Stories for Friday, July 04, 2008.

Not exactly a first-class maneuver

Maybe I'm wrong.But it strikes me that the penny-pinching ways of many Spokane area residents have left some others who aren't quite so cheap with the wrong impression.

Capitalizing on his fame

For some singers, the "Capitol Fourth" experience can be imposing.Behind them on the Capitol Lawn is the massive National Symphony.

New grandparents' ways outdated

Note: While I'm away, readers give the advice: On new grandparents kept at arm's length:

Horoscope

Aries (March 21-April 19) ••••• You let everyone know what you believe and the values you stand for. Politics can be a hot issue for the Ram. Listen to what is happening between you and another person. Be sensitive to this person's energy.

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: My children don't always use coasters on our hardwood coffee table. Is there any way to remove those pesky water rings? – C.R., Schertz, Texas

Location, location, location

Crop rotation and succession planting are two interrelated topics that all gardeners should think about.

'Birthday bunting' can add to the party

Only a craft nerd like me would try to uncover the history of what people today call "birthday bunting."

Mug's worth might elicit a smile

Dear Collector: I would appreciate information on the age and value of the mug (pictured to the right).

Honeysuckles grace garden with fragrant blooms

Whenever someone visits our garden in late spring and spots our Arnold Red honeysuckles in bloom, they immediately want to know what they are. While many can easily identify honeysuckle vines, this bush can be a mystery even though it is one of the most common bush honeysuckles. Perhaps this isn't all that surprising when you consider that there are more than 150 species of honeysuckle shrubs and vines in the northern hemisphere.

Calendar

Arts/Crafts
Family Scrapbooking with Miss Abi - Learn beginning and intermediate scrapbooking techniques. Youth participants should be able to follow directions and complete projects with minimal assistance. Tuesdays. 6:30 p.m., Coeur d'Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Free. (208) 769-2315 Ext. 438.

At a glance

(Lonicera tatarica)Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle)

Spokane Clubs

Harley Owners Group (Chapter 2460) – For anyone who owns a Harley. Meets the first Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, 722 W. Appleway Ave., Coeur d'Alene. Call (208) 660-8229 for more information.

Idaho Clubs

North Idaho Mineral Club – meets the third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third; (208) 762-4950 or (208) 964-1190.

Births

Holy Family Hospital
PRESTON JAMES ROGERS - To Colbie Sutton and Steven Rogers of Spokane. He weighed 6 lb. 12 oz. and was 20 inches long (June 30).

Music, fireworks for the Fourth

Tonight's must-see
"Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular," 10-11 p.m., CBS.

"Conversation should touch everything, but should concentrate itself on nothing." - Oscar Wilde

The defenders lead a top club against your spade slam. After you ruff, how should you proceed?A cursory glance suggests that if you have to lose a trump, then you need to avoid a heart loser. One possibility is that you would need East to have both the queen and jack of hearts, but that is highly unlikely on the bidding. However, you can also succeed if East holds no more than two hearts. This is extremely likely on the bidding, since West's takeout double promises heart tolerance, and thus at least three hearts.

Pop star's country crossover single surprises skeptics

When Jessica Simpson announced plans to go country after her last pop album flopped, there was a collective eye roll in Nashville.

American flag: Patriotic or insulting?

Dear Miss Manners: Sometime this morning, a small vinyl American flag on a wood dowel was put on my lawn next to my driveway, and frankly, I'm offended by the presumption of this anonymous person to express my national pride for me on my property.

Box office ticket sales outpace summer '07 so far

Running low on sequels and fresh off a $4 billion record summer at theaters, this was supposed to be a season of Hollywood rebuilding.