issue 13

8
î ÌßÞÔÛ ÑÚ ÝÑÒÌÛÒÌÍ ×ÍÍËÛ îðïîòïíë ÌØÛ Ì×ÌßÒ×Ý Ð¹ ïóì ÚßÓÑËÍ ÔßÒÜÓßÎÕÍæ ÔÛßÒ×ÒÙ ÌÑÉÛÎ ÑÚ Ð×Íß Ð¹ ëóê ×ÌŽÍ ÌßÈ Ì×ÓÛÿ й éóè Publish a Paper in Your Area WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS? We provide the opportunity for success! Call 1.800.523.3096 (U.S.) 1.866.631.1567 (CAN) www.tidbitsweekly.com TIDBITS® REMEMBERS THE TITANIC by Kathy Wolfe April 14 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. In memoriam, Tidbits brings you the facts and produced by James Cameron. in Belfast, Ireland, the Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time. Nearly 14,000 laborers contributed to her construction, at a cost of nearly $8 million. (Compare this to the cost of making Cameron’s 1997 movie “Titanic,” with a production price tag of over $200 million.) weighed 46,329 tons. Three million rivets held the hull together. On launch day, 44,000 pounds (19,958 kg) of soap, grease and oil were required to slide the massive craft into the water. Twenty-nine boilers fueled the 159 coal-burning furnaces. (34,019 kg) of fresh meat, 11,000 pounds (4,989 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) of butter and 1,500 gallons (6,819 l) of milk. The cupboards were 300 nutcrackers, 6,000 tablecloths and 45,000 napkins. turn the page for more! çÔ±±µ ¿¬ ·¬ ¬¸· ©¿§æ ׺ §±« ¼±²Ž¬ °»²¼ §±«® ¼±´ó ´¿® ±² ¬¸» ×ÎÍô §±«Ž¼ °®±¾¿¾´§ ¶«¬ ¯«¿²¼»® ·¬ ±² º±±´·¸ ¬¸·²¹ô ´·µ» º±±¼ô ®»²¬òŒ óóÝ·²¼§ ß¼¿³ô ÒÇ Ð±¬ò FOR ADVERTISING CALL - 205-552-5502 - WWW.TIDBITSOFHOOVER.COM - JSE MEDIA, LLC Issue 13 The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read April 9, 2012 The excitement is buildi ng! The excitement is building! Linda Collier - Realtor Email: [email protected] 205-356-1280 Office: 205-694-0300 Fax: 205-694-0311 LindaCollierHomes.com Each Keller Williams Realty office is Independently Owned & Operated “Let My Determination Work For You!” SOLD FOR SALE DETAILS ON PAGE 5 OVER 13,000 READERS WEEKLY and growing!

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Publish a Paper in Your AreaWANT TO RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

We provide the opportunity for success!

Call 1.800.523.3096 (U.S.)

1.866.631.1567 (CAN)www.tidbitsweekly.com

TIDBITS® REMEMBERS

THE TITANICby Kathy Wolfe

April 14 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. In memoriam, Tidbits brings you the facts and

produced by James Cameron.

in Belfast, Ireland, the Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time. Nearly 14,000 laborers contributed to her construction, at a cost of nearly $8 million. (Compare this to the cost of making Cameron’s 1997 movie “Titanic,” with a production price tag of over $200 million.)

weighed 46,329 tons. Three million rivets held the hull together. On launch day, 44,000 pounds (19,958 kg) of soap, grease and oil were required to slide the massive craft into the water. Twenty-nine boilers fueled the 159 coal-burning furnaces.

(34,019 kg) of fresh meat, 11,000 pounds (4,989

6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) of butter and 1,500 gallons (6,819 l) of milk. The cupboards were

300 nutcrackers, 6,000 tablecloths and 45,000 napkins.

turn the page for more!

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FOR ADVERTISING CALL - 205-552-5502 - WWW.TIDBITSOFHOOVER.COM - JSE MEDIA, LLC

Issue 13 The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

OVER 4 MILLION

Readers WeeklyNationwide! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2007

FREE

April 9, 2012

The excitement

is building!

The excitement

is building!

Linda Collier - RealtorEmail: [email protected]

205-356-1280O�ce: 205-694-0300Fax: 205-694-0311LindaCollierHomes.com

Each Keller Williams Realty o�ce is Independently Owned & Operated

“Let My Determination Work For You!”

SOLD

FOR SALE

DETAILS ON PAGE 5

OVER

13,000

READERS

WEEKLY

and growing!

Page 2 Tidbits® of Hoover

.

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THE TITANIC (continued):

passengers, only 2,223 people were on board, including millionaire John Jacob Astor, mining magnate Benjamin Guggenheim and Macy’s department store owners Isidor and Ida Straus.

at $4,350, which translates to about $75,000 in today’s money. Second-class fares were $1,750 ($24,000 today), and third class steerage was available for $30, about $350 today. First-class

edged in 22k goldTitanic

consisted of 11 different courses, including raw oysters as an hors d’oeuvre, cream of barley soup, cold asparagus vinaigrette and roast duckling.

struck an iceberg, one estimated at 500,000 tons, with 50 feet (15.2 m) above the water and seven-eighths of its bulk below. Icebergs are typically at their worst during April, because warmer spring temperatures melt the thick ice of the sea that has held the icebergs in

wireless operators received seven telegraphed

message, placed under a paperweight, was never delivered to those on the ship’s bridge.

Titanic encountered was close to 80 miles (128 km) long.

of the more than 2,200 people on board. The death toll was 1,517, of which only 306 bodies were recovered. Although a lifeboat could hold

lifeboats to capacity, 500 more lives could have been saved.

Going paperless is an important part of the Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs “people-focused process and technology-centered improvements” and is supposed to streamline the claims steps and get rid of the backlog.To that end, the VA has made it easier to file a claim online by providing 70 different Disability Benefits Questionnaires covering all types of conditions. Wheth-er it’s cardiovascular, dermatological, endocrinological, gastrointestinal, neurological or something else, there’s a form for it. Additionally, if you don’t have a diagno-sis yet, there’s a section for symptoms that will tell you which form applies to you. You can download it electronically for your doctor, or print out a copy to take in for your doctor to complete. Ideally your doctor will complete the digital question-naire and submit it electronically. The instructions ask that your doctor file the form electronically in case

To Your Good Health By Paul G Donohue M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I don’t remember you addressing this subject, so I thought I would write. In 1997, I had a mild heart attack and went on medicines. Six months later I had another mild incident that led me to angioplasty. Ever since, I have been eating well, exercising and taking all my meds. My cardiologist says I have great collaterals. I have sprouted new vessels for my heart. I thought I should have some kind of intervention, but the doctor says no. Can you discuss autogenesis? Am I related to a starfish? -- R.S.

ANSWER: You’re the first writer ever to use the word

“autogenesis.” If a starfish loses an arm, it grows another -- autogenesis. Humans have the same ability when it comes to blood vessels. They can grow new ones, and do so in many instances. Heart-attack victims often can sprout new arteries. It’s a long process. It doesn’t happen overnight. And it doesn’t happen to all people. Count yourself lucky.The booklet on CAD -- coronary artery disease -- discusses how vessels become plugged and how they are treated. To order a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. ***DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I looked in the mirror this morning and couldn’t believe what I saw. My right eye was bright red. It looked like someone had punched me. When my husband saw it, he asked if he had hit me while he was asleep. He didn’t.It doesn’t hurt. My vision is perfect. My eye looks frightful. Do I need to see a doctor? -- Y.T.

ANSWER: Your question is asked repeatedly. My long-distance guess is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The conjunctiva is a cellophane-like covering of the eye. Beneath it is a network of invisible blood vessels. When one of those delicate vessels breaks, blood covers that part of the eye.Coughing, sneezing or straining causes the breakage. Sometimes it happens for no apparent reason. The eye looks awful, but no real harm is done. The blood is absorbed in about a week. You can hurry it up by putting warm compresses over the closed eye.You need to see a doctor if the eye begins to pain you, if the blood stays for longer than a week or if it happens time and again.***DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Does heartburn cause asthma attacks? It sounds weird to me, but my doctor thinks that’s what causing my breathing problems. He has me on medicines for heartburn. I can’t believe they’ll help. -- J.R.

ANSWER: Your doctor isn’t coming from out of left field. Heartburn can be an asthma trigger. Heartburn is officially called gastroesophageal reflux -- an upward shooting of stomach acid and digestive juices into the esophagus, the swallowing tube. The juices can rise so far up that they leak out of the esophagus and trickle into the bronchi, the airways. That’s what sets off an asthma attack.

Heart-Attack Victims Can Grow New Arteries

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of bad handwriting. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.To find the forms, go online to http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/ and scroll down the right side to Key Transformation Plan Initiatives. The link to the ques-tionnaires are listed there. Note that there is a link on the right side to a video that helps with filing a claim.Read the FAQ to make sure you know the process. One thing that’s common to all three forms is this statement: “VA will not pay or reimburse any expenses or costs incurred in the process of completing and/or submitting a DBQ.”As usual, the devil is in the details. In the instruction section for doctors it says that the time to complete each form “varies from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the form and the conditions covered.”Is your private doctor going to be willing to do that?

Disability Benefits Claims Now Online

In less than a year, all Social Security payments will be made electronically. Ninety percent of us who receive benefits already get them that way. The remaining 10 percent are being asked to make the change now and not wait until the last minute.

The deadline is March 1, 2013, and applies to more than just Social Security. Veterans, railroad retirees, Social Security Income recipients and those who receive Office of Personnel Management benefits are included. It’s said that going paperless will save the government $1 billion over 10 years.

We can choose how we’ll receive our money -- either direct deposit to our existing bank account or a Direct Express debit card. So which should you pick? If you have a bank account, the money will be automatically deposited each month.

If you don’t have a bank account, the money will appear each month on the Direct Express debit card. It can be used like a regular debit card, but you only get one ATM withdrawal each period, and there can be fees for other services. You’ll also need to remember your Personal Identification Number (PIN) when you use the card.

When you’re ready to make the switch to electronic payments, you can do it either online [www.GoDirect.org] or by phone at 1-800-333-1795. If you want to sign up for the debit card, you’ll need your Social Security number or claim number, 12-digit federal benefit-check number and the amount of your most recent federal benefit check. If you want direct deposit to your bank account, you’ll need your bank’s routing transit number (the numbers on your personal check), account number and type of account, either checking or saving.

Benefit Payments Going Paperless

The Consumer Federation of America has a new website designed to help reduce identity theft. IDTheftInfo.org is packed with consumer, business and victim resources, as well as the latest news and a section on shopping for iden-tity-theft services.One section on the website explores how well you guard your personally identifying information (PII), even some-thing as simple as your library card. If you were to lose the card, you might not be too concerned as it’s not something

connected with your bank account. But if someone checks out and doesn’t return (in effect, steals) books or videos un-der your name, you’re responsible for the monetary dam-ages. ID Theft Info suggests making a “PII Chart” to document the identity relations we have with companies and individu-als. Who has our name, address, phone number and email address? A security breach in one area can lead to other areas also being breached, and it need not be associated only with financial transactions. Homeowner associations, frequent-flier clubs and churches can all have pieces of our personal information that can be put together.Some suggestions:Use a Post Office box for miscellaneous mail such as club newsletters and church bulletins; disable the GPS photo function on your smartphone; and use only one credit card for online purchases. Don’t sign up with your real name on public Internet sites. Work to limit the amount of informa-

tion in each section of your PII Chart.When you go to the doctor and fill out the forms, leave out your Social Security number. Ask if you can substitute another form of identification.Don’t use public charging stations or anyone else’s com-puter for your cell phone, and don’t let anyone else hook their phone to your computer. Data-stealing malware could be transferred from one to the other. Are you a potential victim of identity theft? Assess your risk with an online test. The higher the score, the bigger your risk. Big point items (indicating a larger risk) are questions about whether you’ve ordered your credit report in the last two years, posted your outgoing mail at home in an unlocked mailbox or failed to scrutinize your monthly bank and credit-card statements.Look around the ID Theft Info website. The more you know, the less likely you’ll become a victim of identity theft.

Don’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft

Page 3For Advertising Call 205-515-5288

For FREE estimatescall 833-­6681

Many homes have experienced water infiltration into or under the foundation due to improper water discharge from the down spouts. Before you spend thousands of dollars on expensive waterproofing, allow us to evaluate and correct the water discharge.

For home owners who no longer wish to spend the time or risk of injury cleaning the house gutters LEAF FILTER offers a maintenance agreement on gutter cleaning or Leaf Filter gutter protection, rated #1 by Consumer report magazine. All work is warranted two years on labor and lifetime money back if Leaffilter is installed.

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Our services includes installation of new 5”, 6” and half-round

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In addition to new gutters, we make repairs to existing gutters.

LEAF FILTER specializes in wood and vinyl

siding repair or replacement to the overhang (Soffit & Fascia) of the home.

1. Is the book of David in the Old or New Testament or neither?2. From 1 Kings 20, how many kings came with Ben-Hadad against King Ahab? 2, 4, 7, 32 3. Which has 1, 2 and 3 books, as in first, second and third? Kings, Corinthians, Peter, John4. What part of David’s mighty men could run like gazelles? Revlons, Gadites, Madaites, Henochs5. From Judges 20, what tribe had 700 left-handed men? Benjamites, Samarians, Pharisees, Sadducees6. Which priest took the first census of the He-brews? Eleazar, Melchizedek, Ehud, Jabin

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes as they were intended to taste! Just fill your slow cooker and forget about it until dinnertime. What could be easier?

3 cups diced extra-lean ham6 1/2 cups thinly sliced cooked potatoes1 cup diced onion1 1/2 cups shredded, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat cream of celery soup2 tablespoons fat-free half and half1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1. Spray a slow-cooker container with butter-flavored cook-ing spray. Layer half of the ham, half of the potatoes, half the onions and half the cheese in prepared container. Repeat layers.2. In a small bowl, combine celery soup, half and half and parsley flakes. Spoon soup mixture evenly over top of potato mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. Mix well be-fore serving. Makes 8 (1 cup) servings.

¥ Each serving equals: About 230 calories, 6g fat, 18g pro-tein, 26g carb., 876mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchang-es: 2 1/2 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch.

On April 20, 1841, Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” first appears in Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Magazine. It is generally considered to be the first detective story. Like the later Sherlock Holmes stories, the tale is nar-rated by the detective’s roommate.

On April 22, 1889, at precisely high noon, thousands of would-be settlers make a mad dash into the newly opened Oklahoma Territory to claim cheap land. All told, from 50,000 to 60,000 settlers entered the ter-ritory that day. Towns like Norman, Oklahoma City, Kingfisher and Guthrie sprang into being almost over-night.

On April 21, 1918, in the skies over France, Man-fred von Richthofen, the notorious German flying ace known as “The Red Baron” with 80 victories under his belt, is killed by Allied fire. He was 25 years old.

On April 17, 1937, Daffy Duck makes his debut in the Warner Bros. short “Porky’s Duck Hunt.” In the 1920s, movie houses had started showing a short car-toon before feature presentations, but the form became more popular after sound was introduced in 1928.

On April 16, 1947, in Texas City’s port on Galveston Bay, a fire aboard the French freighter Grandcamp ig-nites ammonium nitrate, causing a massive blast that destroys much of the city and takes nearly 600 lives. The fire department tried to douse the flames, but the ship was so hot that the water from their fire hoses was instantly vaporized.

On April 19, 1957, the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, Mass., presents its first showing of “Casablanca,” in-troducing a new generation to Humphrey Bogart, who had died months earlier. Bogart had been wounded aboard a Navy ship during World War 1. His upper lip was scarred and partially paralyzed, giving him the tough-guy poker face and slight lisp that characterized his acting.

On April 18, 1983, Joan Benoit wins her second Bos-ton Marathon in the women?s division with a time of 2:22:43. The inaugural Boston Marathon was run on Apr. 19, 1897, and was a men-only event until 1972, when women were officially allowed to compete.

Tidbits® of Hoover Page 4

from “Property Virgins”? -- Cindy K., via e-mailA: Sandra decided to leave the show after 130 successful episodes to start her new show, “Buy Herself,” which begins airing this month on HGTV Canada, and she hopes for a U.S. HGTV pickup soon. Rinomato stated on her Facebook page: “For the first time in history, a significant number of women are buying real estate on their own, taking charge of their financial situations. ... Women buying real estate is not a fad; it’s history in the making, and I am very proud to be a part of it on TV.”

Q: What has Christopher Judge been doing since playing Teal’c in the “Stargate” series? -- Henry F., MiamiA: Christopher has been doing a lot of voice work in video games and animation, as well as a few guest-starring turns here and there on shows like “NCIS: Los Angeles.” This summer, he is set to appear in “The Dark Knight Rises,” which premieres July 20, and is sure to be summer 2012’s runaway blockbuster.

1. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Who once said, “He who laughs last has not yet heard the bad news”?2. MONEY: What is the basic unit of currency in India?3. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin term “gratis” mean?4. MEASUREMENTS: A year must be divisible by what number to be a leap year?5. GOVERNMENT: Who was the first black female U.S. senator?6. EXPLORERS: Who was the first European ex-plorer to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean (1513), after crossing the Isthmus of Panama?7. ANCIENT WORLD: What were the common people of ancient Rome called?8. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Lithuania?9. SCIENCE: What is the name of the historical pe-riod in which dinosaurs lived?10. MYTHOLOGY: What was Pygmalion’s profes-sion?

opportunities out there.”One of those opportunities is promoting his new movie, which he stars in and co-wrote, called “Should Have Been Romeo.” It was selected to the Newport Beach Film Festival in the featured slot the first weekend of the festival. “We’re real excited about that,” Paul enthused. “They’re focusing the whole event around our movie that first weekend. So, on the heels of this, there’s the last season of ‘In Plain Sight,’ which is something that’s going to be really extraordi-nary. Especially the last few episodes; they’re just phenomenal.”

Q: Was “Terra Nova” canceled? -- Mary D., via e-mailA: Despite decent ratings and strong international sales of the sci-fi/fantasy series, Fox decided not to renew “Terra Nova” for a second season. However, 20th Century Fox, which produces the series, is shopping the show around to other networks, and hopefully it can be picked up in time for a fall premiere somewhere else (Syfy, are you listening?).

Q: I am a huge fan of HGTV. What happened to Sandra Rinomato

Q: A few weeks ago you mentioned the return of USA’s “Fairly Legal,” which I do enjoy, but I was hoping for some spoilers for the show that airs right after that, “In Plain Sight.” -- Vail K., via e-mailA: I do happen to have some “In Plain Sight” info for you, as I recently spoke with series co-star Paul Ben-Victor, who portrays chief inspector Stan McQueen. For Paul, the end of the series is bittersweet, as he explained: “There’s definitely a sense of loss and there’s a sadness there. We had become a family and have gotten even closer, especially over this past year. There’s a real warmth and love on the set. I’m really looking forward to this final season, because while playing Stan McQueen has been great, I’m looking forward to spreading my wings, and there are some very exciting

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THE TITANIC (continued):

management ditched the idea, claiming the deck would “look too cluttered.”

Titanic that caused her to sink; rather the force of the impact caused the steel rivets to pop, buckling the steel plates of the hull. Based on the ship’s speed of about 22 knots, if the iceberg had been sighted only 30 seconds sooner, the collision

to 1.516 mph (2.44 km/h), 22 knots was close to the highest speed the ship had ever reached.

Titanic to sink after striking the iceberg. The ship that responded immediately to the distress calls was the Carpathia, 58 miles (93 km) away. Unfortunately, it took four hours for the ship to reach the Titanic. The Carpathia carried the 700-plus survivors into New York harbor, where the ship was met by over 40,000 people.

drowned in the 28º F (-2º C) water, where

James Cameron produced his 1997 movie blockbuster, he instructed cast members on the stages of hypothermia in order to make their scenes more realistic. Cameron advised his cast, “It’s supposedly a very peaceful feeling.”

claimed. Those unclaimed were buried in

after safely navigating the Titanic to New York

Networking Group Up and Running In Hoover!

Most businesses obtain their best customers as the result of referrals from friends and exist-ing customers, and most small businesses get more than 70% of their business through word of mouth. Given the low expense of referral marketing, this business strategy particularly pays off in slow economic times. Studies have shown that referred customers are both more profitable and loyal than customers generated though other forms of advertising. Having a structured group of referral partners can greatly increase a business’ referral base.

A group of professionals have formed a net-working group in Hoover for the sole purpose of passing referrals to each other. The group is meeting every Wednesday at 7:30am at the Wynfrey. Only one person per industry category is allowed in the group. Email Craig Edmonds ([email protected]) for more information.

Page 5For Advertising Call (205) 552-5502

Flying your pet, or with your pet, is a common activity and a common worry for pet owners. Some pet websites list airlines with pet travel policies, such as dogfriendly.com, which recently updated its list. Most interesting is the newly launched airline, Pet Airways (http://www.petairways.com/), which doesn’t fly people at all -- just pets (with a human attendant on board to monitor and care for them). No matter how you decide to get Snoops across the country, follow a few important steps when transporting him. Make sure his carrier is sturdy and comfortable and includes his favorite toys and blanket. Don’t feed him less than five hours before his flight. Give him water two hours before the flight. If you aren’t confident in the airline’s ability to transport him, consider leaving him with a sitter or at a pet hotel until you return.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I have to take a trip across the country in about a month, and I hate the thought of leaving my dog “Snoops” alone, even with a house sitter stopping by. I don’t want to put him into a cargo crate and ship him to where I’m going. Can I sneak my dog on board the airplane instead? -- Sign me “Shhhh” in Little Rock, Ark.

DEAR SHHHH: Why sneak your dog aboard? Some airlines allow very small dogs -- those that can fit into a handheld carrier that fits beneath the airline seat in front of you -- to fly with their owner. Check with your airline about this option, any additional fees, rules and restrictions well before your flight. Under no circumstances should you try to sneak your dog into the passenger cabin. You will be found out, and the complications of your trip will multiply exponentially.

Flying With Your PetBy Samantha Mazzotta

Kids ZoneSponsored byThe Birmingham Newswith inflatables, games, entertainment, Birmingham Zoo animal exhibit, Framin’ Shoppe & Parent Teacher Store crafts, Michael’s Crafts, UAB men’s soccer demonstrations, cotton candy, face painting and more!

Car showSponsored by The Birmingham News

All show car owners invited to display your car.

Saturday,May 5, 2012(May 6th – Rain Date)

1:30 – 5:30 pm

Veterans Parkon Valleydale

Parking atSpain Park High School

with shuttle service

Celebrate Hoover Day

FREETO THE PUBLIC

FREEBlue BellIce Cream

Large exhibitor

pavilion

H Complimentary apple pie baked by Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute

H Appearances by Dora, Diego & the BackyardigansH American Red Cross Blood Drive H Complimentary mini-services by Aveda InstituteH Document destruction provided by CintasH E-cycling provided by Technical Knock Out

NEW!Pony rides • Petting zoo

1:30 pmVeterans Memorial Plaza Dedication Ceremonyincluding Iwo JimaRe-enactment

Thanks to our media sponsors:

Live Entertainmentfeaturing Lard Bucket Bluegrass Band

For more informationvisit www.hooveral.org

or call 444-7500

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THE TITANIC (continued):Titanic was discovered in

miles (644 km) off the coast of Newfoundland, 1,191 miles (1,917 km) from New York City, 12,460 feet (3,798 m) below the ocean’s surface. The bow and the stern were 1,970 feet

more than 20,000 photos were shot in four days.

the actual wreckage site to conduct research

footage from these trips, shot on location. A

17 million gallons of water. A hydraulic lift was used to tilt the tank and raise and lower the ship.

including Mrs. John Jacob Astor’s lifebelt, a menu from the dining room, a deck chair and a piece of wood from a lifeboat.

where they had family and friends. Millvina, along with her mother and brother, were some

not survive. Millvina was also the last living survivor, passing away in May 2009, at the

Southampton dock, where the Titanic had been launched. Strangely enough, her brother died on the 80th anniversary of the sinking.

Tidbits® of Hoover Page 6

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On

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Page 7For Advertising Call (205) 552-5502

¥ It was Scottish author and historian Thomas Carlyle who made the following sage observation: “The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.”

¥ If you’re planning to travel to Washington state with nefarious plans, here’s an interesting law to keep in mind: Any motorist with criminal intent is required to stop before entering a town and inform the chief of police of his or her presence.

¥ Are you more afraid of lightning or sharks? If you look at the numbers, it makes more sense to fear lightning; more than three times as many people

die from lightning strikes than do so in shark attacks.

¥ The acids in your digestive system are so corrosive that your stomach must produce an entirely new lining every three days.

¥ As the Black Plague was sweeping Europe during the Middle Ages, some people, for reasons surpassing understanding, believed that plague victims could cure themselves by smelling human waste.

¥ It was in 1893 that the zipper was invented, and it was originally intended to be used in shoes.

¥ If you’re familiar with the Disney film “Cinderella,” you might be surprised to learn some details about the Grimm brothers’ version of the folktale. In their story, Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters are so desperate to marry the prince that they mutilate their feet in order to try to make them fit in the slipper (which, in the Grimm version, is made of gold, not glass). Also, at the wedding of Cinderella and her prince, the stepsisters’ eyes are plucked out by pigeons.

Thought for the Day: “The tax which will be paid for education is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests, and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people to ignorance.” -- Thomas Jefferson

IT’S TAX TIME!As the annual income tax deadline draws near, here are some facts about this dreaded subject! • Folks have been paying taxes in some form since ancient times. The first written records date back to Egypt, when grain, livestock or oils were used as payment.• In American colonial times, the mother country England taxed its colonists on nearly everything, from news-papers, playing cards and documents to paper, paint and tea. The famous Boston Tea Party occurred in 1773, when 116 colonists dressed up as Native Americans and boarded three ships anchored in Boston Harbor. The ships’ entire cargo of tea was thrown overboard, 90,000 pounds (40,823 kg) of tea in 342 crates. The value in today’s money would be equal to about $1 million.•After the American Revolutionary War, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton needed a way to pay off the debt created by the war. His solution was the instigation of a “sin tax,” a tax on those items viewed by society as immoral. The Whiskey Tax of 1791 levied a 28-percent tax on every gallon of whiskey. In 1794, it was expanded to other “luxuries,” such as carriages, sugar, snuff and salt.• When the War of 1812 incurred more debt, the government initiated taxes on gold, silverware, jewelry and watches, an act that remained in place for five years. When that tax was repealed, the government relied on tariffs on imported goods to fund the country.• The nation’s first actual income tax was implemented to fund the Civil War in 1862. Those earning annual income between $800 and $10,000 paid income taxes of 3 percent, while those above $10,000 paid a higher rate. The inheritance tax was also introduced. The office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue was established the same year. But the income tax was repealed once the debt had been eliminated. •The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913 gave Congress “power to lay and collect taxes on in-comes” on a permanent basis. The first Form 1040 was created that year. Because of generous exemptions and deductions, in 1913, less than 1 percent of citizens paid income tax at the rate of 1 percent of net income. • In 1913, the U.S. tax code manual consisted of 400 pages. Forty years later it was 14,000 pages. Another 40 years brought the document to 26,300 pages. It seems to be getting much more complicated as the years go by — the 2011 tax code contained 72,536 pages! • The complexity of the system has grown a lot since that first Form 1040. In 1990, there were 402 various IRS tax forms. By 2002, that number had jumped to 526, and today there are more than 800 different forms. • Most of us complain about our taxes, but some just plain refuse to comply. Movie star Wesley Snipes began serving a three-year prison sentence in December 2010 for failing to file tax returns, in debt to the government for $17 million. The government seized the assets of singer Willie Nelson to collect the $16 million in back taxes he owed. Baseball great Pete Rose failed to claim income from his autograph signings and spent five months in prison for this oversight. In 1973, the political career of Vice President Spiro Agnew ended when he resigned after being charged with tax evasion.

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