The Shopper’s Guide is currently being distributed to the following towns in LeFlore County: Bokoshe, Cameron, Heavener, Hodgen, Howe, Panama, Poteau, Shady Point, Spiro, Summerfield, Talihina, Wister

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PAGE 2 ... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

FROM CONSUMER REPORTS ® by the editors of Consumer Reports DOES VITAMIN C HELP CURE THE COMMON COLD? When a cold strikes, your first reaction may be to reach for a remedy that will ease symptoms or shave a few days off your illness. And for millions of Americans each year, that includes trying dietary supplements, including echinacea, vitamin C and zinc. Here's information on what those supplements can and can't do when it comes to treating the common cold, along with some simple strategies that can prevent you from getting sick in the first place and advice on treatments that can help relieve cold symptoms if you're already under the weather. - Echinacea. Supplements containing this plant vary widely in composition, making them difficult to study. There are several species, and preparations can contain flowers, roots or leaves. That said, a number of trials have examined the plant's effect on colds. "A few early

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE studies showed promise," says Consumer Reports' Chief Medical Adviser Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., "but more recent research has failed to prove that echinacea helps to fight off colds or soothe cold symptoms." - Vitamin C. Regularly getting 200 mg per day of vitamin C might shorten your cold by a day or so, according to a 2013 Cochrane review of 29 trials involving 11,306 study participants. "But flooding your body with that vitamin won't knock out the virus once it takes hold," Lipman says. Vitamin C may increase the risk of kidney stones, and high doses can cause diarrhea, Lipman says. - Zinc. Research in the July 2016 issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that regularly sucking zinc lozenges (totaling 80 to 90 mg per day) throughout a cold may shorten it by almost three days. But, Lipman points out, "zinc won't ease symptoms, and its side effects, including diarrhea, nausea and a lingering metallic taste, may add to your miseries." What to Do Instead To soothe cold symptoms, Consumer Reports recommends resting and drinking plenty of liquids. Warm drinks or hot soup may loosen nasal secretions, which helps drain sinuses. Also, try sucking on non-medicated lozenges. To relieve aches and pains, try over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) or ibuprofen (Advil and generic). To prevent colds, wash your hands regularly. Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that the average hand has about 150 species of bacteria. "Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes - the primary ways bacteria and viruses enter your system," Lipman says. And get plenty of sleep. Research led by Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D., director of the Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, recently found that when study participants were infected with rhinovirus (which can cause colds), those who slept less than 6 hours per night were significantly more likely to develop a cold than those who slept for more than 7 hours. According to Cohen, a good amount for keeping our immune systems in good working order is 7 to 8 hours per night. To learn more, visit ConsumerReports.org.

DO JUST ONE THING by Danny Seo

1/25/17 In the past, people thought you could put used hypodermic needles inside plastic bottles, screw on the cap and toss it into the trash or recycling bin. But since trash bags and recycling bins aren't completely secure, neither are the used hypodermic needles. As trash and recycling haulers are manned by humans, these used needles pose a serious health risk to them. Dispose of needles in secure containers designed to collect them. 1/26/17 Many of us are looking for alternatives to plastic straws. Obviously, the simplest thing is to stop using straws. But for parents of small children, sometimes a drinking straw is necessary to keep fruit juices from getting all over their clothes. One alternative to consider is a silicone straw. They work just like plastic straws, but are reusable. They are dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and can be boiled to sterilize them. 1/27/17 Many items in the kitchen that are stainless steel are easily recyclable. Items like metal flatware (forks, spoons and large serving pieces) can be tossed into your curbside recycling bin, and old mixing bowls and colanders -- if there are no plastic pieces -- can also be recycled. Even cooking utensils, like metal barbecue tools that were accidentally left out to rust, can be recycled. Large groups of stainless steel items can also be brought to scrap metal yards, where you'll get paid to recycle your items. 1/28/17 Some of the hardest places to clean in the kitchen are cabinets and vents above the stove. Over time, grease can build up and create a sticky and stubborn mess that seems impossible to clean. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive scrubbers, use this double-duty item: dish soap. Liquid dish soap is designed to cut through grease, so using it to clean these tough areas can do the job. 1/29/17 Even though the holiday season is over, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate a greener, better year. When you were putting away your string lights, did you notice they've burnt out or have stopped working? Thanks to Christmas Light Source, you can recycle them and raise money for charity. The retailer works with a recycler, which splits the lights into recyclable copper, plastic and other metals and pays a small fee for the recyclables. Christmas Light Source then donates the proceeds to help local charities in Dallas. Learn more at Christmas-light-source.com.



SMART MONEY by Bruce Williams

DEAR BRUCE: I am a widow of two years. I have two POD (payment on death) bank accounts on which my three children are listed. I am 76 years old and have a 2012 Nissan and a house on a golf course that I am still paying for. Is there a similar procedure for the car and the equity in the house that would allow them to receive the equity and car without going to probate or setting up a trust? – T.T. DEAR T.T.: I understand you're trying to make life as simple as possible. There is no reason why you couldn't put the car and the house in the kids' names. You may have other things that you wish to leave to your kids (as individuals) and then, of course, they will have to go to probate, but that's no big deal. There have been so many books written on how to avoid probate due to the huge costs, none of which are accurate. What you should have is an up-to-date will expressing what you want and to whom you want your possessions distributed. Have one of the kids serve as the executor of the will. Then get an attorney to guide you through the rough spots, which are few, and the costs will be very modest. You should be able to sleep a lot better knowing that your affairs will be handled appropriately. DEAR BRUCE: In May of last year I twisted my knee to the point I had to go to the ER. I dutifully paid a $150 co-pay, as instructed by my medical insurance policy, and was X-rayed, given a splint and instructed to return the following day. I presented myself the next day and was attended by a doctor who removed some liquid from my knee. I then received another bill for a $150 co-pay for using the ER. I argued that I should not be charged two co-pays of $150 as it was the same procedure and it was not my fault the doctor was not available for the first visit. They have ignored my pleas and now bill me as "over due." Am I wrong? – T.R. DEAR T.R.: I can appreciate your displeasure. You would have been far better advised, in my opinion, for something as relatively modest as the treatment you received, to go to a "doc-in-the-box," which is considerably less expensive than several trips to the ER. You should be able to make a complaint to the hospital and at least get them to give you some type of consideration. I would make an appointment with the people at the hospital and plead your case. If they are unwilling to refund you $150, pay it and go in peace, but know where you won't go next time. DEAR BRUCE: Can you explain what the cash value of a life insurance policy means?

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE – N.V. DEAR N.V.: If you have term insurance, there is likely little or no cash value at any time, but it's the cheapest insurance to purchase. Cash value or whole life insurance does, after a relatively modest period of time, start to develop a cash value. Every year, a certain amount of cash value is added to the policy. In other words, there is a certain amount of cash value that is yours to draw upon in the event that you wish to. The value develops very slowly at the beginning, but as the policy has more money paid into it, the amount of cash value increases substantially. Cash value insurance can be a better choice because of this activity. If you elect to buy whole life insurance, the cash value then becomes a significant factor. DEAR BRUCE: My mother has been very ill for the past year. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. I am considering putting her in hospice for the remainder of her time because she can be looked after while I work. Does hospice require payment for my mother to stay until she passes? – D.S. DEAR D.S.: In almost every case, you can work out a partial or complete care plan for your mother with hospice folks in your area. Some hospice organizations require payment and some of them don't. You'll have to do some investigating, but I am sure you'll be able to make the appropriate arrangements. DEAR BRUCE: We are snowbirds from New York. We rented a place in Florida in March 2016, and paid the owner the rent up for the next season. He made us sign a lease and gave us the keys. He also let us put our winter belongings in the unit and shed. Sometime in April he died. Nobody in his family let us know until two weeks ago. His family is saying that they cannot rent the place because it is in probate. They say they are going to return our money. That leaves us without a place to live come winter and without all of our stuff. Can we do anything about this? The family of the owner that passed away lives in Michigan. Do we have any rights? – P.B. DEAR P.B.: With regards to the owner's death, you still have a lease, and the property is yours with all the rights and privileges attendant to that type of transaction. You might write or call the family and explain again that they have a responsibility because of the lease you have. If they respond in the negative, by all means, hire an attorney. It's very possible that you might not only be granted the use of the property per the lease, but they may also be required to meet your legal expenses. DEAR BRUCE: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, we gave each of our three children a $10,000 interest-free loan for the purchase of three homes in California, with the understanding that if and when they sold their homes, they would repay us. Two of the three did indeed sell within five years, and the loans were repaid. The third, however, has never sold, is still living in the original home and, therefore, has never repaid us. We are in the process of making out a new will and getting our estate in order and are unsure of how to proceed. Given the devaluation of the dollar since 1979, and the fact that this property has increased in value,

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017 ... PAGE. 3 what do you feel would be a fair and equitable division of our assets among the three? – R.A. DEAR R.A: Apparently there was no time period in the arrangement you made with the kids; the terms were that they pay back the loan when they sell. In my opinion, for the relatively modest amount of money, I would just go back to your kid and say you still expect to be paid when the house is sold. As to working out the nickels and dimes in terms of devaluation and property value, I would forget it! I would make it as simple as possible. (Send questions to [email protected]. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.) (The Bruce Williams Radio Show can now be heard 24/7 via iTunes and at www.taeradio.com. It is also available at www.brucewilliams.com.)

PAGE 4 ... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE

To place your classified ad: Call 918-647-3188 * Fax 918-647-8198 or email to [email protected] PETS

EMPLOYMENT

Blue Heeler/Red Heeler Pups Tails Docked Wormed and will have first round of shots call o r t e x t 918-721-5517 Will be ready to go Feb 16th Adorable Full Blood Pups $180 Pet Price

HELP WANTED: MECHANIC WISTER COMPANY IS SEEKING TWO MECHANICS. INDIVIDUALS MUST HAVE OWN TOOLS. IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT IF QUALIFIED. PAY IS DETERMINED BASED ON EXPERIENCE. CALL LARRY AT 918-649-4151 OR OFFICE AT 918-659-2286. AN EOE EMPLOYER.

MISCELLANEOUS Vogelzang Heartwood 150,000 wood burnind heater G820E. Just like brand new, has had actual fire built in it 2 times. $500 918-413-2974

SERVICES Custom Roofing Specializing in architectural& 3 tab composition roofing 35 years experience Free Estimates Reasonable Pricing 918-208-9743 Dave’s Tree Service Tree trimming, topping and temoval Established 1977 Reasonable Rates Free Estimates 918-208-9743 Mobile Home Transporting Moving, set-up, tie downs. Licensed in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Great Service, Great Price!! 800-940-5581. Uncontested Divorces for Couples with or without children. All the paper work you need. Please call for information and pricing. 918-721-5032

Arbuckle Truck Driving School, Inc. Laid off? Low Income? No cost grants. Job ready in 4 weeks. VA Benefits, Tribal Assistance. Job Placement. Weekend Classes Available. 580-223-3360. TRUCKS/SUVS

2003 Chev 1500 HD 4x4 Crew Cab $6,750 OBO New Transmission & 1993 Nissan D21 Pickup Ext Cab 4X4 New Motor New Tires $4,500 OBO 918-413-2386 MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

Clean, Quiet 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom. Stove, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer Included. NO PETS!! 918-647-6392 or 918-647-6996.

REAL ESTATE

APARTMENTS

J.L Ford Investments 918-647-2712 We Buy & Sell

**FOR RENT** Clean, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath. Stove, Refrigerator, Dish Washer Included. Total Electric. CH&A. NO PETS!! 918-647-6392 or 918-647-6996.

Need Warehouse or Storage Space, We Have It. Starting at $400/mo Poteau Houses for Sale 608 Wilson – 2 Bd, 1 Ba on large corner lot. New paint. $2,000 down & $350/mo - $28,500 204 S. Bagwell – Large 3 Bd, 2Ba w/ carport. New plumbing & paint. $2,500 down & $350/ mo - $29,500 402 LeFlore – Large home 3 Bd 1 ½ Ba home on corner lot w/ detached garage. New paint. $2,000 down & 375/mo - $29,500 2603 Witteville – Spacious brick home 3Bd 1 ½ Ba w/ bonus rooms (4th & 5th Bdrms) – Trade or Finance $110,000 Coming Soon 606 Page 2 or 3 bd, 1 b a Frame Home 1,200 sq ft 2 bd, 1ba home w/ barn/ workshop on 5 acres Poteau Schools

James Ford 479-806-8446 We Buy & Sell

HOMES FOR RENT

AFFORDABLE HOUSING Rent Based On Income. Central Heat/Air, Washer/Dryer Hook-ups. Panama, LeFlore, Cowlington, Muse and Whitesboro. Call Kiamichi Housing Authority. 918-522-4436. 2 HOUSES FOR RENT 2 Bedroom or 3 Bedroom CH/A Fenced Yard 918-839-0838

APARTMENTS 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments For Rent. HUD & Choctaw Approved. Poteau Valley Apartments 918-212-4802

FOR RENT 1 Bedroom Apartment $335 Per Month $200 Deposit NO PETS 918-647-2271 NOW LEASING 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Call for move-in special! 918-647-2541

BRAND NEW Duplexes For Rent. Stove, washer/dryer hook-ups. Contact Bill Barnhart at 918-839-2623.

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE DON’S MOBILE HOMES NEW FALL ARRIVALS!! 16 X 76 Dragon by Clayton, 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath, vinyl siding, Shingle Roof & Wood Cabinets. $36,900.00 AND 28 X 62 Cardinal By Champion, 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath, Two Living Areas, Large Kitchen & Island, Ranch-Style Finished Dry Wall, Overhead Heat/Air Ducts, Sliding Glass Door, Ceramic Shower, Beam Ceiling & Sliding Barn Doors in Den. Beautiful Home. $70,500.00

(800) 940-5581 donsmobile homes.com



THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017 ... PAGE. 5

ALL ZONES

THIS COPY ONLY FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 22, 2017. Please choose the copy below that best fits your TWO or THREE column width. Thank you.

3.08” X 9”

3.42” X 8.25”

OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 1 5 - 2 6 7 2 GOT KNEE PAIN? Back pain? Shoulder pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1-800-795-3385

HELP WANTED DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers can earn $900+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-748-4133. drive4stevens.com.

Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-375-1025 Promo Code CDC201625.

DRIVE WITH UBER. You’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800454-0889.

SPORTING GOODS GUN SHOW Jan. 28-29, Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4. Tulsa-Expo Square. Info: (563) 927-8176 www.rkshows.com. GUN SHOW Jan. 28-29, Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4. Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds. Modern Living Building. Info: (563) 927-8176 www. rkshows.com

WANT TO BUY HANK HAS CASH WILL DASH For old guitars, amps, mandolins, ukuleles, Gibson, Fender, Martin, Loans $100 to $1400 Gretsch, etc. Top dollar cash paid. 40 years in Tulsa. 1-800-525-7273 www.stringswest.com.

LEGAL SERVICES SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY CLAIMS Saunders & Saunders Attorneys at Law. No Recovery - No Fee. 1-800-2598548 DRIS

Re ad e rs’ Cho ice

DIRECT TV Switch to DIRECTV. Lock in 2-Year Price Guarantee ($50/month) w/ AT&T Wireless. Over 145 Channels PLUS Popular Movie Networks for Three Months, No Cost! Call 1-800358-5513.

INTERNET OFFERS

•Remodeling •Room Additions

KM DONATE your car, truck or boat to heritage for the blind. Free Free 3 Estimates Residential/Commercial Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free 918•721•9385 Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care [email protected] Of. CALL 1-800-294-0718 DISH NETWORK

Have you checked the Poteau Daily News website lately?

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-2709140 to start your application today!

DISH TV – BEST DEAL EVER! Only $39.99/mo. Plus $14.99/ mo Internet (where avail.). FREE Streaming. FREE Install (up to 6 rooms). FREE HD-DVR. Call 1-800380-5901.

In addition to current weather and newsSERVICES of all kinds,ADVERTISE there STATEWIDE are videos MEDICAL of local events. A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s ADVERTISE STATEWIDE! Put largest senior living referral service. your it message Check out!where it matters Contact our trusted, local experts most – in Oklahoma newspapers.

www.poteaudailynews.com

today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-257-4142 LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure.

HELP WANTED DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers can earn $900+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888-748-4133. drive4stevens.com. DRIVE WITH UBER. You’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-454-0889.

SPORTING GOODS GUN SHOW Jan. 28-29, Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4. Tulsa-Expo Square. Info: (563) 927-8176 www.rkshows.com. GUN SHOW Jan. 28-29, Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4. Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds. Modern Living Building. Info: (563) 9278176 www.rkshows.com

WANT TO BUY

HUGHESNET: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure. Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-800-624-7845 now to get We a are! $50 Gift Card! •Painting

DONATE

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 1 5 - 2 6 7 2

We can place your ad in 165 newspapers. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Poer at (405) 499-0020 or toll-free in OK at 1-888-815-2672.

HANK HAS CASH WILL DASH For old guitars, amps, mandolins, ukuleles, Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, etc. Top dollar cash paid. 40 years in Tulsa. 1-800-525-7273 www.stringswest.com.

LEGAL SERVICES SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY CLAIMS Saunders & Saunders Attorneys at Law. No Recovery - No Fee. 1-800-259-8548 DRIS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-270-9140 to start your application today!

MEDICAL SERVICES A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-257-4142 LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 800-207-5713.

GOT KNEE PAIN? Back pain? Shoulder pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1-800-7953385 Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-375-1025 Promo Code CDC201625.

DIRECT TV Switch to DIRECTV. Lock in 2-Year Price Guarantee ($50/month) w/AT&T Wireless. Over 145 Channels PLUS Popular Movie Networks for Three Months, No Cost! Call 1-800-358-5513.

INTERNET OFFERS HUGHESNET: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure. Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-800-6247845 now to get a $50 Gift Card!

DONATE DONATE your car, truck or boat to heritage for the blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-800-294-0718

DISH NETWORK DISH TV – BEST DEAL EVER! Only $39.99/mo. Plus $14.99/mo Internet (where avail.). FREE Streaming. FREE Install (up to 6 rooms). FREE HD-DVR. Call 1-800-380-5901.

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE ADVERTISE STATEWIDE! Put your message where it matters most – in Oklahoma newspapers. We can place your ad in 165 newspapers. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Poer at (405) 499-0020 or tollfree in OK at 1-888-815-2672.

OCAN012217

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE

January 22–28 I was born on January 23, 1964, in Santa Monica, CA. I play Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Who am I? Answer: Mariska Hargitay

I was born on January 24, 1957, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. I played Eddie Hitler on Bottom. Who am I? Answer: Ade Edmondson

I was born on January 25, 1981, in New York, NY. I recorded the album, Girl on Fire. Who am I? Answer: Alicia Keys

I was born on January 26, 1958, in Toledo, OH. I recorded the album, Rapture. Who am I? Answer: Anita Baker

I was born on January 27, 1942, in Detroit, MI. I played Willie Jones in Friday. Who am I? Answer: John Witherspoon

PAGE 6 ... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

405-595-0770

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017 ... PAGE. 7

Sense & Sensitivity By Harriette Cole

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently went away for four days. My next-door neighbor told me that she'd be able to come over once or twice a day to feed my cat and clean the litter box. When I got home from my trip, it was evident she didn't come to my home once. The litter boxes were full, there was no food or water, and none of my mail had been brought in. I am very upset with my neighbor, and I don't plan on giving her the gift or compensation I got her on the island. Should I confront her and tell her why she won't be receiving anything from me, or just give her the cold shoulder? – Horrible Cat Sitter, Jackson, MS DEAR HORRIBLE CAT SITTER: Your issue here is not about the gift you bought your neighbor. It is about the lack of humane care for your cat. You must speak to your neighbor at once to find out what happened. Let her know that you were shocked when you got home to see that what she had pledged to do hadn't been fulfilled. Ask her what happened. Press until she gives you some sort of explanation for dropping the ball. Make it clear to her that your cat's health was put in jeopardy by her not coming to feed it or give it water, let alone clean the litter box. I will also say that I have heard from many pet owners over the years who have asked others to look out for their pets in their absence. Very often what the pet owner expects and what the person asked to watch the pet interprets as a responsibility is very different. In the future, it may be worth it to write out an agreement with a pet sitter so that all parties understand what's expected. DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has gotten into the habit of blasting workout music even though he has perfectly good headphones. We have a few pieces of exercise equipment in the basement, and I got him headphones so he can lift weights

while keeping the noise limited to the basement. The last thing I want to hear in the morning is heavy bass and rap music. My son refuses to budge and says this is how he motivates himself to get fit. What can I do to restore my sanity while keeping my son happy? – 7 a.m. DJ, Pikesville, MD DEAR 7 A.M. DJ: Set ground rules at home. Celebrate your son for his commitment to fitness as you let him know that he cannot play music audibly until after an allotted time that works for you, whatever that is. If he suggests that you are impeding his fitness progress, give him the option of working out at a gym or at home wearing earphones. Until he owns his own home, he must abide by your rules, including respecting your desire for peace and quiet in the early morning. Your job is to teach and remind your son about respect and boundaries. His job, in his mind, is to push the boundaries. Push back, and do not budge. Define consequences if he ignores you. DEAR HARRIETTE: I live in a large house and clean it all myself. After the holidays, I walked into my stepdaughter's bathroom and saw that she had left towels on the floor like you would in a hotel to let housekeeping know they are dirty. I could not believe my eyes. She is nearly 30 years old, and she does not know how to clean up after herself. Should I tell my husband about his daughter's horrible manners? – Not Your Maid, Atlanta, GA DEAR NOT YOUR MAID: Rather than telling your husband about his daughter, start one-on-one with her. Engage your stepdaughter in a positive manner, and ask her if you two can have a chat. When you have her undivided attention, tell her that you need her to support your household by keeping things tidy. Point out that you clean your home without the aid of any hired help, so you need everyone who lives there or who spends time there to pull their own weight. Let her know that you noticed towels on the floor in her bathroom. Ask her to take a different approach in the future: Either hang them up, or put them in the dirty clothes hamper. Better still, invite her to wash them. Next, go through a list of chores that you want her to be responsible for fulfilling while she is in your home. Be kind and positive, but also very clear. Follow up with your husband by telling him what occurred and how you chose to handle it. Ask him to support you in your efforts to keep the house clean.

SOUTHWEST SPICES ADD SOME ZING TO CORNCAKES By Alicia Ross Seasoning blends and mixes abound on the grocery store spice shelves. Now more than ever, there are tremendous numbers of spice companies and celebrity chefs marketing their unique blends. While it may seem confusing, it's actually good news for the home cook. These blends are perfectly matched and easy to use, most having a sprinkle top built into the container for a shake or two of flavor in a jiffy. Blends represent regional flavors from all over the world: Tuscany, Provence, the American Southwest and even sunny Spain. Today's recipe uses the sultry and savory flavors of the Southwest, with chilies, cumin and red pepper. I find myself using the Southwest blend of spices in everything from salsas to veggies to seasoning a steak. Once you start to experiment with different spice combinations, you'll learn which companies and mixes you like best. I prefer those blends that are salt-free so I can add my own amount of salt to each recipe. Today's recipe for Quick Veggie Corncakes is spiked with the zesty spices of the Southwest and is a terrific solution to the wintertime drought in fresh veggies, too. These little cakes are perfect alone or served with salsa and sour cream. Serve them with salad, fish, chicken or even a spicy hamburger. That's just how flexible they are. Grab a blend or two and start experimenting. Enjoy! Quick Veggie Corncakes Start to finish: less than 20 minutes Yield: makes 5 cakes 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1/3 cup finely chopped red pepper 1/3 cup frozen corn kernels 2 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 teaspoon salt-free Southwest seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt (see Cook's Note) Salsa and sour cream, optional In a small skillet, heat oil on medium. Add vegetables, including frozen corn, and saute until onion is soft, about 4 minutes. Set off heat. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, 3 tablespoons of cornmeal, Southwest seasoning blend, sugar and salt. Stir in cooked vegetables. If batter is not the consistency of thick pancake batter, stir in up to another full tablespoon of cornmeal. Heat a nonstick griddle on medium and pour batter onto griddle by 1/3 cupfuls. Cook about 3 minutes on each side, turning only once. Serve hot with salsa and sour cream, if desired. (Cook's Note: If your blend is not salt-free, wait to add the additional salt to taste.) Approximate values per serving: 96 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated), 67 mg cholesterol, 4 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 148 mg sodium. (Alicia Ross is the co-author of “Desperation Dinners!” (Workman, 1997), “Desperation Entertaining!” (Workman, 2002) and “Cheap. Fast. Good!” (Workman, 2006). Contact her at Kitchen Scoop, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106, or send email to tellus@ kitchenscoop.com. Or visit the Kitchen Scoop website at www.kitchenscoop.com. Photo by Alicia Ross for Kitchen Scoop.)

PAGE 8 ... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017

THE SHOPPER’S GUIDE

WORD SEARCH Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an award-winning actor. Using the hints Y=O and L=T, decipher the clues to name the actor.

1 GDYNGQGQ ________________________________

2 JULY DYNTQYVQ ________________________________

3 WECQ TEBYLLE ________________________________

4 BQLFYX ________________________________

5 LNUPQDE ________________________________

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_______________________________________ Answers: 1) Scorsese, 2) Vito Corleone,

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3) Jake LaMotta, 4) Method, 5) Tribeca, Robert De Niro

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This actor was the first man to win an Academy Award for a foreign language performance: