Sudoku

Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game.

Dave Says -By Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, My parents are both in their seventies. They have been healthy and active all their lives, but in spite of them both having good jobs they neglected to plan and save for retirement. Is it my responsibility now to provide them with financial help in their old age?

-Reagan aside in savings and retirement accounts. His father was in poor health and had never handled his money wisely. The son asked me if he should help out his dad by giving him some money every month.

In my mind, there’s no question the right answer was yes. And that’s what I told him. If you’re making millions, but don’t want to help out your sick dad, there’s something wrong with you. There’s something missing inside you that money just won’t fix. However, if you and your family are barely getting by—let’s say you bring home $3,000 a month—you’re not morally required to help a parent who was irresponsible with money their entire life.

Dear Reagan,

It sounds like you might be a little irritated that your parents haven’t been responsible with their money. The way you described the circumstances, it’s understandable—to a point. But in my mind, there’s a bigger question when it comes to helping your folks. How big is the burden?

Let me ask you a few things. Do you have the money to help? Now, can you provide this help without your own family suffering or going without? If both answers are yes, I think your question may be a little more about your own aggravation with your folks than any ethical or moral obligation.

A few years ago I spoke with a guy who was in really good shape financially. He made over $1 million a year, and he had plenty set

I’m not sure what your situation is, Reagan, but I hope you’ll look at things with a little grace and reason. It’s a tough situation to be in, because it sounds like your heart is being pulled in different directions. My advice, above all else, is to pray about it. And, if you have a spouse, talk to them about everything, and make sure the two of you are in agreement on what should be done before moving forward.

God bless you, friend.

Ask The Motor Medics®

From

Dear

Motor

Medics, My Ford Explorer has been acting up ever since it froze to the ground. I parked it in some deep slush and the next day I couldn't get it to budge like it was bolted down. At first, I thought it was the transmission, then the brakes, but then my wife who told me not to park in the slush set me straight. When I come to a stop, just a couple feet short of a complete stop the ABS brakes activate causing the pedal to sink and I don't have control. What's up?

Dear Scott,

-Scott in Parachute, Colorado

-Dave

* Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Albany Senior Dining

Mon., Feb. 13: Goulash, green beans, banana.

Tues., Feb. 14: Roast beef, whipped potatoes, gravy, corn, fruit cocktail, sweetheart chocolate cake.

Wed., Feb. 15: Chicken chow mein, rice, Asian vegetables, Mandarin oranges, chow mein noodles.

Thurs., Feb. 16: Pork, scalloped potatoes, peas/carrots, applesauce.

Fri., Feb. 17: Turkey burger on bun, macaroni & cheese, garden salad, apple slices. Pre-registration requested to dine daily. For more info. call 320-845-4070.

Upsala - All Ages

BREAKFAST: Mon.-Fri. 7-10 a.m.: Walk in & dine. Take out available, call ahead.

Mon., Feb. 13: Breaded chicken sandwich, potato, vegetable, dessert.

Tues., Feb. 14: Spaghetti hot dish, garlic bread, vegetable, dessert.

Wed., Feb. 15: Cook's choice.

Thurs., Feb. 16: 5:30 PM: Stroganoff, green beans, dessert.

Fri., Feb. 17: BBQ chicken breast, potato, vegetable, dessert. Pick up or eat in by 11:30 a.m. For meals, call a day before: 320-573-4435.

You're not the first one to get a vehicle to freeze to the ground. It happens more than you think. It usually just takes a good thaw but sometimes a little too much action trying to get it loose will cause some damage. In your case we don't think that this freeze was the lone cause but won't rule it out. If you have made it a habit of parking or driving in areas of deep water or snow it may now be taking its toll over time though. The ABS (Anti-LockBrake) system uses a sensor on each of the front wheels that reads near the hub and if it becomes corroded due to moisture it can't read at low speeds and will falsely activate. This is just one possibility. Have it checked and avoid parking in deep water and snow.

-Take care, the Motor Medics

Dear Motor Medics, My 2004 Chevy Tahoe has had a knock when cold since it was a couple years old and the dealership where I bought it always told me it was normal, and it wouldn't hurt anything, and I did hear it in others so I wasn't too alarmed but now it’s knocking all the time and slightly worse. I've got 250k miles on it and I'm hoping to get at least another 50k out of her.

-Terry in Valentine, Nebraska

Dear Terry,

We've been listening to the dreaded Chevy 5.3 knock for years and sometimes we wonder if we have become numb to it. It's so common that we don't usually think twice about it. The engines have some piston slap noise that is worse when cold but once parts warm and expand they take up the slack and stop knocking. The dealer was right in saying that if this is the sound you have it won't cause harm but now, you're reaching the engine’s mature stage and those noises may have nothing to do with the inherent noise of the 5.3. At 250k it could be a normal loose engine, or it could be getting ready to fail. Either way it's been a long life for it and that's good miles for a 5.3 even though some go longer. Have your local shop take a look and hopefully they will surprise you and say it's still good to go for awhile.

-Take care, the Motor Medics For entertainment only. Always consult your local shop and follow all safety procedures before repairs. Come visit the Motor Medics® online at Underthehoodshow. com.