Stories from Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The last TV Guide published by the Mountain Home News will be printed for the Feb. 25 edition of the Mountain Home News. Because of electronic guides and other resources available to TV watchers, the need for the guide has diminished in value, and can no longer justify its cost...

Here's a look at statistics about hunger and food banks based on a nationwide survey of 180 food banks last December: _ 100 percent reported an increase in people served from a year earlier. _ Demand for emergency food increased by 30 percent from previous year...

SHINNSTON, W.Va. (AP) _ On a sunny, winter day, Raye McCoy donned a pair of sunglasses, put a harness on her guide dog and set out on the streets of Shinnston for a walk. Her black Labrador retriever, who will turn 2 in March, led her safely as she crossed streets for a quick walk around the block. McCoy, who has no sight in her left eye and severe impairment in her right eye, does not mind...

Most people in the U.S. are familiar with mint as a flavoring in candies, chewing gum, ice cream, the occasional cocktail, maybe a tea, and as a particularly dated sauce for lamb. But elsewhere in the world, mint is a key - and refreshing - ingredient in numerous savory recipes...

Meaty stews can be rich comfort foods... that often come at a nutritional price. But giving a bit of thought to your choice and quantity of meat can lower the cost of comfort. When making beef stew, chuck is the best choice. Bottom round, which is leaner but still has enough fat to keep it moist and flavorful, also works well, especially if you cook it low and slow- that is, for a long time at low heat...

()ARIES: MARCH 21 - APRIL 20() You need your freedom right now. Whoever you feel so responsible for needs theirs too. If you can allow others as much space as you expect them to give you, both of you will be a Hell of a lot happier. ()TAURUS: APRIL 21 - MAY 20()...