T.V. Show Throwbacks
Looking back at the greatest TV shows
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer
In today’s digital era of streaming platforms with a virtually endless supply of content, access to TV shows of the past are at an all time high. These nostalgic gems serve as a time machine transporting us back to simpler days, where cozy nights around the television with family and friends was the norm. TV Show Nostalgia Nights are a perfect way to bring people together for a fun and relaxing blast to the past. Here are some shows to get you going.
The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-2018)
Blending mystery and the supernatural, “The X-Files” remains a goldmine of intrigue. FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully investigated the unexplained, becoming embroiled in government conspiracies and paranormal phenomena. The show’s eerie atmosphere, captivating storylines and the seething chemistry between Mulder and Scully made it a cult classic. Whether you’re revisiting the gripping “Home” episode or the poignant “Memento Mori,” “The X-Files” continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Prior to the current plethora of supernatural TV shows, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was hunting monsters and capturing hearts. The series features Buffy Summers, a high school student chosen to battle vampires, demons and other dark forces. With its snappy writing, strong female lead and the perfect mix of horror and humor, Buffy has earned its place as a cult favorite. Whether you’re captivated by the high school drama or the fantastical battles, Buffy and her gang never fail to deliver a wild roller coaster of an experience.
Edited by Margie E. Burke
HOW TO SOLVE:
Shades of Autumn
The Science of Fall Foliage
By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer Crimson.
Gold. Orange. The colors of fall. When summer cedes to autumn, nature puts on a spectacular show as trees and shrubs burst aflame in brilliant hues. This annual display, known as fall foliage, has captivated people for centuries, but have you ever pondered why leaves change color? The answer lies in the fascinating interplay of pigments, light, and weather.
The color transformation of leaves is a complex process driven by changes in the pigments within them as the seasons shift. In spring and summer, chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in leaves. It absorbs sunlight and transforms it to produce food for the tree through photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is what turns leaves green in color. However, as the days shorten and temperatures drop in autumn, trees begin to prepare for winter. Chlorophyll production ceases, and the green of the leaves begin to fade.
But what happens to the leaves once the chlorophyll is gone? It is at this point where other pigments come into play. As chlorophyll breaks down, the colors of the remaining pigments become more visible. The
yellow and orange hues of fall leaves are the result of carotenoids. These pigments are always present in leaves but their colors are typically masked by the dominant green of chlorophyll. As the green fades, carotenoids become visible, producing the bright yellow and orange shades of fall.
Anthocyanins are another group of pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in plants. Unlike carotenoids, anthocyanins are not present in Cont’d on page 6
by
Margie E. Burke
leaves year round. Their production is triggered by the fall’s cooler temperatures and the presence of light. As chlorophyll decreases, the leaf’s cells convert sugars into anthocyanins, which in turn produce the striking red and purple colors seen in certain autumn leaves.
Weather conditions also come into play in relation to the intensity of fall colors. Warm, sunny days and cool, but not freezing, nights produce the most vibrant foliage. Daytime warmth promotes the production of anthocyanins, while the cool nights decrease the breakdown of chlorophyll, resulting in pigments that shine more brightly. A sudden frost, however, damages leaf cells, interrupting the color transformation process and leaving foliage a dull brown.
The timing of color change varies depending on the type of tree, its location, and the weather conditions. Each year foliage peaks at a different time as determined by the preceding weather patterns.
Generally, the change commences in the northern regions first, and gradually moves south as the season progresses.
So the next time you take an autumn stroll through a forest or park, take a moment to appreciate the intricate science behind the stunning display. The beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows are more than just a feast for the eyes; they are a testament to nature’s biochemical processes. As the trees prepare for winter, they dazzle with one last breathtaking show, a reminder of nature’s beauty and the wonders of scientific phenomena.
Cont’d from page 5
FREE TANK RENT
For an entire year with the purchase of more than 500 gallons of propane gas in a year. Valid for new customers only. Expires 1/15/25
Premier Retirement Village
Rock of Ages/Valley View Retirement Village includes both independent living homes and a memory care center for those in need of more services. We have been serving the community for over 75 years with varying levels of care and services.
Areas of services available:
• Valley View Retirement Village - residents live independently in their homes and our in-home care service can go in to assist them as needed.
• Apartments - residents live independently with our in-home care service going in to assist them as needed
• M.A.I.D.S. - helps residents of Yamhill and Polk County with all aspects of life
• Rock of Ages Memory Care - a licensed Residential Care Facility that is Memory Care endorsed.
• Transitional Life Care (TLC)5 suites devoted to end of life care
• Ann Scott Estates Senior Adult Foster Home - five rooms for adult foster care in a beautiful setting on 60 acres
