My mother is so good at mothering that it’s as if she has been mothering her whole life. Now that I look back I think she has. My mother was born March 1928 in a two-story white stucco home located just north of that big red barn across from John Wood Community College. The house no longer stands but I’m sure my mom thinks about it every time she drives by.

My mom was the oldest daughter of 7 children, and it’s obvious to me she shouldered a portion of the care giving of her younger siblings. Knowing my Uncle Albert, who was older than her, I’m sure she also had to manage his teasing. My mom was married at the age of 20 after she met my dad at a barn dance. My dad always said Mom would have been a nun, but he came along just in time and she couldn’t resist.

My oldest sister, Marie was born March 4, 1950, followed by 7 more girls, and 1 boy. They are as follows: Marie, Bernice (the chosen child), Wanda, Alice, me (the black sheep) and my twin sister Elizabeth (deceased), then five years later another set of twins, Kent and Karen. Yes, two sets of twins, and this was before the modern day of fertility science. Obviously God had a plan for Mom to be a Super Mom. My mother was the first person you saw in the morning as we would rush down the stairs of our farm house. Mom would be sitting at the table with a cup of Folgers coffee (I thought Folgers was the only coffee in existence). She would be listening to WTAD, which was on permanently in our kitchen.

At my young age I thought it was the only station out there. Do you think Mary Griffith would agree? Mom always made our school lunches and sent us on our way. Yes, we did walk to school, a mile. Uphill both ways, we walked down Huber hill and trotted up Stupavsky hill where St. Anthony’s school was located. This is the same route my mother and her siblings took as mom grew up just west of the farm I grew up on. I know we sound like the Walton’s and we’re all okay with that.

If someone asked me how my childhood was, I would say “the very best.” We all knew that Mom had all the right answers, and if you don’t believe me, you could have asked my dad! He would be sure to tell you that mom was right. After raising 7 children she was blessed with 20 grandchildren, many of who spent long hours with Mom and Dad on the farm. Ask my children, Joe and Josh, about their childhood, and they will fondly reminisce about being on the farm with Grandpa and Grandma, learning to cut wood, fish, hunt, and garden with my dad and sew and cook with my mom.

My mom was always there for all of us kids and still is today. I’ve always had a lot of love and respect for my mom, even though in high school I thought she was too old fashioned and that her main goal in life was to cramp my style. I remember the day I had my older son Joe, my mom was in the hallway of St. Mary’s Hospital. As they wheeled my newborn and me out, my mom was all smiles and tears. She said he looked just like Willie, my dad. Of course, he did. He was bald and had no teeth of his own!

That day I had a new found respect for my mom. I couldn’t believe she had done that 8 times. Wow, what a Super Mom! All of a sudden my mom was an amazing woman. Even more amazing than she was before I became a teenager. Today, at heart my mom has 8 child, 20 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. One thing my mom can’t resist is rushing to the hospital to see that newborn. Every chance she gets, she holds her new babies in her arms and glows in the glory of a new life.

I know having all these children has made my mom a constant prayer warrior & source of strength for our family. When asked what Mom loves best about children, she says “being able to watch them do new things.” From my jolly Grandma Mast, to Mom, carrying the love of mothering down through our generations, it’s evident that God has blessed us beyond measure.

By Marybeth Swigart

With spring, comes the dreaded home improvement projects and spring cleaning. Although cleaning up dust bunnies may not be your ideal activity on a Saturday afternoon, it is the first step to having a beautiful home. Spring is also a great time to tackle any home improvement projects you may have. A new coat of paint and new carpet are two relatively easy ways to give your room a brand new look (and smell). Use colors that are clean and refreshing, light and tranquil. Delicate colors and soft fabrics are perfect for making things look fresh.

Achieve an easy and budget friendly interior design facelift by making a few quick and easy changes to your furnishings. Something as simple as putting a new slipcover over the couch, adding a bright new area rug or hanging up new artwork and photos will really give your space a fresh, new look.

A few simple home décor purchases can transform any home. This spring calls for accessories that are not only affordable, but also ones that stir up thoughts of spring. You can change out ceramics for crystal and glass and dusty old flowers arrangements with bright new custom floral arrangements and wreaths.

I went to Ben Franklin to check out the current home décor trends of the season. I was inspired. When I walked in the doors, my world was transformed into a spring paradise. Fragrant candles with floral and fresh smells, bright blooming flowers and beautiful spring home décor indulged my senses. I found that two of the most popular trends for spring 2010 are lighted branches and deco mesh. Lighted branches are used in floral arrangements. Step 1: Get a clear vase Step 2: add some beads Step 3: put in the lighted branches along with your favorite silk flowers and Walla, you have a beautiful focal point for your room. Deco mesh is used for wreaths and bows. It comes in many colors and styles, from glittery to plaid. It is sure to draw some eyes and be a topic of discussion.

Michelle, the manager of the Quincy Ben Franklin store also schooled me on porch and outdoor decorating for spring. There are stepping stones and outdoor flags, garden statuary, lawn and garden stakes, water fountains, patio furniture, planters, hanging baskets and so much more!! Who knew that decorating the outside of your house is just as important as decorating the inside of your house?

No matter whether your style is traditional, whimsical or modern, have fun with your decorating. And if you’re not feeling inspired, do what I did and let Ben Franklin help.

By Christina Wilson

When you have children, it is your duty to protect them. When you are being attacked, it’s human nature to fight back. Or when you see someone in trouble, the majority of people would try to help. Few Americans are more vociferous about their constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment guarantee to keep and bear arms, than are hunters and gun enthusiasts. I have spoke with several gun owners and over 75 percent of them said that they were concerned about their right to keep and bear arms. As the head of household, I would be much more concerned about my God-given responsibility to keep and bear arms for the protection of my family, home, and belongings.

Because this is a “right” codified by the Constitutional Republic, and thereby brought under jurisdiction, the Constitutional Republic can choose to deprive its citizens of this right – something it has been doing incrementally for quite a long time.

District of Columbia vs. Heller. “March 18, 2008, District of Columbia law bans handgun possession by making it a crime to carry an unregistered firearm and prohibiting the registration of handguns and requires residents to keep lawfully owned firearms unloaded and dissembled or bound by a trigger lock or similar device. Heller, a D. C. special policeman, applied to register a handgun he wished to keep at home, but the District refused. He filed this suit seeking, on Second Amendment, to enjoin the city from enforcing the bar on handgun registration.

The District Court dismissed the suit, but the District Columbia Circuit reversed, holding that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms and that the city’s total ban on handguns, as well as its requirement that firearms in the home be kept nonfunctional even when necessary for self-defense, violated that right. On June 2008, the Supreme Court decided five to four that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to own and bear firearms, but only until they say otherwise.

As ridiculous as this case might be what’s even more ridiculous and even disturbing is the fact five people have the power to decide whether United States citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families, to what extent, and with what weapon. Why should we need “permission” to practice self defense? This decision will most likely be overturned by a future court. However, if the responsibility to keep and bear arms is God-given, no one except God himself has the right to withdraw it. We were given this responsibility long before the United States Constitution was framed or even ratified at that!

When the government requires a license, it does so to give legality to what otherwise, according to the same government, is illegal. Since when did self defense become illegal? The Bible states “after first providing for your family’s spiritual safety, your next priority should be providing for your family’s physical protection. Providing food, clothing, and shelter is a little benefit if you are unprepared or unwilling at that to defend your family against thieves, rapists, and murders.” In other words, it is not unchristian to practice self defense – it is however unchristian if you do not.

Now you’re probably wondering if this applies not to just protection of yourself or family, but that of a bystander? In Genesis 14, Abraham killed another in order to rescue his nephew from being kidnapped. Also, in Exodus 2, Moses killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was assaulting a fellow Israelite. Therefore, vigilantism is biblically justified when defending or rescuing another person from being victimized. Imagine how many crimes would be averted if thieves, rapists, murderers, and potential criminals knew that every Christian man stands ready to do whatever necessary to stop any criminal activity?

Tragically, the United States federal and state governments have practically stripped their citizens of their inherent God-given responsibility for self-protection and intervention, with the exception of those who petition to secure a concealed weapons permit. Keep in mind that one of the definitions for a permit or license is the permission to do what the government otherwise considers illegal, which makes a criminal of anyone who desires to fulfill his biblical responsibilities without the government’s permission.

Did you know that Illinois is the last and only state that still denies its law-abiding citizens the right to carry a firearm for personal protection? Just recently thousands of Illinois Second Amendment supporters marched to the state capitol in Springfield to demand a Right to Carry law in Illinois. Illinoiscarry.com keeps its readers up to date with bills Congress is trying to pass, and whether you are in support of a Right to Carry or opposed, it’s a good idea to be aware and active.

An attempt to pass a carry law in the Illinois General Assembly was narrowly defeated several decades ago and has since been thwarted by the leadership in both chambers who maintain, in spite of the Tinley Park massacre and Chicago’s horrific homicide numbers, that the issue is largely a downstate concern. If law abiding citizens could legally protect themselves from criminals, perhaps Chicago’s homicide rate would decrease!

Despite several attempts by the government, media, the anti-gun lobby, etc to malign self-defense, I believe that everyone should do what they think is right and only human nature to most. This is the word of God and if God says you need to protect yourself, family, or even a complete stranger who is being victimized no matter what, then that’s what you need and should do!

Once again, I did not write this article to encourage anyone to go out and buy a gun. However, we would like to hear your thoughts whether you agree with owning a gun or not. Please visit us at readtheqil.com, or mail a letter to 1601 State Street, Quincy IL 62301.

By April Azotea

John Wood, the founder of U.S. Wellness Meats and a lifelong farmer, realized that there was a unique way to raise cattle that would dramatically increase the health benefits of the meat. Specifically, U.S. Wellness all-natural beef is high in CLA and omega-3s. Antioxidant and anti-cancer properties have been attributed to CLA, and studies show encouraging results in hindering the growth of tumors in mammary, skin, and colon tissues. CLA was also shown to reduce body fat, especially abdominal fat, while increasing lean muscle mass.

“In 1900 diabetes was almost non-existent; if you turn the clock up one hundred years to 2000 we have a runaway epidemic of diabetes. When I went to school nobody had A.D.D., you look at school today and you’ve got kids taking medicine, and this is all driven off of diet.” John says, standing in his green pasture with tame, curious cattle all around him. “And it’s so simple to get back to the foundations of a good healthy diet by consuming grass-fed beef, home grown vegetables, and getting away from processed foods.”

Today U.S. Wellness Meats enjoys large success selling beef to all fifty states and several foreign countries through its website (uswellnessmeats.com), and remains a family-owned business based in Monticello. Customers include professional athletes and renowned chefs, some who will only serve U.S. Wellness Meats in their restaurants. It just takes one bite to realize the large difference in flavor between this, and beef from the grocery store.

By Carl Johnson

Bill has been selling trailers since 1976, and today B&B Livestock Supply sells and services a wide range of trailers and supplies to meet the needs of local farmers and hunters, as well as smaller options for the casual hauler. “whatever your needs, we’ve got the trailer for you” Bill says.

With approximately one hundred new and pre-owned trailers on the lot at any given time, that statement is bound to be true. You can find B&B’s website at bblivestocksupply.net, or call them at 217-593-7725.

By Carl Johnson

I came to Quincy following my girlfriend, Kelly. She got a job at Blessing Hospital and I followed. When I first got to town I was fortunate enough to have a job right away remodeling my girlfriends Dad’s house. Right around the same time I completed this project, in August, I got a call from AdForce Ad Agency to become part of their team working in the video department.

At this point my girlfriend and I both had jobs here in Quincy, but we didn’t have our own place. We were very fortunate that her dad let us live in his house, but it was not the ideal situation.

After hearing that the first time homeowners tax rebate was extended to April, I knew it was time for us to buy a home that we could call our own. The whole experience of looking at different homes and figuring out what we could afford is something to remember, probably the rest of our lives.

I’ve noticed that Quincy has many great homes with charm and character. Compared to back north in Chicago where all the homes on a street looked the same. We were drawn to bungalow homes. They have very nice character to them and in Kelly’s words, “are cute.”

We soon found a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom “cute home.” After all the paperwork was done we just waited to hear back on the appraisal. It came back, but lower than what we were going to pay. We sent a counter offer back to the sellers at the appraisal price. About two days later we heard back, and they denied the counter offer. My girlfriend and I were very upset but we weren’t about to pay more than the house was worth. As hard as it was to walk away from the house, we did.

We were upset and didn’t know if we would find another one that we liked. As luck would have it we got a call from our agent about a very nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, bungalow home that was just reduced in price and was now in our price range. After seeing it we loved it and knew it had to be ours. We made an offer, and sure enough it was accepted!

Funny enough about a week before we were closing on our new home the sellers from the first house we put an offer on called and decided that they would accept our counter offer of the appraisal price, only 3 weeks later. At the time they didn’t accept we were upset, but if it wasn’t for their denial of our offer, my girlfriend and I would not have this wonderful new home. Thanks to that now-fortunate turn of events we have a much better home that we both adore. A house that we are proud to call our home.

We moved in March 10, 2010 and look forward to our lives together and to what the future brings.

Over the past year of living in Quincy I have grown to enjoy living here. I am now officially a Quincian and glad to be a part of this great community.

I would also like to give a very special thanks to Janet Arns with Davis & Frese Realtors Inc. for all of her help to make our dream come true.

By Chris Vlasvich

I couldn’t help but think how that beautiful bride affected so many people; her husband, and children for generations. Babies are beautiful and how happy everyone always is to see them. They brighten a room with their smile and offer us a sense of joy and hope and remind us of special memories of our own childhood or precious memories of our own children.

Birthright is a non-profit, non-political, non-denominational service organization that offers pregnant women and girls the non-judgemental emotional and practical support they need to make responsible and educated decisions about their future and that of their unborn child. We offer free and confidential friendship and support, pregnancy tests, maternity clothes, baby clothes, and information.

All of us at Birthright are dedicated to you beautiful Quincy, in helping you to continue to grow with beautiful baby.

(Patty Adam is the Director of Birthright Quincy. Birthright is located at 1200 Broadway, Lower Level Suite A, and can be contacted by calling 217-224-1277, or by e-mail at birthrightquincyil@att.net
All calls are confidential.)

By Patty Adam

Since the onset of ‘change we can all believe in’, politicians at all levels seem to constantly point to small businesses as our hope for economic recovery. In an era of “too big to fail,” it would seem obvious that people, regardless of party affiliation, could agree that bigger is not better. I haven’t heard anyone speak of the positive impact that CEO-led mega-banks, automakers, or the Fannies and Freddies will have on economic recovery.

The idea that the grassroots tea party movement should become a third political party is counter productive and borders on the ludicrous. Tea Parties are about government accountability, not joining partisan politics in the corruption and incompetence that threatens American liberty. Our City Councils, State Legislatures, and Congress work for us, and it is high time that we reminded them of this and brought them into the fold.

Tea Parties are made up of conservative, hardworking Americans that individually harness the power of the vote and collectively work together toward common goals. These core components of American culture and Tea Party weaponry are what will drive constitutionally grounded, conservative candidates to victory in the 2010 elections. It is these diehard patriots that will flock to the ballot boxes nationwide. They will support candidates who will have been made painfully aware that their job requires ethical behavior and responsibility. By the time the 2010 elections are upon us, all incumbents and candidates will be equally aware that substandard performance comes with consequences.

Samuel Adams said “If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”

This is the Tea Party, a group of like-minded, freedom loving Americans that have at different times and under different names throughout American History risen to the call to protect liberty.

The Tea Party is governance by the people in its purest form and many opportunities will be presented between now and election day allowing Tea Parties to unite for a common goal without a CEO, Czar, or a General to call the shots. The Tea Party movement is a true reflection of American culture driven by values that have been taught for generations.

Mr. Huston and I agree on the power of the Tea Party. Our difference of opinion is in his underestimation of the collective Tea Parties’ ability to exercise strategic accuracy and to coordinate a precision strike when it counts. Don’t be fooled by the spin-doctors of the mainstream media, as the tea party strikes its opponents at will and with specificity.

I spend most of my evenings talking to Tea Parties from California to Pennsylvania and everywhere in between. You can rest assured political target acquisition for the 2010 elections is ongoing. Make no mistake, there will be an impact and the Tea Party message will be heard loud and clear.

Our energy should be devoted to delivering this message; not building another national organization or institution.

By Steve McQueen

The kind of work that’s been passed down for generations, gardening. This may not be a chosen field for many young people, but we’ve found at least one who’s willing to work hard, produce, and enjoy the harvest of her hard work.

Kelsie Huber is carrying on a loved family tradition. Having grown up with two Grandpas who both gardened, and helping her grandpa (Willie Huber), she’s learned the art of gardening. Two years ago, Kelsie decided to start her own business, raising a garden and selling the produce at local Farmer’s Markets. She explained to her parents that she was 14 and was soon going to need a car. So, she started planting seeds in February 2008 in her home, raising bedding plants, planting them outside in April and May.

In 2009 she explained to her dad it was time for him to give up part of his corn field for her sweet corn patch that her growing business demanded. Kelsie enjoys being outdoors, planting bedding plants and seed potatoes, sowing seeds, setting onion bulbs. Kelsie’s garden grew and so did her profits. Maybe it’s her hardworking, tight fisted, German heritage, but in 2 years she’s gotten the car, she’s worked so hard for. Kelsie believes there is a demand for fresh home grown vegetables, fruits, and also organics. This year’s expansion includes a greenhouse on the farm.

Wondering what’s on the menu? Sweet corn, onions, potatoes, peas, green beans, tomatoes, rhubarb, turnips, radishes, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe, peppers, asparagus, zucchini, cucumbers, blackberries, and this year red raspberries, as well as pears. Kelsie enjoys doing the work herself, getting up early to avoid the sun’s heat and meeting a variety of different people at the Farmer’s Market.

So the next time you think of the Farmer’s Market as the old guy with the DeKalb cap, you might just be surprised to find the farmer’s daughter. Check out Huber’s Homegrown Garden Goods the next you visit a local Farmer’s Market.

By Marybeth Swigart

To step over the threshold of the Lewis Round barn is to step back in time. The purpose of this museum is to acquaint future generations with our agricultural history. The Olde Tyme members will try to preserve it for them and hopefully bring back some of the values of that time. The 4-H children would like to be a part of this by creating a general store within the museum.

First the 4-H club visited Dave and Theresa Bockhold’s centennial farm which has old items used for six generations. There they toured an ice house, a ten room 1907 farm house, and a large barn from the late 1800’s. The 4-Hers chose items from this farm that would have been used in the 1930s. They researched these items on the Internet, discovered how they were used, why they were needed, and what eventually took their place. With this information the 4-Hers printed signs to put on display in the store to teach other children what they discovered.

With the guidance of their parents and leaders they repaired, painted, or restored their items to make them appropriate for display. The 4-Hers brought their items to a meeting and explained to other 4-Hers how they were restored. Other items were donated by OTA members and then all items were cataloged in a acquisition record, telling who donated it, what it is, and assigned it a number. When all was done the 4-Hers put on a display in the Farm and Home store and the Quincy Mall to teach other children what they discovered.

Next the 4-Hers met with the Olde Tyme members to build a general store inside the museum. Everyone’s input was asked on what should be done. We lined out assignments, set up a schedule to build and construct shelves, cabinets and a variety of hooks to display the items to create the image of being in a general store in the 1930’s.

What a great opportunity this was for these young children age eight to seventeen to be working with, and learning from the older generation. This unique experience will help build these children’s self-esteem and will be shared with their children.

By Theresa Bockhold

We all know that no matter what word a director, producer, writer, or press agent may use to describe a production, if it is prefixed with “re”, then we they are talking remake.

Why the facade, then? Why not just say “we are remaking such and such”? Well, as fans of the horror genre can certainly attest to, the remake conjures up all kinds of strong negative emotions. And Hollywood certainly doesn’t want to offend potential customers’ sensibilities.

So why is there all this venom directed at the remake anyway? There are certainly many different reasons given by incensed viewers, and I happen to have a theory of my own; but I will get into that later.

The fact of the matter is that the remake is nothing new. Hollywood has been remaking films since “Hollywood” has existed. This certainly counteracts notions that the remake is somehow a new gimmick for a creatively bankrupt machine. See, the machine has been creatively bankrupt all along.

Let’s consider a few films to support my assertion. After all, you shouldn’t just believe me because of my good looks… most of the time. So bear just a touch of the Ghost of Hollywood’s Past’s (that’s me) hand and we’re off!

Ben-Hur, the classic 1959 epic Chuck Heston film is the second remake after the famously massive 1925 silent film version; which, in turn, has a 1907 predecessor.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers; this seminal 1956 Don Siegel-helmed sci-fi masterpiece was followed by, count them, three remakes. The wonderful 1978 Philip Kaufman-directed movie of the same name; Abel “The Driller Killer” Ferrara’s 1993 attempt Body Snatchers; and let’s not forget the ridiculous 2007 Nicole Kidman vehicle The Invasion.

Last Man on Earth; the 1964 Vincent Price cult-classic was followed by two remakes; the much lambasted (unfairly, in my opinion) 1971 picture, The Omega Man, starring Chuck Heston; and the recent, I Am Legend starring Will Smith.

The Thing; or in this case Howard Hawks’s genre-defining1951 The Thing: from another world (I know, I know, Christian Nyby directed it – but Hawks’s fingerprints were all over this one like Spielberg’s on Poltergeist), and its equally brilliant 1982 John Carpenter remake.

House of Wax; this fun 1953 3-D Vincent Price horror film is a remake of the 1933 thriller Mystery of the Wax Museum (which I think is the superior film simply due to Glenda Farrell’s amazing portrayal of street-wise reporter Florence Dempsey, and the always striking Fay Wray); and lest we forget, even though I’ve tried, 2005′s House of Wax; which, incidentally, played more like the creepy camp horror film Tourist Trap, than either of its predecessors.

Maybe you’re one of those people who think that Hollywood is remaking movies which aren’t old enough to be remade. Okay, but may I then ask you what difference does time passage make? Is there a line in the sand? Is it like a hall of fame induction… you must wait X number of years before you can remake a film? Poppycock. Despite the seeming absurdity of the Hulk/Incredible Hulks of the world, quickly remaking a film is certainly not a new Hollywood practice.

(Be sure to check out Mike Knowlan’s fascinating Hollywood blog at filmflunkie.com for the continuation of this article and many more!)

By Mike Knowlan

Although you may begin to hear the word “tablet” more and more as time goes on, the term is still very broad and may need a clear definition. Think of the tablet as a device – not just a PC – that is manipulated with the use of a touch screen rather than the conventional mouse and keyboard associated with full-sized laptops, desktops and even netbooks. More often than not, users provide input to the device using the onscreen keyboard and one or more fingers to tap, drag and scroll through elements on the device.

Many would argue that the revival of the tablet began with Apple’s announcement of the oddly named iPad at the beginning of the year. It seems that Apple’s approach has always been to take an existing consumer technology, make it more user-friendly, pretty it up and advertise the daylights out of it (think iMac and iPhone). That strategy holds true with the iPad. The iPad, which happens to be Apple’s first attempt at a tablet, closely resembles the iPhone and iPod Touch, even down to the single push button below the 9.7” touch screen. iPad users will have access to the same App Store available to current iPhone and iPod users in addition to the iWork suite for producing spreadsheets, presentations and rich text documents.

While the iWork suite may sound appealing to those hoping to use the iPad as a productivity device, the device should not be mistaken for a personal computer replacement.

The iPad comes with a 1GHz processor (comparable to most netbooks), which makes it ideal for video streaming, data/word processing and even some moderate mobile gaming. However the iPad lacks a physical keyboard and the ability to run more than one app at the same time, so you’ll probably want to keep your laptop close by for time-sensitive or lengthy assignments. The $499 Wi-Fi enabled model dropped April 3rd and the 3G model will soon follow.

A large number of critics have spoken out against the iPad and the hype surrounding it, pointing out that it appears to be nothing more than an oversized iPod Touch. In response, Apple’s promotion of the product seems to put a strong emphasis on what sets the device apart from its older siblings, the iPhone and iPod. With digital book consumption on a steady rise, Apple is quick to push the downloadable iBook app and accompanying iBookstore, which provide a simple interface for purchasing and reading eBooks on the device. Although the iBook app may be an attractive addition to the iPad, those interested in the device solely for reading can get a better experience and even save some coin with the Amazon Kindle discussed below.

For those hoping to get more of a PC experience out of their tablet, Lenovo’s soon-to-be-released IdeaPad U1 may be a more attractive option. Announced at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) in January, the U1 is a clever laptop-tablet hybrid that combines the usability of a laptop with the mobility of a tablet. The device is basically a laptop with a removable 11.6” screen, each with its own processor and operating system.

At CES, spokespeople for Lenovo were eager to demonstrate the device’s ability to remember what webpage a user was visiting while switching from laptop to tablet mode. The IdeaPad U1 is expected to cost around $999 and according to Lenovo’s website, will be released this summer.

One of the largest selling points for a tablet-style device is its ability to deliver books in a new and exciting manner. While it may not fall under the tablet category, the Amazon Kindle has been offering consumers a simple way to read digital eBooks for years now.

From top to bottom, the Kindle has been built specifically for eBook reading. The base device is under a 1/3” thick, holds up to 1,500 books at a time, and offers a text-to-speech feature for those who prefer to listen. The device reads in 16 shades of gray and uses a unique “digital paper” technology manufactured by E Ink Corporation to provide unmatched readability when compared to devices using LED or LCD screens (like the iPad and U1). This same technology is responsible for the Kindle’s surprisingly forgiving battery consumption – the official sales page for the Kindle touts a charge of up to one week.

Consumers have access to a library of over 450,000 books, with New York Times bestselling titles priced at just $9.99. The 6” base Kindle can be purchased through Amazon at $259. A premium model, the Kindle DX, can store up to 3,500 books, offers a larger 9.7” display and will set you back $459.

As the story often goes, the tablet you choose should be based on your needs as a consumer. To learn a little more about any of the products discussed in this article, head over to the manufacturer’s respective website.

By Nick Howe

Many people think TCBY is ice cream. It’s so good, but you’re afraid to eat too much without having a guilty conscious. Well good news, TCBY is actually low-fat frozen yogurt! If you are looking for healthier options when eating dessert, look no further. TCBY has a whole line up of better-for-you treat alternatives that are 96% fat free plus NO sugar added.

With less fat and calories than ice cream, and more calcium than ever before, TCBY frozen yogurt has “All of the Pleasure. None of the Guilt.” Their frozen yogurt is loaded with live active cultures, good natural bacteria also known as probiotics. These probiotics may help improve digestion plus boost your immune system. TCBY is the ONLY national brand of frozen yogurt containing all seven of the following live active cultures:

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Streptococcus Thermophilus
• Bifidobacterium Lactis
• Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus Lactis
• Lactobacillus Paracasei
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

So the next time you find yourself in search of a healthier dessert, remember that TCBY frozen yogurt is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories plus high in calcium, vitamins A & D, protein and prebiotic fiber when compared to ice cream. So forget about those old ice cream days and hitting the gym extra the next day because no matter how you choose to enjoy TCBY frozen yogurt it’s a choice you can feel great about making guilt free!

By April Azotea

EGGS: Full of protein and will help you feel fuller longer! Research also shows that protein may also prevent spikes in blood sugar!

BEANS: Most people probably haven’t heard of cholecystokinin, but it’s one of the best weight-loss pals to have! This digestive hormone is a natural appetite suppressant. Plus, high-fiber beans can lower your cholesterol!

GREEN TEA: The slimming ingredient isn’t caffeine, it’s actually antioxidants called catechins which help speed up metabolism and the fat burning process.

GRAPEFRUIT: This fruit’s phytochemicals reduce insulin levels, a process that may force your body to convert calories into energy rather than flab. This is great for women who just had a child/children and want to lose that baby weight!

OLIVE OIL: With extra virgin olive oil you’ll be burning off those calories quick because it’s a monounsaturated fat. Try using it as a salad dressing, bread dip with fresh cracked pepper, or even for sautéing.

LEAN BEEF: The amino and leucine, which is abundant in proteins like meat and fish as well as in dairy products, can help you pare down while maintaining calorie-burning muscle! Plus, it’s filling and will help you stay fuller longer.

VINEGAR: This is also a great filler-upper. Acetic acid in the vinegar slows the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine, so your tummy stays full longer. Vinegar can also short-circuit the swift blood-sugar rise that occurs after you eat refined carbs such as white bread, cookies, and crackers.

NUTS: Yes, they are fattening: a handful of peanuts is about 165 calories. But research shows that people who snack on nuts tend to be slimmer that those who don’t. Walnuts containing omega-3 fatty acids help you burn calories even when you’re relaxing, plus eating 10 to 20 whole pecans daily can reduce heart disease risks.

HOT RED PEPPER: Eating a bowl of spicy chili regularly or an omelet in the morning with red pepper can help you lose weight. The magic ingredient is capsaicin, which helps suppress appetite.

PEARS: At six grams per medium-size pear, they’re great at filling you up! They contain pectin fiber, which decreases blood-sugar levels, helping you avoid between-meal snacking.

So quit wasting time on slim down products and come fill your fridge and pantry at your local grocery store!

By April Azotea

After I had translated the letter into English, I started writing to the person who had sent it, Friedel Schuette. In our correspondence over several years we determined that Quincy was settled in a large part by just those people who had emigrated from Herford. Quincy and Herford share much more in common, both have a river (although our Mississippi is MUCH bigger than the two rivers in Herford, the Werre and the Aa, even if you would combine them!), both are the hub cities in agricultural areas, there are hills (not mountains) found in both places, today both cities are county seats, population numbers are close – Herford is home to about 60,000, and Quincy to about 40,000 inhabitants, both cities have institutions of higher learning, etc.

My boss at the Chamber, Mr. Harry Button, started talking to city officials about a possibility for a sister city relationship, and Mayor Hagstrom was interested in starting such a relationship with a city somewhere in this world. Since it looked like Herford and Quincy shared many things, Mayor Hagstrom asked what the next step would be in confirming an official relationship. During the summer of 1988, my family was planning to visit Germany for the wedding of one of my siblings. I offered to take a resolution the City Council had written to Herford and hand-deliver it to them.

After the wedding, we made our way to Herford (I had never been in this area about 3 ½ hours north of my home of Frankfurt, basically because I am from a family of 7 children, and we did not have any relatives there. We only went on vacation in those days to places where we had family with a large attic for our sleeping bags). We were warmly greeted by people I had only known through letters. They showed us the town, introduced me to their Mayor and many others, and were very happy that the Quincy City Fathers had sent this resolution! Only one year later, in 1989, a delegation from Herford was in Quincy during the Dogwood Festival, signing our proclamation of establishing our Sister City relationship, and in September of that same year a large group from Quincy went to Herford to sign their proclamation and participate in their huge birthday bash – the City of Herford was celebrating 1200 years as a free city!

Since those beginnings, we have had many exchanges. Tourist groups travel between the cities about every other year; we have exchanged musical groups, students, young professionals, exhibits and more, and have taken part in each other’s celebrations. Many families on both sides of the Atlantic have reconnected with each other, and many people who are not related have made new friends. Some of these friendships were made in the very beginning and are still going strong!

This year, for the Dogwood Festival, we are expecting a group from Herford. We are excited about our visitors, who will stay with local families, and will be touring our area, as well as visit some of our country’s National Parks in the West. Next year, in 2011, we are planning our return visit to Herford in combination with a Baltic Cruise. More information on that to come later this summer.

By Mecki Kosin