telescope newby question 101

Now before you read further - im new to telescopes... so expect some stupid
questions...

I have a tasco newtonian.
When i look at something - ie planet or star for instance, i get the
reflection of the four stick thingy that sits at the otherend of the tube
always over the centre of the object im trying to look at. The following
link has a picture "similar" to mine that has the offending four stick thing
clearly shown as you view down the tube :-
http://skyandtelescope.com/howto/sco...icle_787_1.asp


Also - what is that 2 part cover that sits over the end of the scope when
im not using it. I notice the small centre circular section comes off as
well as the end that the small centre sphere sits in.
Considering i have very little idea what im trying to convey - i beleive ive
done a good job at explaining the problem. btw - gettin the spottin scope
aligned with the main mirror is a complete pain in the ..well u guess the
rest.

thanks for input.