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Time Running Out For Taxpayers' Donations
WASHINGTON -- With only one business day left in 2006, there are still some things taxpayers can do to save on this year's returns, and there are some rule changes early filers should know about. Some deductions and refunds are so new that they won't even appear on tax forms. Others that have been around for a long time require taxpayers to take action before the year ends in order to get the benefits. January mortgage payments mailed by Dec. 31 can be included with 2006 deductions. .
Hayden on the mend after surgery
MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden says he is fit and ready to start the defence of his title after a successful operation on his right shoulder. The 25-year-old Repsol Honda rider missed the final testing session of the year to have surgery on a fractured collarbone and to remove a metal plate. "I'll be off bikes for a while but my trainer is going to get me back doing some cardio work next week," he said. "I'm glad the shoulder's fixed because I can now begin to prepare my defence." Hayden won the 2006 MotoGP title in spectacular fashion in the final race of the season at Valencia, bringing to an end Valentino Rossi's dominance of the category. But his title hopes were almost ended by the shoulder injury he suffered in the penultimate race of the season, when he crashed out in Portugal.
Moderate aerobic activity key to lifelong mental integrity
I glanced over the shoulder of a man seated next to me on a recent flight. He was reading The Wall Street Journal. On the front page of the Personal Journal in huge letters was the headline "How to Keep Your Aging Brain Fit: Aerobics." Noting my interest, the gentleman was kind enough to hand me his paper. The article highlighted new research from the University of Illinois, Urbana, which is nothing short of amazing - individuals in their 60s, 70s and older can actually increase the volume of gray matter in their brain with as little as three hours of aerobic exercise per week. This will dramatically improving their mental acuity. The prospect of older brains growing new neurons is revolutionary. Cumulative stress from the process of aging usually causes the brain to start shrinking during middle age.
AHS ROUNDUP: Off and running
Ilana Cohen, Lauren Hughes and Laura Renfro all hit double figures as the Andover High girls varsity basketball team broke out to an improbable 33-0 lead on the way to a season-opening 70-26 romp over visiting Merrimack Valley Conference rival Dracut on Tuesday night at the Dunn Gym. The AHS boys hoopsters also got off to a flying start with a 65-36 MVC triumph over host Methuen on Tuesday night, Ian Dempsey and Tristan Shannon sparking the offense with 17 points each. Both Warriors' indoor track teams posted MVC dual-meet wins over Billerica by near-identical scores Tuesday at the Collins Field House. Junior Jess Forster's double victory highlighted a 46-40 season-opening win for the girls, while first-place finishes by distance runners Frank Perrone and Pete Shaw keyed a 45.5 to 40.5 decision for the boys.
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