bag: Sunday, July 9, 1:35 p.m. (Pittsburgh Pirates) - A unique giveaway for guests 14 and under.

Aaron Rowand Player T-Shirt: Sunday, July 30, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins) - This red name and number t-shirt is for guests 14 and under.

Phillies Wall of Fame Night/Wall of Fame Photo Card Set: Friday, August 11, 7:05 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds) - A former Phillies star will be inducted into the team's Wall of Fame pre-game. All fans receive a photo card set featuring players inducted in the Wall of Fame, located in Memory Lane (Ashburn Alley) and sponsored by the Philadelphia Zoo.

Alumni Night: Saturday, August 12, 7:05 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds) - Alumni from the tri-state area will participate in a special pre-game ceremony and greet fans at the entrance gates.

Phillies Player Cap: Sunday, August 13, 1:35 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds) - Children 14 and under receive a baseball cap featuring a current player.

PAL Media Softball Game: Monday, August 14, 7:05 p.m. (New York Mets) - Watch your favorite media celebrities (newspaper and radio vs. TV) compete during the annual Police Athletic League softball game, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Citizens Bank Pride of the Phillies Print: Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets) - The series continues with this new edition print; for all guests.

Phillies Back-to-School Gift: Sunday, August 20, 1:35 p.m. (Washington Nationals) - Get ready for school with a special gift for children 14 and under.

Fan Appreciation Day: Sunday, September 24, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins) - Prizes and festivities!

(Source: Philadelphia Phillies press office)

Rezoning Approved; 248 Homes Coming

The Carlisle Sentinel is reporting that the North Middleton Township Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of land along Corman Road from agricultural holding to suburban residential. The board passed the rezoning by a 4-1 vote with Supervisor Richard Bucher the lone negative vote.

The rezoning includes nearly 134 acres of land that make up the Gettel Farm and the Stine Farm. The developer of the land will be Fred Gettys.

According to the Sentinel news report, sewer lines would be run from Wertz Run Heights up Wertz Run Road and across Cranes Gap Road, eventually heading to the east side of the Villages at North Ridge.

Supervisor Bucher voted against the development citing concerns for traffic and also a comprehensive plan prepared in 1995 to allow 6,375 total housing units. According to Bucher, the township is at roughly 6,150 housing units counting existing homes and those planned. The Sentinel quoted Bucher as saying "We're practically at what the comprehensive plan is for this township for 2010."

Supervisor Dennis Hurley raised concerns over whether Gettys might sue the township. Earlier, when controversy arose from the Villages at North Ridge, Gettys sued the township.

Supervisor William Myers was in favor of the rezoning, looking at it as an opportunity to expand water and sewer before the Chesapeake Bay Initiative enforcement begins. He also mentioned that Gettys would need to give the township a contribution when the land is developed.

Some residents along Corman Road voiced their concerns, specifically about water run-off.

To read the Carlisle Sentinel's story, click here.

Bixby Wins Big Prize At Crestview Bingo Night

North Ridge resident Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby, who serves as the president of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association and sometimes calls himself "King," won the "big" prize tonight at the Annual Bingo Night for students at Crestview Elementary School. His winning prize ... a new DVD player.

"I'm so excited about this," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "Now I can go ahead and plan that Summer Outdoor Movie Night In North Ridge."

According to Bread Dip, it was a tough competition against the 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-year-old students. Rumors have it that some 10- and 11-year-old 5th graders gave him a run for his money.

Several of the kids were upset that an adult won the DVD player. One 3rd grader was overheard as saying, "Now I won't be able to practice my spelling and reading skills since I won't be able to play my Big Bird Read-A-Long DVD that Santa brought me for Christmas."

However, upon hearing this sad story, Bread Dip had bigger ideas, getting back to his Summer Outdoor Movie Night In North Ridge.

"We can use the back of my house at night to project some great movies thanks to this DVD player," he said. "We might even be able to see the original Bad News Bears movie."

Rumors have it that there may even be a Movie Night Camp Out in his backyard.

Other North Ridge residents attending the Crestview Bingo Night included the Fuller Family, the Moran Family, the rest of the Bixby Family, and also Larry Hoffman.

MatchingDonors.com Links Connecticut Women With Nevada Woman For Kidney Transplant

Both the Patient and Donor met on the website

Glastonbury, Connecticut resident Lori Mooney wrote on MatchingDonors.com; “I am a 49 year old wife and mother of a 22 year old son. I have polycystic kidney disease. I have been on dialysis for two years, and my prospects of receiving a cadaver kidney are bleak. In January of 2003, my kidneys failed and my loving husband donated his kidney to me. Unfortunately, the transplant failed due to a rare complication. Due to the many transfusions I received at that time, I became sensitized. Sensitization happens when you develop many antibodies to other people’s blood. This makes getting a match on the cadaver list almost impossible. I have been told that the average wait for a sensitized donor is 12 years.

Fortunately, my doctors at Johns Hopkins in Maryland have developed a protocol to help people like me. The donor, however, needs to be a living donor. I am an excellent candidate for a transplant, as I’m without any other health problems. My blood type is AB which is compatible to all four blood types”.

Mooney has found that special person to be her kidney donor. She is Mary Bonno from Sun Valley, Nevada.

Bonno’s MatchDonors.com profile read, “I am a 38 year old woman in Nevada with no husband or children. I work for a federal government agency and I am a veteran. I have not been exposed to any chemical/biological hazards. Every day I see people linger, hoping for an organ that could save his/her life or increase quality of life. We all have a responsibility as brothers and sisters to do what we can to help each other. I am well aware of the rigors of the transplant/donor process, and I am quite serious about being a living donor.”

As of the date of this media release, they have a surgery date set for February 7, 2006, at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

When Mooney first learned that she had polycystic kidney disease, she was 17. It is the most common of all life-threatening genetic diseases affecting more than 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people worldwide. Kidney function gradually deteriorates until dialysis is needed. The one cure is getting a transplant.

Mooney finally lost her kidney function at the age of 47. Her husband, Jim, offered to test to be a living donor and a transplant was performed in January 2003. Unfortunately, the transplant failed due to a rare complication. Then she began dialysis three months later. Mooney has been on dialysis for three years and because she is sensitized, her wait for a cadaver kidney could be as long as 12 years.

To read the rest of this media release, click here.

(Source: PR Leap)

Help Create The World's Biggest Poem

With the Super Bowl now over and the Winter Olympics in full swing, most people are asking the same questions, namely: just what is that stain on the rug? And, just as importantly, what about poetry?

Polterzeitgeist Productions aks those questions too.

The stain is probably from M&M’s ground into the floor, but the poetry question is harder. The answer may well be, “Choka On It(tm),” the world’s longest poem. And everyone in the world can (and should) contribute to it.

Those who did not fall asleep in poetry class can tell you that choka are a form of Japanese poetry, pre-dating haiku, and using a 5-7-5-7-5-7-5…7-7 syllabic structure (onji). In order to create the world’s longest poem Choka On It borrows from another Japanese poetry style (renga) by allowing any author to contribute to the poem.

Choka On It begins with the soon-to-be-infamous three lines:

Oh great Internet

Home to world’s information

I have learned so much

All world citizens can go to the poem’s home (http://bigpoem.blogspot.com/) and tack on a non-rhyming English couplet of seven and five syllables. Superlative additions to the poem will be granted a spot on the coveted Choka Wall of Fame. Couplets exuding lameness will find an unworthy place in Shame Alley. Everyone is encouraged to use the "I Choka’d" badge.

The near-geniuses behind the poem are two shadowy figures: b1-66er, the current English Haiku Slugfest Champion of the World; and birdhead, the first person to create a wireless Internet server in 1995. As you would expect from a coporation doing self-aggrandizing self promotion, greatness is expected. Choka On It rides atop Google’s supreme Blogger offering and derives its revenue stream entirely from viewers supporting the site’s AdSense ads. When pressed for revenue predictions, Polterzeitgeist accountants will tell you they expect income at a level to afford a Beau Jo’s pizza (possibly with everything on it) for both b1-66er and birdhead before the end of 2006.

Choka On It resides at bigpoem.blogspot.com and is overseen by Polterzeitgeist Productions. Through the help of mere English speaking mortals, Choka On It is intended and designed to become the world’s biggest poem.

(Source: PR Leap)

Valentine's Day Preparation: Advice from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

BBQ Queens Offer Hot New Grilling Recipes to Keep Romance Sizzling All Year

Just in time for Valentine's Daymeal planning, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) announced recently a new consumer survey showing the popularity of year-round grilling by both men and women is on the rise.

Based on a representative sample of more than 8,000, the report revealed that more than 60 percent of Americans are grilling year-round and nearly half grill during winter months including special occasions like Valentine's Day. Grill ownership increased 10 percent from 2003, with eight out of 10 households now owning an outdoor barbecue grill or smoker.

Guys, move over -- grilling is not just for the boys. According to the survey, more than 35 percent of women are now taking the tongs for gas grilling, up 6 percent from 2003. And 42 percent of women are using electric grills, inching closer to men at 55 percent. However, men and women are on equal footing in the decision of when to grill at 47 percent each.

Are we facing a barbecue battle of the sexes? Not according to BBQ Queens Judith Fertig and Karen Adler, co-authors of more than 20 cookbooks, "Romantic occasions like Valentine's Day are sizzling opportunities to share a 'love' of the grill. It's a perfect time for men and women to show their appreciation for each other by grilling a special dinner in for the night. Holidays are busy restaurant nights, sometimes too crowded and can be less than romantic."

Not only can grilling a nice dinner at home be more romantic, but also more delicious. According to the HPBA report, the number one reason people use their charcoal/wood grills is for better tasting dishes (79 percent), while the second reason is for the entertainment factor (28 percent).

"Certain types of recipes appeal to men or women," say the BBQ Queens. "Guys like a lot of bold and beefy flavor, women like color and crispness and a little more delicacy."

What should be grilled for Valentine's Day sweethearts? While the consumers surveyed still love grilling burgers the most at 87 percent, steak came in a close second at 83 percent, offering a more decadent dish forspecial occasions.

"We recommend whipping up a nice steak recipe and 'dining out' in the comfort of your own home. Flip a switch on the gas grill or fire up the charcoal and a perfect steak is yours to savor by the fireplace, patio, or candlelight," say the BBQ Queens. "You can also make extra servings and give your sweetheart the leftovers for a fancy lunch."

To get the grills going this Valentine's Day, the BBQ Queens have shared the following, yet-to-be released recipe from their upcoming book, WeeknightGrilling with the BBQ Queens.

MARTINI-MARINATED FILET MIGNON WITH SAUTEED SPINACH AND PINE NUTS

We've chosen a quintessential filet for a special Valentine's Day dinner. Vodka and vermouth are excellent in marinades for all kinds of meat and fish.

• 4 (6 to 8 ounce) beef tenderloin filets
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher or sea salt
• 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely snipped chives
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup vodka (made from grain)
• 1 tablespoon dry vermouth
• 2 juniper berries
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for the spinach
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 bags (6-ounces each) baby spinach

1. Rub the filets with salt and pepper. Place the filets in a large sealable plastic bag and add the parsley, chives, garlic, vodka, vermouth, juniper berries, and olive oil. Marinate in refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
2. In the meantime, get the saute pan out for the spinach. Have the olive oil and pine nuts close by. (You'll saute the spinach as soon as the meat is pulled from the grill, which gives it a couple of minutes to rest.)
3. Remove the steaks from the marinade, discarding the marinade, and grill the steaks, covered, for 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Place on a platter.
4. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pine nuts and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly brown. Add the spinach and toss to lightly coat all of the spinach and heat through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Serve each steak with sauteed spinach on the side.

Serves 4

(Source: Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Media Release)

Update On Pennsylvania Governor's Race

Various Harrisburg-based news agencies are reporting late this afternoon that Jim Panyard the last remaining opponent to Lynn Swann's candidacy for the GOP nomination for Governor has withdrawn from the race. Former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton bowed out just prior to the formal endorsement of Swann by the Republican State Committee. He is allegedly withdrawing due to a lack of financial support for his campaign.

... thus sets up a Swann - Rendell race for the governor's office.

Must-know Safety Skills To Survive A Terror Attack Or Emergency

People across America are very concerned about how to protect themselves should an emergency situation arise in a public place. Debra Holtzman, an internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of the popular safety book, The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005) says, "There are some simple things that you can do beforehand to protect yourself in an emergency situation. And how well we prepare ourselves to deal with all types of emergency situations will determine our success in managing them.

In addition to learning about your children's schools and your employer's emergency plans, Debra Holtzman recommends that whenever you visit any public place:

• Locate all possible exits. Make sure the exits are not blocked, the doors are unlocked and they are all well lit. (People have been known to bypass several fire exits in an emergency and head right for the door they entered because they didn't take the time to plan their escape route.)
• Locate security.
• Locate first aid station.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, objects and packages, to security.
• Be aware where your children are at all times (always).
• Look above and look below. Check to see that you are not standing under a light fixture or any other item that may topple down (or shatter-glass fixtures and store windows shatter) on you. Be aware of the surfaces you are walking and/or standing on to avoid slips and falls.
• When evacuating a building, leave as calmly and quickly as possible. Once you are out the building, move away from the scene so you'll be out of the emergency workers way and safe from any hazardous conditions.

Debra Holtzman further recommends that EVERYONE carry an emergency safety kit with them. "These items can fit in a small purse or pouch and most people have these life saving devices in their home already," says Holtzman.

Contents of the Emergency Safety Kit:

• A Fully Charged Cell Phone. Preprogram the telephone with emergency contact telephone numbers. Include the telephone number of a friend or relative living outside of the emergency area. (A caller is more likely to connect with a long-distance number outside the emergency area than with a local number within it.) Make sure your entire family knows to contact this person.
• An ID Card. This should include the your name, date of birth, blood type, date of last Tetanus shot, a list of allergies, and chronic and past illnesses. This should also include Health Insurance Information. Laminate in plastic to prevent tears or water damage. Keep this ID card in your wallet directly behind your driver's license.
• A small Flashlight or Penlight. If there is a power outage, the penlight will help to guide you to safety. Make sure to check batteries monthly.
• A Whistle. If you are trapped in a dark location, you can blow the whistle so someone can locate you.
• A Face mask or Handkerchief (made from dense weave cotton material). If there are toxic gases or dust in the air, you can use it to cover your mouth and nose (Although this probably won't protect you from chemical gases, having something over your nose and mouth is still better than nothing.)
• Small bottled water and snack. If you get trapped inside in a building, you will have a snack handy.

Lastly, Debra Holtzman recommends that you practice responding to emergencies. And adults and teens enroll in a first aid and CPR class

(Source: Newsreleasewire.com)

Valentine's Day: What Women Really Want; Survey Reveals the Gifts Women Love, What They Hate and What Will Land You in the Dog House

Think you know what women want for Valentine's Day? Not so fast. While chocolates, lingerie and stuffed animals line store shelves, WomensWallStreet.com's second annual Valentine's Day survey revealed what women really want (hint: it's not diamonds) and what gifts will lead you straight to the Valentine's Day Hall of Shame.

So what tops women's lists? The traditional dinner and flowers combo won top honors as women's most desired gift with 20 percent of the vote, followed by a card with 14 percent and flowers alone with 13 percent. A hand-written love letter came in close behind with 11 percent of the vote--after all, Valentine's Day is about the romance, right?

"We're seeing a transition away from a materialistic Valentine's Day--it's no longer about the diamonds and pearls," said WomensWallStreet.com editor Pam Little. "Today's woman cares more about spending time with her mate--going to dinner, having a romantic evening--than about getting expensive gifts."

In fact, when asked how much they wanted their men to spend on them for Valentine's Day, one in five women said they didn't want their men to spend a cent! Most women--42 percent--said they wanted their mates to spend between $1 and $50 on a gift. Apparently the age-old adage is true--it's the thought that counts.

But you can go wrong with a bad gift. Most women--28 percent--said a surefire way to suck the romance out of Valentine's Day is to buy your woman a household appliance such as a blender or vacuum. Stuffed animal followed closely behind as the second-worst gift with 23 percent of the vote, followed by gym membership with 11 percent and chocolates with 10 percent.

"The key is to give a gift that makes the woman feel good," said Little. "Where men go wrong is when they try to be practical. Valentine's Day is not a practical holiday."

And what do women say is the worst part of it? "The obligation" came in as the biggest Valentine's Day downer with 28 percent of the vote, followed closely by "high cost" with 23 percent and "tacky gifts" with 16 percent.

Listen up, men! The secret to Valentine's Day gift-giving: 1) Put some thought into it 2) Steer clear of the appliances section and 3) When in doubt, go with flowers. And a love note wouldn't hurt.

Results are based on 1781 completed surveys.

(Source: Business Wire)

The Governor's Race; U.S. Senate Race

The following media release comes from Terry Madonna -- local political guru, television talkshow host, and friend of NR Buzz editor C-Mo. Madonna runs the Franklin & Marshall College Keystone Poll, and information below is from the most recent statewide poll regarding the race for Pennsylvania governor and U.S. Senate.


The latest Keystone Poll of Pennsylvania voters conducted from January 31 through February 5 finds significant change in the race for Governor and noticeable stability in the race for the U.S. Senate.

The Race for Governor

The significant change in the Governor’s race is the emergence of Lynn Swann as the Republican-primary front runner, even before his primary rival, former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton, dropped out of the race.

Swann was leading Scranton by a sizable margin, 45 percent to 21 percent, although a still sizable proportion of Republicans were undecided (33%) at the time of Scranton’s withdrawal. In November 2005, Swann and Scranton were in a dead heat, 24 percent to 27 percent, respectively. Swann’s improved performance since November is directly attributable to his improved name recognition among Republicans since that time. Currently, 35 percent of Republicans have a favorable opinion of him, only 4 percent have an unfavorable opinion, and 43 percent don’t know enough about him to have an opinion. In November 2005, more than half (58%) of Republicans did not know enough about him to have an opinion. Scranton’s favorability rating among Republicans had remained stable since November.

Ed Rendell’s advantage over both Swann and Scranton has narrowed considerably since September 2005.

In September, Rendell held comfortable, double-digit leads over both Republicans; he now leads them by only three points in head-to-head match ups. Rendell trails both Swann and Scranton in most parts of the state outside of Southeastern Pennsylvania and is having noticeable difficulties among voters in the Southwest and Allegheny County.

Rendell’s increasing difficulty with his Republican challengers reflects a growing belief among voters that it is time for change in the Governor’s office. This sentiment for change is at its highest point in the last year. About two in five (39 percent) Pennsylvania voters believes Rendell deserves re-election, but more than half (54 percent) believe it is time for a change. In March 2005 only 43 percent of the state’s voters thought it was time for a change.

A majority of voters in every region of the state outside of Southeastern Pennsylvania believe that it is time for a change in the Governor’s office.

The U.S. Senate Race

The U.S. Senate Race in Pennsylvania continues to show incumbent Senator Rick Santorum trailing his likely challenger, State Treasurer Bob Casey, Jr.

The Keystone Poll continues to show a double-digit lead for Casey, 50 percent to 39 percent, with one in ten voters (11 percent) still undecided. Defying regional differences in party registration, Casey leads Santorum in every region of Pennsylvania, though narrowly in the Central and Northwestern part of the state.

The favorability ratings for both Santorum and Casey, Santorum’s job performance ratings, and Santorum’s re-elect ratings are important correlates of vote choice. These ratings have remained very stable since last fall and in large part explain the relative stability of voters’ preferences in the race.

To read more and see charts on this poll, visit the Keystone Poll's Website.

Olympics Preview: Snowboarding

... details from the official Turino 2006 Website ...

• Feb. 12 Men's halfpipe
• Feb. 13 Women's halfpipe
• Feb. 16 Men's snowboard cross
• Feb. 17 Women's snowboard cross
• Feb. 22 Men's parallel giant slalom
• Feb. 23 Women's parallel giant slalom
  

History

Snowboarding developed in the United States in the 1960s. Sherman Poppen is regarded as the father of the snowboard after tying together a pair of skis and attaching a steering rope for his daughter. Poppen's "snurfer" board went into production in 1966 and the idea was developed by other enthusiasts.

The first world championships were held in the United States in 1983 and four years later a four-stop World Cup tour was set up. Snowboarding made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Nagano Games when men's and women's halfpipe and giant slalom were held.
Parallel giant slaloms for men and women replaced the giant slalom in Salt Lake City four years ago and snowboard cross, a third discipline, enters the Games this time.


Snowboarding competition style

• Halfpipe. Competition takes place on a semi-cylindrical course cut deep into the hill. The pipe is three to four metres deep and 120-130 metres long with high walls on each side. Using speed gained on the slope, snowboarders go up over the rim of the pipe and perform acrobatic aerial tricks. The object of the halfpipe is to perform difficult tricks with perfect form. Men and women will compete in separate events with the top six in the first run of each event automatically going through to the finals. Those who do not qualify get a second run with the top six also going into the finals where each competitor will have two runs. Five judges award points for different aspects of performance, each giving a mark out of 10 with deductions for falls.
• Parallel giant slalom. The event features head-to-head match-ups on the mountain. After a qualification round, 16 competitors go through and battle it out over two legs on two side-by-side courses in a series of elimination races until there is a winner. The two losing semi-finalists race against each other for the bronze medal.
• Snowboard cross. Competitors must navigate a series of gates, flags and obstacles along the course. In the first two runs, the riders compete individually. The 32 with the best times in the two qualification runs head into the finals, where four athletes race simultaneously. The first two athletes to finish each heat enter the next stage of the finals.
  

Site

• Bardonecchia. Located at an altitude of 1,312 metres in Alta Val di Susa.

Scouting report

• Hannah Teter. The 19-year-old American is quickly becoming one of the brightest hopes of halfpipe, finishing third at the 2005 World Championships and looking well placed for a medal in Turin. She comes from a proud snowboarding family, with brothers Abram and Elijah also successful riders, and she also appeared on the big screen in "First Descent", a film about the evolution of snowboarding.
• Antti Autti. The Finn won the 2005 halfpipe world championships in Whistler and is among the favourites for gold. A hugely popular figure in Finland, Autti received a piece of land in his home town of Rovaniemi after being confirmed on the Finnish Olympic team as early as April 2005.
• Simone Malusa. The Italian is an outside bet in the new Olympic discipline of snowboard cross. He will certainly feel at home coming from Ivrea, only half an hour from Turin.

To read more, click here. Or, read this Reuters story with greater detail. The games are being broadcast by NBC (WGAL TV 8 locally). To see the NBC page on snowboarding, click here. You can also search for local broadcast times and Olympic events through the NBC site.

Valentine's Day Gift Idea: Stifle Your Snoring If You Want to Make Her Happy!

Expert Says Women Want the Gift of a Quiet Night's Sleep

Michael Gelb, one of the nation's leading specialists in sleep apnea and snoring, says that what most women want from their man on Valentine's Day is the gift of a good night's sleep!

According to Gelb, treating your chronic snoring so your significant other can get a quiet night's rest will go a long way toward restoring the intimacy in your relationship, and is the gift that will truly make her happy.

"In fact, men who seek treatment usually start out doing it as a sensitive, loving gesture for their spouse," notes Gelb, "but they quickly realize after treatment that it was the best gift they could have given themselves because they feel 10 to 20 years younger as a result of getting better rest!"

Gelb notes that several recent studies provide a strong link between snoring and intimacy:

• People who snore have less active sex lives than those who don't.
• Out of more than 1,000 men and women surveyed, 81 percent of the partners of snorers said they don't get a good night's sleep and are constantly tired, making them less likely to have the energy for intimacy.
• Of those snoring couples, researchers said 70 percent resort to sleeping in separate bedrooms to get some rest.

Gelb says that Valentine's Day is a surprisingly busy time for The Gelb Center in New York City because patients make a romantic effort to turn their lives -- and their marriage beds -- around.

"While often the basis of lighthearted jokes and teasing, snoring and sleep apnea dramatically affect the lives of individuals and couples," said Gelb. "Fifty percent of all men over the age of 50 snore, which means one in every two couples struggles to get a good night's rest."

Moreover, not getting a good night's rest often means poor overall heath, lower productivity on the job and more danger on the roads. Snoring can also signal a more serious sleep-breathing problem, sleep apnea, which in some cases, can lead to death due to stroke and heart attack.

(Source: Gelb Center Media Release)

Even With More Free Time, Women Feel No Less Rushed

While more free time sounds like a good thing for everyone, new research suggests it is a better deal for men than it is for women.

A study found that men who have more free time feel less rushed than men with less leisure time. But even when women have more time free from paid work and household tasks, they don't feel less rushed.

The results suggest that women - particularly mothers - may feel the pressures of childcare and housework even when they have time for relaxation, said Liana Sayer, co-author of the study and assistant professor of sociology at Ohio State University.

"The meaning of free time for men's and women's lives are quite different," Sayer said. "Especially for wives and mothers, it appears free time is still combined with other activities or responsibilities."

Women, in effect, pay a "family penalty," she said.

For example, the study found that men who were married and had children didn't feel more rushed in their daily lives than single, childless men.

But the odds of feeling sometimes or always rushed were 2.2 times higher for married women with children than it was for single, childless women.

Sayer conducted the study with Marybeth Mattingly of the University of Maryland. Their results appear in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family.

The researchers examined time diary data from two national surveys conducted in 1975-76 and 1998-99.

The 1975 data included 708 people from across the country interviewed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. The 1998 data included a national sample of 1,151 people surveyed by the Survey Research Center at the University of Maryland.

In both surveys, respondents filled out a diary that showed how they spent a specific 24-hour period. Free time was measured as time not spent at paid work, household chores, child care, or self care such as eating, grooming and sleeping. Participants were also asked how often they felt rushed during a typical day - never, sometimes or always.

The results showed that time pressures increased for women between 1975 and 1998, especially in comparison to men.

In 1975, women and men had similar amounts of free time, but by 1998 a 30-minute per day gender gap had opened, with women having less leisure time than men.

"Women worked more hours in paid employment in 1998 than they did in 1975," Sayer said. "The amount of time they spend in household labor declined during that period, but not enough to offset the increase in paid work hours."

Men increased the amount of time they spent on childcare and housework between 1975 and 1998, but also decreased the amount of time they spent at paid work, Sayer said. The result was that their amount of free time was unchanged.

But even women who had more free time than others didn't feel less busy, Sayer said.

Each hour of free time in 1998 reduced men's odds of feeling rushed by 8 percent - however, no such association existed among women.

Moreover, women were more likely to feel sometimes or always rushed in 1998 compared to 1975, while men's odds of feeling rushed did not change significantly over those 23 years.

In 1998, 39 percent of women said they always felt rushed - up 10 percent from 1975. In contrast, 31 percent of men said they felt always rushed in 1998, up 5 percent from 1978 - not a significant difference.

The fact that women were more likely than men to feel rushed - and were not helped by having more free time - may be related to how men and women view household responsibilities and child care, Sayer said.

While this study didn't delve into the reasons why women feel more rushed, Sayer said other research suggests women still feel more responsible for taking care of children and housework, even if men are pitching in more than they once did.

This means that the quality of free time may not be the same for women as it is for men.

"Among mothers, free time may be too entangled with caregiving to be the 'pause that refreshes,'" Sayer said.

For example, even during their free time, women may still be more responsible than men for meeting the needs of their children.

"Its not that women don't enjoy spending free time with their children, but it is a different experience than spending time with friends," she said. "To ease time pressure, women need more free time that is not combined with other activities or responsibilities."

(Source: Ohio State Research Communications media release)

Carlisle Expo Center: Hot Tub Show This Weekend

Thanks to teh new Carlisle Events Expo Center, the community can enjoy the Spa, Pool and Patio Show this weekend. The show begins on February 10 at the Carlisle Events Expo Center, 100 K St., Carlisle.

While attending this reportedly free exhibit you'll see above-ground and in-ground swimming pools, spas, landscaping, gazebos, basketball courts and hot tubs.

Show hours are from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For information, click here.

More Eskimo Plunge Photos

North Ridge Buzz blogger Bill "Buster" Etsweiler, who attended Saturday's Eskimo Plunge on City Island, submitted these photos of the North Ridge Plunge Team. To read more about this event, visit our earlier NR Buzz post.

Plunge team members Eric Rush, Kevin Bixby, Chuck McMurdy,and Chuck Moran race into the frigid waters of the Susquehanna River.

Team Captain Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby reacted to the cold temps with an interesting facial expression, but never dropped the wiffleball bat.

WHP AM Harrisburg personality RJ Harris takes a swing of the wiffleball bat while wading in the Susquehanna River's chilly 40 degree temperature.

Dave "Engelberg" Orr and Bread Dip Bixby complain that they can't get enough tv coverage because the lady in the bikini is getting all of the attention from the camera man in the yellow jacket. However, in the end, both could claim to be the last two out of the water, an accomplishment they both can brag about for years. Of course, they may have had a bit more insulation around the middle than most of the other participants.

No bird flu risk for consumers from properly cooked poultry and eggs

Chicken and other poultry are safe to eat if cooked properly, according to a joint statement by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued to national food safety authorities. However, no birds from flocks with disease should enter the food chain.

FAO/WHO made the statement to clarify food safety issues in relation to the current avian influenza crisis. The statement has been issued through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN).

In areas where there is no avian influenza outbreak in poultry, there is no risk that consumers will be exposed to the virus via the handling or consumption of poultry or poultry products.

Cooking of poultry (e.g. chicken, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea-fowl) at or above 70°Celsius throughout the product, so that absolutely no meat remains raw and red, is a safe measure to kill the H5N1 virus in areas with outbreaks in poultry, FAO/WHO said. This ensures that there is no active virus remaining if the live bird has been infected and has mistakenly entered the food chain. To date, there is no epidemiological evidence that people have become infected after eating contaminated poultry meat that has been properly cooked.

Poultry

From the information currently available, a large number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza acquired their infection during the home slaughtering and subsequent handling of diseased or dead birds prior to cooking. FAO and WHO emphasize that in the process of killing and preparing a live bird for food, slaughtering poses the greatest risk of passing the virus from infected or diseased birds to humans.

Most strains of avian influenza virus are mainly found in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of infected birds, and not in meat. However, highly pathogenic viruses, such as the H5N1 strain, spread to virtually all parts of an infected bird, including meat. Proper cooking at temperatures at or above 70°C in all parts of the product will inactivate the virus.

When a diseased bird is slaughtered, defeathered and eviscerated, virus from the bird can transfer to humans through direct contact. Infected poultry excrete virus in their secretions and faeces. Exposure might also occur when the virus is inhaled through dust and possibly through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

In areas where marketing of live birds is common, the practices of home slaughtering, defeathering, and eviscerating increase the exposure to potentially contaminated parts of a chicken. These practices therefore result in a significant risk of infection in areas with outbreaks in poultry.

It is not always possible to differentiate infected and non-infected birds in outbreak areas. Some avian species, such as domestic ducks, may harbour the virus without displaying symptoms.

Therefore, people need to be fully informed about preventive measures, including the use of protective equipment. The practice of slaughtering and eating infected birds, whether diseased or already dead, must be stopped, FAO and WHO warn. These birds should also not be used for animal feed.

Even in areas or countries where outbreaks are currently occurring, the likelihood of infected poultry entering an industrialized slaughtering and processing chain, and eventually being marketed and handled by a consumer or a restaurant worker, is considered to be very low, FAO/WHO said. Good hygienic practices during preparation and cooking poultry at temperatures of 70°C or above will further contribute to the safety of cooked poultry meat.

Proper vaccination of domestic poultry is considered to be a useful tool as part of an overall integrated strategy for the control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. It must be implemented in accordance with existing standards and procedures for vaccination. With appropriate monitoring programs in place, vaccinated poultry can enter the food chain without particular risk for the consumer.

Eggs

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus can be found inside and on the surface of eggs laid by infected birds. Although sick birds will normally stop producing eggs, eggs laid in the early phase of the disease could contain viruses in the egg-white and yolk as well as on the surface of the shell.

Proper cooking inactivates the virus present inside the eggs. Pasteurization used by industry for liquid egg products is also effective in inactivating the virus.

Eggs from areas with outbreaks in poultry should not be consumed raw or partially cooked (i.e., with runny yolk), FAO/WHO advise. To date, there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest that people have been infected with avian influenza by consumption of eggs or egg products.

Recommended good hygienic practices to reduce exposure to the virus in areas with outbreaks in poultry

• No birds from flocks with disease should enter the food chain.
• Do not eat raw poultry parts, including raw blood, or raw eggs in or from areas with outbreaks in poultry.
• Separate raw meat from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. Do not use the same chopping board or the same knife. Do not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between and do not place cooked meat back on the same plate or surface it was on prior to cooking. Do not use raw or soft-boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated or cooked.
• Keep clean and wash your hands. After handling frozen or thawed raw poultry or eggs, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Wash and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with the raw meat.
• Cook thoroughly: Thorough cooking of poultry meat will inactivate the virus. Either ensure that the poultry meat reaches 70°C at the centre of the product (“piping” hot) or that the meat is not pink in any part. Egg yolks should not be runny or liquid.

(Source: World Health Organization media release)

Olympic Ice Hockey Preview: Canada looks to retain title

The 2006 Winter Olympics are scheduled to kick off February 10 with the traditional opening ceremony. As part of North Ridge Buzz's Olympic coverage, we'll begin by taking a look at men's ice hockey.

Canada's the favorite to win it all in ice hockey ... that is if Wayne Gretsky put together the right team. If he didn't, then look for the Czechs, Swedes, and Russians to skate into contention.

Canada won the title in Salt Lake City after a 50-year struggle.

Read more about this year's Olympic Ice Hockey preview through Reuters by visiting the official 2006 Winter Olympic Website.

Or to find out the ice hockey schedule and rosters, click here.

New Online Resources for Heart Healthy Women

Almost twice as many women die from heart disease than from all forms of cancer combined.

In honor of February’s Heart Health Month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health (OWH) and Never2Early.org are encouraging women to get the facts about heart disease, the leading killer of women in America.

To help women become better equipped to make changes to improve their health and quality of life, we are encouraging you to make use of the following resources. OWH has designed a free, personalized Web site (http://www.womenshealth.gov/ForYourHeart). For Your Heart is a simple, interactive Web site that provides women with personalized information and tips on preventing heart disease.

For Your Heart provides women with stories on exercise, nutrition, weight loss, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, menopause, and stroke. These stories are tailored specifically to each woman's race/ethnicity, age, and heart disease risk factors.

If a woman is diagnosed with heart disease, straight-forward information about treatment options is critical for good decision making. HeartHealthyWomen.org, also supported by OWH, provides the most up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women. The site, which features separate educational sections for women with heart disease and their health care providers, answers questions like “How is my risk of heart disease measured?” and “What is angioplasty?” It also provides health care providers with information, such as heart health risk factors for women based on age and menopause.

The Never2Early campaign (http://www.Never2Early.org) was initiated to help families with young children understand that risk factors for heart disease can start developing early in life. The primary focus of the campaign is on a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle starting at age two.

Please visit For Your Heart at http://www.womenshealth.gov/ForYourHeart/ or call 1-800-994-WOMAN (1- 800-994-9662) or 1-888-220-5446 for the hearing impaired. For online information on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, please visit Heart Healthy Women at http://www.hearthealthywomen.org.

Information and facts used in the Never2early.org Web site (http://www.never2early.org) come from statistics, research and recommendations made by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), its National Cholesterol Education Program as well as the American Heart Association.

Men Say Reputation for Valentine's Procrastination Unfair

National Confectioners Association Poll Reveals Men Start Valentine's Day Planning and Shopping Earlier than Women May Think

With the majority of men saying they finish their Valentine's Day planning and shopping before February 14, men stand ready to set the record straight on their bad rap for procrastination surrounding Valentine's romance. In fact, 75 percent of the men surveyed in a national poll by the National Confectioners Association testified that they plan ahead for the day, even if they don't make the final purchases until thelast few days.

Many of the surveyed men stated that they start the detective work early, querying friends and family for good gift ideas. Only 10 percent of those surveyed said they relied on the store clerk or cashier for suggestions. Regardless ofwhen they prepare for Valentine's Day, the survey also revealed that men are more likely to buy a gift at a chain store, department or brand name store (55 percent) over specialty stores (12 percent) or online (12 percent).

"Whether you plan your romantic evening a month in advance or are searching for the perfect gift minutes before your date, chocolate and candy remain trusted and timeless classics for Valentine's celebrations," says LarryGraham, president of the National Confectioners Association. "With more options than ever in the gourmet and custom- designed lines, planners can usethe treats to create anticipation in the days leading up, while procrastinators can deliver a sweet gift no matter when they hit the stores."

And for those looking to pack a little antioxidant punch into their Valentine's treat, options abound on the chocolate front. "The demand for dark chocolate continues to rise in the marketplace," added Graham. "Not only doesthe chocolate carry a deep, rich flavor, but the flavanols that fill every piece of dark chocolate contain potential health benefits making it a doublysweet Valentine's indulgence."

What women need to know ... As a result of the nationwide survey, the National Confectioners Association offers the following few key findings that women should keep inmind this Valentine's:

• Keep your present to him simple. While women may think any candy will do for their men, keep in mind that men admit they favor boxed chocolate (34 percent). Gourmet, high-end chocolates (25 percent) are a close second, followed by conversation hearts (9 percent).
• 53 percent of men say they tend to lean on friends and family to find the perfect present for their sweetheart. Ladies be sure to clue in mom and your best friends to help ensure successful hint dropping.
• Contrary to popular belief that Valentine's Day is a holiday men love to hate, 50 percent of men admit that Valentine's Day is about being romantic.
• NCA's nationwide survey found that men 55 years or older were more likely to be nonchalant towards Valentine's Day shopping and gifts compared to younger men (18 - 54 years old). So ladies, be sure to get your older men in the Valentine's Day mood. Try sending him conversation heart hints and chocolate surprises in the weeks leading up to February 14 to entice him to be more romantic.

Valentine's Fun Facts

• More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.
• About 8 billion candy conversation hearts will be produced this year; that's enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy, to Valentine, Ariz., 20 times and back again.
• At one time, conversation candies were made into shapes including horseshoes, baseballs and watches.
• American men say they'd prefer to receive boxed chocolate as a Valentine's Day present followed by gourmet, high-end chocolates then conversation heart candies.
• A natural aphrodisiac? As an elixir for love, chocolate has been believed throughout history to bring smiles to the broken-hearted and to prompt amorous feelings in both men and women. It is believed that Madame Du Barry served it to all her suitors; Casanova consumed chocolate instead of champagne to induce romance; and Montezuma, the king of the ancient Aztecs, believed chocolate would make him virile.
• In the 1800s physicians commonly advised their lovelorn patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining.

(Source: The National Confectioners Association media release)

Auction To Be Held At North Middleton Township Church

On Tuesday, February 7, the Third Annual Auction With Clyde Dehart will take place at Waggoner's United Methodist Church at 1271 Long's Gap Road in North Middleton Township. The auction begins at 7 p.m. and will be a fundraiser for the church. All are welcome.

Super Bowl Sunday Is Super Bowl of Snacking

Super Bowl Sunday is the “Super Bowl” of snacking.

Research by the Calorie Control Council and the Snack Food Association finds that Americans will eat 30 million pounds of snacks on the big game day. That breaks down to 11.2 million pounds of potato chips, 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips, 4.3 million pounds of pretzels, 3.8 million pounds of popcorn and 2.5 million pounds of nuts. The average armchair quarterback will consume 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat just from snacking (not counting any meals).

The Calorie Control Council’s research reveals that potato chips, the snacking favorite, will account for 27 billion calories and 1.8 billion grams of fat. These 1.8 billion fat grams nationwide are the same as 4 million pounds of fat. That 4 million pounds of fat is equal to the weight of 13,000 National Football League (NFL) offensive linemen at 300 pounds each.

The Council recommends pre-planning your Super Bowl event and menu to include no-fat and low-fat chips and dips. For instance, choosing fat-free potato chips for the big game could save up to 300 calories per person. And, nationwide, fat-free potato chips could even cut 14 billion calories and 1.8 billion fat grams from our snack attacks.

When it comes to dips, it is possible to cut the fat without cutting the flavor. Try salsa, which is fat-free, or substitute reduced-fat sour cream and non-fat yogurt. Use fresh herbs and spices such as cilantro, parsley and hot peppers to add great flavor. Add fresh vegetables and low-fat dips to your party tray for a healthy appetizer in no time.

Beth Hubrich, a dietitian with the Council, recommends planning a “pre-Super Bowl Workout” before settling in to watch the game. “For example, to burn off those 1,200 calories from snacking during the Super Bowl, it would take 3 hours of walking around a football field or 1 hour and 45 minutes of running. Or, if you want to get into the game spirit, it would take 2 hours of playing touch football to burn those calories,” she says.

“You certainly don’t want to have a dietitian at your Super Bowl party calling ‘interference’ when you and your friends start overindulging. But by doing a little game planning in advance, you can avoid becoming one of the millions of fans who eat 50 grams of fat in a very short period of time,” Hubrich advises.

Super Bowl Sunday is a day when many people ruin their New Year’s resolution to lose weight by consuming excessive calories and overindulging. If you want to get right back on your diet after the big game, the Council suggests that you check out its non-commercial web site, www.CaloriesCount.com, where you can learn how to make lifestyle changes that will help you lose weight and keep it off.

You can look up Super Bowl Party Recipes for “Cutting the Fat and Keeping the Flavor” on the Calorie Control web site, www.caloriecontrol.org. The Council is a non-profit association of companies that make low-calorie and reduced-fat foods and beverages, and has been tracking dieting trends in America for more than 20 years.

North Ridge Wiffleballers Take The Eskimo Plunge For Special Olympics

Members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association raised $140 for the local chapter of the Special Olympics today while participating in the Eskimo Plunge, held on Harrisburg's City Island.

According to a member of Harrisburg's LifeTeam River Rescue, at the time of the plunge air temperature was 32 degrees, while the Susquehanna River came in at a chilly 40 degrees.

Taking the freezing plunge were Kevin "Bread Dip" Bixby, Dave "Engelberg" Orr, Eric "Iminno" Rush, Mike "Fishy" Frutsche, Chuck "McMurphy" McMurdy, and North Ridge Buzz editor Chuck "C-mo" Moran. Two members of the Junior North Ridge Wiffleball Association also made the plunge.

In addition to those making the plunge, the North Ridge team brought with them several other members of the association for support including Bill "Buster" Etsweiler, who kept on schedule this time by showing up three hours early, and Lori "L-mo" Moran. Five members of the Junior North Ridge Wiffleball Association also traveled to the event to cheer on the junior plungers.

Unfortunately, not all members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association were able to make the morning trip to City Island. Those unable to take the plunge made up excuses such as "I have a sore back today" and "I just got over a cold."

All members of the plunge team hit the frigid water together. C-mo was the first out, followed by McMurphy. "Of everyone on our plunge team, we're at the biggest disadvantage since we don't have as much insulation as some of the other team members," they said separately.

While C-mo and McMurphy were warming up, the other four members of the North Ridge team continued to brave the water, only leaving when the River Rescue squad told them they likely spent enough time in the water. Fishy, Iminno, Engelberg, and Bread Dip are believed to be the last four plungers out of the frigid waters.

Bread Dip, who took along with him a wiffleball and bat into the water, took some batting practice in the water, while Engelberg helped some desperate plunger find his sandal that he lost during the plunge.

"I've been in training for this my entire life," Bread Dip said. "It started when I was about five years old with that extra piece of cake I ate at my birthday party."

Engelberg agreed with Bread Dip. "When I realized about a year ago that this was a possibility, I started doing research on cold water survival," he said. "It was at that time that I realized that if I wanted to outlast people like C-mo and McMurphy that I'd need to avoid distance running and dieting."

Fishy didn't need to worry about reading up on survival training. The Marine colonel lives, eats, and breathes this type of training. In fact, while some of his North Ridge Wiffleball neighbors excused themselves from the plunge because of bad backs and colds, Fishy dove into the water only one day after experiencing fever and sickness. And, before the plunge in a moment of inspiration, he offered this advice to his team members based upon his years of military training. "Don't stay in long," he said, "It's likely very cold."

Iminno, who is an honorary member of North Ridge, said, "I'm impressed with this team ... this neighborhood. They come together for good causes. My house may be down the road, but my heart is in North Ridge."

Several local radio and television personalities were on hand, and one of the neighborhood's favorites, RJ Harris of WHP AM, joined the team for a group photo.

Prior to driving to City Island to participate, all team members took wiffleball batting practice at Bixby Field.

Overall, probably about 100 or so people took the challenge, raising thousands of dollars for Special Olympics. The plunge also included a small festival with food and games for the kids.

For an earlier North Ridge Buzz story on this fundraiser, click here.

(Photo captions. Top: Members of the North Ridge Wiffleball Association get ready for a team photo. Middle: WHP AM's RJ Harris joins the North Ridge Wiffleball Association team for a photo op. Bottom: Lucky for Bixby and Orr that the River Rescue Team was in better condition than they were to retrieve a wiffleball.)

Steelers, Seahawks Songs

For Seahawk Fans, listen to 50 Ways to Beat The Steelers.
(look for Twisted Tunes link on website's right side)

For Steelers Fans, listen to Here We Go (updated for the post-season) and to the Puhlahmahlu Song

Super Bowl Ads: What To Expect

Super Bowl Weekend is here and so are the ads ... Pepsi, United Airlines, GoDaddy.com, Toyota, Burger King, CareerBuilder.com, and Nationwide.

P. Diddy and Jackie Chan team up with the Diet Pepsi Can and its agent to make music and movies as Pepsi celebrates Super Bowl with news campaign

After two decades of groundbreaking and memorable advertising during the Super Bowl -- sometimesfeaturing the world's most popular celebrities -- Pepsi is at it again. This time, zero-calorie Diet Pepsi is the star, and the "Diet Pepsi Can" becomes a celebrity in its own right. Two commercials for the brand, along with a third for Sierra Mist, will air in the first and second quarters of Super Bowl XL on ABC's February 5 telecast.

Diet Pepsi, newly dubbed this season as the official soft drink of the National Football League, continues to raise its profile with a second straight appearance on the Super Bowl.

"People have loved Diet Pepsi for decades and the brand is currently experiencing great popularity," said Cie Nicholson, SVP and chief marketing officer for Pepsi-Cola North America. "The Super Bowl offers the perfect platform for a new Diet Pepsi campaign. This brand is an important fixture in our portfolio and we will continue to look for opportunities to put it center
stage."

The can's agent, Jay Mohr (Jerry Maguire, "Last Comic Standing") meets with each celebrity to make sure his client gets the best deal. A brief description of each commercial follows:

• Diet Pepsi - "Hip-Hop Can" (:60)
  Sean (P. Diddy) Combs turns to Diet Pepsi to help him produce a new hit song. They both go into the studio to create a new track, "Brown and Bubbly," that immediately races up the charts.
• Diet Pepsi - "Stunt Can" (:30)
  Jackie Chan looks to co-star with Diet Pepsi in his next big action movie. Once on the set, Jackie finds a clever solution to a tricky problem.

(Source: Pepsico media release)

Emmy-nominated campaign breaks creative ground with its first-ever use of stop motion animation and puppetry

Business travelers watching their favorite team battle for the coveted Super Bowl title will be inspired to charge the boardroom and challenge corporate foes with United as their ally.

The first United Super Bowl ad in at least a decade, "Dragon" willdebut during the Feb. 5 Super Bowl XL game, just prior to the start of the much-anticipated halftime event. The television advertisement will appear in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Set to one of the most dramatic variations yet of George Gershwin's"Rhapsody in Blue," the new 60-second advertisement alludes to the obstacles and successes business travelers face and United's commitment to enablingtheir personal and work-life success.

"We wanted our ads to depict the life experiences of our frequent businesstravelers in a thoughtful and differentiated way," said Dennis Cary, United'ssenior vice president - Marketing. "The quality and uniqueness of Dragon'sinnovative animation technique helps us to achieve our goal of making thatspecial connection with our most valued customers."

A short clip of the ad released today provides a glimpse of the magic of both the "Dragon" storyline and puppetry and can be found at http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/united/23623/.

"A parent's business trip seen through a child's eyes seemed like rich creative territory," said Stuart D'Rozario, group creative director with Fallon, the agency behind several award-winning United ads. "The puppets and stop motion animation style allowed us to tell the story and express theemotion in a really unique way."

Each figure and element of the set was hand-painted and individually assembled -- including the installation of small hinges for movement before being brought to life through the complex, seven-month filming process. Puppets were "rigged" to the set and the camera shot each of the 1,440individual frames to create movement. Following filming, the rigs were digitally removed from the animation. "Dragon" was directed by Jamie Caliri of the production company Duck Studios.

(Source: United Airlines media release)

Showdown ends with time running out - GoDaddy.com in the game again

GoDaddy.com, the No. 1 registrarof domain names worldwide -- and the advertiser censored in last year's Super Bowl commercial controversy -- is thrilled to announce it WILL be advertising in Super Bowl XL(1).

After 14 revisions and weeks of intense negotiations, the ABC Television network today gave its approval for the Internet powerhouse to broadcast a "GoDaddy-Esque" commercial in the big game.

"This showdown went down to the wire. We were about out of time and had produced our 14th and final attempt. I'm ecstatic about being in the Super Bowl again," said Bob Parsons, founder and president of GoDaddy.com. GoDaddy.com developed 14 different spots in an effort to produce a commercial that was acceptable to both GoDaddy.com and ABC TV. GoDaddy.com agreed to buy a 30-second ad in the February 5 Super Bowl, but struggled to win creative approval from the ABC Television network's "Standards andPractices" division.

"GoDaddy.com's commercial may not appeal to everyone, but I guarantee it will be 'GoDaddy-Esque.' That means it will be FUN, edgy and just a touch inappropriate," Parsons said. Last year, GoDaddy.com's edgy commercial, a parody on censorship, was pulled before it aired a scheduled second time during the Super Bowl. The ensuing controversy resulted in more than $11 million of publicity, according to multivision inc. Parsons believes the attention generated by last year's censorship coverage made advertising again this year more difficult, but defends the creative content that ABC rejected as being no more risque than what airs on primetime television.

"It's not nearly as racy as the Victoria's Secret commercial, which ABC has aired many times. Nor is the Go Daddy commercial as risque as the JessicaSimpson ad, or the suggestive soda spot urging testosterone-drunken viewers to, Let Your Man Out," Parsons said. Both commercials, Parsons pointed out, were reportedly approved by ABC for Sunday's Super Bowl before GoDaddy.com was allowed to advertise.

To learn more about GoDaddy.com's quest to advertise in the Super Bowl,visit, http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/superbowl06/timeline.asp

(Source: GoDaddy.com media release)

Toyota hybrid focuses on father and son

While some companies are waiting until Sunday to debut their Super Bowl ads, Toyota is offering consumers a sneak peak of its entire Super Bowl commercial on Toyota.com andToyota.com/espanol. The ad also is available as an iPod download.

Toyota's Super Bowl ad features a "hybrid" approach with English and Spanish to demonstrate the Camry Hybrid's use of gas and electricity. The ad features a Hispanic father and son driving in their new Camry Hybrid. The father explains that he bought a hybrid for the same reason he speaks twolanguages -- for the boy's future.

"We've had tremendous response to the initial publicity about the spot anddecided to go ahead and make it available in advance of the game," said JimFarley, Toyota Vice President of Marketing. "We think it does a good job of conveying the cross cultural message that parents act to improve their children's future. At the same time it briefly explains how the Camry Hybridworks and highlights its benefits."

The ad, which will run in the first quarter of the Super Bowl, wasdeveloped by Conill, Toyota's Hispanic advertising agency, and is Toyota's first bilingual, bi-cultural ad. It will also be the first ad to run for theall-new 2007 Camry. Toyota is the top automaker among Hispanics and Camry is the third-best-selling car among Hispanics. Twenty-five percent of Hispanics 18 and over watch the Super Bowl.

(Source: Toyota media release)

The King gets his time during the Super Bowl

After an 11-year hiatus, Burger King Corporation (BKC) will return to Super Bowl advertising with a 60-second spot, created by Crispin Porter + Bogusky, scheduled to air in the second pod of ads immediately following kickoff of Super Bowl XL in Detroit on Feb. 5 on ABC.

Burger King Corporation has enjoyed a very successful partnership with the National Football League all season long, and we wanted to take full advantage of this enormous world stage to provide sports fans and restaurant guests with another memorable experience," said Russ Klein, chief marketing officer, BKC. "We hope the Super Bowl audience will find the BURGER KING(R) ad an entertaining addition to the gridiron action on game day."

Watched by more than 133 million viewers in the U.S. last year, the SuperBowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of 1 billion in more than 225 countries and territories.

A new series of NFL-themed television ads featuring the King going head-to-helmet again with the pros will support the promotion and begin airing Jan. 9. Burger King Corporation is also teaming up with the NFL and U.S. Figure Skating Association to offer kids and families a choice of eight unique handheld electronic games with the purchase of a Kids Meal while supplies last.

(Source: Burger King media release)

Monkey business returns to the SuperBowl!

CareerBuilder.com is back in the Super Bowl TV ad lineup for the second time and bringing along the popular chimpanzee stars of last year's award-winning commercials. The only dot com advertiser to sign up for the big game to date, CareerBuilder.com is running two new 30-second Super Bowl spots featuring the chimps as part of a national, year-long marketing blitz. The chimp blitz, expected to surpass last year's campaign valued at more than $200 million, supports a bold business plan aimed at producing another record year for CareerBuilder.com in revenue growth and market share gains. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060123/CGM015 )

"With the aid of the Super Bowl, last year's marketing campaign produced a 50 percent increase in brand awareness among our target audiences," said Richard Castellini, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at CareerBuilder.com. "Aside from the critical acclaim we received, the humor and message really hithome with viewers as we achieved records in overall traffic the week following the game. Viewers could relate to the feeling of working with a bunch of monkeys and recognized CareerBuilder.com as the leading source to find abetter job. This year, viewers can expect to see more outrageous tales from the office as we take our campaign and outreach efforts to the next level."

The CareerBuilder.com commercials, created by Cramer-Krasselt, are scheduled to air in the second and third quarters of the Super Bowl. The spots will once again feature the perils of a human employee working in an office populated entirely by chimpanzee co-workers who have a less-than-desirable work ethic, no understanding of business and a penchant for play.

The tagline remains the same as last year: "a better job awaits." The 2006 spots will take last year's creative to new heights of off-the-wall humor, building on a story that was well-received by critics and consumers.

One of CareerBuilder.com's 2005 Super Bowl spots was recently named "Funniest Commercial of the Year" in TBS's annual poll and will be included in CBS's soon-to-air "The Forty Greatest Super Bowl Commercials."

"The overwhelming response from job seekers and employers to our 2005 Super Bowl ads made it an easy decision to come back in 2006," said MattFerguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com. "CareerBuilder.com was actually the first company to sign up for the 2006 Super Bowl lineup after measuring the positive impact this far-reaching venue had on our business performance. Our 2005 marketing campaign contributed to a successful year that generated a revenue increase of more than 70 percent over 2004 for the first nine months, double the industry average. We expect our marketing and sales efforts in 2006 to bring our business even greater gains in revenue and market share."

CareerBuilder.com has an eclectic marketing program planned for the NewYear, blending national and grass roots promotions. It includes high profile events such as the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics and Academy Awards; primetime network and cable television flights; as well as local radio, print, interactive and stadium ads. CareerBuilder.com will also continue its mobile marketing tour, which is visiting over 40 cities as well as 140-plus college campuses.

(Source: CareerBuilder.com media release)

Romance icon Fabio stars in new 'Life Comes at You Fast(R)' spot

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company continues its award-winning Life Comes at You Fast advertising campaign with its first ever national Super Bowl ad. The ad features international romance icon and multimedia star, Fabio.

In keeping with its unique campaign of the last two years, Nationwide ads use humor to make an important point: Life Comes at You Fast - often before you realize it. Whether it's getting married, having a child, buying a new home, or saving for college or retirement, advance preparation is key, especially when it comes to insurance and financial planning.

The Super Bowl ad begins with a "misdirect," typical of other spots in the Life Comes at You Fast campaign, where viewers believe they are seeing an ad for something else entirely before finding out they're watching a Nationwide ad. Fabio floats on a gondola through the canals of Venice with his love interest. A voice suggests that Fabio is introducing his own line of shampoo. Just as viewers become convinced they are watching an over-the-top shampoo ad, the gondola passes under a bridge and Fabio emerges as a 90-year-old man. Viewers are let off the hook when Nationwide's Life Comes at You Fast slogan appears on the screen.

"The Life Comes at You Fast concept was created to remind people that they need to think about preparing for the future," said Steven Schreibman, vice president of advertising and brand management for Nationwide. "We're using humor and a celebrity to get people's attention and cut through the clutter with a very serious message: You need to be prepared for life to change,because change is inevitable."

This is the third consecutive year of the Life Comes at You Fast advertising campaign, produced by T:M Advertising of Dallas, and Nationwide's most aggressive brand advertising push ever. In addition to the Super Bowl, Nationwide's 2006 ad buy will include 46 regional markets, national cable,national internet and regional advertising during the Olympics. The Fabio spot will be one of a series of new Life Comes at You Fast ads. This is the second Nationwide ad to feature a well-known celebrity. Rapper M.C. Hammer was thestar of the 2005 campaign.

"I know from experience that Life Comes at You Fast," said Fabio. "I am continually preparing for the next stage of my career - taking steps to ensure that as life changes I will be ready for the future." The Fabio ad will run during the third quarter of the Super Bowl and will be available at http://www.nationwide.com after the television debut. Two other new Life Comes at You Fast ads will air nationally during pre-game coverage on ABC.

Why Do You Hate Valentine's Day? Tell ACL And Win Trip To Chicago, home of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre

27 percent of Americans believe Valentine's Day Is a Fake Holiday Engineered by Card Companies and Florists

Why is it that Valentine's Day can be a big drag, putting pressure on people to buy flowers and candies as an expression of love while leaving the single set at home drowning their sorrows in a gallon of ice cream? For most people, the holiday turns into a real pain in the neck (or some other body part).

Now, Amarula Cream Liqueur wants to hear about why you hate Valentine's Day, and one lucky person submitting their reason or story will win a trip to Chicago, the site of the notorious St. Valentine's Day Massacre on February 14, 1929.

"Valentine's Day is one of the most annoying and cliche holidays of the year, seducing people into thinking the way to someone's heart is through material things," said Amarula National Brand Manager, Meghan Murray. "In fact, nearly one-third (27 percent) of Americans complained Valentine's Day is simply a fake holiday engineered by card companies and florists."

This is your opportunity to speak out against the injustices of Valentine's Day. Fourteen entries will be chosen based on creativity and uniqueness from which one lucky winner will receive a trip for two for a two-night, three-day stay in Chicago, including airfare, hotel accommodations and $500 cash ($3,000 value). Chicago is home to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, during which Al Capone and his crew attempted to take out George "Bugs" Moran (no relation to North Ridge Buzz editor C-Mo). Unfortunately for Capone (but lucky for Moran!), Bugs escaped harm because he was running late. See, sometimes being chronically late is a good thing.

Knowing that many people are bummed out by Valentine's Day, Amarula sponsored the Not So Sweethearts Survey to get the real scoop:

• More than half (51 percent) of Americans would not be upset if their significant other skipped Valentine's Day this year.
• Nearly half (46 percent) of Americans think "Roses or chocolate are too generic to really show someone you care about them."
• 3 out of 4 (76 percent) of Americans stress out about various Valentine's gift-giving pitfalls such as "Buying something for my significant other to wear and having it be the wrong size." Nearly half (46 percent) feel that "candy and flowers are soooo boring but they don't know what else to get."

Consumers have until Feb. 4 to submit their reason or story about why they hate Valentine's Day. Each submission must include an Amarula cocktail recipe. Entries may be sent in at www.amarulacream.com or mailed to Amarula Valentine's Day Contest, Attn: Sean Wachsman, 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40210. This contest is only open to U.S. residents 21 years or older. Void in California and where prohibited. See Official Rules at www.amarulacream.com/valentinescontest.

Amarula Cream Liqueur is a delicious blend of oak-aged marula fruit spirit and nature's freshest cream giving hints of chocolate, caramel and butterscotch flavors. A 750ml bottle of Amarula has a suggested retail price of $23. For more information about Amarula Cream Liqueur, please visit www.amarula.com. Amarula is a rare find. Appreciate it accordingly. Amarula Cream Liqueur, 17% ABV, is one of the fine spirits marketed and distributed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, Korbel California Champagnes, and Hartmann Luggage.

(Source: Brown-Forman media release)

Will Phil See His Shadow On February 2?

Everything you need to know about Groundhog Day tradition and fun.

Western Pennsylvania is a happening place this week. With excitement surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers trip to the Super Bowl on Sunday, one traditional event is coming a bit under radar this year. That event is Groundhog Day.

If you are planning on celebrating Groundhog Day or traveling to Punxsutawney to take in the fun, here are some facts from the official Groundhog Day Website about Phil's annual appearance.

Phil's background

According to the Groundhog Club Inner Circle, Phil the Groundhog has a perfect record in predicting how much longer winter will last. Phil predicts the upcoming weeks of weather by looking for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doesn't, then there will be an early spring season. Since 1887, Phil has seen his shadow 95 times, while not seeing his shadow 14 times. For nine years, there are no records.

In the tradition's long history, there has only ever been one Phil. His secret to a long life is a secret groundhog punch which he has one sip of every summer. This gives him seven more years of life everytime he sips.

So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br'er Groundhog. The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."

Phil's forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world.

Gobbler's Knob details

• Thursday, February 2, 2006 : 120th Trek to Gobbler's Knob for Phil's Official Prognostication!
• The Gate at Gobblers Knob opens at 3 a.m.
• Phil's official prediction takes place at daybreak (approximately 7:25 a.m.)
• Live entertainment, music, fireworks, and fun with the Groundhog Club Inner Circle.
• There is no charge to get into Gobbler's Knob.
• Gobbler's Knob is divided into two separate viewing areas, one for families and one for students.
• There will be refreshments and food available at the Knob.
• The Groundhog club does not recommend bringing small children to the Knob.
• Animals are not permitted at the Knob.
• The Groundhog Club does not recommend bringing chairs to the Knob because the large crowd mostly stands and moves around.
• There is a handicapped-viewing area at the Knob to accommodate wheelchairs and people with disabilities.
• There is a bonfire at the Knob from approximately 3:00 a.m. There is no shelter available, so visitors should come prepared for the weather: hand and feet warmers, layered clothing and blankets.

Groundhog Day Events

This year's events will be held Wednesday, February 1, and Thursday, February 2, with some local events taking place on Friday. The schedule of events can be found here and will be available during the events at information booths located at Gobbler's Knob (9:00a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 1st) and downtown near McDonalds.

Groundhog Cookies

For an interesting recipe on how to make Groundhog Cookies, click here.

Free CPR Classes Offered to Community

In honor of Heart Month, Holy Spirit Health System is offering free CPR classes on Saturday, February 18. American Heart Association trained instructors will be teaching these classes in Holy Spirit Hospital's auditorium. These courses will teach participants the skills needed to successfully resuscitate the victim of cardiopulmonary arrest and to relieve a foreign body airway obstruction. Participants will learn the risk factors and signs of a stroke, heart attack, cardiopulmonary arrest, and airway obstruction, and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator (AED) for adults and children.

"BLS for Healthcare Providers" will be offered from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. This course is designed for healthcare providers.

The "Heartsaver AED" class will be offered to community members. This course is intended to teach the lay rescuer. Participants may elect to learn adult and pediatric CPR. This class begins at 9 a.m.

After successfully completing a skills performance and a written exam, each participant will receive a course completion card. All participants are required to have their own copies of the textbook which may be purchased for $10. To register for these free classes, please call (717) 972-4262. Please register early as space is limited.