Q: In the springtime, along the roadside near my house, there were some phlox plants blooming. I kept track of them and now I see they have long seed pods. I collected a few pod's worth of seeds, but I am not sure what to do with them. Do I plant them now or wait until spring?  A: The best thing to do when planting wildflower seeds is to do the same thing that nature ... [full story]

Recently, I suggested in this space that it was time to retire that irrelevant word from past centuries - "retirement." After all, many of us don't "retire" to the front porch or the golf course when we stop getting paid for working at a full-time job. We start new careers, take part-time jobs or embark on vigorous rounds of volunteer work. We needed a word that was, well, more 21st centuryish, I concluded. Something that ... [full story]

Ruthe Hirsch of San Rafael, Calif., has just turned 80. Now, before young cynics ask, "So what's to celebrate? That only means she is another old woman whose best years are in the past," let's take a moment to examine Ruthe's life. You cynics obviously don't know Ruthe (pronounced "Ruthie"). Let me tell you about her. Ruthe is no traditional octogenarian. Oh, no. Not only does she have a lot to celebrate in her past ... [full story]

The Altima Hybrid is a roomy and attractive sedan sold in one well-equipped model with a base price of $25,015, which includes conveniences such as Intelligent Key push-button starting and six air bags. The test car included the Connection Package, $5,250, which created a comfortable environment featuring leather upholstery and other weighty things such as power, heated seats and a trunk-lid spoiler.   NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID - The Altima Hybrid still has a government credit of ... [full story]

The new Nissan Altima coupe is a good example of how less can be more. This sexy coupe, which went on sale May 27, is based on the Altima sedan, but the coupe is less car. It rides on a new, shortened platform. Its wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than that of the sedan. The coupe's overall length is 7.3 inches shorter, and its height has been shaved by 2.6 inches. Nissan says the coupe's ... [full story]

Q: The "Mr. Ed" puppet seen in this photo is in the original box and has never been opened. Pulling a string makes him move his mouth and talk. He says 10 phrases and has a mane made of yarn.   MR. ED - This Mr. Ed puppet is in the original box and has never been opened. It is probably worth between $200 to $250. CNS Photo.    PEARL CHINA CO. MARK - Pearl China Co. located ... [full story]

The world is very different today than it was 25 years ago. But if a couple of pop music fans had been placed in suspended animation in 1982 and suddenly awakened now, they might think time had stood still, at least when it comes to concerts and the most popular live performers.   ROCK OF AGES - Break out the Ben-Gay, concert venues are being invaded by stars of the past and they are ready to ... [full story]

Debra Ginsberg describes herself as "a very omnivorous reader." And while it's true that she ricochets from fiction to nonfiction, from serious literature to flat-out fluff, her reading is at the same time constrained by her work.   NEW AUTHOR - Author Debra Ginsberg likes to read in the genre she's writing in. She's just finished her second novel, 'The Grift,' a psychological thriller. CNS Photo by Sean DuFrene. Which is, for the most part, writing: Ginsberg ... [full story]

Fair warning for travelers to the City of Brotherly Love. Don't call Philadelphia the "next New York" just because the saloon and restaurant scene here is suddenly smokin' hot. Locals cringe. In fact, for libation lovers, Philly may even be cooler than Gotham but on a smaller scale. At the Water Works, a onetime utility circa 1812, barmaestro Mariaelena Galie makes her Manhattan by infusing super smooth Knob Creek bourbon with sour cherries for 38 ... [full story]

August 24 Reports: Amy Lynne Simmons, 25, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Tristen Ray Storie, 23, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Sarah Jaylene Yankee, 25, was arrested for theft/forgery. August 25 Reports: Michael Slade, 56, was arrested for theft/forgery. Scott Lee Nielsen, 36, was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal trespass, and menacing. Robert Lee Wurgaft, 76, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Randy Allen Purcell, 41, was arrested for suspicion of DUII. Andrew James ... [full story]