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Digital Television-You Got Questions?

(NAPSI)-This is the first year that we're buying more HDTVs than traditional analog sets. If you're considering buying a new TV, you probably have lots of questions. Here are answers to six questions that Jim Barry, the Consumer Electronics Association's Digital Answer Man, is frequently asked regarding the new TV system:

I'm in the market for a new TV. Should I buy an HDTV and is that the same as a digital TV?

You definitely want to consider a digital television (DTV). The new system of broadcasting (like cable and satellite) is digital, meaning it sends pictures and sound as computer code as compared with the old analog system, which sends signals as magnetic waves. The best DTV is high-definition (HDTV).

I've heard that I'll have to buy an HDTV eventually. Is that right?

Not exactly. You won't have to buy an HDTV, but soon we'll all buy digital television. The FCC requires that all TVs sold in the U.S. must include a digital tuner beginning in 2007. That's in advance of the broadcasters ending their analog broadcasts and switching exclusively to digital transmissions. That date has been set for February 17, 2009.

What if I haven't bought a digital TV by February 2009?

If you have digital cable or digital satellite, you'll be able to receive the new digital broadcasts and watch them on your analog TV. If you rely on over-the-air signals, you'll be able to purchase an inexpensive box that will convert the digital signals to display on your analog set. The government has proposed supplying two coupons worth $40 each for households that don't get cable or satellite and can't afford to get a digital TV or converter.

Is HDTV really that much better and what are SDTV and EDTV that I see advertised?

Think good, better, best. The new digital system can be standard definition (SDTV), good; enhanced definition (EDTV), better; or high-definition (HDTV), best. SDTV is probably fine for 27-inch and smaller screen sizes. And yes, HDTV is truly better. Depending on the measuring method, HDTV is five to 10 times as sharp and clear as our old analog broadcast system. Especially on larger screen sizes (over 30 inches) and in wide-screen with digital surround sound, it's a spectacular new home entertainment system. Take a look and listen in a store and I think you'll agree.

Do I need digital cable or satellite to get HDTV?

No, you don't. You can get digital HDTV on cable, satellite or over the air using a rooftop or set top antenna, depending on whether you live in an area that can get local broadcast reception. For more information on using an antenna, go to www.antennaweb.org.

Is it really expensive to get HDTV?

Good news. It's getting less expensive every day. HDTV is still the top-of-the-line DTV, but prices start at around $500 for the smaller screen sizes. DTV sets are now available for under $300.

Life Is More Than a Number on a Scale - A Q&A

(NAPSI)-Jenny Craig may have recently sold her remaining shares in the company that bears her name, but she's still as dynamic, charismatic and energetic as she was when she entered the weight loss industry 47 years ago. At age 74, she embraces the same healthy, active lifestyle she initially modeled for her clients when she and husband Sid opened their first Jenny Craig Centre in Melbourne, Australia in 1983. She walks four miles on the beach each morning and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling, golfing and savoring life in Southern California.

How did you first get involved in the weight loss industry?

During my pregnancy with my second daughter, I gained more than 50 pounds. As I lost my remaining 30 pounds at a local gym, I noticed how many women changed their whole demeanor as they lost weight. They became more lively, confident and proud of their appearance. I've been in the weight management industry ever since.

What is some of the best advice you've ever received?

My dad always told me, "You can do anything or be anything you want if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it." That has been a lifelong mantra that has propelled me upward to bigger and better goals along the way.

What makes the Jenny Craig Program unique?

Our clients receive individual attention from the moment they walk through our doors. Their personal consultant monitors their results, offers helpful strategies and provides the moral support necessary to achieving their goals. Also, our Jenny's Cuisine makes healthy meal planning a no-brainer.

What has been your proudest achievement?

Other than my children and grandchildren, my biggest accomplishment is having helped millions of people not only lose weight but lead healthier and happier lifestyles. I knew that with a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment, Sid and I could create the best method of weight loss in the country. I am proud to say that according to the many testimonials we receive each day, we've achieved that goal.

What would surprise people to know about you?

Probably that I'm 74 years old, have five children and 13 grandchildren, and remain energetic, enthusiastic and always looking for new challenges, places to go and things to learn. Life is to be enjoyed and I treasure each and every day.

Maggie's Laundry Room Madness

Hello Readers! Thank you all for your stain and laundry questions in the past months. To make sure we answer as many of them as possible, we've asked our favorite "Domestic Diva," Maggie to help us out. If you have a question for Maggie, you can e-mail her at comments@alliancels.com.

Dear Maggie,

My question is two-fold. I have a shirt with some latex paint stains on it. First, do you have any helpful hints on how to remove these splotches? Second, should I be afraid of washing it with other clothes?

Joanne
Fort Mill, S.C.

Dear Michelle,

Next time you want to paint your walls, try wearing a plastic poncho! To treat a fresh stain, rinse the fabric in cool water while stains are still wet and then wash. To treat a dried paint stain, first scrape off as much of the stain as possible. Then, soften the stain by applying soapy water or an acrylic paint and varnish remover. Rinse well and then wash in your washer. As long as most of the stain is gone, go ahead and wash the shirt in your regular load.

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I'm an avid reader of your column and have had great success with your tips. Perhaps, however, I have a stumper for you. I have what I think is leftover detergent marks on some items I've washed. What's the easiest way to remove these and what can I do to make sure this doesn't happen again? There's nothing worse than doing a load of laundry twice!

Abby
Santa Cruz, Calif.

Dear Abby,

While I share your dread of double-duty laundry, this one's no stumper. The first thing that comes to mind is Washer Operating 101. Look under the lid or in your user's guide and you'll note that you should always add the detergent before the clothes. This way you'll avoid pouring detergent directly on the clothes which leads to detergent residue. Additionally, try washing in warm water. When washing with cold water is necessary, try using one of the newer detergents specially formulated for cold water.

For those clothes that have residue, wash them again in warm water.

Maggie

Pumpkin-Carving Ideas

(NAPSI)-Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin carved into a jack-o'-lantern, but if you're looking for a unique way to impress your family and friends this Halloween, consider carving a butternut squash into a bewitching harvest-style centerpiece. It makes a great addition to any autumn table.

Here's how it's done, according to Julie Mulligan, author of "A Year Full of Flowers" and floral expert for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM:

You'll need flowers such as Asiatic lilies, seeded eucalyptus, hypericum, celosia and, if available, solidago. Select any size butternut squash that stands up nice and straight and cut off the squash about an inch from the top. Scoop out pulp, seeds and flesh of the squash, leaving one-inch thickness of flesh next to the squash skin.

Next, stuff water-soaked floral foam, available from most craft stores, into the squash cavity. Cut and insert a lily in the foam for a focal point. Cut and insert the other lilies. Cut all flowers into sprigs and insert into foam to fill gaps. Before you cut the flowers, hold them near the squash to determine the height and be sure to give each stem a fresh cut on an angle. It's truly a one-of-a-kind arrangement.

Another idea for a centerpiece is the Pumpkin n' Posies arrangement found exclusively at www.1800flowers.com. The arrangement, featuring gorgeous fall flowers in an amber glass pumpkin cookie jar, is excellent for Halloween, Thanksgiving or any fall occasion.

Rice Recipes: Simple and Satisfying

(NAPSI)-To make life simply delicious, a free recipe brochure offers seven award-winning rice recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes using just six ingredients.

The winning recipes in the "Surprisingly Simple" brochure were selected by USA Rice Federation from more than 1,200 recipes submitted by home cooks in the eighth-annual Rice to the Rescue! contest. Winners were selected based on taste, ease of preparation, creativity and appearance.

Linda Rohr from Darien, Conn., received the $5,000 grand prize for her Creamy Rice Pudding Brulee with Gingered Berries. This twist on the classic, rich dessert features fresh berries, brown sugar and crystallized ginger.

Tilapia with Cheesy Roasted Pepper-Chipotle Rice was selected as best whole grain rice recipe. Other winning recipes include Shrimp & Rice Patties with Creamy Cilantro Sauce, Sushi di Italia, and more. Here's the grand-prize-winning recipe:

Creamy Rice Pudding Brulee with Gingered Berries

• 3 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries and blueberries)
• 1 (2-ounce) jar crystallized ginger, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream or half and half
• 3 cups cooked medium or long-grain white rice
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat broiler. Combine berries and 3 tablespoons chopped ginger in medium bowl; set aside. Bring heavy cream, rice and 1/3 cup brown sugar just to a boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently or until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in remaining ginger, butter and extract. Spray 8 ovenproof custard cups (or one 10-inch shallow oven-safe baking dish or quiche dish) with vegetable cooking spray and place on baking sheet. Spoon equal amounts of rice mixture into each cup. Sprinkle evenly with remaining sugar; broil 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar completely melts and begins to bubble. Remove from broiler; let stand 2 minutes. Serve with berry mixture.

Makes eight servings.

For your free copy of "Surprisingly Simple," send a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Surprisingly Simple, c/o USA Rice Federation, 4301 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 425, Arlington, VA 22203 or visit www.usarice.com/consumer to download the winning recipes and brochure.

The New Style of Kitchen Decor

(NAPSI)-If you've been cooking up ways to spice up your kitchen, start by looking in your closet.

Designers say current clothing fashion actually influences the look of kitchen decor-especially kitchen cabinets. Look for natural browns, earth tones and tinted neutrals, as well as bold colors such as black and chocolate browns. While stained finishes are shifting toward warmer and richer browns, painted finishes are moving toward creamy whites, generally with a glaze finish. Glazing adds character to today's cleaner styles.

Whether contemporary or traditional, today's kitchen cabinets likely will be in a dramatic dark color, which not only complements your wardrobe but works well with an up-and-coming interior design trend-tropical British Colonial.

If you're going to renovate your cabinets, try these tips from Armstrong. They can help the whole process go smoothly, because design should not only benefit aesthetics, but functionality and usability as well.

• Appraise the space. Draw a floor plan of your kitchen and take measurements.
• Think about the storage space you'll need. One of the newest trends in cabinets involves personalizing storage space. This includes adding roll-out pantry drawers, built-in wine racks, china displays and more.
• Look for details. Rich crown moldings, glazed finishes and high-style touches evoke a traditional yet luxurious look. Consider cherry's old-world charm and handcrafted construction accented with handrubbed glazes. Raised door panels, decorative glass inserts and decorative molding can make a dramatic difference as well.
• Consider the species of wood. Every type of tree has a unique grain that can have a big impact on the look of the cabinet. Light-colored woods tend to make a room appear brighter and larger, while darker-colored woods create a more dramatic environment. Don't be afraid to mingle the species or graining of your furniture or floors with your cabinet choice. The interplay of different woods can add visual interest and personality to your room.
• If you plan to choose vibrant colors for your walls or floors, or if you have a substantial amount of photos or collectibles, consider a minimalist laminate to provide a neutral backdrop for a busy room. They blend with virtually any decor and, at a comparatively low price, add a lot of style to your home.

For more information and tips, and to see your new kitchen come to life in three easy steps, visit www.armstrong.com.

Travel with a Local Flair

(NAPSI)-Arthur Frommer's daughter, travel expert Pauline Frommer, has her own new series of books to bring travel to a new generation.

Pauline Frommer's Travel Guides are more opinionated and packed with more local knowledge than other guides. Pauline learned at an early age that local mom-and-pop hotels, restaurants, shops or just off-the-beaten-path accommodations can provide a more authentic travel experience. Pauline's guidebooks uncover:

How alternative accommodations help travelers experience a local feeling. Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a winery in the Tuscan hills? These guides show you how.

• Neighborhood restaurants where you'll dine beside locals, and top-of-the-line culinary schools.
• The other side to famous destinations, for an in-depth look at the culture you're visiting and a chance to meet the locals. Study sea turtles with scientists in Hawaii or take free tango lessons at the Argentine Consulate in New York.
• Airfare deals and other industry secrets you won't find elsewhere.

The guidebooks are published by Wiley in a series soon to total 40 titles. Additional information can be found at www.frommers.com/pauline. Podcasts with Pauline Frommer are available for download on www.frommers.com/podcast or iTunes.com.

Up On What's Under The Latest Look In Jeans?

(NAPSI)-The stylish will soon be blue. That's because this season, fashion experts say denim will reign supreme as the must-have wardrobe staple.

According to Cotton Inc.'s Lifestyle Monitor, eight out of 10 women like or love wearing denim. The average American woman owns more than eight pairs of jeans, and nationally, women buy about 80 million pairs of jeans a year.

Here's a look at the latest:

Styles:

• The signature look is billowy on top, narrow on bottom and, in keeping with this silhouette; the must-have denim is the slim-cut or skinny jean.
• Pairing the skinny jeans with a longer, fuller top also will help add inches to the look of the leg.
• Tucking the jean bottom into a boot also can help keep the look from being too top-heavy for women desiring more balance.

Colors:

• While we'll see everything from white to gray to black, most women will be drawn to the darker, more slimming washes.
• Black jeans, especially those with some iridescence or sparkle, are the season's hottest options for more formal occasions.
• The traditional blue will continue to be the most popular pick, especially a dark vintage wash.

Rise:

• While waist heights aren't at the thong-exposing low-water marks they were a couple seasons ago, very few designers are going to the other extreme either.
• Higher-rise waists help to draw an ample belly up and in and they were a hit on the haute couture runways at this season's shows.

Underneath:

• Lower-waist jeans can show off a toned tummy but require prudent panty pairing. That's why many say the best way to complete the denim look is with Jeanious panties by Barely There Intimates. Jeans will glide over the shiny fabric that is also comfy next to the skin. Each style (thong, bikini, hipster) has a "V" waist that dips in the front and back for lower-rise jeans. What's more, the panties are tag-free for more comfort.

For additional information, visit www.barelythere.com.