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Friday, March 9, 2012 – Daily News 5A FEATURES Altruistic aunt anticipates airport agony Dear Annie: My niece, ''Tricia,'' and I have always been close. Her mother (my sister) had a very traumatic life, and I often came to the rescue to be sure my niece was fed and protected. Tricia is now grown with two adult children of her own and a fabulous home in Arizona. She has reunited with her first child's father after 17 years. They have decided to get married, and every- one is thrilled about it. apologized or even acknowledged her behavior. She may not even remem- ber. Annie's Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar My sister is sometimes jealous of my relationship with Tricia, although I have tried not to over- step. Now Tricia wants me to fly out and help her plan her wedding and select her gown. Twice, I have tried to visit her with my sister, but Sis does not do well in airports. Both times, she caused a scene, and we barely made it through security. The first time, she refused to give up her cigarette lighter and yelled that it wasn't a bomb. You can imagine how well that went over. The sec- ond time, she was so drunk, she couldn't stand up. I told her I would not travel with her if she didn't behave herself. So how do Tricia and I enjoy this time without including my sister? I know how important it is for her to be part of the planning, but I cannot put myself through her raving dys- function a third time. She has never I don't want to destroy my relationship with my sis- ter. How do I handle this? — Auntie and Sister Dear Auntie: Your sister seems to be doing a pretty good job of wrecking her own relationships without any assistance from you. Her acting out at the airport may, in fact, be purposeful. Tell your sister you are going to Arizona and you'd like her to be there, but you will not travel on the same plane. Offer to pick her up at the airport when she gets in. If she doesn't show up, be sure to include her by emailing or texting photos of the dresses as you are looking at them. Call for her opinion on what- ever plans you are making. Her level of participation is entirely up to her. Dear Annie: I read the letter from ''Michigan,'' who was upset when the restaurant owner took a portion of a tip left for the servers. My son is a 25-year-old culinary school-educated sous chef with three years of experience. He has no benefits (not uncommon) and makes no tips. He and his co-work- ers make anywhere from $8 to $13 an hour. He loves his work, but lives paycheck to paycheck. A routine dental visit would be a hardship. Yet, when the waitstaff can pull in $200 a night in tips, the cooks don't get a dime of it. Isn't a tip a reward for the total experience — meaning both the food and the service? I believe a new way of thinking on this topic is way overdue. — Mom Worried About Her Starving Chef Son Dear Mom: In many restaurants, tips are shared between the wait- staff, cooks, busboys and other workers. Obviously, this is not the case in your son's place of business, but it's a common and practical solution. Dear Annie: I have been through the same situation as ''Road Worri- er.'' My husband had multiple minor accidents, as well as less seri- ous but equally worrisome misjudg- ments behind the wheel. I sat him down and very calmly asked what it was going to take to get him to stop driving. I offered different scenar- ios, from scratching another's vehi- cle to killing a child. I never raised my voice. One week later, he sug- gested we sell his car. Now I take him wherever he wants to go. — Been There Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Student leaders to travel to Washington The following local students are among only 250 individuals chosen as National Youth Delegates to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environ- ment at George Mason University. Amelia Muller, of Red Bluff, a student at Chico High School, and Savannah Miller, of Corning, a stu- dent at Corning Union High School, have been selected to represent California. These individuals have been awarded the opportu- nity to join a select group of students from all across the country to participate in an intensive week-long study of leadership in environmental science and con- servation. They were chosen based on academic accomplish- ments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in leadership in the sciences and conservation studies. George Mason University along with partners, National Geographic and the National Zoo are excit- ed to welcome the nation's leading youth scholars to Washington, D.C. With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washing- ton Youth Summit on the Environment offers aspiring environmentalists an unparalleled experience. The week-long program is held at George Mason University's state-of-the-art campus. The Summit encourages and inspires young lead- ers who desire a unique experience focused on suc- cessful careers in this dynamic industry. The Washington Youth Summit on the Environ- ment will be held June 24-29. George Mason University is an innovative, entre- preneurial institution with global distinction in a Evidence mixed, but avoid BPAif you can DEAR DOC- TOR K: Is the chemical BPA just another health scare? Or is it real- ly something I should be worried about? DEAR READ- ER: BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is used to make a plastic known as polycarbonate. Dr. K by Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. Polycarbonate is sturdy and resists shattering, so it's a great material for water and baby bottles. BPA is also used to line the inside of cans so the metal of the can doesn't directly touch the food or beverage. It's used in some dental sealants and as an ingredient in the paper on which many receipts are printed. So there's no question that we're exposed to BPA. There's also no ques- tion that BPA can get inside us. The vast major- ity of Americans have measurable amounts of it in their bodies. Adults are mainly range of academic fields. Located in Northern Vir- ginia minutes from Washington, D.C., Mason pro- vides access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. In addition to environmental science and policy, Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreak- ing research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public universi- ty. The Washington Youth Summit on the Environ- ment (WYSE) is a unique student leadership confer- ence designed to develop and encourage future lead- ers in the important field of environmental studies and conservation in the 21st century. The Advisory Board, is chaired by Mark Bauman, Executive Vice President of National Geographic Television and co-chaired by Joe Sacco, Educational Director for the National Zoo. Additional members include world renowned scholars, distinguished scientists and award winning university faculty, such as Dr. Tom Lovejoy, noted environmentalist and former executive vice president of the World Wildlife Fund. Delegates gain an insider look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues. For more information visit us online at wyse.gmu.edu. exposed to BPA from canned food, because BPA escapes out of the cans' lining. Infants can be exposed from the lin- ings of infant formula cans and from polycar- bonate baby bottles. (But note that polycarbonate baby bottles are rarely sold in the United States and are banned in the European Union and Canada.) BPA has effects similar to certain hormones in animals. The hard, and controversial, question is whether any of this expo- sure to BPA causes harm. Expert panels organized by the National Institutes of Health have concluded that there is reason to be concerned, although there is no proof of harm. The U.S. National Toxicology Program expressed con- cern about the possibility of brain and behavioral effects on fetuses and young children, at levels of exposure in the U.S. population. Most of the concerns involve possible adverse effects on fertility, obesity and behavioral problems in young children. Some studies in animals raise questions about whether BPA can damage the breasts, thyroid and prostate glands. Studies in mice and in monkeys have adverse effects from BPA in concentra- tions that humans are exposed to. Since mice and monkeys are mam- mals like us, and share many genes with us, that is a reason for concern. I have mixed feelings about all the focus on BPA. On one hand, no adverse effects in humans have been proven. On the other hand, it probably wouldn't hurt to be cau- tious about BPA exposure and to limit it where we can. The first thing I would suggest is to eat less canned food. Replace it with more fresh fruits and vegetables — and that's always a good idea. If you continue to use containers that are made of BPA, don't put them in the microwave. Also, don't put hot foods or liq- uids in them: The heat can leach BPA from the wall of the container. Containers made of porcelain, glass, stainless steel and other types of plastic are safer for hot foods. For water bottles, consider switching from a BPA-containing bottle to one made of stainless steel. Unlike aluminum water bottles, the stain- less steel ones tend to be unlined. I would avoid altogeth- er using BPA containers to contain liquids for young children. Products that contain BPA have the number 7 on the bottom or recycling label, so you can use this as a way to identify and avoid buying them. Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. Go to his website to send questions and get additional information: www.AskDoctorK.com. Arbor Day tree planting advice from arborist society California Arbor Week is just around the corner (March 7-14). Everyone grab a shovel and get ready to plant a tree. But wait. Before planting a tree make sure you know how to do it correctly, advises the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). How a tree is planted, and initially maintained, makes all the difference in the world. Too many people are content to sim- ply plant a tree, but don't ensure that the tree has the chance to go on to live for many years. "Planting a tree is making an invest- ment in the future," says Sharon Lilly, ISA Educa- tional Director. "You must care for and nurture your young tree so that it will pay dividends for years to come." Tree Planting Tips There are a few simple tips to remember when planting your tree this spring: Prepare the perfect hole for planting • Dig the hole two to James W. Tysinger, Jr. M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Fellow American Academy of Ophthalmology We accept Medical, Medicare & most Insurances Office Hours: Tues-Wed-Thurs 8am-4:30pm Mon & Fri 1pm-4:30pm For Emergencies, After Hours, Week-ends, Call 530-567-5001 345 Hickory St. Red Bluff Tel: (530) 529-4733 Fax: (530) 529-1114 three times the width of the root ball. Do NOT dig deeper than root ball depth. Make the sides of the hole slant gradually outward. • For bareroot trees, neatly cut away any bro- ken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water. • Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal contain- ers completely removed. Carefully cut through any circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers. • Balled and Burlapped ("B&B") trees should have all of the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least one third of the way down. Slit remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire bas- ket, cut away the top of the basket. Plant the Tree Gently place the tree in the hole. Partially backfill with the soil from the hole, water to settle the The North State's premier supplier of stoves STOVE JUNCTION The Over 25 years of experience Accessories with purchase of any stove 20% OFF Stove Good through March 31, 2012 Tues-Sat 9am-5pm • Closed Sun & Mon 22825 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff 530-528-2221 • Fax 530-528-2229 www.thestovejunction.com COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR All makes and models. We perform dealer recommened 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES Smog Check starting at $ (most cars and pick-ups) 2595 + cert. Pass or FREE retest 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. soil, then finish back-fill- ing the hole. Tamp the soil gently, but do not step on the root ball. A few pointers While you may have finished planting, Arbor Day afi- cionados should remem- ber these final touches: • Remove tags and labels. • Do not stake unless the tree has a large crown or the planting is situated on a site where wind or people may push the tree over. Stake for a maxi- mum of one year. • Prune only the dam- aged branches. • Soak the soil well, making sure no air pock- ets form between roots. Wait until next year to fertilize. • Spread two inches of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up against the trunk. • Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year. Anyone with questions regarding choosing the right tree or proper plant- ing and maintenance is advised to contact an ISA Certified Arborist. For more information on planting and other tree care topics, or to find a local ISA Certified Arborist, visit www.treesaregood.org. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a non- profit organization sup- porting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recog- nized certification pro- gram in the industry. For more information, con- tact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com. found