Hartland Health Medicine

The Daily Herald's online poll for the week of Jan. 13, asking about new restaurants, generated 881 responses, plus multiple comments left on the message boards and e-mailed to editors. That poll found that 39 percent wanted an Olive Garden, followed by 30 percent for Red Lobster. After that, 13 percent weighed in favor of T.G.I. Friday's and 11 percent favored the Cracker Barrel.

Without question, regional television advertising plays a role in people's expectations. With commercials for Red Lobster and Olive Garden seen regularly on local television, people want those restaurants to be available nearby. Beyond that, sometimes the opening of a new national chain can serve as a symbol of growth in town.

"I think there are a certain number of people who say, wow, if we get a Red Lobster then we're really on the map," said Pete Samolinski, 56, of Wausau.

Letters, 1/7: On the downward slide

Reading the Dec. 31 Lincoln Journal Star, I saw the opinion page letter concerning housing zone rules. The president of the Stone Bridge Creek Home Owner’s Association wonders how more than three unrelated persons can live in a rental dwelling when Lincoln has Municipal Code 27.03.190, which covers this situation.Having lived in the North Bottoms which is turning more and more into rental properties, I can understand what he is saying. His neighborhood is just into the beginning of a downward slide. This happens when rental owners are allowed to not maintain their properties. By this I am talking about not mowing their lawns, not shoveling their sidewalks, allowing more occupants than city code allows to live in their residences.Before long, your neighborhood will experience upholstered furniture on porches and decks.

Thalidomide Returns As Leukemia Fighter

The drug thalidomide was pulled from the market in the 1950s after causing horrible birth defects.