Standard-Examiner wire services

Book is a guide to sewers at all levels

The sewing magazine Threads shares its wisdom in "Threads Sewing Guide," a compilation of its best information about sewing.

The book is intended for users of all sewing levels.

This listing provides information on food and fitness events in Utah. To submit announcements, send information to Life, P.O. Box 12790, Ogden, UT 84412-2790; fax to 801-625-4299; or e-mail vzimmer@standard.net. Deadline is noon Wednesdays. For information, call 801-625-4270.

Food classes

* 7 p.m. classes, geared for ages 12 and up, at Macey's grocery store, 325 E. 36th St., Ogden, upstairs in Little Theater.

Miracle-Gro product helps gardens grow

Miracle-Gro's Expand 'n Gro planting mix takes some of the heavy lifting out of planting container gardens.

Expand 'n Gro is a blend of plant food and coconut coir, so it's lighter than traditional potting soil. It's also concentrated, so the compact package is easier to carry and store.

The planting mix expands as much as three times its size when mixed with water.

Dump old electronics at E-Scrap Collection

Have some old electronic equipment you'd like to get rid of?

The Roy Harmons, 5370 S. 1900 West, offers a Community E-Scrap Collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in its parking lot.

Accepted for recycling will be such items as computers, TVs, DVD players, stereos, video-game consoles and cell phones.

VATICAN CITY -- John Paul II's beatification on Sunday will mark the penultimate stage in the process to make the late Polish-born pontiff a saint, an event seen as inappropriate by some critics, but eagerly anticipated by millions of admirers.

New book answers pruning questions

Even seasoned gardeners can find themselves puzzled about pruning.

"The Pruning Answer Book" helps clear up the confusion.

The pocket-size book, by the late Lewis Hill and Penelope O'Sullivan, covers the basics such as what to prune when, what equipment to use, how to make the cuts and why pruning is beneficial.

Sections are devoted to different types of plants, and there's one on artistic pruning to create such forms as topiary and espalier.

A plant-by-plant pruning guide in the back of the book lets you find quick guidance on a particular tree, shrub or other plant.

"The Pruning Answer Book" is published by Storey Publishing and sells for $14.95.

Fast-food breakfast can be healthy

The March issue of Health magazine puts these fast-food breakfasts in its top 10 healthiest fast-food breakfasts:

* Protein Artisan Snack Plate at Starbucks. Consists of hard-boiled egg, cheddar and apple slices, multigrain bread, grapes and honey peanut butter spread. Has 370 calories, 19 fat grams, 4 grams fiber, 470 milligrams sodium.

* Berry Topper Ideal Meal at Jamba Juice. Contains yogurt and soy milk, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and pumpkin flaxseed granola.