National budget 8.23.10
Aug 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM Aug 23, 2010 at 10:17 PM
GateHouse News Service National Budget
For 8/23/10 editions
Contacts: Lisa Glowinski, (217) 816-3343, lglowinski@corp.gatehousemedia.com
Michael Toeset, (630) 835-8870, mtoeset@corp.gatehousemedia.com
WAKE UP CALL!: Laptops and health concerns
LABOR DAY CALLOUT: Ask for readers' weekend photos
WEEKLY GO GREEN PAGE: New uses for old T-shirts
WEEKLY NIE PAGE: Build a better breakfast
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS: Our latest tab has advice on fall decor trends, how to fix up your fireplace and tips on tackling unruly closets
NFL SEASON PREVIEW TAB: Pro Football Weekly staffers lay out the big questions of the 2010 season, and break down strengths and weaknesses of every team, every week
NOTE: Weekly regional pages become available Wednesdays starting Sept. 1
SEPTEMBER FAMILY: Articles on not overloading your children with activities, budgeting now for the holidays and incorporating apples into easy, filling breakfasts
MOSQUE CONTENT: Check out our package of content on the Ground Zero-area mosque controversy.
BLAGOJEVICH CONTENT: Check out our package of content related to the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Editorials, breakouts and opinion content have been added to the package since the verdict.
HEALTH WATCH: Be prepared for emergencies - Weekly health column, with items on preparedness, new research on marrow cells and more.
HEALTHY APP: iPhone app checks products for potentially harmful chemicals - In the quest to minimize toxic exposure, many people have started transitioning to more organic fruits and vegetables, but fewer people think to look for toxins in baby shampoo, cosmetics or toothpaste. By Clare Howard.
SCHOOL SCHEDULES: Get organized for busy school schedules - With a new school year in full swing for some and looming for other families, getting things done will be the major goal — whether it's getting out the door on time in the morning or making sure homework is finished before bedtime. Experts say being organized can help students and their families reach the finish line. By Tamara Browning.
* Localization tip: Add quotes, tips from local parents and experts.
SHOESTRING LIVING: My love-hate relationship with coupons - I love the idea of coupons. They simply allow for money to be saved; a top priority in my book. But try as I might, I can't get into them into certain aspects of my shopping, like the grocery store, where I hate feeling forced to buy things that I don't really want just to save 40 or 50 cents. By Molly Logan Anderson.
JEFF VRABEL: Would you really want me on a jury? Really?! - So I've got jury duty tomorrow (stupid inconvenient Constitution). More effective way to get out of it: Darth Maul costume, or answering every question by quoting Scientology text?
JIM HILLIBISH: After 64 years, not much is new - Just when you think there's nothing newer than today, Jim finds 15 cents' worth of evidence that nothing really has changed.
KEVIN FRISCH: Welcome to the mosquerade - There's no "Ground Zero mosque." Of course, there was also no participation by Iraq in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
PETER COSTA: First day of school - The first day of school for me was always exciting. There were new teachers, new kids and new fears. I discovered, however, that once I located the pencil sharpener, I would be OK.
LORETTA LAROCHE: Hard work is good for you - Real success in staying well mentally and physically is in discovering that the mind and body like effort.
POP CULTURE: Living the dream - a night to remember - I recently experienced one of those rare, exhilarating dreams. I was playing one-on-one against Shaq, and I could do no wrong. Afterward, he was showering me with compliments. By Dennis Volkert.
REEL DEAL: Don't have to be young to take on 'Scott Pilgrim,' but it helps - More so than any film in recent memory your enjoyment of "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" hinges entirely upon what generation you're a part of. It's a nonstop barrage of pop culture references, and it is filled to overflowing with video game throwbacks and comic-book storytelling. It speaks very specifically to one age group; if you were born during the 1980s, you're in the wheelhouse.
IDRIS ELBA: 'Sexy doesn't hurt' British actor Idris Elba - He's the cover guy for the August issues of Ebony and Upscale magazines, and the message board posts call the photos of British actor Idris Elba "steamy," "smoldering" and "yum." However, sitting in a meeting room at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston to promote his latest film "Takers," Elba is more guy next door than sex symbol. He looks like any guy you might see walking around town. Except he's not. He's Stringer Bell – the drug kingpin from "The Wire." He's Mumbles from Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla." And he's the guy who caused the cinematic cat fight between Beyonce and Ali Larter in "Obsessed." By Dan Barbuto.
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD: Christopher Bing illustrates new story of 'Little Red Riding Hood' - In his fifth book, award-winning illustrator Christopher Bing provides multiple versions that show how the heroine of a centuries-old story changed with the times. By Chris Bergeron.
GRANLUND CARTOON: Fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
BRITT CARTOON: What the 'Obama is a Muslim' people believe
JERRY MOORE: Who'll tell these Muslims they can't worship near Ground Zero? - The debate over a proposed Islamic center a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City has raised the question of how appropriate it would be to honor the victims of 9/11 with Muslim religious practices. But the controversy ignores the fact that the victims included those who observe the Islamic faith, and their families should be allowed to express their grief in a manner of their choosing.
AUTO BITS: 5 ways to ensure your older car costs less to keep running - Weekly auto column, with tips on keeping your car in good shape, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.
ON COMPUTERS: $250 for headphones? How much do you want to hear? - Jim Hillibish strapped on the new V-Moda Crossfade headphones, soon forgetting their price.
CHECKOUT LANE: Before buying a mattress, sleep on it - Benjamin Decastro of Cardi's Furniture recommends that you test a mattress before making a purchase. He says to remove your jacket and shoes, and get into your normal sleep position. By Ashlee Fairey.
* Localization tip: Talk to mattress experts in your area and get their quotes and advice; swap out what's in this story, or add to it.