dallas

I just cooked with anchovies for the first time (made chicken puttanesca, which was great) but wasn't exactly sure what to do with them. The recipe called for a tin of anchovies in olive oil, and said to chop them. When I opened the tin, I wasn't sure what to expect, but they were like flat little filets - though it appeared there were some little, tiny bones. Does it matter if you remove them?

I have a recipe calling for 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs. When I stopped by the closest grocery store last night, they only had prepackaged chicken thighs sold by weight, and it was impossible to tell how many are squeezed into the package...even the guy working in that department couldn't estimate how many I would get in the package. I have looked online and have seen people saying that 8 thighs=1 pound and others saying 8 thighs is closer to 3 pounds. I could just buy two packages which would probably be enough, but prefer not to buy more than I need if one package would do.

The area in and around my dryer is freezing cold, no doubt due to the cold air outside coming in through the dryer vent. I found that Lowe's carries a louvered cover that can be used to help keep the vent covered when the dryer is not in use, but it would not fit where my dryer vent comes outside...the cover fit over a round tube, but the outside of my vent has a rectangular shield over it. Any suggestions would be appreciated, as they could help me keep my home warm and cut heating costs. Thanks!

Am considering taking a three or four day weekend in London, coming from D/FW. I know that's not nearly enough time to see everything there is to see there, but would it be enough time for a fun, quick trip? Am concerned with the length of the flight and the time difference, in particular - would I have time to adjust and make the most of it? Would like to hear from anyone who has tried it.

It's my two-year anniversary at work and I received a plaque saying " 2 Year's Service." I'm not sure if there should be an apostrophe in there, but if there is, wouldn't it be after the s: "2 Years' Service?"

I have two cats, who have been together for about 7 years and got along fine once they got to know each other. I brought one of them home from the vet the other day after having a tooth pulled and a bone biopsy (my poor baby is apparently very sick), and the other one has been hissing at the poor sick guy whenever they get within a foot of each other ever since. If I'm around, I squirt him with water for doing this because I feel bad that my sick cat is already not feeling well, but now he can't even hang out with his buddy. Any ideas what's behind this behavior?

I am considering buying a 2006 Mazda3. I understand that Mazdas have a different engine than other cars. Are they reliable? Are repairs more expensive/harder to find? I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

I just calculated my 2005 tax return and found that I am due a small refund (about $450). I filed Chapter 13 about two years ago, and the IRS is one of the debtors. I've searched the Internet and have come up with sites with all different answers saying I will get the refund, I won't get a refund, and that I should not file electronically. Any advice on how to file and whether the refund will actually be given to me? If it makes a difference, I am in Texas. Thanks for your help! (PS I know I should probably contact my attorney with this question but she is a useless b--tch.)

I moved recently, only to find that the area where I want my computer does not have a phone jack. I'm already subscribed to DSL and I use my computer a lot so this is a problem! I currently have it plugged into a jack in the next room, which means having a wire running across the room! There is nowhere to hide the wire going from my PC to the jack. SBC told me if I buy a $149 wireless gateway, I could go wireless. I went to Comp USA and they said this can't be done. Will it work? Are there better options? I also asked about installing another phone jack, and the cost is comparable. Thanks for your help.

Mine started chirping the other day, which I assumed meant it was time to change the battery. But when I opened up, I found there was no battery! It appears to be wired into the electricity. In this case, what does the chirping mean?

I just took my Audi in for service and the dealer said they found a leak. On the paperwork, it says FRT PROP SHAFT SEAL LEAKING. I think that is propeller shaft. Anyway, I put off the repair for a week (b/c it's nearly $700 so I want to wait for my next payday) and the dealer said it will "probably" be okay for a couple of weeks. What do you think?