Home and Garden 07/02/16

Don’t miss today’s HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2016

specials inside.

BEYOND ORDINARY

bathrooms

COMICS & PUZZLES INSIDE

WATERING WISELY 10 HOME PROJECTS FOR THIS SUMMER

ASK THE EXPERTS:

Your gardening questions answered Send your gardening questions to our experts at gardening@gazette.com.

Q. A.

Have you heard of composting with worms?

What do you use to populate it? Thanks.

– Jerry

Composting with worms, or vermicomposting, is a really good way to produce some terrific organic matter. The product, called worm castings, is a superior soil amendment. To vermicompost you need a worm bin — these are available to purchase or build yourself.

There are many different designs and types. You will need a well ventilated, covered system with no light. The worms need a bedding material (shredded cardboard is one possibility), and the worms should be red wigglers (Eisenia Fetida) as these critters are the workhorses of decomposition. Moisture needs to be controlled so that the bin stays moist but not wet, and drainage is essential.

Only feed the worms food scraps, but do not add any fats, meats or dairy products. It is also important to not overfeed the worms — monitor the bin and only add food scraps when prior feedings are gone. A good rule of thumb is to start with a weekly feeding of three times the weight of your worms. Additionally, red wigglers do best in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit,

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016

so the bin should be kept indoors. They will not survive freezing temperatures.

The best and perhaps most surprising thing about a worm composting system is that it actually smells good.

There are no unpleasant odors as long you follow the feeding rules carefully.

For more information, the University of Utah has an excellent publication on “Vermicomposting” — extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/ Sustainability_2012-08pr.pdf.

Q. A.

Are there specific rules to follow when pruning conifers? The home we just moved into has some overgrown junipers in the front and they could use a good manicure, but I don’t want to damage them. Thanks.

– Andrew

Pruning junipers that are already overgrown is a difficult task. The main reason is that growth only occurs on the green tips, not from the brown stems below. If you prune back to brown branches, you will have a permanent bare spot in the shrub. In general, it is far preferable to prune before the shrubs are too big.

Junipers can be pruned anytime except during extreme cold. Early spring is the most ideal time. If you want to start this year at least wait until the current heat wave subsides.

The first step is to cut back to the ground any dead or damaged branches. Next clean up any debris that may have accumulated around the shrub, then carefully examine your shrub. Look for places where you can cut back without exposing brown stems. The best pruning method is to cut individual branches back to an upwardgrowing side branch. Start at the top, and work down. The goal is to gradually bring the plant down and in, creating a more compact shrub. If done well this will result in a healthier, lusher looking plant. Do not be tempted to shear these plants — the pruning should be done slowly, one branch at a time. Otherwise you may end up with a truly unappealing shrub.

The fact that these are well established shrubs is a big plus. It is likely that the pruning will not cause much stress to a strong root system. Still, don’t remove more than 1/3 of the foliage at a time. Make sure the junipers are getting adequate water as it will reduce stress on the plant.

You may want to get a bit artistic in this endeavor. If the lower branches are bare think about pruning them up to give a more tree like appearance to the plant.

Visit a Japanese garden for inspiration. Have fun with this challenge.

– Expert answers by CSU Extension Master Gardeners

•

•

BEYOND THE ORDINARY

bathroom ••

BY LESLIE MASSEY, LESLIE.MASSEY@GAZETTE.COM

B

athrooms are the rooms where many of us start our mornings and get ready for bed every night.

A gratifying bathroom must meet all the requirements of comfort, functionality and aesthetics.

Most homeowners also want a bathroom that’s not only comfortable and practical, but fashionable, beautiful, and indulgent.

Today there’s an endless selection of new construction and finishing materials, sanitary ware manufacturers with new collections, and designs offering fresh color ideas. So now’s the time to plunge deeper into choosing innovative bathroom design ideas for your perfect spa-like atmosphere at home.

Whether your preference is bright and cheery or sophisticated and imposing, modern bathrooms have long been progressing beyond the limits of space and purpose. Blending in some modern

details can transform dull bathrooms into fantastic pampering and refreshing spaces.

CLEVER WATER CONTROL

The basic shower and basin faucets are so last decade. Smart, user-friendly fixtures, like thermostatic mixers that blend the hot and cold water for a temperature controlled stream.

Or, if singing in the shower is your thing, a new type of showerhead with a built-in wireless speaker that connects to your device using Bluetooth. Your connected device can be up to 32 feet away and the showerhead includes a built-in rechargeable battery.

SOPHISTICATED WATER SAVERS

A waterproof in-shower display and touch screen control panel (developed by design student Amanda Paukner) displays CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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the time and water temperature, while also promoting conservation by reminding shower users that those long, hot, steamy showers are also needlessly wasting water.

A revolutionary device that urges folks to conserve water by measuring the amount of water going down the drain the first time you shower, and then remembering it. After setting the benchmark, the device uses “traffic lights,” displaying green to red as you finish showering. This allows the user to fractionally reduce shower while trying to keep the device always flashing green.

MAGIC MIRROR

Combining a mirror, TV and internet, you can brush your teeth, check your Facebook, and catch the day’s weather without ever leaving the sink.

Subsequently, for those who are in the bathroom and in a position where they are facing the mirror for a period of time, this could be a life-changing thing.

Otherwise, it could lead to teenagers squandering more time in the morning than they already do.

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products are being used more and more, even in the bathroom. It has become a global building trend, and it is exceptionally aesthetic when done correctly. As awareness about sustainable living continues to rise, it’s likely this design preference will continue to grow as well.

A beautiful bathroom design can help make the smallest room in your house the most coveted site in the house. Choose to add character by going spectacularly bold with wallpaper or incorporating dynamic paint colors to really make a statement.

Or, take a softer approach and focus on delicate and gentle tones combined with peaceful accents to create a pampering and soothing setting.

Adding a few of these magnificent features, from radiant-heat flooring or a roomy whirlpool tub to completely outfitting your bathroom with smart-home tech gadgets, will hopefully result in worthwhile and compelling rewards for years to come.

Current pest problems and solutions SPONSORED FEATURE BY HEATHER SPENCER GUNNERSON , SPENCER’S PRODUCE, LAWN & GARDEN CENTERS, INC.

Revitalize when you

fertilize SPONSORED FEATURE BY KRISTEN BURNSIDE, HARDING NURSERY

Whether you prefer organic or inorganic fertilizer, it’s a great time to fertilize your plants. Most soils do not provide the nutrients required for optimum plant growth and even with great garden soil, as plants grow they absorb the nutrients and the soil becomes less fertile.

Fertilizing ensures your plants flourish day to day, year after year.

Keeping nutrients available allows healthy growth and optimum performance, which results in less insect and disease problems. This applies to all plants, from trees and shrubs to flowers and turf grass.

Fertilizers are typically applied directly to soil or sprayed on leaves, (known as Foliage Feeding), and generally come in two categories — organic and inorganic.

Organic fertilizers contain natural occurring materials such as manure, composted plant material and seaweed or

natural occurring mineral deposits. They provide slowly released nitrogen which benefits soil structure.

Inorganic fertilizers contain manmade chemicals and provide a fast release of nitrogen, but need to be applied more often.

Both types have pros and cons. If you want steady continuous growth, organic fertilizer is the best. However when your garden needs an immediate boost, chemical fertilizers provide it quickly.

Harding has developed a fertilizer for trees, shrubs and perennials that is ideal — it provides optimal growth and performance from plant materials.

We also carry a variety of organic fertilizers and organic lawn fertilizers as well as excellent inorganic fertilizers.

Stop by Harding Nursery and let our knowledgeable staff help you decide which fertilizer will work best for you.

Summer is here and the insects are out to enjoy it too. Aphids are in full force, sucking the sap out of trees, shrubs and ornamentals. Leaves of ornamentals will curl, crumple or turn brown. You may even notice the insects themselves if they are plentiful enough. Ladybugs and Lacewings are two helpful predators, but if you find a lot of damage, chemicals may need to be used.

Hi-Yield Bug Blaster and Malathion 55 percent and Fertilome’s 38+, Triple Action and Broad Spectrum are a few types listed for aphids. Some, such as Triple Action, can even be used safely in the vegetable garden.

If you have a lot of grasshoppers, a biological insecticide such as Nolo Bait will help reduce their population around your home.

Slugs are prevalent right now, and can be controlled with a product containing iron phosphate which naturally occurs in soil and is safe for use around pets and wildlife.

Lawn fungus is another common problem. Avoid using nitrogen rich fertilizers and treat with products such as Consan-20 or Fertilome’s F-Stop. Fungus requires multiple treatments to control, so be persistent.

Celebrate Summer!

Now’s the time to plant perennials. Check out our great selection of vines, succulents, ground covers, and plants for sun or shade. Deer resistant, drought tolerant, natives, and Colorado grown!

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SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

YEAR ROUND GARDENING:

El Paso County Fair horticulture judging

BY JANET FITZGERALD, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

And the winner is …

You’ve gardened for years, and know this season’s flowers are prettier than usual. The herbs are flourishing, and the fruits and vegetables practically gleam with home-grown health. Or maybe it’s the houseplants that are thriving and your floral arrangements are the envy of many.

And yet you hesitate to enter …

Any El Paso County resident can enter, and they do not have to be an overthe-top gardener or farmer to enter the competition. Each year there are folks who only submit one or two entries. Then there are extended families that enter just about everything they have growing, both indoors and out.

The El Paso County Fair Open Class Horticultural competition is Wednesday, July 20. And although that is about two weeks away, now is the time to start thinking about your entries. Winners might win a ribbon, a bit of cash and some big bragging rights.

All entries will be judged by a horticultural expert assisted by CSU Master

Gardeners. Blue ribbon success begins with following some very specific rules.

All the rules and regulations are in the 2016 Horticulture Regulation and Premium List. (In fair language, (“premium” means prize money.) It is online at www.elpasocountyfair.com/p/ getconnected/281. The Premium List can also be picked up during business hours at the El Paso County Extension Office, 17 N. Spruce St. Presentation is a very important aspect of competition, so be sure to read — and then re-read — the Horticulture Premium list to be sure you are displaying the correct way. Last year, one contestant was disqualified because her entry had only two stems instead of the three required for Lemon Verbena. Seems one got lost in the trip. So it might be good to cut a few extra stems of herbs and flowers to have on hand in case one gets lost or crushed.

There are two divisions in the horticulture competition: Division I is floriculture, including cut flowers, potted blooming plants, potted

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016

foliage plants, succulents, cacti and bonsai. Cut flowers include annuals, perennials, biennials, roses and plants that grow from bulbs, corms and tubers, such as dahlias and lilies. There are several categories of floral arrangements.

To condition cut flowers and herbs, cut the stems in the early morning or late afternoon. Then, the day before judging, recut stems at an angle under water and plunge immediately into warm water (110F). After several hours, when the water has come to room temperature, add ice and leave in a cool, dark place overnight.

Division II is vegetables, herbs and fruits. This includes a wide variety of vegetables, monster vegetables and berries, potted and garden grown herbs.

Even if your prize vegetable doesn’t fit in any of the defined categories, it will fit in the “any other vegetable” class.

For research-based answers to home horticultural questions, contact the CSU Extension Master Gardener Lawn and Garden Help Desk at 719-520-7684.

IT’S YOUR FAIR, SO BE THERE! The El Paso County Fair Open Horticulture judging is on Wednesday, July 20. Here are some reasons why you should enter: • To keep agricultural heritage alive in El Paso County.

• To dazzle fair attendees with the beauty and bounty from your garden.

• To share a favorite flower vegetable, herb, houseplant and/ or floral arrangement.

• To show off your gardening skills and accomplishments, as well as your artistic talents.

• To inspire others to grow!

• To possibly win prize money and ribbons.

WateringWisely SPONSORED FEATURE BY MOLLY MORRIS, LANDSCAPE EDUCATION SPECIALIST, COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES

If you have a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, you may be noticing that it doesn’t look as green now that the weather’s heating up and the rain is slowing down. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass that requires twice as much water as we naturally get in Colorado Springs. This means it needs to be watered regularly to keep it alive and healthy.

But how much and how often? It can be tricky to decide what your lawn needs, but here are some easy guidelines to help you use your water wisely.

HOW MANY DAYS A WEEK SHOULD I WATER?

Our grass needs less water when the weather is cool, and more as it heats up.

Starting in April, water once per week to encourage a healthy root system. In May and the first part of June, water twice per week and as it heats up in June, July and August, water three times per week.

Follow this irrigation schedule to help your grass grow a healthy deep root system. Avoid shallow and frequent watering which will cause the roots to stay closer to the surface and dry out more easily. And don’t skip the spring and fall watering as this is the time when the roots really help build a strong plant. Cut out the chart below and tape it near your irrigation clock so you don’t “set it and forget it.”

HOW MUCH SHOULD I WATER? Each time you water it is important to moisten the entire root zone. Watering long enough to apply about a half-inch depth per watering is a simple number to use to make sure you are watering enough but not too much.

HOW LONG SHOULD I WATER?

A fixed spray pop up sprinkler will water a half-inch in 20 minutes. This is the most common type of sprinkler. However, when watering clay soil, compacted soil and sloping yards, this type of sprinkler waters too quickly for the soil to absorb and will run off. If you have this type of sprinkler, you can upgrade to a rotating nozzle that delivers water more slowly — a half-inch in 60 minutes. Colorado Springs Utilities offers rebates for these nozzles so be sure to check out csu.org for more information.

Gear driven rotor heads water a half-inch in about 45 minutes and are usually used for larger lawns. These heads deliver water at a slower rate, therefore runoff and water waste isn’t as much of a problem.

If you want to know for sure how deep the water is reaching, dig up a little section of your grass a few hours after watering to see if the roots are wet. If they aren’t, water a little longer next time.

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If there is a problem with your irrigation system causing incomplete coverage, this is where the brown spots will show up first.

Instead of cranking up the time to water more, get to know your sprinkler system. It could be an easy fix that could save you water!

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10 home projects to keep you busy this summer

BY CATHY HOBBS, TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

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5. Tree maintenance. Following the winter hibernation period, all of nature’s creatures are back. Low-hanging branches may be an attractive means of access to your attic or roof for a curious animal.

6. Insect control. You may want to protect your backyard barbecues and picnics from unwanted visitors.

7. Driveway repaving. Just like there are potholes created in the street from severe weather damage, your driveway may need a fresh coat to ensure a smooth ride home this summer.

8. Check your water connections. From outdoor kitchen faucets to your garden hose, now is a good time to make sure everything is in working order.

9. Purge. Now is a great time to clear out that basement, shed or attic and get rid of all those unwanted and unused items.

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or many, the official arrival of summer signals lazy days and longer nights. But the summer may also be a wonderful time to catch up on maintenance and all your to-do projects around the home.

A number of maintenance tasks can be done to preserve the look and efficiency of your home, while also helping to continue to bring you peace of mind.

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4. Home improvement projects. So many homeowners wait until summer to take on the home improvement projects that have been on their wish lists all year.

Looking for ideas? Why not incorporate a fire pit or stone patio into your outdoor environment?

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A guide to understanding new light-bulb terms, LEDs and more

BY MICHELLE LOCKE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Anyone who has stood in confusion in the light-bulb aisle knows that technology and the push to save energy are continuing to flip the script on home lighting options. The good news is the new bulbs are more efficient than old-school incandescents, and give designers the freedom to move beyond the standard bulb-lamp-fixture configuration.

“The new types of light bulbs, LED in particular, let light-fixture designers create all kinds of lighting designs and fixture designs that they could never create before,” says Karman Hotchkiss, executive editor of Decor magazine. “There are a lot of new shapes out there. There are a lot of really artistic interpretations of lighting, things like sparkle and effects that designers couldn’t create with old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.”

TERMS

For consumers, the big switch has been letting go of the concept of wattage, which is associated with brightness but actually measures energy use. Today’s

bulb brightness is measured in lumens.

Old incandescent bulbs needed about 60 watts to produce 800 lumens. Compact fluorescents (CFLs) use around 15 watts to get to the same brightness, and LED (lightemitting diode) bulbs require only about 10 watts to get to 800 lumens.

Another major change is use of the color temperature scale based on heat, as measured in Kelvins, not Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees. The higher the heat, the cooler the color — which makes sense if you’ve ever looked at a flame and seen the blue at the hot center.

While we typically don’t think in Kelvins, this is a more precise way to define the relative whiteness of a light source, says Joe Rey-Barreau, a Kentucky architect and lighting designer who serves as an educational consultant to the American Lighting Association.

If you see a bulb marked “daylight,” you may be thinking about a warm afternoon light when the manufacturer means the much

cooler color of the sky.

PACK AGING

Manufacturers are still printing wattageequivalent numbers on packaging for reference, and on the back you’ll now find a required “Lighting Facts” information box — modeled after nutritional labels — listing lumens, estimated yearly energy cost, life span, light appearance and energy used.

Incandescent bulbs, by the way, haven’t been banned. Manufacturers had to change the gas used inside them and make them more efficient. So, the old 100-watters are available as 72 watts; the 75-watt bulb is 52 watts.

LEDS

The trending technology is the LED. Introduced in the ’60s, these bulbs used to be low-intensity and limited to red light.

But recent developments have allowed for bright LEDs. The LEDs of the early 21st century tended to have a bluish cast, but

LEDs now are available in a wide spectrum of colors.

Because LEDs use solid-state chip technology, they can be made very small and in various configurations. For instance, there are easily installed under-cabinet strip-lighting options, as well as lights for the kick-toe space near the floor, says Hotchkiss.

Tiny LEDs can be embedded into a fixture, such as a lamp itself, instead of the lamp having a holder for the bulb. There are even LEDs that resemble old-fashioned light bulbs with a visible “filament.”

LEDs cost more than conventional bulbs but last longer and use less energy, and prices are dropping, says Rey-Barreau.

For now, it’s mostly lighting designers who are experimenting with the more extreme lighting possibilities of LEDs, such as installations that change color. But there are fun options for homeowners, too, Hotchkiss notes. GE, for instance, has a C-Life bulb that is Bluetooth-enabled and can be dimmed or turned off via a phone app.

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HARDING NURSERY’S SPECIAL BLEND FERTILIZER

FAIRY GARDENING CLASS*

Offer Expires 7/8/16

Saturday, July 9th from 1 pm to 3 pm Must RSVP by calling 719-596-5712 by July 6th Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Let us help you create a miniature garden of your own! *Class is free but there is a cost for materials used.

719.596.5712

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denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey 9 George Washington across received an honorary 1 Prepares to strike, in a way one from Harvard U. 6 Where many leading males 10 Prepared may be seen?

11 Play that inspired an opera 15 Nocturnal problem, usually 12 Grueling grillings 16 Source of some sauce 13 __ Park, Calif.

17 Lets 14 Impala, e.g.

18 Help 20 Subj. of some “Bossypants” 19 Chic modifier chapters 20 Advertisers say it sells 23 Like some timers?

21 Mother of Huey, Dewey and 24 Ominous oater symbol Louie 25 “Hairspray” mom 22 Service providers 27 Logitech product 24 Hall of Fame NHL coach 29 Transvaal settlers Roger 30 It may have a bell on it 26 Small power source 31 Bag lady?

27 Paragon 32 Cut 28 Took a shot at 34 Shot contents 29 Sticks 37 Maker of AgeDefy products 33 Google goal 38 Insulin, for one 34 “Semper Fidelis” composer 39 Preceded 35 “I like that!”

36 Encouragement before a shot 40 Theoretically 42 Lawyer’s charge 39 Millions can play it at once 43 Defensive covering 41 Frequent Greenstreet co-star 44 It flows through Troyes and 42 Olympics competitor since Melun 1896 45 Prima __: self-evident 43 To the extent that 46 Ostrich, for example 46 Quaint inn room upright 48 iPhone display 47 Adjust one’s sights 51 Agcy. concerned with drug48 Get even with resistant bacteria 49 Pic Sans Nom, par exemple 52 In 50 Pet identification aid 53 Equals 53 Come up with __ Friday’s Puzzle Solved 54 Russian Orthodox church feature 55 “Christie Johnstone” novelist 56 Got back to one’s office?

57 Threw wide, say down 1 Courses around courses 2 Bellini’s “Casta diva,” for one 3 Metropolitan area 4 Muser’s words 5 Nordic carrier 6 Agricultural units 7 Culmination 8 MD’s employee HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by mike Peters

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 13

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

HG 14 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: I am a 30-year-old professional woman who owns her own home, has a stable career and lives a couple states away from my parents.

My boyfriend and I have been dating for more than a year and AMY have decided to move in togethDICKINSON er. We have had very candid conversations about when we’d like to get married, discussed financials, having children, etc.

We feel we’re in a great space to move in together, but my parents are completely against this.

I’ve never been rebellious against my parents’ wishes, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to wait until we’re married to live together.

I should also add we will not be able to afford the wedding my parents expect us to have unless we can figure out a better budget, which living together will help with.

I’m torn between doing what I know is right for me and my boyfriend and not “disobeying” my parents. — Caught in the Middle Dear Caught: It is possible to respectfully disagree with your folks, and to carry on living your own life, knowing that some of your choices may disappoint them. If this is the first time in your life that you risk disappointing them, then you’re about 20 years later than most of us.

If you and your boyfriend have solid plans to get married, then perhaps you should get officially engaged. This might make things more tolerable for your folks (maybe not — do not get engaged for their sake).

What you shouldn’t do is to hide this from them.

You also should not entwine this choice with your statement that saving money on housing now would permit you to have the wedding your folks want you to have later. That argument rings hollow, even to me. Don’t insult your folks by going there.

Tell your parents. React calmly and lovingly if they act out. Accept that this is hard for them.

And then go ahead and live your life the way you want to.

—

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

ADVICE

Question: I want to persuade my husband to have bariatric surgery. He’s overweight and his diabetes is out DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN of control. Is there new info out there that I can use? — Lois L., Indianapolis Answer: You have asked for help at exactly the right time! There are several new studies that show how bariatric surgery can be a really smart move: • It can reverse or even cure Type 2 diabetes: In a five-year follow-up of the STAMPEDE trial, Cleveland Clinic research revealed bariatric surgery’s beneficial effects on blood glucose control — 29 percent of gastric bypass patients and 23 percent of sleeve gastrectomy patients achieved and maintained normal blood glucose levels, compared with just 5 percent of those on medication alone.

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is better than intensive lifestyle or medication intervention for reversing Type 2: The CROSSROADS study found that diabetes remission at one year hit 60 percent for these bypass patients, versus 6 percent with lifestyle/medication interventions!

• In a recent study in JAMA, bariatric surgery reduced joint pain and increased mobility for almost 75 percent of obese patients, both so important for enjoying physical activity that reinforces weight and glucose control.

• Obese folks who underwent the surgery dramatically reduced their risk of dying over a fiveyear span.

Offer your husband this evidence, but remind him that the outcome of the surgery also depends on his commitment to adopt healthier habits. A new study indicates that he’ll see the best results if he weighs himself weekly, stops eating when he feels full, and doesn’t eat continuously during the day.

—

Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of “The Dr. Oz Show” and Mike Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer and chair of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.

ADVICE

Dear readers: Pet dogs and children can be the perfect match, but maybe not. Teach your children (and grandchildren) the basics of being safe around dogs.

Tell children: HINTS • Hands off a dog you’ve never FROM met before; don’t reach out to HELOISE pet or play.

• Don’t scream in delight, wave your arms or lunge toward the animal.

• Ask before you pet someone’s dog.

• Don’t interrupt a dog when eating or sleeping.

(Ask the child how they would feel if someone woke them up!)

• If you don’t know the dog, don’t stare eye to eye. It can be considered aggression.

Even when visiting someone’s home where you may know the dog, don’t leave young or active children alone with a dog. It takes only a few seconds of “fun” play, such as pulling on the dog’s tail or ears, to go amiss. — Woof, woof, Heloise Dear Heloise: A friend in our car was soaked in perfume, and the odor remained after a week.

I am sensitive to fragrance. Every time I sit in the car, I have to wash my clothes! The worst of it is on the seat belt. What can I do to get rid of the fragrance? — Mary Anna A., Omaha, Neb. Mary Anna, one person’s favorite fragrance can be another’s headache. Fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar (white or apple cider).

Place a bath or hand towel behind the seat belt and spray away, being sure to soak both sides. Let sit until dry. The vinegar should neutralize the odor, and the smell should be gone! I love vinegar for its odor-destroying and cleaning properties.

For a collection of money-saving hints, order my vinegar pamphlet. Visit Heloise.com to order online, or send a long, self-addressed, stamped (68 cents) envelope, along with $5, to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Straight vinegar can remove gummy labels from many surfaces. It kills weeds between cracks in the sidewalk or pavers. Earth-friendly, cheap and safe — what could be better? — Heloise —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) You can’t please all the people all the time. A loved one or significant other may be difficult to read, and it may be best just to give them their space.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You can’t win for losing. Getting through to someone may prove a difficult task, as they may stubbornly refuse to hear any viewpoint but their own.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Leave the skeletons in the closet. Past mistakes cannot be undone, but should also be of no concern regarding your current undertaking.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take time to glance over finances and don’t take for granted that everything is as it should be. You’ll get far more out of reading a good book than the gossip from a neighbor.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) A loved one may feel neglected, but you can remedy the situation with a thoughtful gift or by taking them on an exciting activity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) A loved one or significant other may press you to spend money on a foolish or frivolous purchase.

While denying their request may not make you very popular, it will be for the best for all concerned.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.)

Some people are just looking for a fight. Don’t get drawn into it and either try to clear the air or just walk away.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Just because you have a few heated words with a significant other doesn’t mean that it’s all over.

Allow some time to pass so you can both cool off and then put the whole thing behind you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You can’t help those who don’t want to be helped.

Good advice will fall on deaf ears if the other party doesn’t want to listen.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Let cooler heads prevail. There may be a tendency to blow minor issues out of proportion and to lose your temper over trivial matters. Try not to let the little things get to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Don’t take it personally. A criticism may not be a personal attack, but someone genuinely trying to help you improve yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You may well know that others are up to no good, but it’s not of any concern to you. Just ignore it.

You may get the biggest kick out of taking a special someone and running off on an adventure.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY July 2 Put your plans back in your pocket until August. You may be challenged to deal with problems from the past or to live up to existing obligations during the next four to six weeks. Perform your duties to the letter and by August you will have smooth sailing to launch fresh initiatives. You will need to put your nose back to the grindstone in September, and anything you haven’t corrected could come back to haunt you.

SATURDAY, JUL 2, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I HG 15

GOREN BRIDGE WITH BOB JONES GOREN BRIDGE

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ

EVENTS Crafters on the Avenue — 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Old Colorado City History Center, 1 S. 24th St.; 636-1225.

Saturday Firkin Tapping — Noon, Red Leg Brewing Company, 4630 Forge Road, Suite B; redlegbrewing.com.

“The Old Man & The Mermaid” — 2:30 p.m., Simpich Showcase, 2413 W. Colorado Ave., $14; 465-2492, simpich.com.

Hot Summer Nights: Music on the Labyrinth — With Summer Creek - Bluegrass Band, 6:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave.; 633-8888, firstchristiancos.org.

NORTH 1♦ 2♣

♠ A Q 8 4 ♥ 10 9 5 ♦ A K 10 8 6 ♣ 8

What call would you make?

SOUTH 1♦ 1♠ ?

Q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♥ Pass Pass 2♣ Pass

What call would you make?

Q 2 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠7653♥KQ♦QJ2♣K742

BIRTHDAYS

The compelling history lessons continue on “The American West.” The eight-part docudrama delves into little-known stories about Western legends such as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. 8 p.m., AMC.

Actor Robert Ito (“Quincy”) is 85. Writer-director Larry David is 69. Keyboardist Roy Bittan of the E Street Band is 67. Model-actress Jerry Hall is 60. Actor Jimmy McNichol is 55. Bassist Dave Parsons of Bush is 51.

Actress Yancy Butler (“Witchblade”) is 46.

Singer Michelle Branch is 33. Actress Vanessa Lee Chester (“The Lost World: Jurassic Park”) is 32. Actress Ashley Tisdale (“Hellcats,” ‘’High School Musical”) is 31. Actress Lindsay Lohan is 30.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ON TV

Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

EAST 1♥ Pass

SOUTH WEST NORTH Pass 2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

Q 3 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A K J ♥ A Q 10 3 ♦ Q 5 3 ♣ K 10 6 WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♥

SOUTH ?

What call would you make?

Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 8 7 6 4 3 ♥ A 10 8 6 5 2 ♦ J ♣ Void

op don’t sh ...

If you nd e is week Bob’s th g too much! ayin You’re p

BO GOT B’S IT.

EAST Pass Pass

SOUTH 1♠ ?

WEST Pass

♠ K Q 10 2 ♥ A 9 7 6 ♦ 6 4 2 ♣ K 8 NORTH 1♦ 2♥

EAST Pass Pass

SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST Pass

What call would you make?

Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 9 6 3 ♥ 10 4 ♦ K Q 10 9 3 ♣ A 8 2

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes.

What call would you make?

Look for answers on Monday.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.)

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