Page 48 The Castlegar Sun 28-year-old should get a place of his own ” Dear Ann Landers: I've been reading your column since I was in high school, and I'm now in my late 40s. You are like my own personal counselor. My husband and I have a 28-year-old son who still lives at home. The cost of living here is sky-high, and I'd like to See “Stan” on his own, for his own sake as well as ours. Stan has been dating an 18- year-old girl for six months. He bought a new car Jast November. “Andrea” likes to drive his car, which is perfect- ly OK. with me. About three months ago, she started asking to use his car for the entire day and then for overnight. Last month, she borrowed his car twice and kept it for several days. In the past two weeks, T've had to drive Stan to work three times. Stan pays no rent. I do all the cooking, cleaning and . When I say anything to him, he says, "Mom, I'm 28 years old.” My husband and I think Andrea is using him. What do YOU think? -- San Jose Dear SJ.: I think a 28-year- old man who lives at home should be paying room and board. I also think his mother should not be driving him to his car. It's time Stan was intro- duced to the real world. Show him this column and lay the blame on me. Dear Readers: In 1955, the year I began writing this column, I wrote an essay for Christmas Day. response was extreme- ly rewarding, and I have reprinted it each year, with This is my Christmas mes- sage for 1992: Dear Readers: Today is Chni What h make, and who can blame them? But what generation ever made the world it had to live in? many campuses across the country. Prejudice against young minorities is on the increase, and I fear it's going to get worse before it gets bet- ter. Unfortunately, the “war on Pick Up Your Royal Treat At The Castlegar Dairy Queen in the Castleaird Plaza colossal failure. The increase in the ber of homi is Dear Ann Landers: My husband and I had a terrible Staggering, and most of it is drug- related. Guns and knives are standard equipment among teen-agers. It is not uncom- mon for a teen-ager to get shot or stabbed for his jacket or his shoes. Metal detectors in schools help some, but not While alcohol is still the most abused drug of all, mari- juana and stronger substances Stay in school when he can get Suicide is the second most frequent cause of death among teen-agers in this country. (The first is accidents.) Every 90 minutes, a teen-ager in America will kill himself. More bad news is that vene- real disease is epidemic, and now there is AIDS, for which there is no vaccine and no cure. We are becoming increas- ingly desensitized to filthy language, garbage "art" and rotten stuff on TV. Violence, bigotry and talking dirty must be tolerated, we are told, because we dare not endanger “freedom of speech.” I am firmly against censorship, but where is the moral outrage against all the filth? It's almost impossible to find a family movie these days. What has happened to plain, everyday 2 As John Underwood wrote so eloquently in The Boston Globe a while back, “Civiliza- tions do not give out, they give IN. In a society where anything goes, eventually, everything will.” Every day we all must make decisions that determine the direction in which our lives will move. No one, no matter how wise, can make the right decision every time. To err is mo disgrace. The disgrace lies in not learning from our mis- takes, picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves off and try- ing Because this is an advice column, I spend the greater part of every day with grief and trouble. Does it depress me? No, it does not. After 37 years, I still find writing this column immense- ly rewarding. I realize that many people who write to me don't want advice. They just need someone who will listen. My column has provided me with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on ignorance and fear, to comfort the afflict- ed and afflict the comfortable. I am well aware that mine is an enormous responsibility, and I try hard, 365 days a year, own in ice-cream cakes. experience recently and we'd like to share it to spare others a similar trauma. “Lisa,” our new baby, received many beautiful out- fits from friends and relatives He's a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams. Yet he stands taller than most of us. He's a fireman. He puts it all on the line when the bell rings. A fireman is at once the most fi and the least after her birth. One day, we put her in a brand new dress and took her shopping at the mall. Suddenly, she began to cry. I picked her up, changed her diaper and rocked her in my arms, but the crying didn't fortunate of men. He's a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death. He's a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of con- trol. stop. As experienced p (this is our fourth), we knew that something must be terri- bly wrong, because this was not ordinary crying. The child was shrieking. People were staring at us, and we felt like criminals. I but Lisa continued to yell. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she fell asleep from exhaustion. When I was undressing Lisa many hours later, I found a straight pin under the arm of the dress. I then understood the reason for all the scream- ing. I'm writing this to alert all parents of young children to Please check new clothes thor- oughly for potential pins. I wish I had. -- K.P., Missis- sauga, Ontario Dear K_P.: I've never heard of this problem before and am sure millions of others haven't either. I marvel at the way my readers educate each other -- and me, as well. Thanks for taking the time and touble to wnite Dear Ann Landers: My first husband passed away after 14 wonderful years of marriage. I will soon marry my high school sweetheart who is a fireman. His sister, who has been a longtime friend, gave me this essay the day we announced our inten- tion to marry. I think it's beau- tiful. Please print it. -- Cincinnati Dear C.: I heartily agree. Here it is. Thanks for sharing. WHAT IS A FIREMAN? He's the guy next door -- a man's man with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and smoke and danger. Call 365-5522 for takeout or pick-up order. We specialize The Management & Staff of Dairy Queen would like to extend th HOLIDAY HOURS Dec, 22, 23:9.am-7 pm © Dec. 24 Dec. 25 - 27 : CLOSED © Dec. 31: January 7th - CLOSED eir warmest wishes to you this Special Holiday Season. :9am- 9 a He's Pp ive to a child's laughter because his arms have held too many small bod- ies that will never laugh again. He's a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life — hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers — a warm bed for bone and muscle com- pelled beyond feeling -- the ie of brave men -- the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men. He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obsceni- ties. When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade. He doesn't preach of man. He lives it. Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to the man who wrote to express a preference for Rubenesque women over slim women. I disagree with him. Ann, I know more than Rubens did about the relation- ship between extra weight and health. When I see a slender woman, my subconscious reg- isters a first impression of vitality, longevity, self-disci- Pline, strength, endurance and intelligence. When I see a woman carrying extra weight, I wonder whether she's addict- ed, lazy, indifferent, self-indul- gent, sick or just plain stupid. I want a wife who will be an energetic partner, a lively lover and a lifetime compan- ion. Please stop making excus- es for out-of-shape females. Extra weight is unhealthy. American men don't want to invest their time on poor health risks who will probably Pass on their crummy eating habits to their chubby chil- dren. Everyone has problems, including me. But marriage to a fat woman is not going to be one of them. — Frank in Fred- erick, S.D. Dear Frank: You have prob- lems, all right, not the least of which is a serious lack of compassion and a low thresh- old of tolerance for things that don't please you. I feel sorry for the woman you marty if she should gain 10 pounds. A dinner sure to get raves Try ac combination of fresh frozen vegeta- bles, zippy flavoured chick- en and a unique way to Serve potatoes. The Hen Party Place onions, grated cheese, cooked ham and buttered toast in 2-quart casserole in layers. Combine soup, milk, salt and pepper; pour over. Cover; bake in moderate oven, 350 F, 45 minutes; uncover; bake another 15 minutes. Makes 6 servings. GREEN BEANS AND CARROTS 1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen cut green beans 1/2 cup water 2 cups carrots (cut into 2 1/2 x 1/4 inch strips) 1 small onion, sliced, separated into rings 2 tbsp margarine or butter 1/4 tsp salt dash pepper Cook green beans according to package directions; drain. Bring water to a boil in medium saucepan. Add carrots and onion; cover. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 12 minutes or until carrots are tender; drain. Stir in mar- garine, salt, pepper and cooked green beans. 6 (12 cup) ings. MUSTARD TARRAGON CHICKEN MUSTARD TARRAGON MARINADE: 1 (8 oz) container dairy sour cream 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 2 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp dried tarragon leaves 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper CHICKEN: 3 whole chicken breasts, skinned, halved 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs 3 tbsp margarine, melted In large bowl, combine all ingredients for marinade; blend well. Add chicken to mixture, coating each piece completely. Cover bowl; refrigerate over night. Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Remove chicken from marinade. Arrange in single layer in greased baking dish; spoon any remaining mari- nade evenly over chicken. In small bowl, combine bread crumbs and margarine; blend well. Spoon evenly over chicken. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 55 to 60 minutes or until chicken is fork tender and juices run clear. 6 servings OUTSTANDING OVEN-BROWNED POTATOES 4 medium baking potatoes, peeled, halved lengthwise 1/3 cup margarine or butter 1/2 tsp garlic powder 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp dry bread crumbs Heat oven to 350-F. Generously grease 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cut deep slits in rounded side of potatoes at 1/4 inch intervals. Place potatoes, slit side up, in greased dish. Melt margarine in small saucepan; stir in garlic powder. mi ine mixture evenly over potatoes. Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes. Baste Potatoes with melted margarine from bottom of dish; sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Bake an additional 10 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. 4 to 6 servings. BASIL CREAM CHEESE BREAD 1 (3 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup chopped fresh Easil 1/4 tsp garlic powder, if desired 2 tbsp margarine or butter, softened 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 (1 Ib) loaf French Bread, unsliced until bread is thoroughly 6 servings. The Hen Party is a group of Castlegar friends who meet on a regular basis and have many common interests includ- ing cooking. If you have any questions or comments you can write to them care of The Castlegar Sun, 465 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar B.C., VIN 1G8. Or readers can tele- Phone 365-7729 and ask for Kathy. Wednesday, December 30, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Page 5B ne w current compilation of the most peculiarthings people do, edited by Chuck Shepherd. Proof that true stories are weirder than made-up stories. -- Researchers from Central Washi: Universi 1 y recently that wild salmon are sim- ply smarter than hatchery salmon, which are routinely caught for food. Hatchery salmon tend to swim near the surface, swim in packs, try to fight currents, and sometimes swim with their fins out of water; wild salmon are much more furtive. And scientists at the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife are currently at work developing a strain of stupid bass that will strike a lure with aban- don -- Two Czechoslovakian scien- tists, writing in the August Journal of Addiction, reported on three patients addicted to carrots. the three had eaten so many carrots that their skins tumed orange, and when they were deprived of car- Tots, they experienced withdrawal symptoms. WELL PUT -- TV evangelist Robert Tilton, weary of having lawsuits filed HOROSCOPES Dec 27-Jan 2 ARIES ~ March 21/April 20 During the first few days of this week you'll receive some pleasing news from close family members. Changes at home planned for mid- week should be delayed or you may wish that you hadn't been so extrav- agant. A romantic relationship seems to take a serious turn. Don’t let this scare you away — it could be what you've been looking for. TAURUS - Apyil 21/May 21 Money — something you're a big fan of — will be coming your way! You will get an opportunity to increase your earnings and to make a lucrative inyestment. This week, you will Enjoy quiet evenings with friends and loved ones. You will discover some interesting news about an old friend. Don’t believe everything you're told. GEMINI — May 22/June 21 This will be a very good week for you. You will meet an interesting Aquarius of the opposite sex and it could lead to an exciting new romance. Just keep one thing in mind: Aquarians don't always have the most conventional ideas. If you understand this one thing, it could lead to a very promising romance. CANCER - June 22/July 22 Be patient if you are seeking a pay raise or promotion. Keep your secrets to yourself — otherwise you may find you have confided in the wrong person. Midweek sees you in an ambi- tious — perhaps even aggressive — mood, but hold back your enthusiasm until you know the details. LEO - July 23/August 23 You're an extremely generous person, and you don't usually like having to be practical with money, but you just can't afford to spoil loved ones or to take risks gambling. Try to work out a realistic budget which will stand in good stead for the future. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Give plenty of care and attention to money matters and you should be able to work out a satisfactory solu- tion to your current financial prob- lems. But beware of interference from friends. If you need a bank loan or a mortgage, an application could see success. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Romance, fun and increased income is what this week will be all about for you. It will be just one of those weeks in which you have no worries, and your Libra scales are perfectly balanced. A project you've been working on becomes an outlet for creative energy. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 If you've been feeling run down lately, a change in diet may be the perfect remedy. You probably need to get more sleep, too. Scorpios always tend to overdo whatever they do, especially where work is con- cerned. You will probably get a little philosophical as the year comes to an end. It may be a good idea to write down your goals for 1993 SAGITTARIUS — Nov 2¥Dec 21 A very upset friend will come to you for advice. Make sure you take his or her problem seriously, even if it doesn't sound so serious to you. Watch your finances very carefully this week; an unexpected expense could arrive at any moment. You will be offered an opportunity to make a major change in your life. CAPRICORN — Dec 22/Jan 20 This week you will feel like throw- ing caution to the wind. Since you've been so serious through all of 1992, you'll decide to make the last week a memorable one. Friends may Say that you're acting out of charac- ter, but Capricorns never allow themselves too much fun. You'll go back to your usual practical conser- vative self in no time. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Your finances are looking up and you should consider new sources of income as a blessing instead of resenting the time the additional work takes up. Plan a careful, well- thought-out budget if you are tack- ling something that might prove more costly than at first imagined. This is a good time to evaluate the path your life is taking. PISCES — Feb 19/March 20 Pisces’ emotions run very deep This sign has been referred to as Calvin ana Hobbes by Bill Watterson ° 1M HAVING WHY? YOU DONT SHOP FOR A LOT OF ANYONE, YOU'VE GoT TWO HOLIDAY WEEKS OFF FROM SCHOOL, ‘STRESS, 3. AND YOUR PARENTS Do ALL \- N TME COOKING, CLEANING, La THEN WAVE SNOW MAKING MACHINES THAT CAN J | COVER A WHOLE HILLSIDE. oa | BABY BLUES Ge ALL SET! the garbage pail of It’s time for you to throw out the garbage. Stop holding on to the past and focusing on what could have been. Look forward to what will be. If you follow this advice, you could be a much happier person. YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK * The next 12 months: Most likely you already have an ambitious plan mapped out for 1993. As usual, you will reach all the goals you strive for, anid proba- bly with no complications. You will meet an interesting Leo of the opposite sex. This person could change your life in a very positive way. You may find a new, more ful- filled you coming out of this rela- tionship. Good luck! against him by former foll who claimed to have paid him to revive dead relatives: "If you want to be mad at somebody, get mad at God; don't sue me.” -- A topless woman, inter- viewed by The New York Times while taking advantage of a state Canadian Quiz-Cross court of appeals ruling non-lewd, non-commercial top- lessness, said she thought the rul- ing would not have much impact: "There are a lot of things not con- ducive to being topless. You can't run topless, you can't barbecue topless, you can't fry fish.” -- Blaine Johnson, 22, who acci- dentally blew his right hand off while fooling around with the gun- powder from small rockets earlier this year in Mat-su-Borough, Alas- ka: "It was just something to do. We don't have TV. When you live in the woods, you blow stuff up.” -- Polish photojournalist Czarek Sokolowski, proclaiming his joy at the opening of the first McDon- ald's restaurant in Warsaw in June: "T've been waiting for this day for 35 years. This is what WQ were fighting for." CREME DE LA WEIRD Dexter Manley, who retired from the National Football League in December after failing his fourth drug test and who now plays in Canada, told reporters in July that he talks personally to Mack King, the di d Canadian prime minister. "I'm sin- cere. Whether people believe me or not, my vision is real to me. I tell you I talked4o (King). We talked about thunder and light- ning.” LEAST COMPETENT POLICE Three times recently, police officers have not been able to pre- vent prisoners whose hands were cuffed behind them from comman- deering squad cars and escaping. (One prisoner steered the car using his shoulders and chin.) Michael Ray Jaquith escaped in Portland, Ore., in May; Evan Fontes escaped in San Diego in July and Barry Dean Pamell escaped in Louisville in July. one 5 G 7 9 53 sa 4. Horse hoot striking sound 8. Second Greek letter 12. Sticky substance |. A Hindu discipline Vot 6. Other defeated Montcalm ‘Smith: 24. Willingty ACROSS 54. West Samoan bronze coi 1. Linkletter’s first name 55. Accounting term abbr. 4. Young swan 5. Watchmaker's eyepiece Gape 7. Pertains to root of mouth 8. Pharmaceutical cross 9. "— of the Needle’ Follett 10. Hot beverage 1 equiv. 25. . Suffix to buty! or benz 26. “On Golden -" 6. James --- You CAN RELY ON THE WEATHE UKE EVERY ome KID SIGH THATS BEAUTIFUL! co \ WAITING TO HEAR THOSE THREE UTTLE WORDS, f XN ONE BIG HAPPY WY The Gast gar Sun ZS Excellence in Service Award This award will be presented every week to someone in Castlegar who shows extraordinary service to his/her customers or clients, The recipient will receive an award plaque to keep courtesy of Kats Trophys and a lunch for 2, value to $20.00, courtesy of the Fireside Dining Room. We'd like everyone in Castlegar to know that service excellence exists in our community. This award recognizes a nominated business. If you know of someone that offers "Excellence in Service," call me, Marilyn Strong at 365-5266, or drop a letter at the Cactlegar Sun with your suggestion.