Twins celebrate 95 years

The Becker twins weighed just 3 pounds each and had a tenuous hold on life when they were born on their family's farm in Meriden on Nov. 9, 1909.

Since then, they have spent every birthday together. With luck, Stafford said, they still will be together on their 100th."I remember that," said Bird, smiling at her sister.While they waited for a lunch that included a caramel cake baked by Bird's daughter, Judy Bray, the twins shared memories of a time when their family slept on mattresses stuffed with dried corn shucks and birthdays were celebrated with burnt-sugar cake in the parlor."We had fur coats, too," Bird said.When their parents' economic prospects worsened in the 1920s, the girls downgraded their hopes of attending Washburn University --- as had their three older brothers --- and instead attended business school in Topeka to train as secretaries. Times turned to their advantage when the twins secured good jobs. They then pooled their money and bought a Model T Ford with a rumble seat for less than $500.Edward Becker wrapped up his tiny daughters, put them in a shoe box by the stove and fed them milk from an eye dropper.Erin Adamson can be reached at (785) 295-1186 or erin.adamson@cjonline.com.Stafford worked as a secretary at Capper Publications until she moved to Washington. Bird worked in the pattern department at Cappers, then worked for the Santa Fe Railway for 40 years.Although Bird rode the Santa Fe to visit Stafford in Washington when she could, the sisters weren't able to consistently spend their birthday together for years. They revived the tradition on their 80th birthday with a party in Topeka.ONLINE: Hear the sisters discuss their birthday and growing up during the Great Depression. cjonline.com"I can see the skillet on the fire with a little water just a poppin'," said Stafford, remembering burnt-sugar cakes.Life set the obstacle of space between the twins, but they almost always kept up on visits. After she married, Stafford moved with her husband to Washington. Bird married and raised her daughter in Topeka.Their mother, Charlotte Becker, was too ill from the delivery to care for them, an infant brother and two older brothers.On Tuesday, Nellie Becker Bird and Louise Becker Stafford celebrated a much more comfortable 95th birthday together at Bird's apartment at McCrite Plaza retirement community in Topeka.

ONLINE: Hear the sisters discuss their birthday and growing up during the Great Depression. cjonline.com

Denver Mattress Company and World Vision Join Forces to Help Survivors of Hurricane Katrina Rest Easier

DENVER -- In an attempt to bring some comfort to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Denver Mattress Company will be donating and transporting mattress sets to evacuees. The first large shipment of 1,000 twin sets will leave Denver today for distribution by World Vision in Jackson, MS.

The donated mattresses have been branded HOPE, which is the intended message for the survivors.Denver Mattress Company is a division of Furniture Row Companies, which is currently the fourth-largest privately held furniture dealer in the United States. With two of the busiest, state-of-the-art mattress factories in the world, Denver Mattress services over 140 distribution locations across the country. Subsequently, Denver Mattress utilizes one of the largest mattress distribution networks in the U.S. For more information regarding the company visit www.furniturerow.com.Additionally, mattresses will be shipped to Denver Mattress locations around the country, and will be distributed by churches designated by World Vision."Working with the Denver Mattress Company will enable World Vision to touch many lives with this generous gift," said Dean Salisbury, World Vision Director of Operations for Gifts-in-Kind. "Together with our church partners, we can positively impact lives. The Denver Mattress Company is going the extra mile to help the hurting and distressed."World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world's poor regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world's poor regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Hostel territories

Backpackers take note: New developments in eco-hostelling are providing rucksack-toting travelers with environmentally friendly alternatives to the typical budget flophouse.

In fact, the EcoHostel--part of the multi-purpose Ecopolitan complex--fosters a distinctly instructive atmosphere. Sporadically posted plaques offer tips on water conservation and electromagnetic pollution. Guests have access to on-site lectures and the adjacent organic/raw restaurant and eco-spa-after all, what fatigued backpacker doesn't appreciate a round at the oxygen bar?"Our mission is to create a greater understanding of the world and its people through travel," explains HI Eastern New England Council Executive Director Deborah Ruhe. "That includes the environmental world.""People need a place to stay," reflects Tel-Oren. "If we offer them an ecological one, what they learn there can make life better for the entire species." CONTACT: Hostelling International USA, (301)495-1240, www.hiusa.org; The Minneapolis EcoHostel at Ecopolitan, (612)870-2974, www.ecopolitan.com.Outside the concrete jungle, budget-lodging juggernaut Hostelling International (HI) is also embracing the eco-hostelling model. Recently approved projects in Humboldt County and Cape Cod incorporate sustainable building, solar energy and environmental education. The group sees sustainable technology as a shrewd investment as well as complement to its stated goals.The Minneapolis EcoHostel opened in July of last year as a comfy, 21-bed guesthouse in the heart of Minnesota's Twin Cities. From recycled wood-pulp bed frames to natural spectrum light bulbs, every fixture and product in the EcoHostel is selected with an eco-fanatic's eye toward environmental health and sustainability. Inside, staffer Maria Riecke drapes natural-soap laundered linens across an organic cotton mattress. It's not just materials that earn the hostel its prefix, she explains: "We definitely try to raise awareness."The real innovation, however, is location. Unlike the idyllic, natural settings of most green accommodations, the EcoHostel sits three blocks from the interstate in Minneapolis' bustling Uptown neighborhood. Founder and innkeeper Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren sees no paradox. "To be ecological, you have to be urban," he insists. "That's where the majority of people live and the least amount of transportation is needed."

"People need a place to stay," reflects Tel-Oren. "If we offer them an ecological one, what they learn there can make life better for the entire species." CONTACT: Hostelling International USA, (301)495-1240, www.hiusa.org; The Minneapolis EcoHostel at Ecopolitan, (612)870-2974, www.ecopolitan.com.

Henson's mission? Helping customers get a good night's sleep

David Henson wants people to get a good night's sleep. A step in that direction is for them to purchase a mattress pad or pillow from his Tupelo-based Henson Sleep Relief Inc. (HSR)

Standing among high stacks of huge foam blocks called "buns," the 50-year-old Henson explains the process of changing buns to pads. They are moved through huge slicers, handsaws with smooth, sharp vertical blades that cut the blocks to proper dimensions to fit bed sizes ranging from twin to king.Forming the corporate partnership with Springs offered the best of both worlds. HSR sells its products in the hundreds of Wal-Mart stores but has been able to use Springs as a buffer.Sure, the foam products won't guarantee more restful slumber, but they almost certainly won't hurt.At present, Henson calls HSR's business "fair, not great but fair." He has no concrete plans to make any major changes in the manufacturing or marketing processes."When we met with Springs," Henson says, we told them we wanted our autonomy."Helms says the workers earn $8 to $12 per hour. "We've been very lucky to find good, dependable people."Of the 100,000 square feet of space HSR occupies, Helms says one-third is dedicated to manufacturing and materials storage. The remaining two-thirds is used for finished-product storage and shipping.Henson Sleep Relief's general manager, Dale Helms, says the firm employs 32 most of the time, but swell to as many as 80 during busy times - November and December to meet demand for January white sales and June and July for back-toschool sales in August.Henson's products are sold in the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, but they're there by contract to Springs Global, a worldwide maker of towels and other household fabric goods (Wamsutta is one of Springs' brands) so don't bear any of the HSR brand names."Every customer primarily has their own specs," Henson says. "We make what the customer wants." Those customers range from "dollar" discount stores to other retailers including, indirectly, Wal-Mart and other high-end stores."We never put our business in jeopardy by being in Wal-Mart," Henson recalls, explaining he didn't purchase any additional equipment or hire anymore workers to accommodate the retailing giant. "We didn't put Wal-Mart in a position to let them run our business."Henson points out that higher-end retailers like Belk usually sell a thicker mattress pad than most of the dollar stores, hence the usually higher price at the upscale stores."We had a relationship with Wal-Mart, but we lost 'em," Henson relates. It was a loss that, while not a good thing, wasn't all bad, either. Henson says that the scare stories of Wal-Mart virtually taking over and running their vendors' businesses, however vicariously, are certainly true in many cases."We do need to have an offsite distribution center and office in the Chicago area since we're up there all the time," Henson says of HSR's dealings in that region. "We have almost done it two or three times but backed off."The customers' specifications come into play in the next step of the process, where the blocks are loaded onto a turntable. They revolve around and are sliced by a horizontal blade to thicknesses specified by the customer. The blade drops a predetermined notch with every revolution of the turntable, which is loaded with several buns.With the exception of pillow covers for its line of foam pillows, Henson reports that all materials, including boxes and bags for packaging, are procured domestically. Most of the foam comes from a half-dozen or so "foamers" located in the furniture-intensive region of Northeast Mississippi.Posting $10 million in sales last year, Henson's 23-year-old manufacturing firm has evidently found a niche that needed filling."You put them under the sheets to add thickness," Henson explains of the pads. Expensive mattresses usually have the pad - called "pillow top" - built in."We can definitely stay within mar-gins using domestic vendors," he states.Linda Bean and Frances Brown team up to fold the pads, place them on racks and send them to be packaged.Henson estimates his cost of equipment at approximately $1 million. "We have one machine that, alone, costs $350,000."

"We do need to have an offsite distribution center and office in the Chicago area since we're up there all the time," Henson says of HSR's dealings in that region. "We have almost done it two or three times but backed off."

NIMS' Acceleration Platform Technology Effective in Severe Experimental Hemorrhagic Shock

MIAMI -- Marvin A Sackner, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Board of Directors, Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems, Inc. [NIMS] (OTCBB:NIMU) announced that Dr. Jose A Adams, Dr. Uryash and their group at Mount Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami presented two papers at the 9th Scientific Congress of the European Resuscitation Council held in Ghent, Belgium from May 21-24, 2008. Both studies involved applications of NIMS' patented acceleration therapeutic platform technology. In humans, this non-invasive device is called Exer-Rest([R]) and has the configuration of a single or twin bed fitted with a memory foam mattress. Electrical actuation of this device produces whole body periodic acceleration (WBPA) through repetitive head-foot movement of its incorporated platform at about 140 times per minute over a period of 45 minutes.

Dr. Uryash presented data in a small animal model showing that analysis of the arterial pulse waveform provided evidence of the effectiveness of nitric oxide released with WBPA. Dr. Adams commented that, "The demonstration of such effectiveness in a small animal model will allow us to progress more rapidly toward a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying WBPA in treatment of cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock."NIMS currently supports a clinical trial to demonstrate the intended use of Exer-Rest for temporary relief of musculoskeletal pain associated with osteoarthritis of the lower extremities (hips and knees) in order to meet FDA approval for its marketing in the United States. Exer-Rest is a CE0120 Class 2 device and can be marketed and sold in the common market and Canada.Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The Statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, government approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Further information on the Company can be obtained at www.nims-inc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The Statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, government approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Financial Crisis Should Benefit 'Internet Real Estate'

In the spring of 2001, the Internet address
Inbox.com was listed on eBay at $4,000 with no reserve. Now, in a clear
sign of the times, the auction ended without any bids or bidders. After the
auction, an astute DomainConsultant.com analyst emailed the seller and
offered him $2,000 for the name. The buyer accepted the offer.

Is the timing right? Like actual real estate, inventory lists have shown a
distinct rise in quality combined with a drop in pricing. If one could
conjure a symphony of elements to produce deals in the marketplace, this
would be the result, exemplified by offerings great and small. In short,
time to buy.So what is an individual investor to do? If money is not safe in banks --
where to put it? One possible answer, like in the early decade, is domain
names. For several, concrete reasons:Contact: Mike Fiol Email ContactDomainConsultant.com recently updated its market recommendation to
clientele from 'hold' to 'buy.' The change was made for many of the above
reasons and based in no small part in current crisis events. Unless it all
collapses, domains and the Internet are viewed as one of the most reliable
and secure 'safe harbors' -- if the name is quality, acquired at a proper
price.In response, DomainConsultant.com, a prominent collective of successful
"domainers," has altered its client recommendations to promote domain names
as an alternate hedge against a life-jacket economy, an option for a
desperate populace.DomainConsultant.com is a 'success collective' made up of the brightest and
best the industry has produced. For more information, visit www.DomainConsultant.com .Besides, the only other real and viable alternative may be to stick it
under your Serta, until the waters calm and the storm, hopefully, passes
without sweeping it away.People are moving money into no-interest T-Bills or simply holding tight to
their cash and hoping their bank stays afloat and, if not, the FDIC doesn't
crumble under the weight of its insurance pledge. Indeed, some are staring
at their mattresses as the last bastion of 'safety.'Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineNow the key, of course, is to buy on the "low" side like Inbox.com. In down
cycle times like 2002, the opportunities and deals appear all around. After
all, those who survived the 'dot-com crash,' at present, make up a big
chunk of the upper echelon of the domain industry and largely because they
took advantage of the last, most recent 'crash.'M. Fiol is a long-time domain name holder, regular industry news
contributor and DomainConsultant.com analyst. He also owns and runs
HappyBirthday.com among others.Sixteen months later, that domain name was sold to an end-user for 150x its
initial cost or high six figures -- far more than you can fit in a
twin-size mattress.That is not to say that drops in domain value will not continue for a time
-- it is a natural devaluation based on economic conditions outside the
industry. Nor is it without risk -- cyber terrorism, fraud, spam and more
conspire to define the 'web' in WWW.

No, it is to say that once and if this all shakes out, people will notice
how the Internet weathered the storm and the idea of domains as 'investment
hedge,' a place to put your money for tough times, may grow.

Contact: Mike Fiol Email Contact

Specialty Furniture Products, Inc. announces new lower pricing on their EasyCare Safety Bed™

The EasyCare Safety Bed[TM] has a patented, self locking, easy access rail system that allows the user to lower one or both rails. With both rails in the lowered position, the user has full access to the child with special needs, and it makes bedding changes easier. Lifting the child over the rails is completely eliminated. The acrylic windows give the child a secure feeling and the caregiver high visibility while providing a safe sleeping environment. In the up position, the rails drop into locking notches, preventing the rails from being accidentally lowered from inside the bed. There is an additional rail-locking feature that locks the rail from the outside for further safety. The bed uses a standard twin mattress and box spring. Entrapment concerns have been eliminated using the closed rail system and a through a close mattress fit to the sides of the bed. The bed is simple to assemble and easy to use. It was designed with the input of professional caregivers and parents of children with special needs.

Specialty Furniture Products, Inc. is a family owned and operated business specializing in special needs products. Specialty Furniture Products, Inc. recently lowered their prices making this bed more affordable. For more details, visit www.specialtyfurnitureproducts.com.

7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Mattress

Purchasing a mattress is the most important furniture purchase you�ll make because you spend more time on a mattress than on any other piece of furniture you own, unless you have a tendency to fall asleep every night in a recliner like my husband does.

4) Don�t be too concerned about the words, firm, extra firm, etc. especially when looking at mattresses from different manufacturers. Firmness is not standardized in the mattress industry. One manufacturer�s �firm� mattress may actually be firmer than another manufacturer�s �extra firm� mattress. Look for comfort and support. You want to feel cradled and supported when you lay on a mattress. And don�t feel self-conscious about going into stores and lying on as many mattresses as you want. It�s the best way to tell if a mattress is or isn�t right for you. The best way to check out the mattress is to take off your shoes and your coat if you�re wearing on. Lying on a mattress with your coat and shoes on is not going to help you determine what mattress is right for you unless you plan on sleeping in your coat and shoes every night.2) Decide what size mattress you are going to buy. If you are buying a mattress for a child a twin size mattress is fine, but if you are an adult and there are two people sleeping in your bed I don�t recommend going with anything smaller than a queen size bed. If you can afford a king-size bed and you have the room for it, I recommend it.I now own a king size bed and it�s nice having enough space in bed to move around a little without disturbing my partner like I used to. In our old bed (a full size) I once accidentally hit my husband in the mouth in the middle of the night when I rolled over and flung my arm out. He was not a happy person! If you think a full-size mattress is big enough for two people consider this: a full size mattress gives each person the same amount of bed width as in a baby crib. Queen size mattresses are the most popular size but if two people are sleeping in a queen size bed each person still has 10 � inches less bed width than if they were sleeping by themselves in a twin bed.There are a lot of choices in mattresses today. If you do a little research and become familiar with the different types of mattresses available to you before you start to shop, the task of finding the right mattress for you will be easier.The standard sizes of mattresses are: TWIN: 39� wide, 75� long; TWIN EXTRA LONG: 38� wide; 80� long; DOUBLE/FULL: 54� wide, 75� long; QUEEN: 60� wide, 80� long; KING: 76� wide, 80� long; CALIFORNIA KING: 72� wide, 84� long.7) Know what choices you have besides the traditional innerspring and box spring sets. There are other viable options depending on what you are looking for. Those options include foam mattresses, futons, airbeds, adjustable beds, and waterbeds.6) Get familiar with the following terms: innerspring and box spring (also called the foundation). Innerspring mattresses are, by far, the most common type of mattress purchased. An innerspring mattress is made with tempered steel coils encased in layers of cushioning and upholstery. The box spring or foundation is what the mattress sits on. It�s generally not considered a good idea to put a new mattress on an old box spring. A manufacturer�s box spring and mattress are designed to work together to give you the best product. In addition, many manufacturers will void their warranty if a mattress is not placed on the box spring that is designed to go with it.3) Test. Test. Test. Try out mattresses. Go to several stores and lay down on different mattresses. See what you find comfortable. A firm mattress isn�t always the best mattress. It depends on the individual. If you and your partner prefer different firmness levels look for a mattress that can have different firmness levels on each side. For example, I prefer a firmer mattress than my husband does so his side of the bed is less firm than mine. Comfort (as long as you are in your within the range of your budget) should be your number one consideration.Foam mattresses � a foam mattress can be made of solid foam piece or may be composed of several layers of different types of foam. Some foam mattresses have a top layer that is composed of memory foam that remembers the shape of your body and conforms to it.5) Warranty is important but not as important as you might think. A mattress with a 25 year warranty is great, but the life expectancy of a great quality mattress is only about 10 years. You want a warranty to protect you from defects and problems. To me a sleep guarantee is more important than a long warranty. What I mean by a sleep guarantee is that you are given a period of time to try out your mattress. For example, some stores and manufacturers give sleep guarantees of up to 90 days although 30 days is the most common. If during that time you decide the mattress you purchased is not right for you, you are able to either exchange it or return it for a refund.Adjustable beds � an adjustable bed is a lot like a hospital bed because it allows you to adjust the head and foot of the bed to your liking. Adjustable beds come in all sizes and the larger sizes have separate controls for each side of the bed.For example, when I purchased my last mattress from a sleep specialty store that custom builds each mattress (Verlo), it came with a 60 day sleep guarantee or trial period. If we didn�t like the mattress the store would come to our house, pick up the mattress, take it back to their factory and rebuild it for us. I liked that peace of mind. After sleeping on our mattress for a few weeks I decided my side was a little too firm. We called the store where we bought it and made an appointment for them to come and pick it up. The store picked up our mattress in the morning, took it to their store/factory, rebuilt it, and returned it late the same day. They did this so we wouldn�t be without a mattress to sleep on.Airbed � an airbed is just what it sounds like � a bed full of air. Most airbeds are touted as being portable, easy to set-up, and easy to store after use. I have an airbed at my house for use as an extra mattress during the holidays when we always seem to have more overnight guests than beds. Today�s airbeds are a lot more than inflatable pieces of plastic. Our airbed has a pillow top mattress which makes it surprisingly comfortable. Some airbeds have adjustable firmness levels and/or a heated top to make them more comfortable.Futons � futon beds are basically a frame with a folding mattress on it. A futon can function as both a sofa and a bed. Most futons come with a standard 6 inch foam mattress, which isn�t very comfortable if the futon is going to be a person�s primary bed. If the futon is going to be a primary bed a better option is to purchase an innerspring mattress for the bed. Several manufacturers make innerspring mattresses for futons. The innerspring mattresses are more expensive but are also a whole lot more comfortable. If an innerspring mattress is out of your price range, try to at least upgrade to an 8 inch foam mattress.Waterbeds � today�s waterbeds are more sturdy than the wobbly water-filled mattresses from the 70�s that you could get seasick on. The latest designs are built to look like an innerspring/box spring set. The interior of the mattress has layers of baffling and upholstery to provide support and comfort (www.mattressespro.com/watermattress).1) Decide on a budget. The prices of mattresses vary a great deal. If price is your number one consideration you can find an inexpensive mattress and box spring set for a few hundred dollars. But I recommend buying the best mattress and box spring you can afford. When you buy a mattress you get what you pay for. My first two mattress purchases were based on price and I never really got a good night�s sleep. I saved and bought a high quality mattress a few years ago. It was a great buying decision. I now wake up feeling rested and refreshed, not tired and sore like I used to.

There are a lot of choices in mattresses today. If you do a little research and become familiar with the different types of mattresses available to you before you start to shop, the task of finding the right mattress for you will be easier.

Roger Aylworth on MormonTimes.com: The challenges of sharing a bed

Stepping from the world of singledom into the strange new realm of marriage carries all kinds of challenges, but I didn't expect one of them would be sleeping.

My dear bride, the saintly Susan, likes to tell the story of the night I got into a brief fight with the headboard. She awakened just in time to hear me slam an elbow into the wooden headboard.Read the full column at MormonTimes.comShe says I murmured, "That's going to hurt" and immediately returned to the land of nod. I had and have no memory of the event.

Read the full column at MormonTimes.com

Steps for Finding the Perfect Mattress

If you find yourself tossing and turning and unable to sleep through the night, then it may be time for a new mattress. An old mattress can not only prevent you from obtaining a good night�s sleep, but it can also create soreness in your back, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes we simply outgrow mattresses due to an increase in weight or through the addition of a person or pet in the bed. People often forget that like other products, mattresses also have a shelf life. So, if it is time for a new mattress there are a few tips to remember.

The good news is there are reasonably priced mattresses; you just need to know where to look. Not saying that you have to race across town to a �going out of business sale,� only to try and find a diamond in the rough. Actually, with just a few mouse clicks, you can find great mattresses for under $300.00. And, there is a healthy selection of mattresses for that shocking price. Not just second rate mattresses, you can even buy a memory foam mattress for under $300.00. Affordable mattresses may conjure up nightmares of tiny twin mattresses. Although, there are queen and king sized mattresses at these bargain prices. And, you can find California king mattresses for under $500.00.The first thing to consider is the size of mattress that you are considering. The size of mattress will greatly depend on the size of the room or bed frame, and the person whose mattress you are replacing. For example, twin mattresses are often for children. However, if you and spouse seem to be crowded in the bed at night, you may want to consider a California King bed. Another factor is the amount of space that you have allotted for a bed. Some rooms are simply too small to fit a king sized bed. So it is a good idea to measure, if you are unsure. If you are not replacing your entire bed, then you will need to purchase the same size bed that you are replacing.Finding a great mattress for a bargain price may seem great to some, but you are interested in a memory foam mattress. Yet, if the infomercials are any indication, odds are good you do not think that you can afford such a luxury right now. Well, believe it or not you can find memory foam mattresses for under $500.00 as well.Once you are sure of the size of mattress that you are seeking you need to determine the level of support that will best serve your needs. Are you searching for back and joint support; or, do you crave more comfort and softness? Firm beds give great support. However, they lack softness. Soft beds on the other hand, ooze comfort, but they do not provide good support for your back. The ideal bed would allow your body to maintain a natural position and flow while you are sleeping. There are medium beds, yet they may be a tad bit harder to find. For most of us, the key is to find a mattress that has both comfort and support. There are really two ways of achieving such mattress perfection. You can go to every mattress store in town, trying out beds until you find one that just feels right. Or, you can get on line and find a memory foam mattress.Memory foam mattresses provide the perfect balance of firmness and comfort each time and every time. Due to their unique design, memory foam mattresses conform to the mold of your body. The best testament to the comfort and support of a memory foam mattress would have to be the fact that, these mattresses can provide the perfect level of comfort and support to each and every person lying on the mattress. And, the design prevents the tossing and turning of one person or pet from affecting the sleep of another.For most of us one of the major determining factors in a new mattress would be the price. So, it is best to know your price range for a mattress before you start shopping. In today�s economy, we are all searching for the best deals, and mattresses are no different. Driving around you may start to think that you cannot afford a good mattress or find one at a reasonable price.

Finding a great mattress does not have to be a magic trick. If you remember to keep a few things in mind while you are shopping such as the type and size of a bed you want. Plus, the price range that you have to work, you should be able to find the perfect mattress for you.

Twin mattresses help couple sleep

Dear Heloise: This is a hint for those couples whose sleeping needs and styles are so incompatible that they either sleep poorly every night in the same bed or have to resort to separate beds or even separate bedrooms. I sleep like a rock and prefer the covers tightly tucked around me. My husband, due to insomnia and restless leg syndrome, tosses, turns, kicks, steals the covers in his sleep and is generally impossible to sleep in the same bed with.

- Catherine in PennsylvaniaUse to hold crackers being crushed for toppings. Crush them with a rolling pin.Many readers will certainly take your hint to heart and bed!- Heloise(c) King Features SyndicatePlace coating mix for frying small pieces of meat, green tomatoes, sliced squash, etc., in one. Shake well.I have learned so much from reading your column. Your readers are the greatest.Cut the cereal bag open and use as a surface for rolling out biscuits or pie crusts.Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax: 1-210-HELOISE; e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.comWe tried various solutions, none of which was really satisfactory. But our latest one works. We bought a king-size bed frame and have placed two extra-long twin mattresses inside it, each with its own set of covers. They fit neatly inside the king frame and are, of course, the same height.- Edwin Newman, Trussville, Ala.This way, we can snuggle before sleep but then have our own separate sleeping spaces. Because we each have our own mattress, I never feel his tossing and turning at all, and he never steals my covers! For folks like us who are on a tight budget, try going online. We got frame, mattresses, linens and rental of a moving van for less than $300.- Dorothy P., San AntonioDear Heloise: I have a hint that might prove helpful to those who have trouble distinguishing slacks, socks, etc., as navy blue from black in indoor lighting. Stitch white or light-colored thread inside the seam above the hemline on the inside of one or both trouser legs, and remember what this signifies - either black or blue. Makes life a little simpler when you're in a hurry.Dear Heloise: Here are some uses for wax cereal bags:Dear Heloise: When time is running out and you drop the back to a pierced earring, simply cut a 1/8-inch piece from a pencil eraser. Your earring is secure for as long as it takes to locate the dropped back.Dear Heloise: I really wish the manufacturers of bathroom toothbrush holders would update their designs so that their products would accommodate the newer, large-handled toothbrushes. None of the holders I have work!- Penny, via e-mailCut out to conform with a cake pan bottom. Add a light coat of oil to the paper and pan. The cake will not stick to the pan.

(c) King Features Syndicate

Mattress Dimension And Sizes

Measurements are very important when buying furniture or items of home decor. Same goes for mattresses. Mattress sizes are something very important when you are attempting to buy a mattress.

A full mattress XL is a regular full size bed, the same width as the regular full mattress but the length is 80 inches instead of the standard 75 inches.If you prefer a full mattress, this size is good. It is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Here again we have the problem of someone being too tall to fit on this mattress comfortably.The mattress industry has established some dimensions you should know in order you can ask for them or at least know what the dimension that fit with you is. On the other hand, customized mattress dimensions are always more expensive than those which are based on industry standard. Let�s see some of the most common mattress sizes.The queen mattress is a preferred size of many people when it comes to mattress dimensions. This mattress is 60 inches wide for a nice comfortable fit and 80 inches long. This is one of the best selling sizes.Finally, the king split mattress, which is the same size as the regular king, at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The difference is the mattresses are two twin XL mattresses on the box springs. This can be useful if a lot of tossing and turning is keeping up your sleeping partner at night. As the mattress is split, your partner will not be jostled while sleeping.There are different various mattress dimensions that you should consider according to your needs. The mattress dimension is one of the main features you should have in mind to assist you in the selection of your mattress. Here are some characteristics and things you can evaluate related to the mattress size and dimension.If you would prefer a little larger mattress than a queen but not the full king, there is the cal-king size mattress. The mattress dimensions of this one are 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. For a good fit, this size would be great for a kid's room where brothers or sisters have to share a bed.A twin mattress may be what you are looking for if you live by yourself and do not have the room for anything bigger. This mattress is about 39 inches wide and 75 inches long.The next size is a twin XL. The width is the same at 39 inches. However, the length is 80 inches. This will be a better fit for a tall person.

Finally, the king split mattress, which is the same size as the regular king, at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The difference is the mattresses are two twin XL mattresses on the box springs. This can be useful if a lot of tossing and turning is keeping up your sleeping partner at night. As the mattress is split, your partner will not be jostled while sleeping.

Kansas City Area Mercedes-Benz Dealers to Power Bed Drives to Benefit Area Children

Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City team with local charity, Sleepyhead Beds, to help area kids get beds. Both dealerships will host bed drives at their location, as well as provide pick-up service for households with beds to donate but no transportation. The drive will conclude with the delivery of an estimated 250 beds and bedding to area children in need.

Soave Enterprises, a Detroit-based holding company, entered automotive retailing 15 years ago. Soave Automotive Group has grown to a dozen franchises in Kansas and Missouri. Soave Automotive Group is organized into two locations: Aristocrat Motors, which sells and services Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, smart, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Maserati vehicles, as well as Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, which sells and services Mercedes-Benz, smart, Sprinter, and Airstream vehicles. This group's talented employees offer the one thing all customers deserve and expect: excellent customer service ( http://www.aristocratmotors.com and http://www.mb-kc.com ).Aristocrat Motors will follow up on September 17th with a similar drive at their I-35 and Shawnee Mission location.Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City begins the event September 10th at their 135th and State Line location, accepting gently-used or new, twin and full, box springs and mattresses, bedding, as well as new pillows. Donations will be collected from 8am-12pm.

Sleepyhead Beds Monica Starr Founder Email Contact 816.547.9965 Soave Automotive Group Robert Hellweg Marketing and Business Development Manager Email Contact 913.677.3300

NIMS Announces FDA Approval to Market Its Flagship Product Exer-Rest®

MIAMI -- Marvin A Sackner, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems, Inc. [NIMS] (OTCBB:NIMU) announced that the FDA has granted approval to NIMS to market Exer-Rest as a Class I (exempt) therapeutic vibrator with the following intended uses: "as an aid to temporarily increase local circulation, to provide temporary relief of minor aches and pains, and local muscle relaxation." Exer-Rest has the configuration of a single or twin bed and is fitted with a memory foam mattress. This medical device produces Whole Body Periodic Acceleration [vibration] (WBPA) to an individual (who lies horizontally on the mattress) through repetitive head-foot movements at approximately 140 times per minute during a 30 to 45 minute session. The movements are obtained by a patented motorized platform which is adjustable for speed, distance and time through a wireless digital controller. Non-invasive, drug-free WBPA treatments are usually administered daily five to seven days a week for symptomatic relief. WBPA technology is protected by four US patents.

Steven Mrha, Chief Operating Officer of NIMS, stated that "FDA approval to market the Exer-Rest provides the potential for our medical device to make a major impact for symptomatic relief of conditions that affect approximately 50% of the population. Exer-Rest is designed to be used without need for third party assistance and can be installed in the home, spas, wellness centers, workplace, clinics, assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospitals. In addition, NIMS plans to set up demonstration centers in Miami and Toronto in the 2nd quarter of 2009 where both healthcare professionals and private individuals can experience the benefits of this new, novel technology." Mrha added that "In January 2009, NIMS exhibited Exer-Rest at theArab Health conference in Dubai where it generated a great deal of interest from individuals, healthcare professionals and medical product distributors living in the Middle East and Africa." NIMS began shipping Exer-Restunits to Abu Dhabi and Turkey in December 2008.NIMS, an ISO 13485 certified company, is also licensed to sell Exer-Rest in Canada, the European Common Market and other major world markets. Exer-Rest is regulated as a Class IIa medical device with CE certification outside the US.NIMS filed the 510(k) submission for Exer-Rest with the FDA as a Class I (non-exempt) therapeutic vibrator in October 2008. The submission included 23 investigational and clinical studies on the vasodilatation properties of WBPA as well as a controlled, four week clinical trial in a group of patients with chronic aches and pains carried out at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. This submission supported Exer-Rest safety and efficacy for the intended uses and FDA granted approval as a Class I (exempt) therapeutic vibrator (K083128). NIMS will deliver Exer-Rest units for home healthcare this month.

Safe Harbor Statement: Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The Statements which are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, government approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Before the showing of Medgar Evers, His Son Sits Alone

I search for the birthmark a fueled man with rifle gave you, a bullet that mistook you as lifeless, magnified your name through the dense tunnel of America without asking for permission, and your chest took him in like an old secret hidden in mattress. The bullet threw his hands up, gave conspirator away in interrogation, made my baby-boy-hate bury love, long before I would get to the real of life, the magic of the sun--now we resume.
I never bought that yellow odious lie from their tongues, claiming you dislodged. Lost to your cause. Daddy, they don't know you.
Don't know I've become your twin, will kill ill words for justice, wish to handle your ears with homonyms, and squeeze you into man-laughter, as you sit next to me now, Dressed to the tee
,
man
. I'm still coughing up cotton in throat, still craving, still seeking like a prophet, looking for sanctuary. I got my stripes honest. It took Mama two fife-times to get one grain of justice, so I know your blood matters, coagulates into a crazy head-spell within me. Daddy ... before you go back ...
I lost my mind for thirty years, blind forever, until today, until this moment. Now let me help you back into the casket. There's still resurrection. Related Results

• Spring-fresh sheets
• Bed Bunker safe
• To the test
• Day bed delights

COPYRIGHT 2009 African American Review COPYRIGHT 2010 Gale, Cengage Learning

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To the test

Aerobed Active Plus, pounds 89.99 (www.argos.co.uk, 0845 640 2020)

THE thick futon mattress was a lot more comfortable than it looked and the raised wooden platform was a bonus This spare bed is the one that will give your guests the best night's sleep, as there's a good amount of "give" in the deep mattress. Our best buy as long as you have the space to accommodate it at other times. 9/ 10Aerobed Deluxe Sleepover, pounds 59.99 (www.argos.co.uk, 0845 640 2020)AVAILABLE in soft velvety baby pink and blue polka dots, this airbed is obviously aimed at the children's and teen market, but there's no reason why a fully-grown adult shouldn't use it too as it's full size. It inflates in 30 seconds using the plugin pump supplied. It couldn't be easier to assemble. Comfortwise, it's not bad for the occasional night's sleep. 7/10Single futon, pounds 89.99 (www.comfy-living.co.uk, 0845 388 0934)Eco-friendly roll-up bed, pounds 65 (www.biomelifestye.com, 020 8809 6188)THE best-looking bed we reviewed with it's striped cover. It's handmade in Kerala, India, from organic cotton and coloured using environmentallyfriendly dyes. But its eco-credentials don't make up for the fact it's like sleeping on half a dozen blankets as there's little support. Children won't complain, but adult sleepover guests will be aching come the morning. 5/10Item 2: what price (where from) DYDYD dydydydy 8/10

THE thick futon mattress was a lot more comfortable than it looked and the raised wooden platform was a bonus This spare bed is the one that will give your guests the best night's sleep, as there's a good amount of "give" in the deep mattress. Our best buy as long as you have the space to accommodate it at other times. 9/ 10

Consider Mattress Reviews before Buying a Mattress to Avoid Back Pain

There is nothing more welcome than a comfortable mattress after a tough day at office. A good mattress provides support and comfort, which are prerequisites of sound sleep. The right kind of mattress also helps to be away from back pain. If you intend buying a mattress, you may visit a store and ask for Mattress Reviews from the salesperson. Mattress Reviews are handy tools to help you decide on the type of mattress you should buy.

Firmness of a mattress defines comfort levels. Apart from the type and size, your Mattress Reviews should include the firmness factor as well. The resistance a mattress provides to body weight can be termed as firmness. It also includes proper distribution of body weight, support and comfort level. The proper balance of body weight and support is essential to keep away the back pain. Make sure that you consider the aspects mentioned here before buying a mattress.While going through mattress reviews, take a good look at mattress sizes. A single mattress is 75� in length and 39� in width. This smallest sized mattress is also known as twin sized mattress. A variation of the twin sized mattress, the twin extra long mattress, comes with 5 inches of extra length. Its dimension is 39� x 80�. Full sized mattresses are also known as double sized mattresses, which measure 54� x 75�. These mattresses can accommodate two people, with each person having a space of 27�. This space is even lesser than that of a twin mattress. Queen sized mattresses are sized 60� x 80�, while king sized mattresses measure 76� x 80�.

Firmness of a mattress defines comfort levels. Apart from the type and size, your Mattress Reviews should include the firmness factor as well. The resistance a mattress provides to body weight can be termed as firmness. It also includes proper distribution of body weight, support and comfort level. The proper balance of body weight and support is essential to keep away the back pain. Make sure that you consider the aspects mentioned here before buying a mattress.

Day bed delights

Day Bed Delights: There's something deliciously cozy about a day bed, preferably one placed under a sun-drenched window with a long afternoon of quiet reading ahead. That goes double for CozyPure's Eco Terra Day Bed ($2,978), which begins with a sustainable wood frame (made from American Oak and hand-rubbed with nontoxic linseed oil), topped with a Cozy Haven twin-size mattress made from organic cotton and natural latex. Organic cotton fabric slipcovers ($68/arm cushion; $182/seat cushion) come in blue, sage, chocolate and cream stripes or floral designs (including one that's reversible), and the day bed can comfortably accommodate an unexpected guest when your book has ended. www.cozypure.com.

Mattress Fires

Mattresses melt away very effortlessly. Exactly the same components that make the mattress comfy may also allow it to melt away much more easily. Regardless of whether a foam mattress or goose down, a twin mattress, full mattress, queen or king mattress, it doesn't matter.

In individual circumstances, shops from out of the fire region can pick- up the business lost through the companies in the fire zone. All individual home owners would require new mattresses (and beds) to replace the types lost in the fires. Even brush fires for example, one in Ventura County, a fire supposed to have begun inside a homeless camp, can result in somebody searching for a brand new mattress. People in homeless camps might be sleeping on camp beds with smaller camp mattresses and a Ventura brush fire can lead to the destruction of the entire camp.Some might keep in mind all of the admonitions over the years against smoking in bed. Somebody might have gone out drinking, arrive home, and fallen asleep seated on the side of the bed to undress having a lit cigarette. The arm falls and the mattress begins to smolder, filling the space with smoke. If they're lucky and share a space with an additional person, perhaps the roommate is sensitive toward the smoke to wake up in time to ruse the smoker to ensure that the mattress could be taken outside prior to flaring up into flames. Then the subsequent day, the smoker is sent to the mattress store to buy a brand new one as a replacement for the one that was burned.You will find numerous methods for any mattress to melt away as you will find mattresses. The alternative mattress might not be as costly and as comfy like a foam memory mattress, but following a fire, people are concerned first about rebuilding a existence and concerned later about replacing the comforts dropped.

You will find numerous methods for any mattress to melt away as you will find mattresses. The alternative mattress might not be as costly and as comfy like a foam memory mattress, but following a fire, people are concerned first about rebuilding a existence and concerned later about replacing the comforts dropped.

25 years ago - Citings

"There is a tendency among the ideological to believe not only that they possess the Truth in ideological matters but that even the least important matters must conform to their axioms."

"A family of kittens had moved into [a California man s] house and hid under something," Mr. Proffitt told this newspaper. "He had no idea they were there. He had so many opened cans and other junk lying around, his only sleeping space was a cleared-off spot on about half of a twin mattress." The kittens died--and worse, but the homeowner remained oblivious.In 1975, the term "Diogenes syndrome" was coined to define such cases, characterized by filthy living conditions, hoarding, poor personal hygiene, and hostility and antisocial behavior, after a Greek philosopher who reportedly had those attributes (Lancet 1[7903]:366-68, 1975). However, the label means little because living in squalor is a symptom of psychiatric problems rather than a disorder, Dr. Blum says. True primary cases of Diogenes syndrome are rare to nonexistent.What's more, because there's often no formal diagnosis of mental illness, the courts may be reluctant to appoint a guardian or have the patient hospitalized until the evidence of a problem is overwhelming.Squalor is frequently associated with the elderly, but such cases involve adults of all ages and in all socioeconomic categories. The man with the mummified kittens lived on Coronado Island, an exclusive part of San Diego, and owned real estate worth more than $1 million."We tossed a twin-sized mattress into the trunk of our '64 Plymouth and slept very snugly there. We even found that if the wind became too vigorous we could be nicely protected by pulling the trunk lid down so it was only open a crack."--Dennis Turner, "Investment or Ideology?"

--John Dublin, "You Can Profit from the Carter Era"

Extreme squalor presents a therapeutic challenge

Jim Proffitt remembers the mummified kittens.

A recent study conducted in England supports that view The investigators visited and interviewed 81 clients of a special team employed by the city of Lewisham to dean the homes of people who live in squalid conditions. To measure the level of squalor, they used the living conditions rating scale (LCRS), which rates a patient's living environment and level of personal hygiene or neglect. Scores on each item range from 0, indicating acceptable, to 3, indicating extremely filthy or abnormal. For interior living environment, the maximal score is 39; for personal hygiene, it is 12.Psychiatrists can take a proactive approach by identifying high-risk individuals and intervening whenever possible before conditions deteriorate, Dr. Rabheru says. Any psychiatrist who works with elderly patients, or who consults for a hospital or nursing home should pay particular attention to patients who live alone; have few social skills or support systems, have early dementia or a longstanding personality disorder; or who have medical comorbidities that they're neglecting.The investigators also determined how many patients met the diagnostic criteria for primary Diogenes syndrome, which the authors defined as presence of domestic squalor; evidence of self neglect (LCRS personal hygiene score >4); living alone; evidence of hoarding; and lack of concern about their surroundings.--John Dublin, "You Can Profit from the Carter Era"Management of these cases is difficult. Many patients have severed ties with family and friends; and they mistrust doctors, so they don't seek medical care. Because they don't see anything wrong with the way they live, they often don't come to the attention of medical or legal authorities until they're reported by an outsider such as a mail carrier, utility company employee, or neighbor who becomes alarmed (or just disgusted). By that time the squalor is almost unimaginable. "If you ever go on one of these investigations, don't open the refrigerator," Mr. Proffitt warns.--Robert Poole Jr., "Saccharin and Human Liberty"More Americans live in squalor than people realize, Dr. Bennett Blum, director of the geriatric division of the forensic consulting firm of Park Dietz and Associates, told this newspaper.Dr. Kiran Rabheru, who spoke at the annual meeting of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry said few systematic studies of the problem have been conducted. He's not sure why this is so, but speculates that some communities, especially the more affluent ones, may minimize the problem or deny that it exists, he told this newspaper.Most of these patients appear to have some type of frontal lobe deficit, which in turn affects executive function. Many patients have no formal psychiatric diagnosis, but, says Dr. Rabheru, "Who in his right mind would live like that? I think there's a deficit there, but we just don't have the diagnostic tools to identify it yet." A little digging beneath the surface often reveals that the person involved has always been isolated, antisocial, or hostile: the neighbor whom others might describe as "eccentric, a loner," or "weird."Dr. Blum has developed a protocol for assessing an individual's cognitive function that will be included in the next edition of the "Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry" by Dr. Harold I. Kaplan and Dr. Benjamin J. Sadock, which is slated for publication in 2005.Typically, people living in squalor suffer from illnesses such as strokes, dementia, schizoid or schizotypal personality disorder, or schizophrenia, said Dr. Rabheru, chair of the division of geriatric psychiatry at the University of Western Ontario, London. Patients might also be depressed or delusional. The tendency to hoard certain items such as rocks, cans, newspapers, packets of sugar, or plastic bags, makes these patients' symptoms resemble those of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). "The difference is that people with OCD realize their actions are illogical," Dr. Rabheru says. "People who live in squalor don't.""In March the FDA announced a ban on saccharin, effective July 1, based on tests in which rats fed the equivalent of 1,000 cans of soda per day developed bladder cancer."The authors concluded that "squalid living conditions were more likely to be associated with a mental or physical disorder than with the narrowly defined Diogenes syndrome" (Lancet 355[9207]:882-86, 2000).The final report of the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study can be viewed at http://www.aoa.gov.The study participants ranged from 18 to 94 years of age. Their mean LCRS interior scale score was 17, and the mean score on personal hygiene was 5. At least one chronic physical illness was present in 69 people (85%). Fifty-seven (70%) of the participants were diagnosed in the interview with an ICD-10 mental disorder, as defined by the schedules for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry However, only 18 (22%) of the patients met all five criteria for Diogenes syndrome, and when the authors added a sixth criterion--absence of an active mental disorder--that number dropped even further, to four (5%)."Lowell Ponte, in his book The Cooling, carefully analyzes all the climatic evidence and theories and concludes that the world is definitely cooling rapidly, with the chances of another ice age rather high."Several studies conducted since the middle 1990s have shown consistently that only about 1 in 12 to 1 in 14 of all cases of elder abuse, including self-neglect, come to the attention of community agencies, Dr. Blum said. Mr. Proffitt, an attorney and supervising deputy in the conservatorship division of the Office of the Public Administrator and Public Guardian of San Diego (Calif.) County; estimates that about 100 of the 225 cases he investigates each year involve some degree of squalor.

The final report of the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study can be viewed at http://www.aoa.gov.

Author: Norra MacReady

Fold foam into a doggie bed

Dear Heloise: My large dog kept jumping up on my couch to sleep. I thought of getting him a pet bed but found them to be quite expensive, so I decided to make one myself. I had an old twin-size waffle-type foam pad, the kind that goes over a mattress. All I did was fold it in half (top to bottom) and cover it with a sheet large enough to fold under it. The sheet removes easily for laundering. Brutus sleeps on it all the time. -- Josie S., via e-mail

Dear Readers: Taking photos of your pets can be fun, but it's also important to have a current photo in case one of them wanders away. Pets can be frightened during storms and might dash out the door, so having a recent photo can help locate them if they get lost. -- HeloiseThose foam mattress pads are very inexpensive -- especially twin sizes -- and can make a nice dog or cat bed. If you sew, you can make a large pillowslip from a sheet to put the foam in so it fits snugly. -- HeloiseYou can get "bunny info" from the House Rabbit Society on its Web site, www.rabbit.org, which is very interesting and informative for people thinking about getting a rabbit as well as for those who already own them."We had fur coats, too," Bird said.Since then, they have spent every birthday together. With luck, Stafford said, they still will be together on their 100th.On Tuesday, Nellie Becker Bird and Louise Becker Stafford celebrated a much more comfortable 95th birthday together at Bird's apartment at McCrite Plaza retirement community in Topeka.Dear Readers: Ida and Len Gricus of Cleveland, Tenn., sent a photo titled "Just a-Swinging." It shows their five little AKC Shih Tzus -- the mom, Sue-Sue, and her four babies -- sitting on a covered swing. - - Heloise"I remember that," said Bird, smiling at her sister.

© King Features Syndicate Inc.

Author: Hints

Twins celebrate 95 years

The Becker twins weighed just 3 pounds each and had a tenuous hold on life when they were born on their family's farm in Meriden on Nov. 9, 1909.

Their birthday was all the more special because Stafford traveled from the retirement home where she lives in Mesa, Ariz., to spend a week with her sister.One interesting note: If you are thinking about getting a couple of rabbits, it's best to get two babies. Some male adult rabbits, when put together, might not get along. Females do get along better than males, but might fight when first put together. Naturally, a male and a female are probably one of the easiest, but unless you want a bunch of babies hopping around, it's best not to keep them together. You know what they say about rabbits multiplying!Stafford worked as a secretary at Capper Publications until she moved to Washington. Bird worked in the pattern department at Cappers, then worked for the Santa Fe Railway for 40 years.Erin Adamson can be reached at (785) 295-1186 or erin.adamson@cjonline.com.© King Features Syndicate Inc.Edward Becker wrapped up his tiny daughters, put them in a shoe box by the stove and fed them milk from an eye dropper.ONLINE: Hear the sisters discuss their birthday and growing up during the Great Depression. cjonline.comAlthough Bird rode the Santa Fe to visit Stafford in Washington when she could, the sisters weren't able to consistently spend their birthday together for years. They revived the tradition on their 80th birthday with a party in Topeka.When their parents' economic prospects worsened in the 1920s, the girls downgraded their hopes of attending Washburn University --- as had their three older brothers --- and instead attended business school in Topeka to train as secretaries. Times turned to their advantage when the twins secured good jobs. They then pooled their money and bought a Model T Ford with a rumble seat for less than $500."I can see the skillet on the fire with a little water just a poppin'," said Stafford, remembering burnt-sugar cakes.Also, did you know that rabbits can be litter-box trained? Another plus for having rabbits as pets is that they are wonderful for people who are allergic to cats or dogs. Go to the Web site -- you'll enjoy it. -- HeloiseDoes your dog have to stay overnight at a veterinarian or kennel? To make your pet more comfortable and secure, take its favorite blanket or pillow. Just the familiar scent will do wonders in relieving anxiety, so your pet should stay calm until you pick it up. -- HeloiseWhile they waited for a lunch that included a caramel cake baked by Bird's daughter, Judy Bray, the twins shared memories of a time when their family slept on mattresses stuffed with dried corn shucks and birthdays were celebrated with burnt-sugar cake in the parlor.Dear Readers: Rabbits are soft and cuddly and can make wonderful pets if you take care of them correctly. They are known to chew on just about anything in a house, including electrical wires, which can cause serious injury or death. It is important for them to exercise, but if it is done in the house, they MUST be supervised.

ONLINE: Hear the sisters discuss their birthday and growing up during the Great Depression. cjonline.com

Author: Erin Adamson Capital-Journal