yankee shopper

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We Don’t Sell Advertising… We Sell Results! Yankee Shopper www.yankeeshopperonline.com March 3, 2011 editorial email [email protected] advertising email [email protected] Editorial Deadline: 20th at noon the month before publication. Classified Deadline: March 21, 2011 Display Deadline: March 21, 2011 Guide to the Inside Crossword......................... Page 11 Business & Services ........... Page 4 Classifieds ........................... Page 5 Real Estate ........................ Page 15 Auto ................................... Page 14 Help Wanted..................... Page 16 ���������������� ������Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. Programming credits apply during first 12 months. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Showtime offer ($39 value) requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. DISH Platinum offer requires qualifying HD programming, AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months you must choose to continue subscription. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 5/17/11. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. ��(Valid on qualifying packages only.) ��������

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Yankee Shopper, 3/11

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Page 1: Yankee Shopper

We Don’t Sell Advertising… We Sell Results!

YankeeShopperwww.yankeeshopperonline.com

March 3, 2011

editorial [email protected]

advertising [email protected]

Editorial Deadline:20th at noon

the month before publication.

Classified Deadline:March 21, 2011

Display Deadline:March 21, 2011

Guide to the Inside

Crossword ......................... Page 11

Business & Services ........... Page 4

Classifieds ........................... Page 5

Real Estate ........................ Page 15

Auto ................................... Page 14

Help Wanted ..................... Page 16

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Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. Programming credits apply during first 12 months. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Showtime offer ($39 value) requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. DISH Platinum offer requires qualifying HD programming, AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months you must choose to continue subscription. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 5/17/11. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company.

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Page 2: Yankee Shopper

2 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

�������������800.234.1432

Fax 802.447.3270Classified 800.234.1432

editorial [email protected]

advertising [email protected]

Renee Tassone, General ManagerLinda Devlin, Circulation Manager

Carrie Devlin, Advertising SalesLinday Perry, Advertising Sales

Sarah Masiero, Advertising SalesMelissa Miller, Art Director

Jen Hathaway, ArtistChris Sobolowski, Artist

Editorial Deadline*:20th of month prior

Classified Deadline*:20th of month prior

Display Deadline*:20th of month prior

*Deadlines will change due to Holidays. See special deadline notices

published before major holidays.

Submission Guidelines: Those wishing to submit event listings or editorial content may email [email protected].

Notice: The Yankee Shopper will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise, or reject any and all advertising, with or without cause being assigned, which in the publisher’s judgement is contrary to the interests of this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessar-ily those of the publisher.

©2010, Hersam Acorn Newspapers. All contents of the Yankee Shopper are copyrighted, and any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Martin Hersam, Chief Operating OfficerThomas B. Nash, Publisher

Manager’s MemoHopefully you read my article last month about me seeing a holistic

doctor for nutrition purposes. I mentioned there was one other thing I did which I was going to talk about this month. That is hypnosis; I got hypnotized to lose weight. Not sure how many of you have ever been hypnotized but this was nothing like I have ever seen on television. It was a group session with about 40 people and lasted about 3 hours. The first half was all about educating us on nutrition and how our bodies work, what happens when we eat and when we starve ourselves. It focused on how sugar and carbohydrates affect our bodies and why we should eat 5-6 small meals a day versus 2 or 3 large ones. The speaker didn’t just

tell us what we should do, he explained in detail what happens if we don’t do it. I was an aerobics instructor and personal trainer for 12 years and I learned things that I did not know. It was very informative and easy to understand. The speaker did a nice job breaking everything down.

The second half was the hypnosis part of the program. This is the part I couldn’t wait for, I had never been hyp-notized before so I had no idea what to expect. Before he started he had all of us write down our ideal weight (which I refuse to disclose), then we had to draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On one side we had to write, “Cut back” at the top and list the foods or habits we wanted to cut back on. I put down chips, beer and chocolate. On the other side we had to write, “Cut out” at the top and list the foods or habits we wanted to cut out completely. I listed pasta and bread because my holistic doctor told me I have a huge problem with carbohydrates, my body does not process them well. Even though I am gluten free I was eating a lot of gluten free pasta and bread because I am a carbo-holic. You will also notice that I did not put beer on this side of the page, I was too nervous to say I wanted to cut it out completely. Then we had to imagine something really disgusting, something that made us feel sick just thinking about it. So for me it was worms. I thought of these dark, muddy worms squirming everywhere.

Then the hypnosis started. The lights went dim, the speaker’s voice went quiet and he took us on this long journey. At first I had a hard time not breaking out in laughter, but within a few moments I felt myself go com-pletely under. Even though I was under, I remember the entire process, the things I imagined and the things he spoke about. He kept us under for 45 minutes, which didn’t even feel like 10 minutes. When I woke up it was like waking up from a really sound sleep. Everyone in that room said they went under hypnosis that night, which was amazing.

So far, I am pleased with the results. I have cut back on beer, chocolate and chips and I have not had any pasta or bread in 5 weeks. Actually, every time I even think about pasta and bread I feel sick to my stomach, I have no desire to eat either one. I automatically think of muddy, dark, squirmy worms. I have lost a total of 12 pounds and I think both the hypnosis and the holistic doctor contributed to the weight loss. I still have a long way to go but at least some progress has been made. I will continue to work hard because I want to be successful with my New Year’s resolution! I hope you are all doing well with yours.

This month check out our Meet the Merchants section, our advertisers liked it so much last month they asked us to do another one this month. It gives our advertisers a chance to describe who they are and what they do. Remember, please tell them you saw their ad in the Yankee Shopper and Berkshire Pennysaver.

As always we encourage your feedback. Feel free to send us your press releases to [email protected] or [email protected]. Check us out online at www.ishopberkshires.com.

Renee Tassone, General Manager

Renee Tassone, General Manager

Page 3: Yankee Shopper

March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 3

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Page 4: Yankee Shopper

4 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

■ FROM MY CORNER ■

...washboard express...

Every road in to and out of Hoosick Falls is in the condition of a beat up washboard. You’re taking the life of your car in your hands if you drive over 30 MPH on any of these roads. Monday morning a fellow in a pickup truck passed me on a back road. I was only going about 25 in a 40 MPH zone. The reason for such slow progress was that I know where all the lifts, dips and dumps are located. I watched as he hit one. It was not a pretty sight. He bounced up to the roof of the cab and just as fast was slammed down into his seat. I’ll bet that hurt! I’ll tell you one thing. It slowed him down.

I’m afraid that if I go over these roads much longer, my car will — just break apart with me sitting in it holding onto the steering wheel and a startled look on my face. It would be my car’s version of Hympty Dumpty, and no AAA mechanic would be able to put it together again.

This morning I thought I’d give the car a little respite and went the long way out of town taking Hill Road to Route 7. Hill Road had some of the same frost heave issues as other back roads. Big dips and dumps. I was braking all the time. Workers from the Town of Hoosick were filling potholes on Route 7 so in addition to stopping for one-lane traffic, I had to drive through loose tar and stone. I didn’t save any time and my car had to suffer the gunk.

The highway departments in Rensselaer, Albany and Washington Counties are always out there patching holes but the roads are almost never properly repaired. A portion of Johnson Hill Road was upgraded last summer and it’s now the only stretch of the road that’s passable.

All of us face these problems every winter, but the roads seem a tad bit worse this year. Maybe it’s because my car and I are getting a little older. I sort of feel like patting my car on its fender and telling it that things will be better. I take it to the car wash just about every week to wash the salt off it’s wounds.

Poor thing...

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Page 5: Yankee Shopper

March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 5

(ARA) - The temperatures are warming up and the snow is melting away. It can only mean one thing: The traditional spring cleaning season is right around the corner. In addition to cleaning your home, you might want to consider giving your PC a spring scrub-down as well. Cleaning your PC can help it run faster and more efficiently and improve your overall computing experience.

If you have a Windows-based PC, kick start your spring cleaning with the following tips and tricks:

• Remove unused programs to boost startup speed Getting rid of unused programs from your computer is the equiva-lent to clearing all the junk in your garage that you never use. Removing programs will free disk space and help your PC start much faster. To uninstall programs, go to the Start menu, click the Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, and finally select the programs you would like to remove.

• Run Microsoft Update Go to update.microsoft.com to ensure you have the latest security and performance enhancements installed.

• Upgrade your browser Keeping your Internet browser up-to-date is important, since brows-ing the Web is how most people spend the majority of time on their PCs. Modern browsers provide the most secure browsing experience and often protect customers from the newest security issues. The newest browsers are also optimized to display Web pages rapidly, which means you get to your favorite content more quickly. Most PCs offer an automatic update service that will alert you when the browser you are running needs to updated. Visit www.microsoft.com/ie to download the latest version of the most secure browser.

• Install antivirus software that won’t slow you down Running antivirus protection is a smart way to improve your PC protec-tion, but some antivirus programs can really impact the performance of your PC, or may interrupt what you are doing to run scans at inconvenient times. So choose antivirus software that uses your processor and memory efficiently, and runs quietly in the background when you have important things to do. Microsoft Security Essentials is a great, free option.The rules of maintaining a home and PC upkeep are similar: cut down

on the junk, keep it organized and up-to-date, make sure it is secure and perform regular maintenance. These quick, simple tips and tricks will keep your PC running smoothly and efficiently all year long.

Prepare For Spring: Cleaning Up Your PC To Maximize Efficiency

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CLASSIFIEDS

Page 6: Yankee Shopper

6 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

Meet The Merchants

(ARA) - Travel has changed quite a bit since our ancestors first picked up and moved from one camp to the next. Back then, travel was for the purpose of commerce, trade and survival. It took explor-ers to new lands to meet new people and bring back un-imaginable riches. The expe-rience of traveling then was clearly very different from our travel today. Now, people are able to travel hundreds, even thousands of miles to see loved ones, for business or to explore a new destination.

More recently, our ability to stay connected while away from home has improved greatly. We create and demand access to information more now than ever before. As we travel, we need to be able to connect with co-work-ers, chat with friends and family, or even find a great spot to eat. The

Internet allows us to do all these things, and more. With the proliferation of smartphones and ultra mobile Internet-enabled laptops and tablets,

we want to have access every-where, not just coffee shops and the office. Now, we can connect when using popular modes of travel.

Connecting on the flyWhile Internet kiosks have

been a staple in airports for quite some time, many airlines now offer in-flight wireless ca-pabilities. If staying connected is important to you, check with the airline to see what options they provide and at what cost be-fore buying your boarding pass.

If you travel frequently, investing in an easily portable netbook or tablet is a great way to take advantage of these increased connectivity options. If you’re looking for a new mobile computer, machines pow-

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: How to Stay Connected On The Go

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Page 7: Yankee Shopper

March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 7

Meet The MerchantsPlanes, Trains and Automobiles: How to Stay Connected On The Go

ered by Intel Atom processors allow for seamless connection to wireless networks and the performance you need in a small package.

Intelligent trainsWireless connectivity is also becoming a reality on the rails. Amtrak

recently launched free wireless service on its Acela high-speed rail line through the major cities in the northeast. In the past decade, a number of stations on the east coast have also added free wireless service. While wireless may eventually make its way to all Amtrak trains, travelers who frequent trains without the service may wish to buy a device with wire-less Internet capabilities for increased possibilities of connectivity.

Wireless technology has also played a role in how trains operate. In the U.S. more than 1.3 million railcars are in service, according to the Association of American Railroads. Keeping all those trains rolling is quite an undertaking. The current system, using radio frequency iden-tification (RFID) technology for identifying trains and railcars as they roll past a fixed point, is aging and does not fit the current need for real-time monitoring. New wireless sensor networks powered by the Intel Atom processor and gateway devices provide live, detailed tracking data in railway cars.

On the roadTechnology has also changed the way we travel in our automobiles.

GPS devices have eliminated the need for cumbersome maps, or scribbling down or printing direc-tions before you leave. Intelligent applications on smartphones also help you identify nearby restau-rants and other roadside attrac-tions.

Technology could also change the way we drive. Researchers are working on cars that will capture information about vehicle speed, steer-ing and breaking along with video footage from inside and outside the vehicle to make driving safer. Camera systems can recognize street signs and alert the driver to changing conditions or rules. It could also then take over control of the car if the driver attempts to drive into danger.

“The intelligent vehicle is what we are talking about here. Once a car is connected, more or less on a continuous basis, all sorts of interest-ing possibilities present themselves,” says Justin Rattner, director of Intel Laboratories and chief technology officer.

To learn more about staying connected on the go and transportation technology, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/atom.

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Page 8: Yankee Shopper

8 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

(ARA) - At the end of 2010, 14.5 million people were unemployed and many more were out of work at one time or another throughout the year. In preparing 2010 tax returns, people who’ve been unemployed should make sure they are getting every available tax break they deserve and preparing their taxes correctly.

“Being out of work is stressful enough. Not knowing if you’re getting all the tax breaks you should, or being concerned you’re going to make mistakes that may cost you, just adds to the stress,” says Gary Lundberg a tax software professional with CompleteTax. CompleteTax is an online tax software program offering free federal tax preparation for people who were unemployed during 2010.

He offers these tax tips to help people who have been unemployed.1. Understand what your tax responsibilities are. People who are out

of work are still responsible for filing a tax return and paying income taxes. This includes taxes on unemployment benefits or severance ben-efits they may have received.

Many people incorrectly believe that simply being out of work means they do not have to prepare a tax return or pay taxes, according to a nation-wide survey conducted by CompleteTax of more than 1,000 taxpayers.

“Even though you still have to file a tax return, your income is likely lower than in previous years, so there’s a good chance you may have a refund coming,” says Lundberg.

2. Make sure to get all the tax breaks you deserve. Being out of work may allow people to take advantage of several credits and deductions. For example, certain job-search expenses can be deducted if you’re looking for a job in your current profession. These include:

* Travel for job interviews

* Printing and mailing resumes* Outplacement firm feesHowever, the CompleteTax survey found that many taxpayers also

incorrectly believe they can deduct haircuts or clothes necessary for job interviews, a home office to use in their job search and classes to learn new skills outside their trade.

Many taxpayers also mistakenly believe that simply being out of work allows them to deduct their health care costs. While in some instances, people who are unemployed can deduct their health care costs, other criteria also must be met.

“You want to make sure you know what you can and can’t claim. By using a tax program that includes resources to help you make those decisions, you can be confident you’re completing your taxes accurately and getting the maximum tax refund you deserve,” says Lundberg.

3. Look for affordable tax prep and file as soon as possible. People using online tax preparation programs can often prepare and file their tax returns for less than $70. People who are out of work may be able to file for considerably less. For example, Lundberg notes, CompleteTax offers free federal tax preparation for people who were unemployed during 2010.

People who were out of work also want to file as early as possible. “If you were unemployed, you’ll especially want your refund as soon as possible,” says Lundberg. “If you e-file and choose direct deposit, you could have your money in as few as eight days.”

For more tips on tax preparation and to read the nationwide survey on unemployment and taxes go to www.CompleteTax.com.

Unemployed Last Year? How to Get the Tax Breaks You Deserve

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TAX SERVICE

The Bennington County Relay For Life Committee would like to thank Dusty and the Bennington Pizza Hut Staff for all their hard work at the fundraising event held February 16. Pizza Hut will be donating 20 percent of the proceeds from that evening to the Relay For Life event. We would also like to thank the many customers who participated.

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March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 9

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For Your Cat’s Sake, Make The Pledge Not to Scrap in 2011

(ARA) - Cats are known for their independent nature. However, as with every pet, they depend on their pet parents to make the important decisions affecting their well-being, including their diets.

While most pet lovers have good intentions when car-ing for their feline friends, there are still misconceptions as to what are considered healthy choices, particularly when it comes to feeding their cats. According to a survey conducted by the makers of 9Lives cat food, nearly 50 percent of all feline pet parents admit to feeding their cat table scraps. This com-mon, innocent misstep can lead to difficulties when it comes to a cat’s nutritional needs.

Pet parents know the impor-tance of making sure their pet is included as part of the family, but unfortunately that leads them to feed their cats from their own plates. It could be detrimental to cats’ health to not only consume human food, but to be fed straight from the table, without measuring their portions. Foods like avoca-dos, raisins, and onions can even be poisonous for your cat, accord-ing to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.

To receive nutritional advice and additional information on the right food for your cat, visit www.9Lives.com.

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10 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

(ARA) - Knowing fact from fiction can make the difference between misery and relief for millions of spring allergy suf-ferers.

“People often sneeze and wheeze through spring if they use misinfor-mation to manage

their condition,” says allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But no one should suffer from spring allergies. Knowing the facts, getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment allows allergy patients to feel good all season long.”

The ACAAI - whose allergist members specialize in treating allergies and asthma - dispels several common spring allergy myths.

Myth: Over-the-counter (OTC, or nonprescription) oral antihistamines are just as effective as prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.Fact: OTC antihistamines can help control some allergy symptoms, but they have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or the inflammation

that often occurs with allergies. They also can cause drowsiness. Allergists can prescribe more effective anti-inflammatory medica-tions as well as find the source of suffering, rather than just treat the symptoms.Myth: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are addictive.Fact: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not technically addictive. However, people who overuse them may think they are because they need more and more to get relief from the congestion. To combat this, OTC decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used more than three days in a row. Also, an allergist can prescribe a nasal spray con-taining a steroid, which may be more effective and is not addictive.Myth: Allergy shots require too much time and are more expensive than taking medicine to relieve symptoms.Fact: Depending on how bothersome the allergies are, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may actually save money and improve quality of life. In fact, a recent study showed that immunotherapy reduced total health care costs in children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by one-third, and prescription costs by 16 percent. The shots are similar to a vaccine, exposing the recipient to a tiny bit of allergen at a time, to

Spring Allergy Sufferers: Be wary of Treatment Myths

continued on page 11

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March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 11

build up a tolerance to it. As tolerance increases, allergy symptoms will be significantly lessened and may even go away. That can save sick days and money spent at the drug store.Myth:A blood test is the best way to diagnose allergies.Fact: Actually, skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests. In skin allergy testing, the skin on the inside of the arms or the back is pricked with a tiny bit of an allergen. If the person is allergic, the site will become

red and swollen within 20 minutes and usually clear in an hour or two. Skin testing is very safe when performed by an allergist, even in infants and young children. But no single test alone provides the entire picture. Sufferers should see an allergist, who is trained in diag-nosing and treating allergies.

To learn more about allergies and asthma, take a relief test or find an allergist, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

Spring Allergy Sufferers: Be wary of Treatment Myths

continued from page 10

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12 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

Every March individuals tap into their inner Irish and celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Myth and fact have melded over the years with respect to St. Patrick, and many people aren’t quite sure what to believe about this beloved holiday.

Test your St. Patrick’s Day knowledge with the quiz below.

1. St. Patrick was Irish. Blarney: St. Patrick was born in what today would be called Britain. He was kidnapped by Irish brigands and brought to Ireland at age 16. He later escaped to Gaul (France) and returned to his homeland. Because no one in the 5th century was known as British, Patrick can be more accurate-ly called a Celtic Briton, son of a low-level Roman official.

2. Patrick wasn’t the first Christian missionary to visit Ireland.

Fact: There were other mis-sionaries to visit the Emerald Isle, but none were as successful as Patrick. One of the best known was Palladius. In fact, some of the accomplishments attributed to Patrick may have actually been the result of Palladius’ work.

3. St. Patrick drove snakes into the Irish Sea. Blarney: Snakes have never been native to Ireland, and Patrick did not drive any off the land. This may have been a metaphor for druidic religions, which began to disappear as Christianity spread on the island.

4. The Christian concept of the Trinity being taught with a shamrock cannot be accurately credited to St. Patrick.

Fact: There is no mention of using a three-leaf shamrock to teach the concept of the trinity in Patrick’s writ-

St. Patrick’s Day: Separating the Truth From Blarney

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March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 13

ings. Some have suggested the idea derives from an earlier Celtic tradition of using the shamrock as a metaphor representing a “trust in your soul,” “belief in your heart” and “faith in your mind.” Who Christianized the idea is not certain.

5. Green was always a lucky color with the Irish. Blarney: Irish folklore states that green was the favorite color of the Good People (Irish fairies). The fairies would steal people, especially children, who wore too much green. Hence the color was long thought to be unlucky.

6. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an Irish tradition. Blarney: Actually, it’s an American tradition. The Irish used to commemorate St. Patrick in a solemn religious remembrance. The original St. Patrick’s Day Parade may be traced to a party in New York City, which Irishman John Marshall held at his home. Guests walked together to the house, thus forming an unofficial parade.

7. Drinking Guinness, the popular Irish stout, could be good for the heart. Fact: According to research by the American Heart Association, Guinness may be as effective as daily aspirin in reducing the blood clots that cause heart attacks. The benefit comes from antioxidants, which the researchers say reduce cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. Therefore, raise a glass and say, “Slainte!”

8. Leprechauns are cute, mischevious elves in Irish folklore. Blarney: Actually, they were disgruntled, nasty and brutish elves in the employ of Irish fairies as cobblers.

9. Luck of the Irish refers to the abundance of luck long enjoyed by the Irish. Blarney: It refers to the luck many Irish descendants had during the gold and silver rush in America during the 19th century. However, it can also be interpreted as a condescending remark refering to the Irish only finding gold due to luck, not brains.

10. The “O” in many Irish surnames does not refer to a shortening of the word “of ”. Fact: “O” is the Gaelic word for grandson. The British, who were colonizing Ireland, mistook it for a shortened form of “of ” and added the apos-trophe. TF103141

St. Patrick’s Day: Separating the Truth From Blarney

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14 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

(ARA) - Spring’s arrival might mean cleaning out the basement, attic and garage. But while you’re making a clean sweep, you might also want to con-sider other areas of your life that could use tidying up. One of the best places to start is with your finances.

National credit bureau TransUnion recommends using the spring cleaning impulse to see what areas of your finances you can clean up as well. Are your files bulging with statements going back to 2008 and 2009? But don’t stop there - think about taking a fresh look at your credit report itself.

Use the following tips to start cleaning up your finances:• Clean out, throw out: Just as you clean out your closets during spring

cleaning, take time to go through those things in your life that you financially don’t need or use anymore. Are there magazines or other monthly subscrip-tions that you no longer use, but continue to pay? Consider canceling them and saving that money or applying it toward paying down another debt.

• Get organized: The easier your finances are to stay on top of, the more organized and in control you’ll feel. Explore how you can simplify your finances by making savings and payments automatic, switching to online statements, and consolidating accounts if appropriate. The easier and more

automatic it is, the lower the possibility of losing a bill or statement and then having a late payment harm your credit score or result in a late fee. Consider organizing for next year’s tax season now. Make a folder and keep copies of important tax documents so that this time next year, you’ll be that much more ready to file your taxes.

• Check your credit health: Consumers should check their credit once every three months. If you haven’t checked your credit report and score since just before your holiday shopping, obtain yours today at TransUnion.com. Check for inaccuracies, note all your outstanding debts and make a plan to pay them off. Pay off the credit cards with the highest interest first.

• Plan today for tomorrow: Build a spending plan for the rest of the year and make sure to save for the unexpected and future goals. Try to save enough each month so that you constantly have six months of expenses saved up in case you find yourself out of a job or dealing with the unexpected. Also, if there is a large purchase on the horizon, save now and pay more upfront later - helping you avoid charging the purchase to a credit card and accruing more interest.

To get started on cleaning up your finances, visit www.TransUnion.com.

As Spring Arrives,Clean Up Your Finances

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March 3, 2011 Yankee Shopper 15

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16 Yankee Shopper March 3, 2011

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