The Record, Bergen County, NJ

Popper Touted As a 'Gold Mine'

Q. The inscription on this working popcorn machine reads "Holcomb and Hoke Manufacturing Company, Indianapolis, In." What is the history and value? W.L.E., Purgitsville, W. Va.

'Ratatouille': Trapped in a Pigeonhole?

Among the tales of depravity and violence that dominate this year's Academy Awards race sits the bright and shining "Ratatouille." A rat never seemed so sanitized. The Pixar film landed five Oscar nominations and was ranked by many critics as one of the year's best, yet was never a serious contender for best picture. Instead, it was relegated to the relatively new category of best animated feature, which the academy began honoring in 2002.

In Search of Security ; Four New Yorkers Look for Homes and Meaning

REVIEW HUNTING AND GATHERING

A Successful Bake Sale: It's a Matter of Looks ; Tips to Make Yours Stand Out

Even if you're not a perfectionist or a Stepford wife, the demands of a bake sale tempt everyone to try out their food flair and decorating skills. After all, bake sales are all about the looks and packaging. Bake sales have been a fund-raising staple for years in schools, churches, theaters and sometimes even on the streets by those ambitious children looking to outdo their neighbor's lemonade stand. But how do you make yours stand out?

Create a Fashionable, Functional Bedroom ; You Can Work, Watch Tv and Sleep in a Stylish Space

Time for true confessions. How many of you close the door of your bedroom when you entertain? It's not that our bedrooms are top secret; it's just that for many of us, decorating this private space has never been a top priority and, sadly, it shows. But that's all starting to change. Beautiful bedrooms are big now, and folks are finally putting bedroom redos at the top of their decorating lists.

What's Wrong, Part Ii: Organized Religion, 'Me First,' Ignorance

DEAR READERS: Today's column is a continuation of Tuesday's, with more of your thought-provoking answers to my question, "What do you think is society's greatest problem?" Read on: DEAR ABBY: You won't print this, but in my opinion organized religion has a lot to do with why the world is so badly messed up.

Jeans for Charity

Fashion Blogs

There are so many fashion blogs, and so little consensus around which are the most influential or the most interesting. A successful blog is more personal than an online shopping center or another style magazine it reflects the character, taste, style and quirks of its creator. What follows is a sampling of sites that offer a pointed take that goes beyond what to buy and where to buy it. Fashion Is Spinach (fashionisspinach.com) is authored by Ms. Spinach, aka Betsy Lowther, a freelance wri...

This Jazzman Plays in Color ; Teaneck's Alex Collins Visualizes Each Note

WHO: Alex Collins Trio with Darren Barrett. WHAT: Jazz jam.

Sweet Somethings ; 14 Valentine's Day Gifts That Say Much More Than Chocolate

It's the most romantic time of the year. What do you have planned for your sweetheart? If the answer is a resounding "Errr..." followed by a head scratch, let us help. We counted 14 ways to say "I love you":

Home Sellers Find Certification Can Help Close the Deal

Abbott & Caserta Realtors of Ho-Ho-Kus has borrowed a marketing tool that's a favorite among used-car dealers: certifying the product. For about $1,100 paid by the seller Abbott & Caserta will "certify" a house by offering a title search, an inspection, termite and radon inspections, a flood certificate and a home warranty, as well as staging the home for sale. Robert Abbott, head of the company, said these services would be worth more than $1,500 unbundled.