Lifestyle

By HELAINE FENDELMAN and JOE ROSSON
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
DEAR HELAINE AND JOE: As a youngster during World War II I decided to write to my favorite general, Douglas MacArthur. I have enclosed a copy of the returned letter with General MacArthur's note and signature added at the bottom under my signature.

By MARY CAROL GARRITY
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Q: Every year, my family insists I make the same dishes for our holiday dinners. I'm getting tired of doing the same thing year after year. Any suggestions? _ Sharleen Halls, Tennessee

A: During the holidays, most of us are almost fanatical about our food, aren't we? For my husband, Dan, Thanksgiving dinner simply isn't complete without a steaming mountain of mashed potatoes.

By ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Architectural details make all the difference in the world when it comes to finishing touches inside and outside a home. These same details though, have a tendency to break the budget.

By DWIGHT BARNETT
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Q: My garbage disposal went out. I did not hear a hum or anything ... just turned it on and one turn and that was it. I went and bought a new disposal.

By ED DEL GRANDE
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Q: Ed, you help a lot of people and now I need some help with the seals on my kitchen sink. I have an older kitchen faucet, but it still works fine.

By SANDI GENOVESE
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Fall brings cooler weather and longer nights and makes me want to curl up with a good book. While I love the printed page, the addition of photos only makes a good thing better.

And if the old saying is true _ that a picture is worth a thousand words _ just imagine the value if the picture is a photo and the words tell the story behind the photo.

A scrapbook is the perfect combination of pictures and words, souvenirs and embellishments.

Sunday, November 12, 2006
Sweet or savory pear:

While poached pears are a classic dessert, roasted pears double the pleasure. Not only do you have a delicious final product that's excellent with blue cheese, caramel or salt, the roasting process also makes the house smell wonderful.

To do it, peel pears, wrap in foil and cook in a low oven until tender (usually about an hour).

By JOE LAMP'L
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
If you've read any of my previous columns, you know I'm a big advocate for gardening activities in the fall. It's the best time of year for many tasks including soil preparation, planting trees and shrubs and putting the garden to bed.

By SARAH WELCH and ALICIA ROCKMORE
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
With calendars now reading November, there is no denying that the holidays are once again upon us. If the thought of hosting this year's big feast has you feeling more stressful than thankful, remember that Thanksgiving is a joyous time of the year to reconnect with family and friends.

By JAY DEDRICK
Sunday, November 12, 2006
His name is . . . ah, heck, you know that. And he likes his martinis . . . well, you know that, too.

James Bond has his guns, his girls, his gadgets, and he gets new life Friday when "Casino Royale" opens in theaters.

It's the first 007 movie to star Daniel Craig, who's the first blond Bond on the big screen, and it's based on Ian Fleming's first novel about the British spy.