Saturday, February 3, 2001
Weathercasts on the Web
There aren't that many major weather sites competing for your attention on the Web, and the differ
Speed your machine with cleaning
You were promised some ideas last week for speeding up your computer. Well, this is going to hurt.
International hackers hit credit cards a few dollars at a time
If you've ever bought anything online, check your credit card statements. A ring of international hackers may have swindled you out of five or 10 bucks.
Business notes
DeAnn Barry, Brainerd Dispatch public relations coordinator, won first place for best self-promotion at the Minnesota Newspaper Association annual Better Newspaper Contest in January.
February forecast for stock market murky as economic worries loom
NEW YORK -- With corporate earnings season almost over and two interest rate cuts under its belt, the stock market might appear poised for a February rally.
Internet will permit news on demand
NEW YORK (AP) -- Forget about sitting through 20 minutes of local news just to get the sports. In the newscast of tomorrow, you'll control what you watch.
Consumers in control
NEW YORK (AP) -- The fate of the American economy over the next few months rests with the consumer, the same average individual who thinks such power resides only with higher ups in Washington.
Education is slow, sometimes painful -- and necessary
QUESTION: I've heard that we forget more than 80 percent of what we learn. When you consider the cost of getting an education, I wonder why we put all that effort into examinations, textbooks, homework and years spent in boring classrooms. Is education really worth what we invest in it?
No help for girl who can't digest Communion wafer
BOSTON -- When 5-year-old Jenny Richardson goes to McDonald's, she says hold the bun for the burgers or orders only fries. She also doesn't share birthday cupcakes with her friends.
End of life video series to be shown at Pequot church
PEQUOT LAKES -- Four Sunday evenings in February, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes will present "On Our Own Terms," a four-part PBS video series by Bill Moyers that reports on end-of-life issues facing Americans.
Religious freedom advocate hopes new administration will favor cause
WASHINGTON -- A federal advisory panel on religious freedom overseas is hoping its findings of mass murder and rape of black Christians in Sudan will prompt the Bush administration to impose tougher sanctions on the East African nation.
Marking a milestone American religion's vast changes in 50 years
NEW YORK -- Although the evolution in American religion over the past half-century has been gradual, it is vast -- as is glimpsed in a look back at the religious landscape depicted 50 years ago this week in a groundbreaking series of articles printed in hundreds of U.S. newspapers.
Churches
John Paul and Rochelle, musicians and ventriloquists, will give a Valentine concert with social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and the concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Christ Community Church in Nisswa. The first 100 to get tickets will have a seat at the Valentine dinner.
18th Brainerd Area Youth Rally draws full house for 'Searching the Supernatural'
"We want to see Jesus lifted high!" was the refrain a full house sang Wednesday night at the 18th Brainerd Area Youth Rally at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
Ring out the stain
Dear Heloise: I have water stains and RINGS ON MY GOOD PECAN-WOOD dining-room table.
Pet-proofing kitchen includes hanging towels out of sight
DEAR ABBY: I am grief-stricken. Yesterday my husband and I faced the awful experience of putting our 3-year-old chocolate Labrador to sleep. For two or three days, he wouldn't eat or drink, and was lethargic and vomiting. We took him to the emergency vet hospital. The vet examined him and found "something" in his abdomen, which would require surgery to remove. What they found in his intestines was part of a kitchen towel.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 213, a year ago 131.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 1200.
School lunch menus
MONDAY -- B-Cereal, bread, fruit. L-Taco salad or tacos, soft pretzel, corn, pineapple chunks.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 109, a year ago 150.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a false smoke alarm at 2:15 p.m. Friday at Brainerd High School. It was reported that the smoke detector was malfunctioning.
Battery pluses and minuses
With all the advances that have been made in things gadget-related, it's a little surprising that the lowly batteries that power our portable electronic devices, from CD players to laptops, never seem to improve.
Births
Denise and Greg Morgan,
Agendas
1. Call meeting to order.
Births
Tara Olson and Michael Headbird, Brainerd, a girl, Alexys Marie-Olson Headbird, 5 pounds, 14 ounces, Jan. 1, 2001. Grandparents are Frances Olson and Edward Archambeau, Big Lake, and Tina Headbird and Francis Wind, Cass Lake.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 350.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to an oven fire Thursday on the 100 block of Laurel Street.
Area events
Saturday
Agendas
Brainerd City Council
Marriage licenses
John O. Evans, 34, Albertville, and Tamara Y. Olson, 32, Brainerd.
Pebble scoreboarfd
Pebble Beach
Gogel builds 3-shot lead at Pebble Beach
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- The last time we saw Matt Gogel around the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, he was disappearing faster than a fried artichoke heart on an appetizer tray at one of the dozens of hospitality tents here at Golf Party Central.
No more grace period for Ventura's tax plan
ST. PAUL -- The honeymoon period for Gov. Jesse Ventura's tax plan, such as it was, is winding down.
Web perfect for esoteric narrowcasts
Let's say you have a serious interest in democracy -- one that's wider than a bumper sticker, longer than an election cycle and deeper than a dimpled chad.
Rumsfeld: US missile defense poses no threat
MUNICH, Germany -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sought Saturday to assure U.S. allies and others opposed to President Bush's plan for a national missile defense that it will be a "threat to no one."
Pentagon steps up probe of reported POW sightings
WASHINGTON -- Despite misgivings in
Capitol notebook
EDUCATION FUNDING - Three-quarters of the state's 345 school districts would see less money under Gov. Jesse Ventura's budget than they get now, according to an Education Minnesota analysis.
President sticking to message, agenda, as Reagan did
WASHINGTON -- As a candidate, President Bush spent two years explaining his intentions to the American people. In two weeks at the White House, he has demonstrated discipline and determination about doing what he promised.
Bush to join Democratic lawmakers at retreat
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Just as President Bush steers his White House toward a partisan tussle over tax cuts, he is making an unprecedented gesture to congressional Democrats: joining their annual closed-door retreats.
Ventura earned millions before becoming governor, report says
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura made millions of dollars back in his days as a pro wrestling announcer and actor, KSTP-TV reported Friday night, citing documents made public in his 1991 lawsuit against the World Wrestling Federation.
Bush, Democrats address tax relief in radio speeches
WASHINGTON -- With Democrats cautiously joining the chorus, President Bush pressed the case for a tax cut package Saturday, saying it will energize a sputtering economy and put more money in the pockets of those who need it most.
Status of major legislative issues listed
Status of some of the major issues in the 2001 Legislature as of Friday:
Jackson withdraws from race for DNC chairman
WASHINGTON -- Former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson withdrew Saturday from the race to lead the Democratic National Committee, clearing the way for fund-raiser Terry McAuliffe.
Capitol notebook
Happenings Friday at the Minnesota Capitol:
Ventura fires back at budget critics
BROOKLYN CENTER -- Ten days of budget criticism set Gov. Jesse Ventura off Friday.
Newly confirmed Ashcroft pledges fair, politics-free Justice Department
WASHINGTON -- John Ashcroft declared it's "nice to be here" as he began his first day as attorney general Friday after a bruising confirmation battle in which Democrats attacked his deeply held conservative beliefs.
Bush administration gives Iraqi opposition funding for activities
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration has given Iraqi opposition groups permission to resume their activities inside Iraq with American funding, marking the first substantial move by the Bush White House to confront Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Chemical dependency groups and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
American Cancer Society says Rochester can't play both sides of no smoking issue
ROCHESTER -- To accommodate about 2,500 pool players coming here next week, the city will allow smoking in part of the Mayo Civic Center. And that has American Cancer Society officials fuming.
Health care and medical services
Blood Pressure Clinics
There's hope for those with spring bulbs left unplanted
WASHINGTON -- An enthusiastic gardening acquaintance confessed the other day: In the course of her busy life, she left a bag of spring-flowering bulbs in the garage, unheated but attached to the house.
Ask a few questions before remodeling the kitchen
Knowledge is power when you are renovating a kitchen.
Build a tool chest for basic home repairs
A full-bodied stock of tools for every occasion may take a lifetime to build.
Tips to help select circular saws and blades
When our contractor grandfather was building homes at the turn of the last century, 2-by-4s were a full 2 inches by 4 inches and the material was cut to size with a hand saw. Think what it would be like if a hand saw was the only means of cutting lumber when building a home today. It's hard to imagine a "construction world" without a portable electric circular saw.
Turn up the heat at your house
It's a lovely sensation, coming out of the snow into a fire-brightened warm room, or into the kitchen where a pot of hearty soup is simmering on the stove.
Check houseplants for webs, tiny red mites
Look for webs and tiny red mites on your houseplants.
Fasteners come in a wide variety
Have you ever wondered why a nail works so well in wood? It's not the nail that's doing all the work -- it's the wood. Because wood is resilient, it grips the nail, not the other way around.
Housing briefs
The Mid-Minnesota Builders Association meeting schedule is set for February.
Voodoo lily is as eerie as its name implies
Voodoo lily is a most unusual plant, beginning with the fact that it flowers reliably in midwinter without even being planted in soil.
Survey indicates initiative board must re-examine its role
PINE RIVER -- Those involved in the Cass County/Leech Lake Reservation Children's Initiative Board and family center management believe the family centers have improved service coordination for families here.
Farm Family of 2001
Ed and Gloria Woitalla of Pierz were honored as Crow Wing County's Farm Family of 2001. Read the story Sunday on how they built their farm from scratch.
Program that helps Cass families reviewed
PINE RIVER -- The Cass County/Leech Lake Reservation Children's Initiative has focused on improving families here since its inception in 1993.
Victim of house fire identified
CASS LAKE -- The 4-year-old victim of a house fire Tuesday in rural Cass Lake has been identified.
Comfort Suites making a splash
BAXTER -- One step into the large open lobby at the Comfort Suites in Baxter is enough to enlighten a visitor about the hotel's main attraction.
Pierz student shadows governor for a day
BROOKLYN CENTER -- A Pierz student was the envy of his classmates Friday when he got to spend the day with Gov. Jesse Ventura as part of a national Groundhog Job Shadow Day.
Lumberjack Jaunt is back
As of this morning 32 people -- the most ever -- had pre-registered for the cross country ski race at the Northland Arboretum. Races begin Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with a children's race. Classical races of 6 kilometers and 16 kilometers start at 11 a.m. and freestyle races of 6 kilometers and 16 kilometers begin at noon.
Tour aims to help anglers put fish on ice
What's the hottest thing going during the cold weather months?
Man arrested in Crosslake found guilty of tax fraud
CROSSLAKE -- A Louisville, Ky., man arrested May 4, 2000, in Crosslake after a two-week, cross-country manhunt has been found guilty of numerous counts of tax fraud.
Two area farm families honored
PIERZ -- Driving along County Road 23 toward Pierz, Ed and Gloria Woitalla stopped on a bare piece of land overlooking about 300 acres.
Potlatch reports loss in 4th quarter
High energy costs and poor markets are part of the equation behind a net loss for Potlatch's fourth quarter in 2000.
Snowfall spotters
After a few inches of snow hit the ground at M. Fritz Bertelt's home north of Brainerd he puts on his winter gear and heads outside, making sure to grab his spiffy bright orange official National Weather Service yardstick on his way out the door.
Students learn to climb the Midwest's only ice tower
MOTLEY -- Bob Wangerin couldn't have answered his ringing cellular phone Monday night if he had to.
Local briefs
North Central Blood Services of the American Red Cross has scheduled the following bloodmobiles in Brainerd and Crosby:
Wallins cited for their strawberry farm in Nisswa
NISSWA -- Brothers Calvin and John Wallin of Pequot Lakes were honored with the Crow Wing County 2001 Farm Family Honoree Award for their strawberry farm in Nisswa.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - Gerry Spiess, who made history in 1979 solo crossing of the Atlantic, will highlight the 1981 Brainerd Commerce and Industry Show this April. Spiess, who plans next to cross the Pacific in his 10-ft. boat "Yankee Girl" next June, will answer questions and sign autographs.
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 4
Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow -- six more weeks of winter
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) -- With temperatures just below freezing, flurries falling and lingering snow crunching underfoot, Punxsutawney Phil -- the world's most famous groundhog -- saw his shadow Friday morning.
Michigan couple wins $107 million Big Game prize
LANSING, Mich. -- On Thursday morning, Tony and Linda Calliea's checking account was overdrawn.
Unemployment rate climbs to 4.2 percent in January
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's unemployment rate climbed to 4.2 percent in January, the highest level in 16 months, as the dramatic slowdown in economic growth forced thousands of layoffs in autos and other manufacturing industries.
On the Job
Just when we think we've got everything figured out in the office, along comes some ticklish situation that we don't know how to handle. We may have a sense that something's not right in a boss's request or the actions of a co-worker, but what do we do about it?
Tight water supply expected as California copes with power crisis
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The energy crisis that has engulfed California won't get much help from Mother Nature, forecasters say.
Novelist, senator's wife, Abigail McCarthy dies at 85
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Abigail McCarthy, who became a noted political writer after helping her husband, former Sen. Eugene McCarthy, fight an ideological battle over the Vietnam War, died at her home Thursday of breast cancer. She was 85.
Industry blames government for record air travel delays
WASHINGTON -- The recent woes of delayed air travelers result from the government's "staggering failure" to invest in airports, planes and air traffic control systems, business leaders and passenger advocates say.
Machete-wielding man accused of attack at school
FELTON, Pa. -- A former teacher accused of storming into an elementary school with a machete and provoking a bloody confrontation had served prison time for threatening his former Russian mail-order bride.
California adopts plan for $10 billion in bonds to buy electricity
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Bowing to the grim realities of California's energy crisis, Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation Thursday that authorizes the state to sell as much as $10 billion in bonds -- about $300 of debt for every person in the state -- to buy electricity that private utilities can no longer afford.
Purchasing managers survey: Midwest economy softens
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Higher energy costs restrained production in the Midwest in January, and the economy softened for the third straight month, a survey of purchasing managers indicated Thursday.
The ice is melting
WASHINGTON -- Scientists have worried for decades that the Antarctic ice sheet was shrinking, threatening a global rise in sea level. Now, satellite studies show that about 7.5 cubic miles of ice have eroded from a key area in just eight years.
American cargo planes bring aid to quake-hit Indian state
AHMEDABAD, India -- U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo planes big enough to carry water tankers began arriving in India's devastated quake zone Saturday as relief workers raced to distribute food, medicine and supplies among hundreds of thousands of survivors before disease spreads.
New IRS rules on retirement fund withdrawals help protect seniors' savings
NEW YORK -- It's unusual for the Internal Revenue Service to be mentioned in the same sentence with phrases such as "good news" and "incredible job" and "significant simplification."
Israeli Arabs see boycott of election
KAFR KASSEM, Israel -- Just days before Israel's election, boycott is the buzzword in Arab communities across Israel.
Anti-drug operation's claims marred by faulty counting
MIAMI (AP) -- A 36-nation anti-drug operation that the Drug Enforcement Administration hails as a major success counted nearly 1,000 misdemeanor marijuana arrests among its totals and could not account for several hundred other arrests, according to a published reported Thursday.
Great River Energy says it will explore construction of new electric power plant
BISMARCK, N.D. -- Great River Energy, which owns two electric power stations in western North Dakota, said Friday it will request $10 million in state money to explore whether to build a third plant.
Ry Cooder's campaign donation raises questions about Cuba permit
WASHINGTON -- Musician Ry Cooder, who was once fined by the U.S. government for traveling to Cuba without permission to collaborate with the acclaimed musicians known as the Buena Vista Social Club, is back in Cuba recording music.
Groups urge tighter water regulation for Great Lakes
LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan officials should press for an international agreement to ban diversion of Great Lakes water, environmental groups said at a hearing Friday.
Poll: Americans concerned about energy, oppose Alaska drilling
WASHINGTON -- A majority of Americans say they oppose exploring for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, though most admit they are affected a lot by high fuel prices and concerned that California-like energy problems could hit their communities, according to a poll by The Associated Press.
Warner Bros. Studio stores are kaput
The high-flying Warner Bros. Studio stores -- once a splashy marquee for Bugs Bunny, Batman and other Warner corporate symbols -- are kaput. Last week, the Los Angeles and Palo Alto, Calif., stores closed, as did the flagship store on New York's Fifth Avenue.
Defamation suit against Liddy dismissed
BALTIMORE -- Now that a $5.1 million defamation lawsuit against him has been dismissed, G. Gordon Liddy plans to continue promoting his theory that the 1972 Watergate break-in was about sex and not gathering political intelligence.
GE calls report of 75,000 layoffs 'false'
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) -- General Electric Co. said Thursday a report in BusinessWeek magazine that it plans 75,000 job cuts over the next two years is false.
Escapee's father arrested for allegedly helping Texas fugitives
KARNES CITY, Texas (AP) -- The father of one of the seven Texas prisoners involved in December's breakout was arrested Friday on charges of supplying the getaway car the inmates used, state law officers said.
Texas school officials suspend fraternity for five years
DALLAS -- The University of North Texas has suspended a fraternity chapter for five years after members allegedly used racial slurs and waved a Confederate battle flag at a group of mostly black football recruits.
Big surprise: Philip Morris stocks smoking
NEW YORK -- Although its U.S. tobacco unit was tagged with an eye-popping damage award on behalf of Florida smokers last summer, Philip Morris Cos. Inc.'s stock has been an unlikely top performer in the past 12 months.
Evangelist Graham leaves hospital
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Evangelist Billy Graham, hospitalized for almost three weeks for fluid buildup on his brain, is back at home.
The NFL is showing its true colors
Sorry, but I'm not surprised Marvin Lewis hasn't been hired as an NFL head coach. I would have been surprised if he had been. The NFL's record on fairness in hiring is so abysmal when it comes to head coaches and club executives that if Lewis had been hired, many of us would have gone into shock. A black assistant coach even being granted an interview is an upset. For the most part, the fact that Lewis is still an assistant coach after the season he just had is par for the course. It's business as usual in the NFL.
Kearse believes he was better despite fewer sacks
HONOLULU (AP) -- More attention from the opposition meant less production for defensive end Jevon Kearse this season.
Chmura won't take stand at sex assault trial
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) -- Mark Chmura chose not to testify in his sexual assault trial after his lawyer told him there was no need to because the case has gone so well.
No one ever went broke selling sex and violence
No one ever went broke selling sex and violence.
Lemieux eager to take center stage
DENVER (AP) -- Let the Mario Show begin.
Yankees and Jeter closing in on deal worth nearly $190 million
NEW YORK (AP) -- Derek Jeter is about to get his fourth World Series ring -- and the second-biggest contract in sports history.
Ready or not, here comes XFL
If Rusty Tillman's interest was piqued, so was his imagination. After spending years as an assistant coach in the NFL, here was a chance to be a he
American woman set to run for IOC president
LONDON (AP) -- Anita DeFrantz, the highest-ranking American on the International Olympic Committee, is set to run for the most powerful post in the sports world.
The XFL arrives
EAST CONFERENCE
Recker out for at least 6 weeks
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Luke Recker, who has led No. 18 Iowa to first place in the Big Ten, probably will miss the rest of a regular season because of a fracture in his right kneecap, the university said Friday.
McDaniel will make Pro Bowl history
Sunday, Feb. 4
Williams takes over as Bills' coach
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Bills welcomed a new head coach and prepared to bid farewell to an old controversy.
Bryant under pressure as Lakers become one-man team
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant is getting a taste of life as a one-man show. His record so far: 1-2.
Dragila sets another world pole vault record
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stacy Dragila's latest world record wasn't exactly set under the most glamorous conditions.
Miami scratches Alvarez off list
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Miami's top coaching choice is no longer an option.
Cass Lake man dies after car hits him
CASS LAKE -- A 34-year-old Cass Lake man died after being hit by a car Thursday on Cass County Road 75, a half mile north of Highway 2.
Clifford A. Karja
ONAMIA -- Clifford A. Karja, 52, Onamia, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at his home.
Clyde N. Johnson
McGREGOR -- Clyde N. Johnson, 81, McGregor, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.
Ramona 'Mona' J. Harker Hoban
PEARL CITY, Hawaii -- Ramona "Mona" Jean Harker Hoban, 77, Pearl City, Hawaii, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, in Pearl City after an extended illness.
Brian J. Phillips
CROSBY -- Brian James Phillips, 37, Crosby, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Gerald Wehler
Gerald "Whitey" Wehler, 73, died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, from heart disease.
Clifford Karja
ONAMIA -- Clifford Karja, 52, Onamia, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at his home.
Robert E. Smoot
SOBIESKI -- Robert E. Smoot, 53, Sobieski, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at his home.
Ruth Moses
MERRIFIELD -- Ruth Moses, 61, Merrifield, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Doris J. McGovern
NISSWA -- Doris J. McGovern, 99, Minneapolis and Nisswa, died.
Ethel J. Handeland
Ethel J. Handeland, 99, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Brian J. Phillips
CROSBY -- Brian James Phillips, 37, Crosby, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Ventura shortchanges education
What do state-sponsored casinos, the University of Minnesota and the XFL have in common? Jesse Ventura. In a bizarre legislative turn, one Republican lawmaker (Senate Minority Leader Dick Day) will introduce legislation for a state-sponsored casino because Ventura's proposed biennial budget underfunds roads, bridges and schools. Two other legislators not usually in agreement, DFLer Roger Moe and Rep. Steve Svigum , have linked arms in opposing Ventura's miserly allocations for the University of Minnesota. And why has our governor denied that institution nearly four-fifths of its requested state funds? Alas, Jesse discovered that the U's president, Mark Yudof, earns more money than he does.
Partners are found but the list keeps growing
The response Kinship Partners has received recently from adults who have decided to become partners to our children has been tremendous!
Some things to chew on
How did the devil get into deviled eggs?
OTHER OPINIONS
Compiled by The Associated Press
Open Forums
Irene M. Johnson's complete dedication to a clean environment and pure fluoride-free municipal drinking water supplies for three decades is noteworthy.
Preserving vision for the future
To people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), straight lines might appear bent and dark patches might block the center of the field of vision.
The right questions about love
Valentine's Day approaches, and there are the requisite love-theme books for sale.
Tugging at the Constitution
WASHINGTON--The Constitution of the United States is as flexible and durable as it is venerable. That's why it has endured for more than two centuries as the centerpiece of our system of representative government, the foundation for the rule of law.
Magazine revamped for younger older group
Forget size. Age matters.
Happy birthday, President Reagan
It is difficult to imagine Ronald Reagan having lived 90 years. Even when he became ``the oldest man ever elected president,'' as commentators frequently reminded us in 1980, his youthful exuberance about life and about America made him appear ageless.
Pop culture isn't offering good ideas on happiness
If you ingest too much pop culture, you might get sick - even suffer delusions.
Open Forums
So there's nothing for teen-agers to do in Brainerd? Go skiing,snowmobiling, ice fishing, bowling, or join your school band or sports activities. Too expensive? Do your homework, the dishes, the laundry, the vacuuming -- I'm sure your hard-working parents would love the help. Get a job. Too much like work? Learn to cook, knit, cross-stitch, quilt.Collect stamps. Join a book club. Volunteer to read to the elderly. Play board games. Watch the Discovery, Learning, and Travel channels. The possibilities are endless.
OTHER OPINIONS
Here are some excerpts from recent editorials that appeared in Minnesota newspapers.
Much obliged
It's never too late to say "thank you" to the many individuals and organizations that assist this organization in being able to continue in our ongoing mission "to promote animal welfare in Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing Counties, through education, cruelty investigation, and animal adoption."
Around the watercooler
CONSUMER ZEITGEIST: The year 2000 spawned a galaxy of hackneyed phrases, according to a study by a leading candymaker that's putting some of them to use.
What to look for in a physical exam
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which sets guidelines for physical exams, offers a simple guide for what people should get in a physical exam. Starting at age 21: Check blood pressure at least once every two years; and for women, have a Pap smear every one to three years, to age 65. In its latest report, in 1996, the task force recommends that women have a mammogram and breast exam once every year or two after age 50. But most doctors now agree that annual breast cancer screening should start after age 40.
Many services filter out unwanted mail
Before you get carpal tunnel syndrome from deleting all that spam, be advised: Many Internet providers and e-mail services offer ways for you to stop it from getting to your inbox in the first place.
Retirement won't stop one of DNR's most valuable researchers
DNR Fisheries Research Supervisor Denny Schupp is ready to retire but he won't quit being a professional fisheries researcher.
Ancient art of snowshoeing is still good way to get around
Getting around during the winter can challenge the most physically fit individuals, to say nothing of folks who don't exactly fall into the fit-and-fabulous category.
Record number of wintering bald eagles offers prime watching
The bald eagle population in Minnesota has experienced a phenomenal recovery and is now the fourth largest in the nation, according to the DNR.
Calendar
February
Outdoor notes
The Paul Bunyan Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a meeting and fly tying/lure making session Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. in the large meeting room of the Brainerd Pub
North Country calendar
February
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA
Wild turkeys released in area
Twenty-one more wild turkeys are at home in Crow Wing County.
90th birthday
Harold Longanecker, Baxter, will celebrate his 90th birthday at an open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd. No gifts please.
Engagement announced
Sarah Smith and Josh Decker announce their engagement. Parents are Corky and Colleen Smith, Brainerd, and Doug and Nancy Decker, Litchfield. An April 28, 2001, wedding is planned at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter.
90th birthday
Edith S. Fruth will celebrate her 90th birthday Tuesday with her family.
60th anniversary
Frank "Scot" and Elizabeth Stegora recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married Feb. 1, 1941.
80th birthday
Dorothy Zahratka will celebrate her 80th birthday Monday. She was born Feb. 5, 1921, in Crosby. Cards may be sent to 2424 Greenwood St., Apt. 4, Brainerd, MN 56401.
50th anniversary
Ed and Maryann Kloncz, Breezy Point, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a brunch today at the Seasons Golf Country Club in Anoka. The event will be hosted by their family. They were married Feb. 3, 1951, in Minneapolis.
60th anniversary
Virgil and Virginia Ross, Lake Hubert, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion in Nisswa. No gifts please.
50th anniversary
Larry and Donna Garro, Carlton, formerly of Brainerd, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married Feb. 3, 1951, in Brainerd.
Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Keagan Christopher O'Day, son, Brainerd; Christopher O'Day, father, Brainerd; Kim Mueske, grandmother, Tigard, Ore.; Margaret Moberg, great-grandmother, Nisswa; and Margaret Whitney, great-great-grandmother, Nisswa.
50th anniversary
Lloyd and Ann Arhart, Nisswa, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Minneapolis. They were married Jan. 18, 1951, in San Diego, Calif.
50th anniversary
Lawrence and Iona Smith, Motley, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Monday with their family. They were married Feb. 5, 1951, in Staples.
Engagement announced
Shelly Lynn Schwartz and Shawn Lowe announce their engagement. Parents are Al and Pat Schwartz, Wadena, and Alesia Overstreet, Chattanooga, Tenn. A May 5, 2001, wedding is planned at St. Ann's Church in Wadena.
Preparation, luck makes win possible
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The way to win a 24-hour race is to eliminate the variables -- and get a little lucky.
Northwest mechanics ask Bush to stay out of dispute
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Union mechanics at Northwest Airlines are asking President Bush not to intervene in their contract dispute, which the union said is headed for a 30-day cooling-off period.
Trying to stay warm
Kari Kienlen protected herself from frigid wind chills as she and other hearty souls braved sub-zero temperatures Thursday afternoon at a bus stop in North Mankato. (AP Photo)
Faust's logic
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Whatever stereotypes people may have about chief financial officers, Robin Faust defies them all.
Schott Corp. cuts third of workers
MARSHALL (AP) -- Electronics manufacturer Schott Corp. laid off 314 employees, nearly a third of its work force, because of decreased orders from customers.
Lawmakers plan to watch XFL debut
ST. PAUL -- Gov. Jesse Ventura will draw an unlikely crowd of television viewers during his Saturday debut as a color commentator for the provocative new XFL football league: Minnesota lawmakers.
Fear is sex assault suspect fled country
ROCHESTER (AP) -- Olmsted County authorities fear a 43-year-old man accused of raping a teen-ager last year has fled the country.
Money from tobacco endowments less than expected
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Endowment money coming in from the state's estimated $6.1 billion tobacco settlement in 1998 has sagged, and nonsmoking advocates say that's good.
Poll finds shift in attitude in favor of meters
ST. PAUL (AP) -- More Twin Cities commuters have a better opinion of freeway ramp meters since the Minnesota Department of Transportation adjusted their hours of operation, according to survey reported by KSTP-TV on Thursday night.
Ramp meter shutdown brought increased travel times, accidents
ST. PAUL -- Twin Cities drivers had more accidents, less reliable commutes and slower drives when 430 meters that regulate highway ramp entrances were shut off during an eight-week test, a first-of-its-kind study concluded.
Minnesota boy who battled hypothermia recovering
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A 20-month-old Minnesota boy who spent several hours unconscious in subzero weather has been released from intensive care and should return home within days.
Sixth lab found, fifth person arrested at Elk River motel
ELK RIVER (AP) -- Police found a sixth meth lab in a motel here and arrested a fifth person, who is part of a family allegedly connected to the labs.
40,000 children could stay uninsured
ST. PAUL (AP) -- More children in Minnesota have health insurance than nearly any other state. It's that last 3.4 percent -- about 45,000 children -- that is proving difficult to insure.
Economic downturn slows construction of fiber optic network
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Five years ago, the state of Minnesota conceived a plan to allow a private company to use Interstate highway rights of way to lay a 2,200-mile fiber optic network throughout the state.
Bethlehem Steel plans to sell share of Hibbing Taconite
HIBBING (AP) -- Bethlehem Steel Corp. has announced plans to sell its 70 percent stake in the Hibbing Taconite Co., which employs about 850 people on the Iron Range.
Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Wolverines nip Lakers in girls' play
WADENA--The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines improved to 5-0 in the Mid-State Conference and 11-3 overall with a 47-45 triumph over the Detroit Lakes Lakers Friday.
How about a little baseball to warm things up?
Twins center fielder Torii Hunter lives in Arkansas and left-handed pitcher Mark Redman in Oklahoma.
Flyers skate to 10-2 victory
LONG PRAIRIE -- The Little Falls Flyers trounced the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder 10-2 in a non-conference boys' hockey game Friday night.
Brainerd girls edge Willmar
In the four previous games between the Brainerd Warriors and Willmar Cardinals girls' hockey teams each game has been decided by one goal.
Warrior wrestlers defeat Apollo
ST CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors' wrestling team defeated the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles 45-20 in a Central Lakes Conference match Friday night.
Laposky's 31 points lead PR-B girls
PILLAGER -- Sarah Laposky scored 31 points to help the Pine River-Backus Tigers trounce the Pillager Huskies 75-23 in Park Region Conference girls' basketball Thursday night.
Wood leads W-DC gymnasts
FERGUS FALLS -- Kristi Wood of Wadena-Deer Creek won three events and captured the all-around title to lead the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines to a 120.95 to 117.125 victory over the Fergus Falls Otters in non-conference gymnastics Thursday.
Ranger wrestlers win their first meet
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Rangers won their first meet of the season Thursday after defeating Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 39-21 Thursday night.
Despite loss, Miller becomes Flyers' all-time leading scorer
COLD SPRING -- The Rocori Spartans boys' basketball team, ranked ninth in Class 3A, defeated the second-ranked Little Falls Flyers 58-50 in a Central Lakes Conference clash Thursday.
Wolverines skate past Blades
BREEZY POINT -- The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines girls' hockey team defeated the Pequot Lakes/Aitkin/Crosby-Ironton Blades 4-1 in a Mid-State Conference game Thursday.
Majka places second in Brainerd Invitational
NISSWA -- The skiers and their parents at the Brainerd Invitational alpine ski meet Thursday at Ski Gull were up to the challenge of temperatures that were well below-zero.
It wasn't pretty but Warriors win
The Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team crashed the boards, hit the floor, turned up the defensive pressure and bounced the visiting St. Cloud Apollo Eagles right out of the building with a convincing 50-39 win Friday.
Boys' alpine skiers brave the cold
NISSWA -- There may be plenty of good reasons to stand outside on a wind-swept hill for hours in temperatures of 8 degrees below zero and a wind chill of 30 below.
Local shorts
The Crosby-Ironton Rangers have added two games to their basketball schedule Monday.
It looks like Gophers have landed McCulloch
Brainerd offensive tackle Trevor McCulloch made an official recruiting visit to the University of Minnesota last weekend. He met with Gophers football coach Glen Mason Saturday morning, attended Minnesota's hockey game that night and later met many football players.
Sartell shows it has arrived
When the Sartell Sabres tied the two-time defending Class AA state champion Alexandria Cardinals last month they sent a message to the other Central Lakes Conference swimming and diving teams.
No knocks on Wood as W-DC wins
WADENA -- It was impossible to find fault with one member of the Wadena-De
Grizzlies shut out LP-GE
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton-Aitkin Grizzlies peppered Long Prairie-Grey Eagle goaltender Jason Sellnow with 51 shots and recorded a 4-0 victory in a non-conference boys' hockey game Thursday.
Pioneers swat Hornets in OT
BIG LAKE --In Central Minnesota Conference boys' basketball Friday, the Pierz Pioneers nipped the Big Lake Hornets 54-53 in overtime. Chris Zilka hit the bucket at the end of regulation to send the game into the extra period.
It's time to strike up the band at Central Lakes College
Somebody tell Professor Harold Hill he's needed at Central Lakes College.
Local shorts
Nineteen boys' basketball teams in grades 6-8 will play in the Pacesetter Winter Basketball Classic at the Whitney Center in St. Cloud Saturday.
Wolves' Saunders coach of the month
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders was named the NBA's coach of the month for leading the team to a 12-4 record in January.
Wild exceeding expectations at All-Star break
ST. PAUL -- Generally, it's understood there's nothing lower than an expansion team. Yet one magazine predicted the Minnesota Wild would reach unprecedented depths.
Twins look ahead with optimism
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Before he knew it, manager Tom Kelly had rattled off the names of 10 pitchers to reporters gathered for the Minnesota Twins' annual media day luncheon Thursday.
Wolves' Saunders coach of the month
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders was named the NBA's coach of the month for leading the team to a 12-4 record in January.
Gophers open with a flurry
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Gophers came out swinging Friday night with Grant Potulny scoring a goal just 25 seconds into the game as Minnesota beat Michigan Tech 8-3.
Wolves' streak hits nine
CLEVELAND (AP) -- All Terrell Brandon's missing is a sword, some warpaint and a battle cry.
Ice fishing
Weather drawing by Alex Wink of Mrs. Ahlers' third grade class at Lincoln school.
What's doing
Ray Norrgard and Bill Black, 28.5; Ann Whalen and Phyllis DeRosier, 27.5; Clayton Haglin and Mark Anderson, 27; and Cliff Johnson and Steve Schaitberger, 24.5.
What's doing
Retired Cooks will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Cheesehouse.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jessica Simpson is only 20, but the pop singer admits she's had some "diva moments."
Tips for pet-sitters
Dear Readers: Michelle Hussey from Louisville, Ky., sent in some hints to help pet sitters and owners:
Verbal wedding invitation requires follow-through
DEAR ABBY: I am getting married in three months. A month ago, I verbally invited one of my co-workers, "Sandy," and asked her for her home address to send the invitation. Unfortunately, Sandy was "let go" last week under difficult circumstances. She was very upset.
Kidnapped U.S. oil worker found shot dead in Ecuadorean jungle
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- A U.S. oil worker kidnapped in the Ecuadorean jungle in October has been found shot to death, in what appears to be the work of a gang of Ecuador-based kidnappers who are holding four other Americans, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Libyan leader Gadhafi disputes Lockerbie verdict
CAIRO, Egypt -- Moammar Gadhafi says the man condemned to at least 20 years in prison for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing is as innocent as the acquitted man he welcomed home with a bear hug. And he says he will prove it.