Features

Central Gaither faces state funding labyrinth: How, when money can be used creates catastrophic cacophony; By Ryan McCarthy/Appeal-Democrat; Comments | Recommend; Even a millionaire would confront the maze. "Let's say some rich dude says, 'I'll write you a check for $325,000,'" James Ferreira, a trustee for the Yuba City Unified School District, recounted the amount cited as the savings from closing Central... Full story

TV, pizza sales soar for Super Bowl: Football fanatics splurge for parties held the day; Associated Press; Comments | Recommend; Super Bowl Sunday may be the biggest day of the year for football fans, but it's also a big day for people who sell big-screen TVs, recliners and pizza. Yes, some sports fans are willing to pay thousands of dollars for a TV just to watch the game.... Full story

Are e-cigarettes safe?: Former smokers swear by the battery-operated devices that deliver nicotine, but some critics aren't swayed; By Courtney Perkes/Freedom News Service; Comments | Recommend; Tonya Moraffah takes a deep drag on her cigarette, feels the soothing surge of nicotine and explains what extinguished her 30-year, pack-a-day smoking habit. Every evening, she plugs her battery-operated electronic cigarette into a charger. She no... Full story

God's in the game: Churches use Upward to reach outward; By Andy Mead/McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Comments | Recommend; LEXINGTON, Ky. — It's a cool, damp fall afternoon, and a group of 6- and 7-year-olds are practicing soccer in a grassy field in Lexington, Ky. Eric and Kim Lake sit on the sidelines in folding chairs, watching their son T.J. kick the ball. A... Full story

Health Briefs: Appeal-Democrat; Comments | Recommend; Yuba City 'Ride for Life' at fitness club Northside Fitness and the Yuba City Racquet and Health Club are co-hosting a "Ride for Life" with 50 spin bikes set up for 10 teams of 10 people. The fee is $25 a seat, paid by Monday, and $35 thereafter.... Full story

Holiday Plants: How to care for your seasonal seedlings; Freedom News Service; Comments | Recommend; Many people connect poinsettias, holly and Christmas cactus with the holidays. These plants give color and flavor to the season. They also have a spiritual connection to both pagan and Christian holidays. Unfortunately, these plants, like most... Full story

Taurus, MKS get a powerful boost: By Jim Mateja /McClatchy-Tribune News Service; Comments | Recommend; Ford Motor Co. has a solution for those who like the Taurus and Lincoln MKS but would be happier if the sedans could motor from the light at full speed. For 2009, Taurus offered a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6; MKS a 3.7-liter, 273-hp V-6. Peppy... Full story