On the DVD extras of the exquisite little film "Waitress" (Fox, 4 stars), the writer-director-co-star Adrienne Shelly calls her movie a "love letter to Sophie," her young daughter who plays the toddler Lulu near the film's end.   PIE-MAKING GENIUS' - In 'Waitress,' Keri Russell plays a battered wife with a gift for making delicious pies. CNS Photo by Alan Markfield.  DVD RATINGS 4 stars: Don't miss: rent it/buy it 3 stars: Worth the risk: rent it ... [full story]

  Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the U.S. Many different straints of staph exist and many of these can be quite resistant to most antibiotics, making them difficult to treat.  [full story]

Q: We live really hectic lives during the week so I'd like to make our new mountain house as simple and straightforward as possible, without being severe.   SIMPLE, YET ELEGANT - Far from 'Sex and the City,' Sarah Jessica Parker's dining room in the country is dramatically simple. CNS Photo courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing. I'm having a hard time finding "ordinary" furniture. Everything is overwrought - all patterns and lace and dripping crystals. Maybe you have ... [full story]

Q: We are planning to retire and settle in a retirement community next year. We have an excellent real estate broker in our community and have asked his advice. He says our local prices are down about 7 percent here and believes prices may continue down. What are your thoughts about selling now, and buying into a retirement community and renting it until we can make our move? A: Your decision is a crapshoot, and ... [full story]

Nov. 16 Reports: Andrew Joseph Munster, 50, was arrested for probation violation and criminal trespass. Tyson Ray Jumper, 22, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Sophia Munoz Sacnhez, 56, was arrested for first-degree theft. Jadra Lynn Winkle, 28, was arrested for violation of a restraining order. Andrew Anthony West, 36, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Eddie William Maxwell, II, 34, was cited and released for second-degree theft. Brently Trevor Siders, 18, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Tricia Lynn Bangert, 22, was ... [full story]

Nov. 9 Reports: Ronald William Mueller, 27, was arrested for assault. Joseph Duane Chappue, 38, was arrested for parole or probation violation. Nov. 10 Reports: Tami Leigh Shipman, 26, was arrested for criminal trespass. David Ray Langmade, 37, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Nov. 11 Reports: Report of hit-and-run to a motor vehicle at Powers Rd. and Highway 97. Numerous reports of vandalism to vehicles at NE Arnett Way & NE Linnea Dr, SE Tempest Dr., and NE 10th St. Nov. 12 Reports: Eric ... [full story]

Nov. 2 Reports: Ryan Carl Mesaros, 26, was arrested for second-degree criminal mischief, assault on a public safety officer, second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and fourth-degree assault. Brand Mark Rich, Jr. 32, and Danielle Hope Sahme, 31, were arrested on outstanding warrants. Nov. 3 Reports: Jeremiah Paul Johnson, 20, was cited for first-degree theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and nine counts of ID theft. Nov. 4 Reports: Christina D. Timmerman, 29, was arrested for fourth-degree assault. Ian Bertram Fraser, 35, ... [full story]

Oct. 26 Reports: Clarence Edward Morrow, 39, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Garrett Lee Wasson, 28, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Oct. 27 Reports: Gerry Lynn Parnell, 44, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Gabriel Joseph Lanning, 30, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Joshua Matthew Blessing, 35, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Steven Unbankes, 38, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and an outstanding warrant. Oct. 28 Reports: Rodney Dean York, 47, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Matt ... [full story]

Oct. 19 Reports: Dennis Alan Mahnkey, 49, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Jamie Rae Neff, 32, was cited and released for second-degree theft. Kyle Richard Kroeger, 24, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Oct. 20 Reports: Rian Eugene Bernhardt, 32, was arrested for conspiracy to commit assault, first-degree assault, and felony hit-and-run. Garnet Ewart Hunter, 26, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Joseph Anthony Cepeda, 46, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Jason Edward Welch, 27, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Kristopher ... [full story]

WASHINGTON -- U.S. military commanders are working on a post-surge plan to give remaining combat brigades the job of training and supporting Iraqi forces, a report says.The New York Times said Friday the goal is to strengthen Iraqi forces to deal with a diverse array of threats after the first surge brigades leave.Under the proposed plan, some U.S. units would continue combat roles in highly contested areas even after the number of combat brigades shrinks ... [full story]