TIDBITS Issue 12 CDA Idaho 2020

of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #46 Nov. 13th 2017Issue #12 March. 16th 2020 of Kootenai County, Idaho

www.tidbitscda.com

For Ad Rates call: (208) 755-9120

TIDBITS® INVESTIGATES KITES

by Kathy Wolfe

Tidbits takes to the air during the windy month of March to learn all about kites!

• It’s believed that kites originated in Asia, where they were constructed from large leaves for the sail, bamboo skin for the frame, and twisted fiber from the pineapple tree for the rope. Early Chinese kites used silk for the sail and flying line. Kites weren’t just for fun – evidence from 549 AD depicts a paper kite being used in a rescue mission. The ancient Chinese also used them for measuring distance, testing the wind, and signaling. They were frequently decorated with mythological figures and some kite-flyers added strings and whistles to add musical sounds. In fact, the Chinese name for a kite, Fen Zheng, translates “wind harp.”

• The early Japanese utilized large kites in the building of their temples to lift tiles and building materials to rooftop workers. By 1760 in Japan, kite flying had been banned because too much of the population preferred it to work!

• Explorer Marco Polo brought stories of kites to Europe in the late 1200s, and Japanese sailors brought kites to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. turn the page for more!

evelyn2318@gmail.com

Page 2

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

www.tidbitscda.com

Evelyn Bevacqua Howe 212. W. Ironwood Dr., Suite D,# 224, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Cell: 208.755.9120 Email: Tidbitscda@gmail.com www.tidbitscda.com Facebook/tidbitscda

KITES (continued): • Chinese legend says that looking at high-flying kites will preserve good eyesight. They also maintain that tilting the head back to gaze at a kite, while opening the mouth slightly gives the body a healthy yin-yang balance.

• Kites are even used in religious ceremonies.

Some cultures made kites resembling humans to send prayers to the gods, while others used kites to send thanksgiving offerings to the gods for good harvest, fertility, and prosperity.

• In June, 1752, Benjamin Franklin and his son William stepped out into a Philadelphia thunderstorm to conduct an experiment. He carried a kite made from a large silk handkerchief, a hemp string, a silk string, a house key, a length of wire to serve as a lightning rod, and a Leyden jar, which was a device that could store an electrical charge. While some folks believe that Franklin “discovered electricity” during his experiment, that was not the case at all, since scientists had already been working at great length with static electricity for years. Franklin sought to prove that lightning was an electrical discharge.

The hemp string was wet from the rain and conducted an electrical charge, while the dry silk string held by Franklin under cover did not. When the lightning struck, Franklin felt a definite electric spark, but was not struck by lightning, as some believe. Using the Leyden jar, he collected the electricity for discharge at another time. His further work with electricity led to the perfection of a lightning rod invention.

• Kites were vital to the development of aircraft, with the first powered aircraft consisting of a large box kite with a motor fitted to it. In 1899, the Wright Brothers designed an experimental kite with a 5-foot (1.52-m) wingspan that would aid them in their study of wind’s lift and drag effects on control of a biplane. By the following year, the brothers had designed a full-size glider based on their kite’s plans.

• Most people wash their sheets, and some people fluff and air out their pillow. But how many properly clean their mattress? Vacuum the mattress surface at least every three months. Sprinkle with baking soda to absorb any odors.

• “I use my panini press to make hash browns because I like them nice and crispy on both sides. It works out great!” -- L.R. in Florida • If you’re adding fruit to muffins or quick breads, just make sure you toss them in flour first. It will keep them from sinking to the bottom, distributing them more evenly throughout the bread.

• Need more storage in a small bathroom? Try installing a shelf over the door. It’s an out of the way area where you can store items you don’t need daily, but do need accessible.

• Use a serrated knife to cut the dome tops off of cake layers, then put them in the freezer for 30 minutes. It will make it easier to frost, and you’ll get less crumbs that come up.

• “I often get up during the night to take medicine to help me sleep better. It’s hard to see and line up the marks to open the container.

So I got a permanent black marker and highlighted them (I even made them larger). Now it’s easy to line them up in the dark.” -- D.E. in California Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020 KITES (continued): • In 1749, the first experiments to study the weather using kites were launched. The early tests used a kite to carry a thermometer to measure temperatures at high altitudes. By the 19th century, the U.S. Weather Bureau had established 17 kite observation stations, with kites transporting all sorts of meteorological instruments upwards of 8,000 feet (2,438 m) to record air pressure, temperature, and humidity. The kites were a box type, constructed of spruce and a thin cotton cloth, with piano wire used for the strings.

• Telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell had a great zeal for aeronautics and kites, and experimented for many years with man-carrying kites. His creations consisted of a variety of geometric shapes, such as hexagons and tetrahedrons. In the early 1900s, Bell designed an enormous kite made of 1,300 foursided cells covered in maroon silk, which was able to life a man 30 feet (9.1 m) off the ground.

• •Kites have been used for military operations for centuries. In ancient China, kites carrying gunpowder, along with a fuse and a burning stick of incense were used as weapons. In the 1600s, during a war in India, the line on a large kite was replaced with rope, enabling troops to scale the wall of a fort and overtake the guards. In 1855, the Russians used 12-ft.

(3.66-m) kites to tow torpedoes to a target.

During the American Civil War, kites were used to deliver letters, newspapers, and other communications. Man-lifting kites were used during the Spanish-American War for enemy observation. Kites have proven valuable for delivering munitions and signaling troops.

Page 3

Page 4

® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai Issue #12 March 16th 2020 TidbitsCounty, Dallas County KITES (continued): • A kite proved beneficial in bridge construction in 1847. With plans underway to build the first bridge across the Niagara Gorge between Canada and the U.S., a contest was held to pull a cable across the gorge, a distance of 700 feet (213 m). The winner, American teenager Homan Walsh, attached a lightweight rope to his kite, which pulled a heavier rope, then another one and another until a steel cable reached the other side. Homan received a $10.00 prize for his efforts.

• Englishman Samuel F. Cody patented a manlifting kite system in 1901, and became the first man to cross the English Channel towed by kites in 1903. He pitched his kites to the British Army, who purchased Cody’s “War Kites.” He followed up on this achievement by piloting a large box kite fitted with an engine. Tragically, in 1913, while testing a new design, the Cody Floatplane, the aircraft broke apart at 200 feet (61 m), and Cody was killed.

• During the Cold War, East Germany banned the use of large kites, fearing that people would be lifted over the Berlin Wall.

• The record for the most kites flown on a single line belongs to Japanese kitemaker. In 1990, 73-year-old Satao Harada launched 11,284 kites made of bamboo and polyethylene. It took three hours to launch them all, and the kites remained in the air for 18 minutes.

• Kite flying is not without its hazards, with an average of 12 people killed each year in kiting accidents. Wet kite lines pose a hazard, acting as a conductor for static electricity and lightning. Large kites have been known to lift the flier off the ground as well as dragging them into objects. Kite lines that have become tangled in electrical power lines have caused the electrocution death of the flier

www.tidbitscda.com

By Samantha Weaver • In the mood for a looong vacation? Consider the planet Uranus. Its summer lasts 21 Earth years.

• It takes 700 gallons of water to make a cotton shirt. To put that in perspective, the amount of water needed to make a T-shirt is enough for one person to stay hydrated for 900 days, while the amount necessary to create a pair of jeans is equivalent to hosing down your lawn for nine hours straight.

• The official color of the Golden Gate Bridge is “International Orange.”

• Speaking of that delightful hue, Alexander the Great washed his hair in saffron to keep it shiny and orange.

• The world’s least-common surnames include Sallow, Miracle and Relish, while extinct surnames include Bread, Spinster and Bythesea (By the sea).

• Your navel contains thousands of bacteria that form an ecosystem the size of an entire rainforest.

• Ever wondered about those ridges along the edges of some coins? They were the brainchild of Sir Isaac Newton, who while warden of the Royal Mint in 1696 used the reeded edges to help combat theft and counterfeiters.

• After the hip-hop duo OutKast coined the phrase “shake it like a Polaroid picture” in their hit song “Hey Ya!” Polaroid released this statement: “Shaking or waving can actually damage the image.”

• Just like fingerprints, no two tongue prints are alike.

Thought for the Day:

“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.”

-- Plutarch (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 5

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #12 March 16th 2020 For Advertising Call (334)

5-STAR SERVICE “BEST MOVER around! Ours was an interstate move and they loaded, transported and unloaded for us! They were so ACCOMMODATING and willing to work with us in order to

SMOOTH MOVE

. make this a And it was! I would highly recommend for either a LOCAL

OR LONG DISTANCE MOVE!!!”

- Mac McAnallen

6491 E Seltice Way | Post Falls, ID 83854 USDOT#3119758 MC#87269

Local Moving • Interstate Moving • Commercial Moving “Ken and his team are great.

Fast,

RELIABLE SERVICE.

VERY FRIENDLY, responsive, and knowledgeable.

Would use them again no doubt!...”

- Eshelle M.

Call Today For A Free Quote

(208) 755-1196 LakeCDAMovers.com

39

Lake CDA Movers.indd 1

By Healthy Exchanges

County Mayo Casserole Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this simple but grand main dish named after the county in Ireland. Erin go Bragh!

2 cups chopped cabbage 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup shredded carrots 2 (2.5-ounce) packages 90% lean corned beef, shredded 2 cups cooked noodles, rinsed and drained 3 (3/4-ounce) slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese, shredded 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup 1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, saute cabbage, celery, onion and carrots for 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in corned beef, noodles and Swiss cheese. Add mushroom soup, mayonnaise, mustard and black pepper. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.

3. Bake for 30 minutes. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 4 servings. * Each serving equals: 289 calories, 8g fat, 16g protein, 36g carb., 983mg sodium, 3g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch/Carb., 1 Vegetable. (c) 2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

10/10/19 5:25 PM

Page 6

TIDBITS ofTidbits Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020 of Dallas County

www.tidbitscda.com

By Dr. Holly Carling

Sleep Disorders

If you are having a difficult time sleeping, you are not alone. It is estimated that 80 million Americans suffer from insomnia. It can affect every aspect of your life from your job and relationships to your competency behind the wheel of a car. Some statistics say that more than 100,000 motor-vehicle crashes are caused annually in the United States by driving while drowsy.

Sleep deprivation can have a deleterious affect. Insomnia causes tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty in concentrating and irritability.

There is increased risk of depression. At work you are likely to have more work errors, slowed reaction time, poor work performance, you are likely to be disgruntled with other co-workers more easily, you become more impatient, and are more likely to have a work-place accident or auto accident. Insomnia can cause changes in hormones, increase hunger, effect the body’s metabolism (making it more difficult to lose weight), accelerate aging, and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Women are more susceptible – one survey says that 3 out of every 4 working mothers experience fatigue due to poor sleep.

Insomnia comes in several forms: Either inability to fall asleep or inability to stay asleep.

Also, it can be transient (just once in awhile due to travel, excitement or temporary stress); Shortterm (lasting less than 3 weeks and usually due to worry or stress); Chronic (lasting more than 30 days and is either nightly or several times a week).

Chronic insomnia is generally due to a health condition. Taking medications although they give the feeling of sleeping do not take care of the REASON WHY you can’t sleep and though it seems you have slept, you awaken still tired. The reasons why people can’t sleep are varied.

They can be caused by an imbalance in hormones, an imbalance in the way the body manages blood sugar, or you might have a health disease that effects sleep. Restless leg syndrome, gastro- esophageal reflux disease, heart palpitations and hot flashes are common health conditions or symptoms effecting sleep.

If one of these (or other conditions) prevent you from sleeping, you need to get the condition healed, not just medically managed. The side effect of handling the condition responsible for limiting sleep, is that not only will the condition be better, but the side effect will be of sleeping well!

When a patient comes to me with insomnia (and other health challenges), I do a Complete Bio-Functional Analysis to help me determine what is going on in the body that is inhibiting the patient from experiencing restful sleep. Then, taking that information, I am able to recommend a course of action to resolve the problem and allow you to experience peaceful sleep once more.

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over three decades of experience.

Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue505-0674 #12 March 16th 2020 For Advertising CallIdaho (334)

Stand Downs Offer Help for Homeless Veterans

Do you need Stand Down services? Or are you willing to help create successful events for homeless veterans? Even though parts of the country aren’t quite out of winter weather, annual Stand Downs are gearing up. As spring and summer fully arrive, the number of events will increase.

Stand Downs, which last from one to three days, provide a long list of services, all in one location. Legal assistance, haircuts, personal care supplies, counseling on Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, clothing, information about housing, dental screenings ... they offer all this, usually right at one of the VA facilities across the country. Counseling is available as well for mental health concerns, plus substance abuse, health care information and referrals, and much more.

Perhaps you don’t need the services but can offer your help instead, especially if you’re a member of a veterans’ group. Great. Contact organizers in your area and volunteer. They’ll need drivers, set up, donations of personal care items, you name it. Ask what you can do.

If you plan to go to a Stand Down to access services, bring your DD-214 or its equivalent, plus your VA medical card if you have one.

If you need a way to get there, sign up for transportation in advance.

If you need housing services, or if you are homeless now and there is no Stand Down coming up in your area, contact National Coalition for Homeless Veterans [www.nchv.org] at 1-877-424-3838. If you have a housing emergency (you’re about to be homeless), you can call 24/7. Visit its website and look through the drop-down menu across the top.

To see the list of Stand Downs in your area, go to www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp and scroll down the page. You’ll see the location, as well as two contacts with email and phone numbers for each one. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. ADVERTISING SLOGANS: Which product was advertised as “the champagne of bottled beer”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which was the first designated national park in the United States?

3. BIBLE: From which book of the New Testament does the proverb “the blind leading the blind” originate?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president established the Purple Heart award to military members injured or killed in battle?

5. LITERATURE: What is the title of a classic novel that its British author originally named “Strangers from Within”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Which animal’s home is called a lodge?

7. FOOD & DRINK: Which spice is described as “the Queen of Spices”?

8. MUSIC: Who wrote the libretto and music to the opera “The Flying Dutchman”?

9. HISTORY: Which country’s revolution was described in the book “Ten Days That Shook the World”?

10. ANATOMY: What is the most common blood type in humans?

Answers 1. Miller High Life 2. Yellowstone 3. Matthew 4. George Washington 5. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding 6. Beaver 7. Cardamom 8. Richard Wagner 9. Russia 10. O positive (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 7

Page 88 Page

® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #12 March 16th 2020 Tidbits Dallas

www.tidbitscda.com

ForofAdvertising 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County,Call Idaho(334) Issue #12 March 16th 2020 COUCH THEATER VIDEO/DVD PREVIEWS

PHOTO: Scene from “Playmobil: The Movie” Photo Credit: Implus Pictures AG

“Dark Waters” (PG-13) -- A tense thriller underscoring the callous nature of big business, “Dark Waters” is ripped from reality, centering around attorney Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) and his exhaustive pursuit of justice for a West Virginia farm community. Although Bilott is a corporate defense attorney -- meaning he protects big companies from prosecution -- he is approached by a farmer (Bill Camp) from his grandmother’s hometown, with a story about unexplained sickness in his cow herd, among other things. A small investigation turns into a raging class action suit that unfolds over time against chemical behemoth DuPont. As the avalanche of documents is examined, Bilott discovers the sickening truth that DuPont knowingly was the source of dangerous chemical pollution.

“Queen & Slim” (R) -- Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen) and Daniel Kaluuya (Slim) star as a young black couple on a ho-hum first date whose lives are forever turned by a routine traffic stop gone bad. After an unremarkable meal at a diner, Slim is driving Queen, a criminal defense lawyer, home. The pair are pulled over, and the officer -- rife with injustice -- aggressively searches the car. When Slim politely asks him to hurry, as it’s cold out, the officer draws his weapon. The situation escalates until Slim is forced to shoot the officer with his own gun in self-defense. Knowing what happens to cop killers, the two embark on a journey of escape and in the process find both love and celebrity. It’s a beautifully crafted debut for director Melina Matsoukas.

“Playmobil: The Movie” (PG) -- A pair of orphaned siblings -- Marla (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy), the formerly freewheeling but now stodgy overprotective older sister, and Charlie (Gabriel Bateman), a saddened but still spunky and rebellious younger brother -- crash a toy museum exhibit and get sucked them into the world of Playmobil, a sort of Lego cousin, where they are transformed and separated, each having equally jam-packed adventures. Marla goes in hot pursuit of Charlie so she can rescue him. But surprise, the “people” they meet along the way transform them in a different way, breaking Marla free from her self-imposed shackles and teaching Charlie lessons about responsibility. The plot is a very loose guide in which the focus is on stereotypes, product placement and lame jokes.

DOG OF THE WEEK “2 Graves in the Desert” (NR) -- Two hostages in the trunk of a car, neither with a memory of how they got there. Two delirious kidnappers in control, but for how long? Two graves in the desert, but who will end up as the occupants? Cassie Howarth stars as Blake, and Ivan Gonzalez as Eric, who must work together to gain release from their captors Vince (Michael Madsen) and Mario (William Baldwin), two actors who display a shockingly similar version of crazy. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page Page 99

Page 10

® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai IssueCounty #51 Dec. 16th 2019 TidbitsCounty, Dallas

www.tidbitscda.com

For ofAdvertising Call (334) 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #51 Dec. 16th 2019

Page 11

Page 12

® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue County #12 March 16th 2020 Tidbits Dallas

www.tidbitscda.com

• On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory in New York City burns down, killing 145 trapped workers within minutes. Only one elevator was operational, one of two exit stairways was locked from the outside and the inside fire hose was rotted and its valve rusted shut.

• On March 29, 1929, President Herbert Hoover has a phone installed at his desk in the Oval Office of the White House. Previously, Hoover had used a phone in the foyer outside the office.

• On March 27, 1939, the University of Oregon defeats Ohio State University to win the firstever NCAA men’s basketball tournament, now known as “March Madness.”

• On March 26, 1953, American medical researcher Dr. Jonas Salk announces that he has successfully tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus that causes the crippling disease of polio. In 1952 there were 58,000 new cases reported in the U.S., and more than 3,000 people died.

• On March 28, 1979, a pressure valve in a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania fails to close, setting off the worst accident in the history of the U.S. nuclear power industry. Safety devices would have prevented the crisis, but human operators misread readings and shut off the emergency water system.

• On March 23, 1983, Barney Clark dies 112 days after becoming the world’s first recipient of a permanent artificial heart. The 61-year-old dentist spent the final four months of his life attached to a 350-pound console that pumped air in and out of the aluminum-and-plastic implant.

• On March 24, 1996, U.S. astronaut Shannon Lucid transfers to the Russian space station Mir from the space shuttle Atlantis for a planned five-month stay. Her return to Earth was delayed more than six weeks because of last-minute repairs to Atlantis’ booster rockets and then by a hurricane. (c) 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

TIDBITS Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020 ForofAdvertising Call (334) 505-0674

By Matilda Charles

Follow Flu Tips to Stay Safe From Coronavirus

We can’t turn on the news now without hearing about the new virus that’s sweeping the world. Coronavirus, now called COVID-19, is a serious virus that came out of China. At this point the virus has spread to more than 30 countries and there have been over 2,800 deaths.

Protecting ourselves from COVID-19 is much like how we avoid the seasonal winter flu that’s now in high numbers in every state. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is mostly common sense, but every step is important: • Wash your hands frequently. Use warm water and soap and wash for a minimum of 20 seconds. Try singing “Happy Birthday” to mark the time.

• Keep your hands away from your face, even if you’ve just washed your hands.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw away the tissue.

• Disinfect surfaces in your environment frequently, such as countertops and doorknobs.

• When you go out, take a pack of antiseptic wipes to wet down grocery cart handles. If you don’t have those, put hand sanitizer on your palms and wet the cart handle.

• Never share cups or plates or anything else with those who are sick.

• * If you have to be out in public, keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others. For now, avoid shaking hands.

• If you feel sick, don’t rush to the doctor. Call first and explain your symptoms. If they want you to come in, there might be a special entrance for you to use to keep from spreading germs to others.

Stay healthy this winter. Get enough sleep, eat well and keep your stress down. All of those affect your immune system. And if you haven’t had a flu shot, get one now. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 13

Q&A: NATIONAL AGING EXPERT TALKS ABOUT HOW TO AVOID DEVELOPING DEMENTIA IN OLD AGE Courtesy Timothy R. Jennings: Dr. Timothy R. Jennings says people can do a lot to protect their brains from dementia. And it’s not too late to get started.

SALT LAKE CITY — Even genetics aren’t set in stone when it comes to dementia, which is good news for America’s more than 46 million seniors ages 65 and older. Choices do make a difference, with nutrition, exercise and sleep all playing a role in healthy aging. And it’s never too late to start.

Dr. Timothy R. Jennings, board-certified psychiatrist, brain expert and author of “The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind,” says those who think dementia, disability and dependence are just part of growing old don’t know there are strategies almost anyone can undertake to age well and maintain a healthy brain. “If you live a different way, you can live long without dementia.”…

Deseret News (DN): So what’s the view from 30,000 feet on aging well?

Timothy R. Jennings (TRJ): The big overview is physical exercise, healthy lifestyle and food choices. The two diets that have been shown to correlate with better brain volume, better cognition, better memory and reduced dementia rates are the plant-based diet and the Mediterranean Diet.

Then mental stress management — learning how to unwind and relax. A lot of things correlate: healthy families, learning how to resolve conflict well and not hold grudges, how to forgive people who have done you wrong, weekly sabbath rest experiences, meditation on a regular basis. All of them work in the same vein, learning how to turn off the brain’s stress circuitry.

Breaks from the rat wheel have a profound healthy effect on us. And also sleep. Sleep is a physical requirement along with food, water and air. It is important to manage sleep well and get unmedicated sleep.

DN: At a certain point, is it too late to impact brain health?

TRJ: That point would be late-stage dementia. Multiple studies have shown benefits for people with mild cognitive changes who do not meet criteria for dementia but have symptoms that are measurable — forgetfulness or being slower at cognitive tasks.

If those people start exercise; a diet that moves away from being an oxidative diet (the junk food, the fat food, the high-sugar diet, fried foods) and toward more plant-based diet; do stress management; and get sleep — if they do all those things, those people will not progress to dementia. At worst, they maintain. Some of them even improve.

Dr. Timothy R. Jennings says people can do a lot to protect their brains from dementia. And it’s not too late to get started.

DN: What about people who can’t walk daily?

TRJ: If I had a patient who couldn’t walk, I would refer them to a physical therapist or their primary care doctor, send them to work with a trainer, get them into a pool of water, do something with their arms with weights or other types of activities that their bodies can handle. Very few can’t do something…

DN: So is the rate of dementia related to obesity and inactivity?

TRJ: They are just separate manifestations of an underlying process, and that is oxidative stress on the body, which drives insulin resistance. The underlying pathology is a chronic inflammatory state either from chronic worry, negative thinking, running the rat race, not getting enough sleep, unhealthy food choices — all of it really fuels the same path in our body…

DN: Tell us about sleep.

The brain is 2 to 3 percent of body weight but uses 20 percent of the body’s energy. It’s highly metabolic, burning a lot of fuel. And it has a lot of waste products or byproducts to be cleared. If waste products don’t clear, they become inflammatory and oxidizing molecules that cause damage. During sleep, the neurons of our brain expel the byproducts of metabolism to be cleared out of the brain.

If we have chronic sleep deprivation — night in, night out not getting enough sleep — it’s clear that increases our risk of dementia as we age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of Americans are chronically sleep-deprived…

DN: What about nutrition?

TRJ: The best thing you can do is eat a plant-based diet. Lots of colors and berries, carrots, yams, greens. The more colors, the better. The closer to its natural state, the better. Steam rather than microwave, those types of things. When you sear food at very high temperatures or fry things, you cause advanced glycation end-products, where glucose binds to molecules it shouldn’t bind to, and those become oxidizing and damage body tissues…

DN: What are the best exercises for brain health?

TJR: Exercise can be nothing more than walking. We’re looking to try to get 150 minutes a week…

DN: Any other advice?

Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be beneficial if initiated within five years of menopause. After five years, it can cause problems.

Then stress. Many people are so busy they never take time to rest. Some work five days a week, then yard work and housework the other two. But the data shows if you take one day a week off where you actually decompress, where you unwind with family, maybe go to church or out in nature, that has a remarkable, remarkable inflammatory-lowering cascade. It turns off your amygdala, it alters gene expression in healthy ways and promotes longevity.

(By Lois M. Collins, Deseret News, Published: December 26, 2018 10:07 am) (The rest of the article at https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900047995/qanda-national-agingexpert-talks-about-how-to-avoid-developing-dementia-in-old-age.html) Contact Linda Davis, 208-755-3637 for a tour when the time is right for your loved one and for your family

Linda Davis Director of building relationships.

208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net

Page 14

® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #12 March 16th 2020 Tidbits Dallas

www.tidbitscda.com

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Disappointed about something that didn’t go your way? Cheer up. Look at the reasons it happened, and you could find a valuable lesson about what to do (or not do!) the next time.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to do some reassessing of plans and goals -- even how you considered redoing your bathroom. The point is to be open to change if change can improve things.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Take some time to learn who is the right person (or persons) to approach and discuss your ideas with for your new project. Also, reserve time to prepare for an upcoming family event.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Dealing with a demanding situation, as you recently did, could drain much of your own emotional reserves.

Take time to relax and indulge yourself in some well-earned pampering.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) The regal Lion might feel that she or he is above emotional displays.

But showing your feelings can be both liberating for you and reassuring for someone who has been waiting for you to do so.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An emotionally needy person might make more demands than you can cope with. Best to ask for some breathing space NOW, before resentment sets in and makes communication difficult.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) An unexpected spate of mixed signals could cause serious schedule setbacks. Best to focus on straightening everything out as soon as possible and get everyone back on track.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be aware that someone in the workplace could try to use a disagreement with a colleague against you. If so, be prepared to offer your side of the story with the facts to back you up.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An unexpected challenge to a previous decision can be unsettling. But your reservoir of self-confidence -- plus your loyal supporters -- should help carry the day for you. Good luck.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While the idea of making some sort of major move in the near future continues to interest you, don’t overlook a new possibility that could be emerging closer to home.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Be careful not to base an upcoming decision on gossip or anything you might hear if it can’t meet provable standards. That’s true regardless of whom the source might be.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might still need to do some solid reassessing early in the week before you can close that sensitive situation. A new job-related opportunity could present itself later in the week.

BORN THIS WEEK:

You are extraordinarily sensitive to people’s feelings, and you’re always ready to offer comfort if necessary. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

By Keith Roach, M.D.

New Option to Treat Enlarged Prostate

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 66-year old male, who is healthy with a very active life, both physical and sexual. Like many men my age, I have an enlarged prostate that my doctor monitors during annual visits. It doesn’t impair my life, with the small exception of being annoying (waking up nightly to a weak or slow urinating stream), and it doesn’t bother me too much during the day, except once in a while when I have to urinate a little more than usual. Every now and then I’ll try an over-the-counter prostate supplement, but they never work. I will NOT go for a surgery because it’s not really necessary.

I just read about a new revolutionary treatment option called a prostatic lift device, which is supposed to “lift and remove the prostate tissue

out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra (the passageway that the urine flows through).”

It says, “Tiny implants are placed to hold the tissue in place, like tiebacks on a window curtain, leaving an unobstructed pathway for urine to flow normally again.” They go on to say that treatment typically takes under an hour, preserves sexual function, doesn’t require cutting, heating or removal of tissue. Compared with other BPH surgeries, this system is supposed to have a strong safety profile with minimal side effects. Have you ever heard of this? Do you think it’s safe? It sounds great. However, the thought of tiny implants being placed inside of me and staying there scares me. -- V.A. ANSWER: The prostatic urethral lift procedure is yet another option for men with symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The procedure does involve the placement of small implants. The procedure is said to be easy to perform (easy for a urologist, that is), and improves quality of life and measures of urinary flow.

In a study of 206 men, none developed sexual troubles after the procedure. It has significant benefits over traditional surgery: Recovery is faster and has less risk of sexual side effects, but traditional surgery improved urinary flow and complete bladder drainage more than the urethral lift procedure. Also, 14% of men who had the lift procedure needed the traditional surgery within five years. The implants seem to be safe

Page 15

and do not affect the ability to do surgery if necessary.

I wouldn’t recommend this procedure nor a surgical procedure -- or even an alternative procedure like laser, microwave, plasma vaporization or water vapor ablation -- without a trial of prescription medication first. Most men do very well with an alpha blocker like tamsulosin (Flomax), a dihydrotestosterone blocker like dutasteride (Avodart), or a combination of the two.

I’m not sure you have tried that.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Simple question: Why can’t I hear well when I am having a big yawn?

Is this normal? -- J.C.A. ANSWER: This is normal; in fact, it’s a universal finding with a yawn that hearing decreases (but doesn’t go away entirely). This is because the Eustachian tube closes, and there is a pressure difference inside versus the outside of the eardrum, reducing the ability of the ear to transmit sound.

Interestingly, after a big yawn, hearing may be improved; when the Eustachian tube reopens after the jaw position changes, it can equalize the pressure and improve sound transmission.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. (c) 2020 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Page 16

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

Coronavirus - How to Protect Yourself

By now we've all heard of the global epidemic of coronavirus - or COVID-19. Every day my office is inundated with questions about the virus, as everyone with a cold or respiratory symptoms of any kind want to be tested. As of this moment, we do not have any tests available for patients - the CDC is going to be sending test kits to WA state, since we are the hardest hit, and maybe, just maybe, by next week we'll be able to send patients to Quest or Lab Corp for testing by nasal swab. As of today, this is not available.

While influenza is a much, much greater risk than coronavirus, since this virus is so new (and likely released from a lab in China), it's scarier for us because it's the unknown.

Coronavirus itself has been around forevermost strains cause symptoms of a common cold.

The COVID -10 strain is different than previous strains, however, most people that catch the virus will have mild symptoms of a cold and nothing more.

What can you do to protect yourself?

First and foremost, enhance your immune system! Your immune system is fighting viruses, bacteria and others every second of every day, and if it is strong, you will be far more resistant. I recommend vitamin D as your first line of defense, reaching optimal levels of between 70-90. For myself, I take 10,000 IU of D3 in the winter, and 5,000 IU in the summer.

Always take D with food that has some fat for better absorption - I take mine with fish oil in the morning.

Next, another great supplement for our immunity is one by Standard Process called Immuplex. I take 2/day thru the cough/cold season, and one a day thereafter.

If you feel you are starting to get sick, or if you are very prone to colds and flu, come in for a high dose Vt C IV infusion. This is very powerful at stopping the infection before it has time to spread. A once a month infusion is a great idea during this season, or as a preventative, if you'll be traveling on a plane or ship have this done beforehand.

Stores are running out of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer. But the best sanitizer?

Copper! Nothing can live on copper, including viruses, bacteria or fungi.

I've talked about this before, hospitals that have changed the doorknobs bed-rails and sinks to copper have 95% fewer bacteria than conventional beds. Hospital beds are one of the most contaminated surfaces in patient care settings - they cannot be cleaned well enough!

Go to a site called CopperZap.com and purchase the handheld copperzap. I have one at work and one at home. It slips in your purse or pocket and any time you're out in public or at work, wipe your hands with it thruout the day.

If you're starting to get nasal congestion, that first sign of a cold, use the nasal probe as directed and this can kill it before the virus leaves the nasal passages.

Finally, pay attention to common-sense measures - no shaking hands, avoid touching your face with your hands (touch your copper zap instead) and eat plenty of fresh raw fruits and vegetables to enhance your body's defenses.

Doing all of the above will greatly increase your chances of avoiding the COVID-19.

Dr Ashley is board certified in Family Medicine and in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. She provides a mix of traditional with alternative medicine and specializes in bio-identical hormones for both men and women.

www.tidbitscda.com

Why Do Americans Indulge Their Pets?

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Why do Americans spend so much money on their pets? Couldn’t they save more money if they didn’t indulge their dog or cat with designer sweaters, booties, premium dog food and trendy grooming? -- Caryn B., via email DEAR CARYN: It’s true that Americans spend more on their pets than anyone else in the world.

According to the American Pet Products Association, spending in 2019 reached $95.7 billion.

Owners spend most of their money on pet food and treats, totaling $36.9 billion last year. Another expensive item is veterinary care and related product sales (like medications), with $29.3 billion spent.

Why do we spend so much money? Ask any owner, and they’ll give you roughly the same answer. Our pets are a part of our family. We are dedicated to them, just as they are dedicated to us. We don’t want to see them suffer, and like any beloved family member, we are willing to spend far more money on their health and comfort than we would on ourselves. Designer doggie sweaters aren’t just stylish, they protect our dogs from the elements, and the higher-priced sweaters tend to be more comfortable and better fitting. Booties prevent cuts to the pads on their paws when walking in the city or on icy pavement, minimizing pain and possible infections. High-quality dog food costs more, but the payoff is in better overall health and a longer life. And grooming, for the most part, plays a key part in keeping pets healthier and more comfortable. (With the exception of scrotum glitter. I’m not quite sure about that one.) So sure, we’re spending a lot of money.

But Americans look for a balance of value for what we spend, and clearly, pet owners are finding great value in spending a bit more to keep their beloved pets healthy and happy.

Send your tips, questions or comments to ask@ pawscorner.com. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

Page 17

1. How do you pronounce the name of the band INXS? 2. Why did Joan Jett take that name?

3. What was the original name of the band that eventually became Sugar Ray? 4. Who released an album titled “CHOBA B CCCP”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I’m gonna love you till the stars fall from the sky for you and I ... Stronger than dirt.”

Answers 1. “In excess.” In various incarnations they were known as Doctor Dolphin, Guinness, Farris Brothers and The Vegetables.

2. She was born Joan Marie Larkin. When her parents divorced, she took her mother’s maiden name, Jett, for musical reasons. Her first band was the Runaways.

3. The Shrinky Dinx. They had to change the name of the band after threat of a lawsuit by the toymaker who created Shrinky Dinks.

4. Paul McCartney. It means “Back in the USSR,” and the first word is pronounced Snova.

5. “Touch Me,” by The Doors, in 1968. The “stronger than dirt” addition at the end of the song was thought to be a reference to Ajax because the last four notes are the same in both the song and the cleanser commercial. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 18

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

www.tidbitscda.com

MOVIE FAVORITES: CASABLANCA

• Hailed by some reviewers as “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” Casablanca remains a much-loved classic film. Follow along as Tidbits digs up the facts on this 1942 favorite.

• Actor Humphrey Bogart was 42 years old when he took on the role of Rick Blaine, an American who owned a swanky nightclub and gambling establishment, Rick’s Café Americain, in Casablanca, Morocco. The club was known in the underground as a place to obtain papers that helped refugees escape German-occupied Europe.

• •When Rick’s former flame, Ilsa, (played by Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman) entered the club, accompanied by her husband, a fugitive Czech Resistance leader, Rick fought to overcome his bitterness toward her, because she had abruptly left him in Paris with no explanation. When Ilsa explained that she had thought her husband had been killed, Rick realized that he must try to get the couple out of Morocco.

• The original play was entitled Everybody Comes to Rick’s, but was changed to Casablanca for the movie. It was co-authored by a high school teacher who was on summer vacation.

• Casablanca contained many now well-known quotes, including “Here’s looking at you, kid,” and “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” One of the most familiar misquotes is “Play it again, Sam,” which was never spoken in the film. When Ilsa entered Rick’s club, she asked the piano player to, “Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake.

Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’”

By Ryan A. Berenz 1. What women’s college basketball team had its streak of 253 straight weeks ranked in the Associated Press poll’s top five snapped on Feb. 17, 2020?

2. Actor Terry Crews (“Brooklyn NineNine”) was selected in the 11th round of the 1991 NFL Draft by what team?

3. In what sport would the competitors abide by the Marquess of Queensberry Rules?

4. Who was the last U.S. woman to win the gold medal in the ladies’ discipline at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships?

5. What TV sportscaster played with future PGA Tour pros Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister as a member of the University of Houston golf team?

6. Jean Dolores Schmidt (a.k.a. “Sister Jean”) became famous overnight as chaplain for what 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four team?

7. Though nicknamed “The Admiral,” what rank did basketball great David Robinson achieve when he completed his Navy service in 1989?

Answers 1. The Connecticut Huskies, whose historic stretch began Feb. 5, 2007.

2. The Los Angeles Rams.

3. Boxing.

4. Kimmie Meissner, in 2006.

5. Jim Nantz, CBS Sports lead play-byplay announcer.

6. The Loyola University Chicago Ramblers.

7. Lieutenant (junior grade). (c) 2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020 CASABLANCA (continued): • The role of Sam was played by Dooley Wilson, who was actually a drummer, who had to fake playing the piano. In 2012, Sam’s piano sold for upwards of $600,000 at a New York auction.

• The studio took out a $100,000 insurance policy on Humphrey Bogart in the event that he would die during filming. Following the film’s success, Bogart moved from fourth place to first place in the studio’s roster of stars, and within three years, he was the world’s highest-paid actor. Because he was shorter than co-star Bergman, Bogart had to wear platform shoes during the filming of Casablanca to bring him up to her height.

• Due to heightened security during World War II, filming was not allowed at an airport after dark. Only one scene, that of the Nazi villain arriving in Casablanca, was shot at an airport, the Van Nuys, California Airport. The remainder of the movie was filmed in the studio, using a sound stage with a cardboard cutout airplane. The arched hanger at the airport was built in 1928, and was rescued from the wrecking ball in 2007. The façade sat in a hotel parking lot for several years, but plans are in place to restore it and incorporate it into a Moroccan-themed restaurant at the airport.

• Release of the film was scheduled for early 1943, but the debut was moved up to November, 1942 to correspond with the Allied Forces’ capture of Casablanca the second week of November.

• Casablanca cost $950,000 to film, about $100,000 over budget. The film won three Oscars – for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The famous song “As Time Goes By” had been composed in 1931, so it was declared ineligible for the Best Song of the Year.

Page 19

By Candace Godwin

Gardening Tips for Early Spring Resist the Urge to Buy Plants Now

• Big-box home and garden centers are starting to fill with plants. No matter how spectacular they look, resist the temptation to buy! It’s too early to plant outside.

• Our region’s last average day of frost is around May 15 th . Wait until then to purchase warmseason vegetables and hanging flower baskets.

• Shop local producers or nurseries for bedding plants and vegetable starts in late spring for plants that are acclimated to our climate.

Many big-box stores receive plant stock from other regions of the country that are not acclimated to our growing conditions.

Candace Godwin and Goldie

Start Seeds Indoors Now

• Seed packets are less costly than plant starts and you’ll have more choices of plant varieties to grow.

• With some seed-starting mix, a couple of yogurt containers, and a warm, sunny window you’ll be growing in no time!

• Start vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce and basil about 8 weeks before transplanting outside.

• Seeds started in late March will be ready to transplant around the end of May –perfect timing!

Make a Garden Plan

•  Make a list of the plants you want to grow and take inventory of any remaining seed from last season.

• Create a simple sketch of your garden layout. It will help you be more organized when planting time comes later in the spring.

The Dirt on Soil

• Avoid digging in wet soil, it will only compact the soil and create rock-hard mud balls!

• Once the ground dries, use a spade or garden fork to gently turn the top layer of soil.

•  There is no need for deep rototilling in established beds — doing so brings weed seeds to the surface where they will quickly germinate.

• Rototilling can damage the soil integrity and destroy the good micro-organisms and worms living in your soil!

Weed It Out

• Get a jump on the weeds by pulling the out now – the soil is damp and roots come out easier.

• If you choose to use a chemical herbicide (organic or synthetic), read and follow the instructions on the label.

Enjoy Gardening!

You don’t need a large space to garden – many plants are well suited to container growing. Start small with a window box of herbs, or grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in containers on a sunny patio. Experiment and have fun!

Candace Godwin is a Certified Master Gardener and owner of The Coeur d’Alene Coop.

More gardening tips are online at thecoeurdalenecoop.com.

Page 20

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020 KIDNEYS • March is National Kidney Month, a time to heighten awareness on the importance of these important organs.

• Your kidneys, those bean-shaped organs, are vital to the function of your body. Located just below the rib cage, with one on each side of the spine, each kidney measures about 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in length, about the size of your computer mouse. Weighing in at 4 to 6 oz. (113 to 170 g) each, they account for just 0.5% of the average person’s body weight.

• Although they are small in size, the kidneys are very complex organs, purifying blood and eliminating the body’s waste. Every day, the kidneys filter the entire body’s blood supply about 400 times, recycling about 400 gallons daily. In just one hour, the kidneys take in 120 pints (56.8 liters) of blood, with the flow higher than that of the heart, liver, and brain.

About 25% of the blood pumped out by the heart heads for the kidneys.

• Each kidney contains between 1 million and 2 million nephrons, tiny little filters that filter the blood and eliminate waste. Contrast this with a mouse kidney that contains just 12,500 nephrons. If all the nephrons in both human kidneys were placed end to end, they would cover a distance of nearly 10 miles (16 km).

Each nephron separates water, acid, ions, and molecules from the blood, filters out wastes and toxins, and returns essential molecules to the blood. About half a cup of blood is filtered every minute.

• If one kidney fails, the other steps up to handle the load. The nephrons have the capability of enlarging to keep things working through a process known as hypertrophy.

www.tidbitscda.com

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

Irish Soda Bread

This rich and tender rustic Irish quick bread is best paired with corned beef and cabbage, beef stew or any other hearty St. Patrick’s Day meal.

4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 6 tablespoon cold butter 1 cup dried currants 2 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 1/2 cup buttermilk 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease large cookie sheet.

2. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. With pastry blender or 2 knives used scissor-fashion, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in currants and caraway seeds, then buttermilk until flour is evenly moistened.

3. On a well-floured surface, knead dough 8 to 10 times just until combined. Shape into flattened ball; place on cookie sheet. Cut 1/4-inchdeep “X” into top.

4. Bake loaf 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/foodrecipes/. (c) 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

KIDNEYS • Some people, especially those who are obese or take calcium supplements, are at a higher risk of kidney stones. The stones occur when a solid piece of material develops in the urinary tract, causing severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. Other contributors include a diet high in animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, milk, grapefruit and apple juices, and the excessive use of antacids.

• It’s estimated that about 500 million people worldwide, about 10% of the adult population, have kidney disease, and many don’t even know it. Its progress can be slowed down, but the damage cannot be reversed. While many things can contribute to kidney disease, the leading causes are high blood pressure and diabetes. Tight control of blood sugar levels can slow the disease’s advancement. Cutting down on processed foods can be a big help, since these are usually high in sodium, nitrates, and phosphates, which have been linked to kidney disease. The kidneys can also be damaged by excessive use of NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

• About 1.5 million people go through kidney dialysis or a transplant every year. Dialysis removes excess water, solutes, and toxins from the blood in those whose kidneys cannot perform these functions. The first kidney transplant was performed in 1933 by Ukranian surgeon Yuri Voronv. Although the patient died within two days, Voronov’s work was an important milestone in the world of medicine.

The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 by Dr. Joseph Murray, who transplanted the kidney of one identical twin into another at a Massachusetts hospital.

Page 21

Page 22

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

www.tidbitscda.com

TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #12 March 16th 2020

KOVELS: ANTIQUES AND COLLECTING

BY Terry and Kim Kovel Paddy and the Pig Famous mascots, logos and characters from books and songs are being tossed aside in this modern, more politically correct world. The Aunt Jemima of today doesn’t resemble the original. Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians baseball team made his last appearance at the end of the 2018 season. But has it gone too far? It has been suggested that the Fighting Irish Leprechaun, mascot of the University of Notre Dame sports teams, be dropped as not politically correct. Though derived from Irish folklore, some think he is a negative stereotype that is insulting to those of Irish background. As always, there are two sides to the argument, and so far, those who like their leprechaun are winning.

This leprechaun probably was inspired by “Paddy and the Pig,” a caricature used by British political cartoonists since the 1840s to represent Ireland and the Irish people. Paddy was the ignorant peasant; the pig was the backward agricultural nation. Paddy wore breeches, a patched coat and a strange hat. Most of the political arguments were about Irish Home Rule, a hot topic in Victorian England politics. The comic Paddy was re-created as a toy.

A version made by Lehmann, a German toy manufacturer, depicts Paddy trying to ride an uncooperative pig that moves back and forth while Paddy holds on for dear life. It sold at a Bertoia auction in New Jersey for $1,320.

Q: Is there an easy way to date an unused postcard? I know the amount of the postage stamp has

often changed and there are lists of the prices and dates.

But when were photographs rather than color pictures used? When was it called a “postal card”?

A: Postcard collectors know and have listed the table of postage and postcard changes online, and they are in our book “Kovels’ Know Your Collectibles.” A postal card is an early card called “pioneer” with no picture used from 1893 to 1898.

A government printed card had printed postage, a privately-printed card required a stamp and a divided-back card was used from 1907 to 1914.

Photochrome cards were used after 1939. Collectors call them photographs, although many are lithographs with a shiny finish. Real photo cards were used since 1900. If you want to sound like an expert, refer to them as RPPC. Used cards can be dated by the amount of the postage stamp; the postmark; a two-digit postal code, used after 1943; and a five-digit ZIP code, used after 1963.

CURRENT PRICES “Peanuts” Lucy cookie jar, yellow dress, 12 x 8 1/2 inches, $15.

Irish lace collar, ivory shawl, flower blossom pattern, trailing leaf border, c. 1910, 11 x 46 inches, $50.

Pitcher, silver, lid, hinged, inset Irish coin, armorial, hammered, 1800s, Ireland, 6 inches, $90.

Wedgwood chalice, fairyland luster, orange interior, cobalt exterior, gilt, birds, chased base, 7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. $180.

TIP: To get candle wax off your antique table, use a hair dryer set on low heat. Melt the wax, then wipe it off.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 23

Paddy and the Pig is a caricature found in political cartoons during Victorian times. A toy based on the caricature sold recently for $1,320.

TIDBITS PUZZLE ANSWERS