However, it is really easy to tell the difference in the two: just leave a receipt (one you don't need for warranty or return purposes - this is important), on the front seat of your car, in the Arizona summer sun. That little gray rectangle? Your thermal receipt.

Yes, you can do the same thing (very carefully) with a cigarette lighter. But that's not nearly as random (and budget-altering) as accidentally ensuring that those really (really) expensive jeans that really (really) didn't fit, are now yours for life.

But I digress.

What I didn't know, and wouldn't have believed, is that some of these little gems actually print in two colors. I figured that the machine applied heat to special, sensitive paper and characters appeared. More heat or less heat, makes darker or lighter letters and numbers.

All true. So, where does color, any color, fit into this equation? Seriously! Because, near as I can tell, these two-color printers don't use any different paper or supplies than the other thermals.

Color me ... confused.

Chocolate Crinkles

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• sifted confectioners' sugar

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar, chocolate, oil, baking powder, and vanilla until blended. Beat in as much of the flour with the mixer as possible, then stir in the remaining flour. Cover and chill the cookie dough for 2 hours.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sifted confectioners' sugar, coating well. Place balls of cookie dough about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets and bake in a 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until crackled in appearence. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. (Mom never added this step: Sprinkle with more confectioners' sugar if desired.)

Makes about 48 cookies.

I know it seems silly, but bear with me. These shoes are made of breathable materials that support the feet. They're lightweight and comfortable, with a non-skid sole that would work just fine outside.

The other thing I like? They aren't big, fat athletic shoes. I have long narrow feet that look huge in the average casual shoe. It's just not attractive.

Frankly, there are a lot more styles than I expected. And the prices seem to be pretty reasonable. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.

Dyslexia

What It Is

LD.org has a more elaborate explanation, but the basic problem is a neurological condition that interferes with the brain's ability to process and interpret information. One of the first signs seems to be difficulty identifying letters. The most commonly confused are b and d; p and q. This leads to a cascading series of problems.

By being unable to tell letters apart, kids develop problems reading, writing, and pronouncing words. Their communication skills are hampered. As these abilities become more critical to their education, they fall further and further behind their classmates.

What It Isn't

Dyslexia is not a sign of diminished intelligence. It is not laziness on the part of students. This condition is, also, not unique to or more prevalent in any particular socio-economic group.

The Latest Study

"The team used two different imaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, which measures oxygen used by the brain during different activities, and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging or DTI, which reveals connections between brain areas." During testing, they found some identified dyslexics had more activity in a specific part of the brain, as well as stronger connections in certain fibers that connect the front and back of the brain.

These results later correlated to improved skills in the students with increased brain activity. Interesting information and researchers are hoping that it will lead to improved teaching methods for dyslexic students.

I must agree with the only comment posted on the article: What does this mean for kids whose brainscans don't have this increased activity? Are programs going to be developed for children who might not improve?

In the study, participants who played a computer game during lunch ate more cookies, when dessert was offered 30 minutes later. Those who paid attention to the meal, and only the meal, indulged in fewer sweets. Additionally, the game players were less able to recall the order and content of their lunch, and reported feeling less full.

For me, doing other things while I'm eating generally causes me to eat less. I start feeling full and quit eating sooner when I'm paying attention to more than my meal. Undistracted, I'll eat everything but the plate.

Even eating the same amount of food, I will agree that I don't end up feeling as full when I'm multitasking. Probably because I tend to eat more slowly; nibbling at the food, while typing or reading a little between bites. My possible response to sweets, offered a half-hour later, did make me stop and think.

Because I nibbled my way through the meal and don't feel over-fed or too full, it is entirely possible that I would be more likely to nibble my way through cookies afterward. But, I am just as likely to decline. I make jokes about cookies and pies and other goodies, but really am not big on desserts or sweets on a regular basis.

What about you? Have you ever noticed that you eat more (or less) if you're doing something else while you're having a meal? (Snacks, for me, don't count. I'd eat a 20lb bag of chips or 10lbs of jelly beans without even thinking, if distracted by work or games.)

I'm working from a reduce-the-stress starting point. There are a lot of travelers at the end of December. Being with family is something we're expected to do at this time of year. I say "Pffft!"

Stay with me here.

Being with family is great - any time of the year. Every time of the year, truth be told. So why not save a fortune and get together just a little after the holiday insanity?

Do yourself, your wallet, and your blood pressure a favor - plan a get-together for a time when the rest of the universe isn't trying to move everyone they know into the same zip code.

Bird Options

Our current thinking is: Fowl, of some species, would be great; preferably more exotic than chicken. Oh, did I mention that (in addition to turkey) Mark will not, under any circumstances, consider Cornish hens. Or (given the local pigeon infestation) Squab. I can live with that last one.

For years, we have threatened to try making a duck or goose. Now that it's just the two of us again, this may be the year to expand our culinary horizons. But ... which bird? (Hence, the earlier cry for Help!)

Duck

As the smaller cousin, this may be a good choice for two people. Especially two people who have a tendency to make enough 'go-withs' to feed the 12th army. Neither of us are good at cooking small amounts -- of anything.

On the negative side, duck is loaded with fat. Fat that must be dealt with in order to have an edible meal. The prep time for a duck meal may be prohibitive for us newbies.

Anyone have experience; a good recipe; advice?

Goose

A larger bird, this may be more meat than the two of us need.

Again, we're looking at culinary horizons and a -- really, really -- fatty bird. Neither of us, it occurs to me, may have the skills to deal with properly preparing a goose.

That and - oh, wow - my favorite scene from "A Christmas Story" - roasted goose, complete with head -- may keep me from ever eating goose again.

Have I mentioned we need a lot of help?

Many, many years ago, when gas was $0.15/gallon, anti-lock brakes for the average car didn't exist. (Yes, I am that old. {sigh} ) Those of us who learned how to drive on wet/icy pavement, were taught about precisely how to pump the brakes and steer into the skid. We had to do the work; the cars couldn't.

Then, came anti-lock brakes. The number of accidents was predicted to plummet and insurance companies were thrilled. They offered discounts to anyone and everyone who owned a vehicle with these magical, mahvelous brakes. Life was good.

For a while.

Then ... accident statistics started rolling in and insurance adjusters started having seizures. The predicted reduction in accidents didn't really happen; at least not at the levels that insurers were promised. Why, you ask? Well, I'll tell you.

People were taught to (see above) pump the brakes and steer into the skid. The steering part was still good; the pumping part, not so much. By pumping anti-lock brakes, drivers were undoing the benefits of the system.

Insurance companies got a clue. And acted - quickly.

Trust me! I can - vividly - remember (in the 90s) when my premiums went up because my insurance company (and all of her relatives) removed the anti-lock brake deduction. I made phone calls, panicked phone calls, and the story was the same - everywhere. The deduction/reduction was gone.

Today, there are sites all over the Internet that claim deductions for anti-lock brakes. Experience tells me to be - incredibly - skeptical.

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of butter (2 sticks or 8 ounces), room temperature
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
• 3/4 cup of your favorite jam
• Parchment paper

METHOD

1. Cream the butter and sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes.
2. Separate the eggs. Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. If using nuts place the egg whites in a shallow dish on the side and whisk them until bubbly and frothy (the egg whites will be used to keep the nuts on the cookies).
3. Add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined. Place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 350F.
4. Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. If using nuts, dip the balls into the egg whites then roll them into the nuts until covered. Place the balls on parchment lined cookie sheets.
5. Press down with your thumb to make a small well in the center of the cookie. Do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart. Fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Back in my teens, my cousin developed multiple sclerosis. Over the years her condition worsened and improved, and worsened. One possible cause given, even back then, was her amalgam fillings.

Eventually, she went in and had her fillings replaced. Within a very short time, she was out of the wheelchair and walking unaided. Or so I heard through the family grapevine. I doubt that her story is unique.

There are plenty of sites screaming about the dangers of mercury fillings. The better ones link to studies on the subject. Although much of the information is rather old, it is compelling.

One study, published in 1998 in Alternative Medicine Review noted dramatic differences in cerebrospinal fluid, following removal of dental amalgam fillings. Most intriguing? "Mercury has been documented to accumulate in the very areas of the nervous system from which the most dramatic clinical symptoms of MS originate."

The researchers stated that this is not a cause-and-effect determination. Their results did not prove that metal fillings cause multiple sclerosis. However, they did suggest further research and the consideration that chronic low-grade mercury exposure may play a part in some patients' MS development.

I'm not certain what I think about this controversy. Although I did wonder about the makeup of the FDA's panel of outside experts. Are there members who depend, in any way, on the dental industry? Just how much of a personal stake do panelists have in the outcome of the amalgam decision?

I looked up the Dental Products Panel, but haven't checked employment histories for questionable relationships. It's entirely possible that dental product manufacturers contribute to the schools and departments where these panelists teach. Or that they have influences that aren't obvious to me.

Does that create a conflict of interest? Should we, as consumers, be concerned about the panel's rulings? Without a consumer representative (that I could see, anyway), who's looking out for us and our health?

Personally, I have a mouth full of fillings. There is little doubt that they are amalgam. I can't say that I suffer from any ill-effects; but I've also never had the mercury levels in my brain checked.

(How, exactly, does one do that - shy of an autopsy?)

To start, I am no health expert. When I find an article on a subject that interests me, I always need to do a lot more reading. For example, before I can even attempt to judge information on omega-3s and depression, I have to educate myself on omega-3s. And - once again - I'm taking all of you with me!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Definition

Omega-3s are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that the body cannot make on its own. They have been called 'essential' fatty acids (EFAs) because of their importance in normal growth and brain function. The three most common (and most studied) omega-3s are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Sources

DHA and EPA are found in certain cold-water fatty fish, e.g., sardines, halibut, herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon, striped sea bass, albacore tuna, and whitefish. ALA, on the other hand, is a plant-based Omega-3 found in soy beans, walnuts, flaxseed, and canola and olive oils. The body converts ALA to EPA, and further to DHA.

Benefits

This is where the waters get a little muddy. Depending on the source (see the Google search results below), omega-3s do everything but the dishes. Proven benefits are a little harder to find, outside cardiovascular research.

There is evidence that EPA and DHA can (especially, when taken together) reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, lower triglycerides, prevent plaque build-up in arteries, and improve blood flow. ALA (the form frequently found in supplements), on the other hand, doesn't seem to offer the same benefits.

Concentrated in the brain, omega-3s are believed to play an important role in cognitive function and behavior. Studies in Great Britain, Australia, and Indonesia showed that children whose diets were higher in omega-3s performed better in school, with fewer behavior problems. Hence, the hope for benefit to people with depression and behavioral disorders.

Omega-3s and Depression

The article that inspired this post is based on an analysis (as yet, unpublished and not peer-reviewed) of previous clinical trials. Paid for by the National Institutes of Health, researchers combined the results of other studies and looked for patterns of omega-3s' impact on depression. They found a lot of information, inspiring further research; but nothing actually provided definitive conclusions.

Part of the problem is that many of the studies involved DHA alone. Few note any benefit to this solo-therapy approach. (My digging into other sources, listed below, showed similar results.) As mentioned, combining DHA and EPA seems to be more effective - regardless of the condition being treated.

Another problem? Although there is an indication that DHA-deficiencies have been linked to depression, the clinical trials failed to note whether any of the participants actually suffered from deficiencies. I quote: "However, it's unknown if the depressed people in the study were DHA-deficient and therefore the supplements were simply returning their DHA levels to normal, or if an added boost of DHA/EPA was helpful even for those with sufficient levels, Davis said."

What bothers me - rereading that last sentence - is casually comparing DHA to DHA/EPA. Over and over, I have read that adding EPA (sometimes in large amounts) to DHA is much more effective than DHA alone. Lumping them together, in the same sentence as though they were interchangeable treatments, is a serious apples-and-oranges comparison that flies in the face of valid methodology.

(Without access to the actual paper being presented this week, it's impossible to tell whether the disconnect is a flaw in the science or in the reporting. In other words, I'm not certain whether the researchers are mixing a lovely fruit salad or if the reporter failed to properly set-up the quote. Common, but frustrating.)

Conclusions

Depression is a serious condition. Improperly managed (or ignored) the implications are literally life-and-death. From where I sit, as a sufferer, any nature-based treatment is exciting. Especially one that offers other health benefits.

Chemical anti-depressants, while immensely improved since the early days, are still chemicals. Often it's a crap-shoot whether any particular drug will be effective for any particular patient. And, even then, the side effects and/or interactions can be serious.

The most, from where I sit, that can be decided by this new information is that we need more information. Hopefully, quality research will follow.

As always, arbitrarily taking supplements - of any kind - is to be avoided. If you feel that adding omega-3s to your diet is a good idea, talk to your physician. Combining these supplements with cholesterol meds or blood thinners increases the effects and carries serious risks.

In addition, know the manufacturer. Just as fish can be contaminated with mercury and other pollutants, so can fish oil supplements.

References

Google Search: Define: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid

Science Daily: Scientists Learn How Food Affects The Brain: Omega 3 Especially Important

University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Wikipedia: Omega-3 Fatty Acid

After addressing meat, produce, dairy, and bakery items, we are left with the middle of the store. In so many ways, this is the risky part of the shopping trip. The items you'll find here tend to be the snacks, sodas, and pre-packaged processed stuff with a longer shelf-life than Styrofoam.

Frozen

Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are less processed than canned, meaning more nutrients and fewer preservatives. Like anything else, however, you need to read the labels carefully. We found several packages with added sugar and/or sodium.

Store brands are almost always the best deal. At our regular store, the 12 oz packages are almost always on sale for $0.88. We get two meals out of each package, putting the cost at about $0.22/serving.

Fries and Pizza

Non-name brand french fries are frequently half the cost of the big names, and potatoes are potatoes. The frozen pizza that costs $4.99 across the street is frequently $1.50-$2.00 cheaper at the grocery store. (If not, we don't get one.)

Ice Cream

Our store has a 'premium' ice cream that is about a third the cost and usually has better ingredients. Back before diabetes came to live with us, we bought the giant buckets of ice cream - about $4.00 for 3 gallons. And every bit as good as any other option.

Frankly, we don't buy much else in this section. But, what we do buy, we buy on sale.

Canned and Boxed

Side Dishes

These are convenience foods - open a box, add milk and fat, and poof! a side dish. Throw in a little protein and it's a complete meal. Store brands are affordable, but all of them are full of preservatives and sodium.

With a little time and effort, I promise - you can make your own equivalent for less. And you'll be cutting down on the sodium and chemicals in your diet. Leave these on the shelf.

Vegetables

We just don't buy canned veggies. They are heavily processed, have far less nutritional value, and just don't taste as good as the frozen version. Except for tomatoes and tomato products.

Instead of canned sauces and chili, we tend to buy the ingredients and make our own. It's more cost effective and we know what we're eating. Trust me, canned tomatoes or tomato paste aren't much different from brand to no-brand (with the exception of the really inexpensive generic, white labels). Don't pay more for the pretty label or big name.

Coffee and Tea

If you are into caffeine - as we are - this may be one area where compromise simply isn't possible. Cheaper no-name coffee and tea are rarely the same quality as name brands. They cost less because there is more filler (coffee) or poorer quality leaves (tea).

Our answer? Stock up when our favorites are on sale.

Paper, Plastic, and Cleaning Supplies

Paper

In a nutshell, we buy 4-packs of Kroger-brand toilet paper. It's similar to Scott-brand, but about 1/3 the price. And it lasts forever, compared to the cushy soft kinds. Generic paper napkins are usually good for daily use.

Plastic

The same with storage and trash bags. Most of the store brands are fine. Just don't necessarily buy the cheapest, and check the mils (thickness) on the trash bags.

Cleaning Supplies

For liquid dish soap (we don't have a dishwasher), this is a case where the store versions tend to not work as well. They seem to be watered down, so you end up using much more and erase any possible savings. It's easy to get a mid-range option - such as Ajax - on sale and stock up.

With laundry products, less is more. "Everyday Cheapskate" has a great recipe for laundry detergent that saves a fortune. And, instead of fabric softener, one-half to one cup of vinegar in the final rinse helps soften without perfumes. Hard water? Add one-half cup non-iodized salt to the wash water and get rid of the dinginess.

For other cleaning situations, I suggest "Pioneer Thinking" Cleaning Solutions section and - again - "Everyday Cheapskate" columns. There are recipes and tips, enabling anyone to avoid paying high prices by making their own supplies.

Bottom Line

No matter what you need, there is a cheaper way to get it. P&G eSaver Coupons are one of my favorites. They load right onto your store shopping card; no clipping or schlepping or forgetting. Most are good for about 90 days, so if you're waiting for a sale - the coupons will be there when you need them. And they come right to your email inbox.

Several columns and blogs are dedicated to helping you save time and money. One I just discovered is Deal Seeking Mom. If you weren't aware, a lot of people offer coupons on eBay. (Learned that one from DSM.)

Finally, don't buy what you won't use. A great deal isn't, if it's something that will just take up space and gather dust.

Why, when it was determined that the Fort Washington plant had quality control lapses, unsanitary conditions, and manufacturing 'insufficiencies' did they not immediately recall any and all products that had been made there? Seriously.

For months, J&J has been pulling products - a few here and a few there (sometimes a ton here and there) - from the market. Adult medications and children's medications; cold meds and antacids. The one constant - they all came from the same place.

Investigations continue and it is entirely possible (probable?) that new recalls will occur. "[I]t could discover lapses in its earlier processes that could warrant new product recalls, J&J cautioned." Wouldn't a complete if-it-came-from-Fort-Washington-yank-it have actually done less damage to their credibility?

Maybe. But now that we're getting contact lenses - not from Pennsylvania - that were improperly processed, I have to wonder if everything from Johnson & Johnson isn't a risk. (Especially if one lives in Asia or Europe.) After all, "[t]he company is already under criminal and congressional investigation in the United States..."

If that weren't bad enough, recent notices are not being posted publically. The justification being that consumers don't need to take action. It's sufficient that wholesalers and retailers stop shipping or pull products from their shelves.

Really? This fulfills your "claims to be striving for greater transparency?" For protecting consumers?

Social Security

What, exactly, is this Social Security? In simple terms, it is a nest egg - a percentage of every dollar earned, - taken out of our paychecks - and set aside against the day when we can't work anymore. It's not a gee-I'd-rather-go-fishing fund for 20-somethings, but a support system for people who've worked long and hard, and are ready (after 20, 30 or 40 years) to say "I've done all I can. And I am done."

Most of the people in this country aren't retiring with 5-digit pensions and guaranteed healthcare, e.g. Congressmen. (Which is a whole 'nother issue -- or maybe not.) They are the average Joes and Janes who expect that - because they paid their money - they get their benefits.

This is a bit like my employer saying:

"Hmmm. We're having a bit of a problem, financially; so we're going to need the money from your 401(k)."

Me: "Excuse me, but that's MY money, taken out of my paycheck and put aside for MY future."

Employer: "Yes, well, we truly appreciate that you have been financially responsible, but - since we haven't - we need to take your money to fix our problems. We'll pay it back {wink, wink; nod, nod} just as soon as we can."

Since the Bush administration took office, they increased the deficit to the point of a national bankruptcy. (Just look at the above chart.) They also factored in the payments to Social Security as a way to make the damage seem less severe.

Now, we have the current administration; continuing in the same vein. It has to stop. Those monies are not for the use of the government - in any way, shape, or form.

Social Security belongs to the citizens who worked hard, paid in, and expect to receive their benefits at retirement. Period.