Notes & News

A Taste of the Season

Along with pumpkin patches, hay rides and football games, enjoying an apple cider doughnut has become an autumn tradition. Often a homemade treat at apple orchards and cider mills, this spice cake doughnut started gaining wide appeal in the 1950s for its mix of seasonal flavors.

Take a Whiff of Eucalyptus

If a cold has you dealing with a stuffy nose, try taking a whiff of eucalyptus in an oil or lotion. The anti-inflammatory properties in eucalyptus have been shown to help relieve nasal congestion.

In the Kitchen: Squash Solution

Winter squash is abundant this time of year. The gourds are delicious and nutritious, but the tough rind can make them tricky to prepare. To soften the skin of a butternut, acorn or similar squash, score the squash with a sharp knife or fork, then place the squash in a shallow dish and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. It should be much easier to peel, seed and cube.

Highlights

Game Days

The last two to three weeks in October are the only time of the year when all four of America’s major professional sports leagues schedule games: the National Basketball Association begins its preseason; the National Hockey League and National Football League are playing regular season games; and Major League Baseball is in its postseason. There have been 19 occasions when all four leagues played games on the same day, an occurrence known as a “sports equinox.”

‘Owl’ Is One

How many words can you come up with using the letters in “wheelbarrow”?

Buy and Sell

If you’re thinking about investing on your own, financial advisers suggest using a discount brokerage. These companies help guide rookie investors through the process of opening accounts and choosing investments, and their sites offer free research, calculators and other tools

Fall Splendor

In many parts of the country, brilliant autumn leaves are on display during nature’s annual art show. Weather patterns throughout the year play a big part in how vibrant the colors will be. A warm, rainy spring; mild summer; and a fall with sunny days and crisp, cool nights are the ideal conditions for creating a colorful palette.