1/28/2013 1:58 AM
Swans cleared for takeoff
OAK HARBOR — Observe swans in motion for a period of time, and it becomes easy to understand why Swan Lake was such an appropriate title for a ballet. The story behind the classic involves a swan that is the epitome of beauty and grace.

1/28/2013 2:03 AM
'Downton Abbey' pilgrimage
NEWBURY, England — An early-morning mist settles over the winding roads and rolling hills dotted with sheep, just waking to another day beneath steel-gray skies. It’s a setting straight out of a Hollywood script. Then the bucolic charm is interrupted by the chatty cabdriver who shares everything he knows about Highclere Castle, the warring neighbors, and all the

1/27/2013 12:00 AM
No precooking is necessary
Reader Pat H. of Coppell, Texas, and I have been talking about manicotti — specifically, how to stuff it. I posted the question on my Web site and got lots of great ideas — everything from using a zipper-top plastic bag and “squirting” the filling in, to deliberately slicing the manicotti along the top and “sealing” the opening with

1/28/2013 2:02 AM
In-store shows are pitch perfect
The best way to experience live music in an unadorned setting devoid of pretentiousness or pomp is in a music store.

1/27/2013 12:00 AM
‘Kinsey and Me’ is strange patchwork
Sue Grafton’s new collection of short stories, Kinsey and Me, is a mixed bag of material.

1/26/2013 1:14 PM
‘Blood Money’ is rooted in Casey Anthony case
“Ripped from the headlines” is an apt term for Florida author James Grippando’s 10th exciting legal thriller featuring Miami attorney Jack Swyteck.

1/27/2013 12:00 AM
New book on Scientology features intrigue
On his way to a dinner party in Los Angeles, Marlon Brando cut his leg helping a stranded motorist. When the legendary actor arrived in pain, John Travolta offered to help him with a Scientology procedure known as an “assist.”

1/27/2013 12:00 AM
Tracking source of cat’s allergies can be frustrating
Dear Dr. Thompson: During the summer of 2010 my Norwegian forest cat developed bumps along her spine from neck to tail. The bumps then turned into scabs. We went to her vet who said that it was an allergy, and she gave her a shot and within a week or so, everything disappeared. We had no recurrence during the summer …

1/27/2013 12:00 AM
Dinner Tonight: Spiced Butternut Lentil Soup
A handful of ingredients tossed into a slow cooker in the morning yields a delicious and healthy vegetarian soup for dinner. Teresa Stebbins submitted this easy recipe for Spiced Butternut Lentil Soup; when served with salad and bread, she writes, it makes a complete meal. “This time of year,” she writes, “one of our favorite meals is soup.”

1/26/2013 7:24 PM
Pa. man had it his way to the end
YORK, Pa. — Mourners at a Pennsylvania fast-food fan's funeral wanted him to have it his way, so they arranged for his hearse — and the rest of the procession — to make one last drive-thru visit before reaching the cemetery.