Dec. 7 Reports: Allan Roy Hansen, 32, was cited and released for being in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Anthony James Garceau, 41, was arrested for interfering with the duties of police and stalking. Trustin Harley D. Hudson, 25, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Kathleen Gale Nelson, 49, was arrested for theft and an outstanding warrant. Darrell Clifford Petty, 46, was arrested on an outstanding Jackson County warrant. Joseph Gregory Sumpter, ... [full story]

Q: Someone recently told me that fleas are involved in the fevers caused by cat scratches in humans. Although this seems strange to me I am quite interested in knowing about this relationship, since I am recovering from a severe scratch caused by my neighbor's cat. The cat that scratched me lives outside, so he does not like people and is very difficult to catch. I was scratched while trying to help my neighbor get ... [full story]

In the Gospel According to Seinfeld, here's how the Christmas story might go: Joseph: Did you see what those strange-looking men gave to little Jesus? Mary: Yes, dear. Joseph: What on earth can a baby do with gold, frankincense and myrrh? Mary: Well, I suppose we could always regift them. The Word came from a 1995 episode of the "Seinfeld" TV sitcom. Regift: The gift that keeps on giving. And it stuck like gum on ... [full story]

Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, oversees the lead agency that is constructing the fencing and vehicle barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border as required in legislation approved by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush. Chertoff was recently interviewed on the border mission by San Diego Union-Tribune editorial writer Beth Barber and editorial columnist Ruben Navarrette. Q: Mr. Secretary, your own position on border fencing seems to have evolved. ... [full story]

During the holidays most of us think about giving. We choose presents for our loved ones, as I discussed last week in Part I of this three-part series, and we make donations to charities and social causes that move us. But this year, as you think about giving, consider spreading the gift of knowledge to someone you care about. Make a "present" out of the wisdom you've gained dealing with money, investing and personal finance. ... [full story]

Every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 has proclaimed December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is generally considered by transportation officials to be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Alcohol and icy roads make a dangerous mix. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005, 16,885 Americans died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 39 ... [full story]

Although the Commerce Department reported strong gross domestic product growth of 4.9 percent during the summer, most economists predict that economic growth will slow down in the year's final quarter. To wit, the Bush administration revised its economic forecast downward for next year, from 3.1 percent to 2.7 percent real GDP growth. The housing market continues to slide, oil prices remain high and the U.S. dollar needs strengthening. But while many are predicting an economic ... [full story]

It's a scene out of anybody's grim nightmare before Christmas. The invitation reads "black tie requested" and you start hyperventilating.   LITTLE BLACK DRESS - The little black dress is always an evening classic. This updated version for the holiday season is by designer Isaac Mizrahi for Target. CNS Photo courtesy of Isaac Mizrahi. "Just exactly what store were you in the other day when you saw that perfect little black dress?" "Why haven't you had those ... [full story]

It may be the first time, or the second ... or the third? The kids are going off to school, or moving into their first abode. You want to make sure they have what it takes to get, and keep, the place in shape.   TOOL KIT - Send your kids off to college with this 21-piece dormitory tool kit from GreatNeck Tools. CNS Photo courtesy of GreatNeck Tools.    FLASHLIGHT - If you ever need light in ... [full story]

  When you choose carpet, you have a number of things to think about such as color, pattern and texture. Consider the color of walls, furniture and decorations in the room and how they work together. Loop pile, cut pile, carpet padding, rating system, durability, traffic …  [full story]