EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA--Lifestyle

Shakespeare's 'Tempest' on stage at Salem State

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:13:00 EST

Brian Sergent, a theater major at Salem State College, takes the term "nontraditional student" to a new level.
The 48-year-old is a celebrity in his native New Zealand as a TV actor on "Outrageous Fortune," a popular comedy-drama in which he plays a criminal. He also appears in many of director Peter Jackson's films, including "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," where he plays a hobbit and does voices for an orc and a Dark Rider.

Do North Calendar

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:13:00 EST

AUDITIONS
COMEDY AUDITIONS. RJ's Comedy Express seeks local comedic talent for open mike and comedy nights in the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. Call Raymond Poirier, 603-382-0445 or 603-793-3725. Mail tapes to 12 Auburn St., Plaistow, N.H.

'Bolt' a familiar but sweet canine romp

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:12:00 EST

Harmless as a puppy, "Bolt" comes bounding into theaters, stumbling over its big, goofy paws, wagging its fluffy tail and begging to play ball.
It's sweet and eager to please but, sadly, nothing terribly special: Girl finds dog, girl loses dog, girl gets dog back. You've seen this sort of thing countless times before, namely in any movie with the word "Lassie" in the title.

Dear Abby: Standing during pledge is simply a sign of respect

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:11:00 EST

Dear Abby: "Silent Supporter, Benson, N.C." (Aug. 26) cannot say the Pledge of Allegiance because of religious reasons. I support his or her right not to participate. However, I disagree with "Silent's" interpretation that standing is participating.

Horoscope: Nov. 20

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:11:00 EST

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You'll start to get to know that special someone you met recently a little better. Large potential exists for you and this person to become great friends.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Should you find yourself operating on the same wavelength as persons of influence, don't hesitate to make them aware of your talents and skills. Something good can come of it.

'24' film delivers two hours of trouble for Jack Bauer

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:58:00 EST

Spending six days with Jack Bauer has not only entertained us, but also taught us a lot.
We have learned to trust no one, least of all a close associate or lover. He assured us that our lack of faith in business, government and other institutions is well-advised. And his Things to Do list makes ours seem like child's play by comparison.

Festival of Trees transforms Methuen venue into Christmas wonderland

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:09:00 EST

After 14 years, one may think that every kind of tree imaginable has made a debut at Methuen's Festival of Trees.
However, festival President Maureen Pollard says that just isn't so. Take, for instance, this year's addition of trees in the shape of golf balls, the Eiffel Tower and a Little Black Dress.

Pat's Kitchen: Treasure your family traditions

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST

What stuffing you serve on Thanksgiving can really be a personal thing. How it is made a tradition with many cooks and their families. For instance, my mother always made her basic sage bread stuffing with onions and celery — my favorite! Many of my cousins favor my grandmother's oyster stuffing — also a favorite that has become a tradition handed down. And I am sure you have the same such traditions in your family. Enjoy these traditions, and treasure them.

Thanksgiving geography: How your turkey tastes depends a lot on where you break bread

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST

222"When I think of the Southwest, I think of very flavorful distinctive ingredients: fiery, smoky chilies like chipotle, pungent herbs — epazote, cilantro — and spices like cumin," said Sarah Tenaglia, senior food editor at Bon Appetit magazine.

Horoscope: Nov. 19

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:44:00 EST

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Do not underestimate the strength of a rival if you get involved in a competitive development, especially if you don't know this person. He or she could be overpowering.

Dear Abby: Childhood friend has grown too adult for her roommate

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:44:00 EST

Dear Abby: I moved to a small town a few years ago to take a job in a very public position. This is a place where everyone knows everyone else's business, so I try hard to maintain a good reputation.
About a year ago, a childhood friend, "Lindsay," came to visit. She loved the town so much she decided to move here and be my roommate.

Dear Abby: Couple argues the long and short of wife's hair

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:37:00 EST

Dear Abby: How do I make my husband understand that how I cut my hair has nothing to do with him? I am 30 years old, and I have a full-time job and three kids who are involved in everything. Because I am always on the go, I need a hairdo that is easy to manage and cute, so I ended up getting my hair cut short. I love it. It makes me feel younger, cuter and trendy.

Horoscope: Nov. 17

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:36:00 EST

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Help family members pull together, rather than taking sides or finding fault with their aims and aspirations. Even if you believe something is beyond their reach, encourage them to try.

Police Log

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:30:00 EST

Londonderry
Monday, Nov. 17
Warrant arrest: John Mossey, 43, 261 Main St., Nashua, charged with conduct after an accident, 12:50 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Larceny: Meadow Drive, 1:15 p.m.
Plaistow
Monday, Nov. 17

Horoscope: Nov. 18

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Doing something constructive that puts you in front of your peers has a strong appeal. Your desire to achieve admirable accomplishments can earn you accolades.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll respond to the slightest amount of rivalry because competitive developments will provide the impetus to become a bit bolder — and to try a lot harder.

Dear Abby: Bride angles for presents even after groom bails out

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:27:00 EST

Dear Abby: My wife and I received an invitation from a family member to attend their daughter "Heidi's" wedding on Father's Day weekend. We canceled our existing plans in order to attend, and gave "Heidi and Dave" an appropriate gift. As the ceremony progressed, the minister asked, "Do you, Steve, take Heidi" ... at which point the guests began whispering to themselves, "STEVE?"

GATHERING 'TWILIGHT'

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:12:00 EST

How hot is "Twilight"?
How many films do you know that inspire a near riot?
Last Monday, 3,000 fans showed up at a San Francisco mall to see Robert Pattinson.
The virtually unknown 22-year-old British actor is starring in "Twilight," which opens Friday, as the steamy vampire Edward Cullen.

Aldean a rising star in the world of country

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:12:00 EST

JASON ALDEAN

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell
Tickets: $27.75
Info: 978-454-2299 or www.lowellauditorium.com/
Jason Aldean has spent much of the past two years touring with two of the biggest acts country music has to offer — Rascal Flatts in 2007 and Tim McGraw this past summer.

Andover musician works the senior circuit

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:11:00 EST

ANDOVER — From his childhood days in Lynn, when singing was just a hobby, Brian Corcoran has shared his talents with many, traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and even Ireland to spread his music.

Dear Abby: Teen caught in a lie feels trapped by parents' distrust

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:44:00 EST

Dear Abby: I have a huge problem. I am a 16-year-old girl, and last week I lied to my best friend's parents so we could go to a movie. Her parents found out and told my parents, who got very angry and have me grounded for a minimum of a month — depending on my "attitude."

Horoscope: Nov. 16

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:43:00 EST

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Because you are a pragmatic visionary who knows the difference between wishful thinking and reality, your chances of getting exactly what you want are better than usual.

History of finance: Wall Street corners market

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:40:00 EST

NEW YORK — The enduring symbols of Wall Street's fabled, turbulent history are inescapable on this walk through the epicenter of American capitalism.
Over there, at 23 Wall, is the former headquarters of J.P. Morgan's banking dynasty, its granite facade still scarred by pockmarks from a terrorist bomb that killed 33 people in 1920. A block away, a skyscraper at 48 Wall occupies the site of the city's first bank, founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1784. Names like Rockefeller, Roosevelt and Goldman Sachs are invoked at almost every turn.

Illinois banks on Obama buzz to boost tourism

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:40:00 EST

CHICAGO — Chicago's tourism Web site beckons visitors to "experience the city the Obamas enjoy." The Illinois Bureau of Tourism plans to launch a three-day getaway promotion featuring Barack Obama sites. And tour guides at the Old State Capitol in Springfield may get new scripts to stress two important speeches the president-elect made as a candidate.

Out and about

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:39:00 EST

Lincoln bicentennial programs planned
WASHINGTON — Many states have established Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commissions to celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday in 2009.
Washington D.C. plans more than 80 exhibits from January through the end of April, including a reenactment of Lincoln's second inaugural ball Jan. 31 in the historic building that now houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Ford's Theatre — where Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 — will also reopen after an extensive renovation.

Figuring out the values of a compote and a berry bowl

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:38:00 EST

This piece belonged to my grandmother, who was married in 1912. I thought she had received it as a wedding gift, but there is a small circle etched in the bottom that reads "JHoare & Co., 1853, Corning." The base is 6 inches tall, and with the bowl on top, it is 9 inches tall. I was wondering why there are two pieces. One small notch on the upper portion has a tiny smooth chip; otherwise, it is in good condition.