“Perfect Light Desserts,” by Nick Malgieri and David Joachim; William Morrow; $29.95.What it is: Nick Malgieri, a highly respected baking author, has collaborated with healthful-cooking pro David Joachim to produce recipes for calorie-conscious bakers – as well as the people those folks bake for. Anybody who has suffered through an applesauce-laden, artificially sweetened mock chocolate […]

When my sun porch was built this past summer, I reluctantly sacrificed my much-loved clothesline. Made from abbreviated, creosote-covered power poles and six sturdy lines, the clothesline, according to one of my neighbors, had worked for more than 50 years. Unfortunately, it was smack-dab in the middle of where the new porch needed to be, […]

It often seems as if prescreened or pre-approved credit card offers for new credit card accounts and insurance policies arrive in the mail daily.Many people dismiss these offers as simply junk mail and trash them, while others read the material before deciding what to do with it.Prescreened solicitations can arrive by mail, phone or in […]

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Izabella Miko, 26; Emma Bunton, 31; Geena Davis, 51; Mac Davis, 65Happy Birthday: You have been held back, faced limitations and put up with what everyone else wants for too long. It’s your turn to move through life in your own unique way. This year is about progress and putting […]

By KidsHealth.orgMcClatchy News ServiceThere are myriad health issues impacting children and families, and here are 10 important trends to watch in 2007. The 10 issues represent a wide range of concerns: from HIV infections involving millions of children worldwide to the technology that enables kids and teens to connect with one another. Some issues, like […]

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Friendships betrayed, careers at stake – how will the drama spilling from behind the camera into real life on “Grey’s Anatomy” affect the future of the smash hit TV series?Whatever the consequences of actor Isaiah Washington’s use of an anti-gay slur to describe castmate T.R. Knight, the pressure is on series […]

Way back in ’86, a violent little movie called “The Hitcher” came along and pretty much ended hitchhiking as we know it. The almost-scene-for-scene remake won’t give those who travel by thumb any peace, either. Who would pick up a hitchhiker after seeing what Sean Bean can do?Bean has the Rutger Hauer role in this […]

If you love period dramas, two-hankie romances or all things BBC, this adaptation of “Jane Eyre” is for you. Unless you are an absolute Bronte devotee, the first half can be skipped. The second half, airing Jan. 28, improves considerably, with better – and slightly speedier – plotlines. ‘Jane Eyre’ given sensual treatment on‘Masterpiece Theatre’ […]

NEWRY – Have you ever held an alligator? Looked a snake in the eye? Well, here’s your chance. Saturday, Feb. 3, founders of Rainforest Reptile Shows will be at Sunday River Ski Resort to show and talk about reptiles, amphibians and the importance of preserving rainforests.These rainforest creatures – from iguanas and lizards to boa […]

AUBURN – The 2007 Auburn Winterfest Ice Gala & Charity Auction will be held Friday, Feb. 2, at the Hilton Garden Inn – Auburn Riverwatch. The fundraiser will benefit the Children’s Recreation Scholarship Program.Dress attire is semi-formal.The night will feature a silent and live auction, delectable cuisine and dancing with the versatile repertoire sounds of […]