The Delaware Gazette » Columnists

Butter vs. margarine controversy rages

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:11:19 +0000

The butter verses margarine debate continues on a slippery slope. Whenever a person asks which is better: butter or margarine I just shake my head.

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Sleep is cornerstone to good health

Grady Memorial Hospital — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:04:55 +0000

Along with diet and exercise, sleep is a cornerstone of good health. Yet too many people overlook its importance and even boast about how little they get of it. Better Sleep Month this May is a good time to take stock of your sleep habits to ensure you’re getting the rest your body needs.

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The pros and cons of online dating

Mariann Main — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:41:56 +0000

READER’S QUESTION: Several of my friends want me to try on-line dating. I am hesitant due to the impersonal aspect of it by using the internet. Should I go with their advice and enroll?

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Companion planting worth a try this year

Master Gardener — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:40:10 +0000

When it comes to different kinds of learning, for which many students are now assessed, I think my test would conclude very quickly. I can remember the most obscure and useless facts but stumble through anything that requires a process…like math; the bane of my existence. I can more easily remember how to count to 20 in German than calculate a 20% tip at a restaurant. In gardening there is

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Rail tycoon didn't need federal help

Kate Liebers — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:14:09 +0000

SYLVIA ZIMMERMAN In keeping with the campaign declaration, “You didn’t build that!” I offer the story of James J. Hill, a name on the lips or in the memory of almost no one, a true “forgotten man.” He was born in a log cabin in Ontario, Canada, in 1838. His father died when Hill was [...]

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Arts Festival returns to Delaware

Kate Liebers — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:52:51 +0000

It’s Delaware Arts Festival Weekend in Delaware, always a wonderful event for our community. As you are admiring the talents of the artists at the Arts Festival, and undoubtedly adding some beautiful pieces of art to your own collection, please plan a visit to the Delaware County District Library’s Main Branch at 84 E. Winter [...]

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A very Disney holiday

Dave Hejmanowski — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:48:12 +0000

No company protects its intellectual property as fully or vigorously as the Walt Disney Corporation.

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Out in the suburbs of our galaxy

Tom Burns — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:39:39 +0000

The sky includes star balls called globular clusters

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Friends of the Library to hold Bargain Book Fair

Mary Santos — Mon, 13 May 2013 02:42:56 +0000

The Friends of the Delaware County District Library will hold another gigantic Bargain Book Fair this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Delaware Main Library, 84 E. Winter St., and in conjunction with the Delaware Arts Festival. The Friends Book Fairs are truly a sight to see, with thousands of books, DVDs, videos, and magazines for adults, teens and children, well organized to make it easy to seek out just what you’re looking for.

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An incredible sight: A grand conjunction

Tom Burns — Mon, 13 May 2013 02:41:12 +0000

When two planets get close together in the nighttime sky, we call the event a conjunction. When three come together, especially when one of them is elusive Mercury, we call it a “get the heck out there and look” event.

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The scoop on greening your doggie’s doo

Tuesday Trippier — Mon, 13 May 2013 02:40:02 +0000

According to an article in Natural Dog Magazine, in the U.S., we dump more than 10 million tons of dog waste into our landfills each year which accounts for as much as four percent of the landfill. The methane from dog waste is supposedly 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas and, according to the EPA, “dog waste contributes to surface and ground water bacteria.” So, what’s a pet owner to do?

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Planting time: Weather, pests, treatments

Rob Leeds — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:10:53 +0000

The weather finally cooperated this past week, and farmers were able to get a good start on planting, even though it was later than the past few year. A lot of corn was planted this week, and the rain on Thursday night will definitely help the fields that are finished. According to the National Weather Service, after the cold front passes through this Saturday, we will get a quick shot of cold air Sunday into Monday. There is a chance of frost on Monday and some of the low lying areas could even see temperatures around 32F for a late season minor freeze. Temperatures this coming week will rebound though - normal highs are 65-73F from north to south and lows near 45. Much of the week will be dry allowing for more planting to resume.

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Cultivation and utility: Swiss chard

Master Gardener — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:09:28 +0000

Swiss chard has been in cultivation for over 2000 years. Sometimes called Chard, Leaf Beet, Seakale Beet, Silver Beet, and Spinach Beet. It’s a descendant of a wild beetroot and often still referred to as beetroot. It was referenced by the Greeks and Romans in the 4th century BC with both light and dark green varieties mentioned. They ate it sautéed with lentils, beans and mustard.

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It’s sweatin’ time again: Drink up

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:32:52 +0000

The temperatures are rising and summer is right around the corner.

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The phases of Venus

Tom Burns — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:04:31 +0000

Even the most casual sky watcher will notice the planet Venus at some time over the next few months. The second planet from the sun shines a brilliant white. Look for it low in the west during bright evening twilight.

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Neighborhoodly considerations for all

Mariann Main — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:02:57 +0000

COLUMNIST COMMENTARY: It is with great delight that spring has sprung after what seemed to be one of the longest and snowiest winters in memory. Now that we are no longer held captive inside by cold temperatures and hazardous roads, my column targets neighborly relations and the ongoing hostilities that can convert a cul-de-sac into enemy territory. For the sake of your neighborhood or subdivision, please take a moment to consider if you are a contributor or a detractor to your residential area. The following is a list of the most common complaints I receive, summarized into one column.

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To list or not to list

Dave Hejmanowski — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:23:15 +0000

Juvenile courts are an unusual creature in that they have multi-faceted and sometimes contradictory goals.

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Sex life nearing extinction

Mariann Main — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:59:15 +0000

Husband despairs at loss of intimacy.

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Educating children in an entertaining manner

Mary Santos — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:02:27 +0000

The Delaware County District Library is offering four innovative and exciting programs for children and teens this week. The children’s staff at the Library are geniuses at developing programs that educate children in an entertaining way, helping them to hone their literacy and reading skills in a positive social environment. Even though it may look as if your kids are having a ball (and they are!), the programs presented by the Library staff are grounded in sound educational fundamentals.

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The Rockefeller legacy

Sylvia Zimmerman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:00:36 +0000

John D. Rockefeller wished for two things: to live to be 100 and to earn $100,000; he failed on both accounts.

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Strange star in the Northern crown

Tom Burns — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:59:08 +0000

Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, sits high in the east just after dark right now. Look for the bright semi-circle of stars. This time of year, I always spend a moment glancing at the constellation’s interior. Under most circumstances, you won’t see a single star with the unaided eye. Binoculars generally reveal only two stars.

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Physalis pruinosa: Ground Cherries

Master Gardener — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:13:33 +0000

Sometimes called Cape Gooseberry, Husk Tomato, Poha Berry or Ground Cherry. Sounds like a plant who can’t make up its mind on what it wants to be called. The official name is; Physalis pruinosa and is part of the nightshade family that includes tomatoes and peppers. The fruits are small yellow balls hiding in a paper husk, similar to tomatillos. The fruit starts out as green and will turn to yellow when it begins to ripen. As it ripens it will fall from the plant in its husk onto the ground.

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Trending: The No ‘Poo Movement

Tuesday Trippier — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:24:06 +0000

Okay, this is not what you think it is. This movement is not one that is against any sort of bowel function. This is a growing group of grassroots individuals who don’t use shampoo or conditioner in their hair but allow for more natural hair care. I did catch your attention, didn’t I?

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Physical hunger vs emotional hunger

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:07:17 +0000

Aging bananas sitting on the counter scream to be eaten or used in a salad or baked into bread. My choice for the brown bunch of bananas that loudly spoke to me was to combine them with eggs, flour and sugar and bake them into a delicious treat.

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Territorial spouse causing major concern

Mariann Main — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:22:30 +0000

READER’S QUESTION: When my wife and I married a few years ago, I moved into her house and sold mine. Even though we have separate bathrooms, my wife becomes irate if mine is not kept perfectly. If I hang my towel over the shower rod, she will take it down and throw it in the shower, making it wet and unusable. I do not go into her bathroom so why does she think it is ok to come into mine?

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King of the garden: The world of roses

Master Gardener — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:43:26 +0000

The world of roses is vast.

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A major epidemic

Dave Hejmanowski — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:23:30 +0000

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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Understanding the bell pepper or mango

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:36:56 +0000

Why the green bell pepper was called a mango.

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Husband weary from being a human atm for wife

Mariann Main — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:08:56 +0000

Financial disagreements can cause marriage trouble.

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Vesto Slipher measures the universe

Tom Burns — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:55:00 +0000

When amateur astronomers first look at galaxies in telescopes, they are invariably disappointed. “Is this what I paid $500 for?” they ask. “A smudge, a gol-danged fuzz ball?”

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Celebrate National Library Week

Mary Santos — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:39:08 +0000

National Library Week starts tomorrow, and sponsored by the American Library Association, this year’s theme is “Communities Matter @ Your Library,” with Caroline Kennedy as honorary chair.

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The golden threads of saffron

Master Gardener — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:37:29 +0000

This ancient spice has been around for 4000 years and used by every great civilization.

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Think Local: Celebrate Earth Day in Delaware

Tuesday Trippier — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:59:43 +0000

Make your Earth Day a local affair with some eco-activities planned in partnership by Sustainable Delaware, the League of Women Voters of Delaware County, Delaware Career Center and Delaware City Schools & Ohio Wesleyan University. With the theme “Together, Taking Responsibility for Our Future,” the events kick-off on Sunday, April 21 with a Freecycle & Expo at Mingo Park in the Hilborn Room from noon to 4 p.m.

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To those who give into the mango temptation

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:27:55 +0000

The recommendation is never go to the grocery store hungry.

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‘Dating’ pros and cons

Mariann Main — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:40:31 +0000

READER’S QUESTION: My husband and I have separated twice, most recently for the last ten months after being married 15 years. We had little contact during this time, and I have no idea of where he is now living, but he called several days ago asking me “on a date” for Saturday night. I accepted, but am having second thoughts.

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Maximizing your Social Security benefits

RC Arseneau — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:37:05 +0000

“I care about our young people, and wish them great success, because they are our Hope for the Future, and some day, when my generation retires, they will have to pay us trillions of dollars in social security.”

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The little bear and his mother

Tom Burns — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:40:59 +0000

For most people, spring is a joyous time - a time of birth and new growth and a time when the cold winter gives way to the promise of summer. For the stargazer spring is often a painful time. It rains all the time, and when it isn’t raining it’s cloudy.

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Your online gardening resource

Master Gardener — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:58:34 +0000

Where can you go online to find reliable information on gardening questions?

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No Winners in ‘Choking Game’

Rod Glazer — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:56:02 +0000

A game kids are playing, mostly well-behaved kids, is more dangerous than they think.

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Computer classes offered at library

Mary Santos — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:54:38 +0000

Computer classes offered at no cost at the Delaware County District Library continue to be well attended events.

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5-4 to shut the door

Dave Hejmanowski — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:15:24 +0000

Each Supreme Court term seems to have at least one blockbuster case that defines the Court’s year and attracts 95% of the attention paid to the Court in that session.

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Time to control carbohydrate foods

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:15:45 +0000

It is time to make a pact with your body

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Coolidge helped get nation on its feet

Sylvia Zimmerman — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:53:08 +0000

President Calvin Coolidge helped put the nation back on its feet after the grueling indebtedness of World War I and the enervating scandals of President Harding’s administration

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Hair pulling could lead to more serious disorder

Mariann Main — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:31:00 +0000

Hair pulling could become something more serious.

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Book fair to be held at Orange Branch

Mary Santos — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:55:00 +0000

The Friends of the Delaware County District Library will hold the first of several Spring Bargain Book Fairs on April 12 and 13 in the garage at the Orange Branch, 7171 Gooding Blvd.

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Matchless astronomy

Tom Burns — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 01:19:32 +0000

Recently, I received a widely circulated email report about gentle Mr. Rogers, who graced the children’s programming on PBS television outlets for decades. He was, according to the report, a trained killer with the Navy Seals. He had 25 confirmed kills to his name.

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Gardening discoveries: Always a good thing

Master Gardener — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:08:49 +0000

It’s not just every day there is a culinary herb I have literally never heard of.

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Put some green on your calendar

Tuesday Trippier — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:56:24 +0000

Mother Nature is painting Spring with a palette of white lately, but you can put some green on your calendar with these fun and educational events for the whole family.

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Colonoscopy procedure myths debunked

Grady Memorial Hospital — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:32 +0000

The colonoscopy procedure is the best method we have to prevent and detect colorectal cancer.

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Create a nutritional meal at a bake sale

Bobbie Randall — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 03:59:14 +0000

T he bake sale had many delicious goodies just waiting to be purchased.

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