of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #46 Nov. 13th 2017Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 of Kootenai County, Idaho
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TIDBITS® CONSIDERS CHICKENS
by Janet Spencer There are about 50 billion chickens in the world, making it the most abundant bird on Earth. There are more chickens than any other bird. In North America, there are about 10 billion chickens, compared to about 4 billion wild birds. Come with Tidbits as we consider the chicken! IN EVERY POT • The average American eats about 90 lbs (41 kg) of chicken each year, which equals 23 birds per person. Americans eat about 50 pounds (23 kg) of beef per year and another 50 pounds of pork. • About 5.9 billion pounds of chicken are consumed every hour of every day, with over 8.6 billion chickens eaten in the U.S., and 40 billion eaten worldwide over a single year. There are more chickens in the U.S. than there are cows, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits, and turkeys combined. Americans eat one-third of all chickens in the world, consuming more than any other country. The chicken is the most industrialized animal in history. • The chicken originated in Asia, was domesticated, and carried worldwide on ships. Chickens that came with Christopher Columbus were the first in North America. When Columbus tasted roasted iguana in the Bahamas, he may have been the first person to say, “Tastes like chicken.” (cont)
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd CHICKENS (cont) • The pilgrims brought chickens with them to Jamestown in 1607, and by 1609 they had a flock of up to 500 birds. • In the 1700s it was illegal for slaves in the U.S. to own livestock including hogs, cattle, or horses, but were allowed. Slaves raised chickens and sold the meat, feathers, and eggs. • In the U.S., the per capita consumption used to be about ten pounds (4.5 kg) per year, until the 20th century. • In 1923, Celia Steele of Oceanview, Maryland, ordered her usual 50 chicks so she could continue her business of selling eggs on the side while her husband served in the coast guard. She was shocked to receive an order of 500 chicks instead, but rather than return them, she built bigger chicken coops, raised the birds, and started selling chicken meat instead of just eggs. She turned such a profit that she doubled the order the following year, ordering 1,000 chicks, and followed that with an order of 10,000 chicks the year after that. • In 1926, her husband Wilmer quit his job at the coast guard because raising chickens was more profitable, and by 1928, they were raising 25,000 chickens every year. Celia Steele ended up inventing the mass-production of chickens as a primary food source, rather than just as a source of eggs. • As more people in the Delaware began raising chickens, their numbers boomed, rising from 50,000 birds in 1925 to over a million just one year later, and 7 million by 1934. By 1936, twothirds of all chickens raised in the U.S. came from the Delaware area. As a result, chicken consumption began to skyrocket. Not everyone could raise cows or pigs, but chickens were easy to raise. Chicken coops sprouted up in backyards across America alongside Victory Gardens during World War II. The number of chickens in the U.S. grew by 250% over the course of the war. (cont)
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CONTACT INFO FOR TIDBITS of Kootenai County
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
* According to waste management company Republic Services, approximately 30% of what Americans place in their curbside recycling bins does not belong there, including greasy pizza boxes, wet cardboard, plastic bags, food-tainted materials, and even bowling balls and garden hoses. Meanwhile, only one in four plastic bottles is recycled. * Paper lunch bags make excellent receptacle for cat litter waste. They are much more environmentally friendly than plastic bags, and can be folded down and placed directly into an outside trash can. The bags are easily stored near the litter box, because they lay flat. * “Use a slotted spoon to separate eggs. The whites go through; the yolk does not.” -- Y.E. in Utah * Do you need to go to a fancy liquor store for simple syrup? No way! Simply mix equal parts sugar and water, bring to a simmer and store in the fridge in a covered jar. Use in drink recipes and to sweeten iced tea. * “Wrap lint from your dryer in 6 inches of wax paper. Roll it up 1 inch on both ends and you have the perfect fire starter.” -- M.K. in Michigan * Scoop up this trick when cooking scallops: Refrigerate uncovered for about 30 minutes before they will hit the pan or grill. This will help to dry out the surface, giving you a good sear instead of a steam. Make sure your pan is hot, and don’t leave the stove or grill, because scallops don’t take more than 1 1/2 minutes per side. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 CHICKENS (cont) • In the 1930s it was discovered that feeding chickens vitamin B12 would prevent them from suffering pernicious anemia, the same illness that contributed to the deaths of Alexander Graham Bell and Annie Oakley, which is caused a vitamin deficiency. It used to be difficult to keep a flock of chickens alive throughout the winter because the lack of exposure sunlight and subsequent lack of vitamin D caused rickets in the chickens who then became lame. When the role of vitamins was finally understood, it was easy for chicken ranchers to add cod liver oil – a rich source of vitamin D – to the diet of chickens, thus keeping them healthy all year long. • Then it was found that feeding chickens antibiotics helped them grow bigger much faster. Next, mass production of corn and soybeans as feed maximized their growth. Consumption of chicken increased vastly during World War II due to the rationing of pork and beef. By the end of World War II, there was indeed “a chicken in every pot.” • In 2015, almost 60 million tons of chicken meat was consumed worldwide. • It takes 7 pounds (3 kg) of feed for a cow to put on a pound (.45 kg) of beef, but a chicken turns 12 pounds of food into 6 pounds of chicken meat in just seven weeks. If a human grew that fast, a 6.6 pound (3 kg) baby would hit 660 pounds (300 kg) in two months. In the wild, a chicken takes six months to grow to its full weight of about 5 pounds. In factories, they reach their full weight in just five weeks. • A chicken produces about 11 lbs. (5 kg) of manure over the course of its 7-week life, which adds up to about 95 billion pounds of waste each year produced by the chicken industry. • Adjusted for inflation, the price of a pound of chicken has gone up only four cents a pound over the past 50 years. (cont)
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 TidbitsCounty, Dallas County CHICKENS (cont) • Today, a typical independent chicken farmer produces almost half a million broilers per year, yet it’s estimated that two-thirds of people who raise chickens for a living live below the poverty line. • The difference between white meat and dark meat is the amount of myoglobin in the tissue, a protein used to deliver oxygen to muscles. The more a muscle is used, the more myoglobin it has and the darker the meat. • Chickens in cages are sometimes set out in cages in public parks in order to be bitten by mosquitoes so that their blood can be tested for West Nile virus. •All birds descended from dinosaurs, but genetically speaking, chickens and turkeys are their closest relatives. CHICKENS & VACCINES •Louis Pasteur was working to cure fowl cholera, an avian disease that killed about 25% of the chickens in France. He started with the head of a chicken that had died from the disease, culturing strains of the pathogen from it, using it to infect other birds, then collecting cultures from those birds so he always had a ready supply of the disease at hand. • In 1879, Pasteur took a break, leaving the cholera-infected chicken heads lying on shelves in his lab, exposed to sunlight and air. When he returned months later, he tried to take cultures from the dried-out heads of dead chickens, but was disappointed to find that the healthy live chickens he tried to infect with cholera would get sick, but wouldn’t die. He had to go out and find freshly dead chickens who had recently been killed by cholera – and then he was even more perplexed when the same group of chickens who had previously refused to die of cholera would fail to even get sick when infected with a fresh virulent strain of the disease. From this discovery, the first vaccines were developed.
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By Samantha Weaver --* It was Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran who made the following sage observation: “I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers.” * Those who study such things have determined that one out of every four alcoholic drinks consumed in the world has vodka in it. * Famed actor Clark Gable, dubbed the King of Hollywood, was once a hobo. * At some point you’ve almost certainly heard a coward described as “lily-livered,” but did you ever wonder where that expression came from? It was once believed that the seat of courage in the human body was the liver; therefore, someone who was timid presumably lacked blood in the liver, causing that organ to become white. * Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than for the U.S. Treasury. * There once was a law in Marshalltown, Iowa, stating that it was illegal for a horse to eat a fire hydrant. And in Oregon, it was at one time illegal for a dead person to serve on a jury. * Would the history of medicine be different if Sigmund Freud had gone into law instead of psychoanalysis? That was his original aspiration in life -- to be a lawyer. * Karaoke and karate: Other than the fact that they are both from Japan, you wouldn’t think they have much in common. However, they both have the same root word, “kara,” which means empty. “Oke” means “voice” and “te” means “hand;” hence, “karaoke” is “empty voice,” and “karate” is “empty hand.” * Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.
Thought for the Day:
“He who buys what he does not need steals from himself.” -- Swedish proverb (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 For Advertising Call (334)
COUCH THEATER -- DVD PREVIEWS
PHOTO: Isabel Moner in “Dora and The Lost City of Gold” Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures
“Dora and The Lost City of Gold” (PG) -While her parents seek an ancient city, Dora (Isabel Moner) is shipped off to a modern U.S. city school. After a lifetime in the jungle, she’s way out of her comfort zone. But not for long. Along with a couple of high school archetypes, Dora and cousin Diego are whisked back to the bush by some jungle bad guys. They’ll need to escape and find her parents to save the day. It must have been difficult to retain the exuberant innocence of the cartoon and resist the urge to stray into sarcasm. After all, Dora is in high school. But Moner carries the torch beautifully, taking the best from the wholesome child explorer and weaving her into a fish out of water adventure-nerd, all the while serving self-aware inside jokes wrapped in a can-do attitude. “Blinded by the Light” (PG) -- For anyone who’s ever had a song, or an artist, speak to you,
you will see yourself in this middle-class Pakistani youth. Javed (Viveik Kalra) is an unassuming and poetic teen who lives in a culturally claustrophobic household -- his immigrant family is deeply traditional, but he yearns for something more. When he discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen, his worldview is turned upside down as he sees the Boss’s message as a personal mission statement. He is born to run, indeed. “American Dreamer” (R) -- Jim Gaffigan stars in this dark thriller as a hard-luck case who turns from deadbeat to deadly. Cam (Gaffigan) lost his job and his family. He’s behind on his child support, with no good prospects in sight. Making ends meet as a rideshare driver, Cam picks up drug-dealer Mazz (Robbie Jones), who sees Cam’s nondescript car as the perfect cover. In his desperation, Cam sees more than a five-star rating or a tip in Mazz. If you think it’s going to be funny because Gaffigan’s a comedian, you’re dead wrong. “Cold War” -- Director Pawel Pawlikowski paints a gorgeously lush picture of the lifelong love story of Zula (Joanna Kulig) and Wiktor (Tomasz Kot), a singer and band director who meet in post-war Poland and whose romantic saga is played out in waves that are tempered by the politics of the time. The stunningly crisp and evocative black and white film underscores the magnetic passion of Zula and Wiktor, who despite all odds, keep finding each other again and again. It’s lovely and heartbreaking. (Polish, with subtitles.) NEW TV RELEASES “The Kominsky Method” Season 1 “The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 3 “Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection” Blu-ray
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TIDBITS ofTidbits Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 of Dallas County
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By Dr. Holly Carling
PRE-HOLIDAY PERILS AND PEARLS
What can we do this year to avoid the pre-holiday and holiday perils of stress, increased health symptoms, and exhaustion? We all feel it. I’ve heard my patients bemoaning the upcoming holidays because of all the stress it entails. But the very things they need to do the most during this time of year, is exactly what they drop off first. What is that? The frenetic pace the holiday season brings is pretty much universal. It seems most people today live a hectic, busy life. Add the holidays on top of that, and, well, it pretty much puts people over the edge. The other day I was talking to a friend who is a crime scene investigator. She was lamenting that her increased stress this time of year is because of other people’s increased stress this time of year. Crime goes up. There is more domestic abuse, more burglaries, more driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, more tempers flaring and crimes committed. Though I’m guessing most of my readers won’t fall into any of those categories, what can we do to minimize the stress this time of year? The first pearl - eat well. This is the very thing that gets dropped out first. Meals are skipped or the fast food industry swells in business. Instead of supporting health, we are supporting decisions that work against us. Eating good, nutrient dense foods go far in supporting our mental, emotional and physical health. We tolerate stress better and make better decisions.
Our family life is more harmonious, which lowers our stress level. If you know you will be running around and unlikely able to come home to prepare a nutritious meal, plan ahead and bring a 6-pack cooler of healthy foods (well, at these temperatures, just a bag will do – your car is probably at refrigerator temps!). At very least bring a quality protein powder measured out into a shaker bottle, along with a bottle of water. When hungry, combine those two ingredients, shake and drink. Take quality supplements. When stressed, your body gobbles up B-Vitamins and minerals. Taking extra will support your health. Eating sugar or drinking alcohol will also rob your body of these nutrients, and more. When these are depleted, your stress-modulating nutrients aren’t there to support you, so you experience more stress. Don’t eat junk food! Oh man! That’s part of the fun of the holidays! But sugar depletes the above nutrients, and also has a negative impact on your adrenal glands. These glands are part of your fight or flight mechanism - This is what is in play when stressed. The healthier your adrenal glands are, the better you can cope with stressful situations. Coffee can also deplete the adrenals. The dreaded pre-holiday perils can be replaced with pre-holiday and holiday pearls – good health, good stress control, good mental and physical well-being. If you need help with accountability and helping how you/your body copes with stress, we’re here to help.
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 #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 For Advertising CallIdaho (334)
Life in the Wild Is No Life for Get VA Medical Info on Your Pets DEAR PAW’S CORNER: If a pet gets released iPhone into the wild, can it survive on its own? -- Ben The Department of Veterans Affairs has partnered with Apple to let us access our health records right from our iPhone. This information will include not only the health care we get from the VA, but from other medical providers as well. If you’ve ever looked at the Health app on your iPhone, you’ve seen that it’s comprehensive. With the VA partnership with Apple, you’ll be able to look up lab results and check prescriptions, shot records and more, right on your phone. It will work with third-party apps to keep track of every healthy (or unhealthy) thing you do. It will remind you to take your pills or check your glucose. It will track your sleep cycles and wake you with an alarm. The phone app can even hook up with an Apple smartwatch and let you know if your heart rate is too fast. So why does this make me nervous? Let me count the ways. * You’ll need an iPhone to access the Health app. At this writing, the cheapest one is $450, for an iPhone 8. * The software will periodically connect your phone to the various medical servers and bring in any new records. * To keep your medical data safe, you’ll need to use Face ID, a passcode or Touch ID, whether or not you want it. Are you certain that no one else knows your passcode? * The app includes an unencrypted emergency Medical ID card that EMTs (and anyone else) can use to check your health info. * We don’t know that third-party provider apps are safe. Check your iPhone if you have one. The default setting is to track your walking distance, flights climbed and steps taken. You might have years of data on your phone without knowing it.
G., via email DEAR BEN: Some domesticated pets can survive for a while outdoors, hunting or scavenging for food. But they have a much shorter lifespan and can easily fall prey to injury, sickness or other predators. Dogs, for example, have been domesticated for so long that they’ve lost many of the key skills required of a wolf or a truly wild dog. According to a study published in 2010, “Pet dogs failed basic intelligence tests that wolves and wild dogs pass with ease.” This may be because pet dogs are trained to expect food at certain times of day, and do not have to hunt for it -- so they’ve never really had to think about how to solve certain problems. And while cats are noted for their independence and hunting skills, a cat abandoned in the wild may not fare very well -- and may become prey for larger predators or even feral cats. The same goes for other domesticated pets. Rabbits? There’s a good chance Flopsy will just sit there in the field where you abandoned him until a hawk spots him and swoops in. Parrots? They’ll have trouble finding food they can eat, and except for the very southernmost parts of the U.S., winter temperatures will stress their systems fatally. My point is that releasing pets into the wild is utterly cruel and downright cowardly. A pet is a responsibility, one you’ve taken on. If you’re having trouble taking care of a pet, resources are available in your local community, from shelters to pet charities. Ask for help. Don’t just abandon your pets. Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@ pawscorner.com.
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 Tidbits Dallas
Q&A with Susan Ashley, MD
Painting Your Nails?
Painting our nails is fun - most of us ladies learn it from a young age. Harmless enough, right? Well, no. A study from Duke University tested 10 different nail polishes on women. Their urine was tested before and after application of nail polish. They found something astonishing. 8 out of 10 women’s urine contained large amounts of a highly toxic chemical - TPHP, or triphenyl phosphate. It’s the same chemical used as a flame retardant and plasticizer for furniture. In nail polish, it’s used to keep the polish flexible and durable. The problem is, TPHP is highly toxic to the human body.
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High levels are endocrine disrupters, and can lead to decreased metabolism, reproductive disorders, and in rare cases, paralysis. Levels rose until it’s peak at 20 hours, The researchers also found that your body easily absorbs TPHP through the nails and skin. In fact, the more you use TPHP containing nail polishes, the more your body absorbs and the longer it stays in the body. Which nail polishes have TPHP? Go to EWG’s skin deep database to see more details, but a short list of brands that contain TPHP include: Sallie Hansen, Revlon, Maybelline, OPI, Wet N Wild, and Beauty Without Cruelty. Brands that do NOT contain TPHP are safe to use and include: Zoya, Scotch Naturals, Piggy Paint, Acuarella, Honeybee Gardens, and Suncoat. It’s especially important for our children and teenagers not to use nail polish with this chemical, as their entire endocrine system could be affected. How do you detoxify your body from this chemical? The best product is Pectasol, which uses modified citrus pectin. Use 2 caps twice a day for 3-6 months.
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.
ForofAdvertising 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County,Call Idaho(334) Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
* On Dec. 13, 1577, English seaman Francis Drake sets out from Plymouth, England, with five ships and 164 men on a mission to raid Spanish holdings on the Pacific coast of the New World. Three years later, Drake’s return to Plymouth marked the first circumnavigation of the earth by a British explorer. * On Dec. 10, 1901, the first Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, on the fifth anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and other explosives. It is believed that Nobel created the prizes out of moral regret over the increasingly lethal uses of his inventions in war. * On Dec. 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott, by more than a month. Amundsen used sleigh dogs, while Scott employed motor sledges, ponies and dogs. * On Dec. 15, 1945, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, as Supreme Commander of Allied Powers in the Pacific, brings an end to Shintoism as Japan’s established religion. The Shinto system included the belief that the emperor, in this case Hirohito, was divine. * On Dec. 11, 1961, the ferry carrier USNS Core arrives in Saigon with the first U.S. helicopter unit, including 33 helicopters and 400 air and ground crewmen. Their assignment was to airlift South Vietnamese Army troops into combat. * On Dec. 9, 1979, a commission of scientists declares that smallpox has been eradicated. The disease, which carries a 30% chance of death for those who contract it, is the only infectious disease that has officially been eradicated. * On Dec. 12, 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer pays over $5 million at auction for an almost 500-year-old notebook containing writings and detailed drawings by artist Leonardo da Vinci, all relating to water and how it moved. (c) 2019 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai IssueCounty #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 TidbitsCounty, Dallas
1. Ike & Tina Turner had their biggest hit with a cover of which Creedence Clearwater Revival song? 2. Where was the last public performance of the Beatles? 3. What on earth is “hair metal”? 4. Only one Beatle had an American wife. Who was she? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “How can I just let you walk away? Just let you leave without a trace?” Answers 1. “Proud Mary,” in 1971. It netted them a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. 2. On a rooftop in London in January 1969, atop the Apple Records headquarters while shooting film footage. The police told them to turn down the volume. 3. Hair metal, aka glam metal, is a subcategory of heavy metal, this time using hair spray, makeup, tight clothes and the color pink. Think: Kiss or the New York Dolls. 4. Linda Eastman, wife of Paul McCartney. 5. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” by Phil Collins in 1984. The song was used as the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The singer knows that his chance of reconciling is against all odds. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Connecting Kids to Coverage Thousands of children in Idaho may be eligible for health insurance. Thousands of Idaho children could be going without critical prescriptions or life-saving surgeries simply because their parents don’t have health insurance. Many of those children were removed from federal health insurance coverage over the last few years due to eligibility reporting requirements for the state of Idaho. Those issues between the state and the United States government have been resolved. Low to moderate-income families without health insurance may be eligible for federal programs once again. “Insurance coverage for kids is critical,” said Yvonne Ketchum-Ward, CEO, Idaho Primary Care Association. “Without it, children in Idaho will suffer unnecessarily and be unable to get the care they need to become healthy adults.” The Idaho Primary Care Association received a $1 million grant to help enroll thousands of children in health insurance plans. The money will be distributed to 15 community health centers across the state to bolster their enrollment efforts over the next three years. Enrolling those families and children is part of a new Connecting Kids to Coverage project. The federal grant is intended to help an estimated 29,000 children in Idaho gain coverage and keep eligible families in coverage. The state currently ranks 40th in the nation for the percentage of children without health insurance. Federal policy changes caused Idaho to have the steepest decline (11%) in the nation for children enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid, according to a recent study released by Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and Idaho Voices for Children. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hope to increase enrollment in CHIP/Medicaid. Started in 1997, CHIP provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to children under age 19 from low to moderate-income families. “The Children’s Health Insurance Program is a critical source of healthcare coverage for working families,” said Heritage Health CEO Mike Baker. “Kids who have access to doctor visits, dental care, immunizations, well-child visits, and prescriptions are more likely to have good health and do better in school, forming a strong foundation for future success. If your children are without insurance, please call us to see if we can help get them enrolled in health coverage.” “Heritage Health is one of the participating community health centers involved in Connecting Kids to Coverage.” The Connecting Kids to Coverage project will engage more than 70 outreach and enrollment counselors at health centers to assist families with application assistance for healthcare coverage. Health Centers won’t be doing it alone. The Idaho Foodbank, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and Your Health Idaho will provide support for the project to engage and assist parents in urban and rural areas. “CHIP has consistently had bipartisan support from lawmakers,” said Baker. “Since 1997, the program has provided affordable health insurance for kids in modest-income families. It’s an effective federal-state partnership that provides essential health coverage for kids that is a critical part of the state’s healthcare system and an investment in families and our state’s future.”
For ofAdvertising Call (334) 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 Got Pain? Sinus Issues? Would like Rejuvenation and more energy?
We have High Tech Health Solutions: HI-PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy) and Ozone therapies that can help! Free Initial Consultation – Call or text: (208) 660-7363 to schedule. Aches and pains can get in the way of work and pleasure, which can slow us down and take us out of the picture sometimes. Chronic pain is especially depressing and debilitating. Pain medications sometime help the symptoms, but they do not cure the problem and they can cause negative side effects. Fortunately, there are alternatives and solutions to dealing with pain naturally without the use of drugs, shots or injections. At CDA Health Center, we offer state-of-the-art options to relieve muscle tension and pain with professional grade High Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy. This is called “HI-PEMF Therapy” and it is used for pain relief and recovery in Sports Medicine at the elite level by Olympic Athletes and Professional Football Teams. The brief explanation is that PEMF’s give the cells a free donation of electrons which improves their capacity to work efficiently and to promote detoxification. The movement of the Magnetic Therapy over and under the body increases circulation, breaks up adhesions and causes them to relax and repair. We also combine PEMF therapy with Ozone therapy. If you would like to learn more call or text (208) 660-7363 to schedule your free consultation. CDA Health Center - 1044 Northwest Boulevard, Suite A-205 Sky Professional Center (Just North of Hubbard). See our ad to the right of this article featuring your CDA Health Center High Tech Health Hero’s www.cdahealthcenter.com; Facebook: CDA Health Center
Dr. Margo Parker, OMD, a licensed acupuncturist with over 30 years in practice and higher education. CDA Health Center located at 1044 Northwest Boulevard in the Sky Professional Center Building. Phone/Text (208) 660-7363 to schedule High Intensity PEMF, Ozone Therapy, or other traditional therapies. We offer HU=GO™ HI-PEMF for mobility and pain relief and Ozone therapies for sinus issues, allergies, skin, scalp conditions and more. www.cdahealthcenter.com
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ÂŽ ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue County #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 Tidbits Dallas
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Homemade Turkey Broth Homemade broth is so simple, but it makes a huge difference when it comes to flavor. It can enrich everything from soups to stews and sauteed dishes. Turkey carcass, scraps and neck from roast turkey 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks 1 large onion, cut into quarters 1 large stalk celery, cut into 2-inch chunks 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme Parsley stems from 1 bunch 1. In 10- to 12-quart stockpot (if you don’t have 1 pot large enough, divide ingredients between 2 smaller ones), combine turkey carcass, cut up if necessary, scraps and neck with carrots, onion, celery, thyme and parsley. Add enough cold water just to cover ingredients; heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 3 hours. 2. Slowly and carefully pour turkey broth through colander into very large bowl set in sink. Discard solids. 3. To cool broth quickly before refrigerating, set bowl with broth in sink filled with ice water and stir broth occasionally until cool, adding additional ice if necessary. 4. Cover bowl and refrigerate turkey broth overnight. Spoon off and discard fat. Refrigerate broth up to 3 days, or freeze in 1-quart portions to use up within 6 months. Makes 4 1/2 quarts. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/foodrecipes/. (c) 2019 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
TIDBITS Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 ForofAdvertising Call (334) 505-0674
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) There could be an unexpected change in plans for your upcoming holiday travels. But keep in mind that a little flexibility goes a long way in resolving any disappointments. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new relationship might not be responding quite as quickly as you’d hoped. Could you be expecting too much too soon? Try to ease up and let things happen at their own pace. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) As we approach the frenetic pace of pre-holiday planning, take time out now to reconnect with the wonderful people who share your life, especially the one who also shares your dreams. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A misunderstanding should be resolved before you get caught up in the flurry of holiday preparations. Set your pride aside and deal with it, regardless of who might have hurt whom first. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Being told that a colleague might have been trying to undercut your effectiveness might or might not be true. Get all the facts before you even think about acting on this so-called information. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good idea to start your holiday preparation plans early in order to avoid a time crunch if an unresolved workplace situation causes a problem. That old friend might have some welcome news. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A family member’s actions continue to surprise you, but this time with positive results. Could be your wise counsel finally got through. It’s like having an early holiday gift, isn’t it? SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your reluctance to act in a current situation could be traced to your inner self advising you to take more time to study its complexities before you attempt to deal with it. Good luck. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Soothing hurt feelings before they can ignite an angry outburst is the wise thing to do. And, of course, when it comes to doing the “wisdom thing,” you do it so well. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Budget your time so that you can handle both your workplace duties and your personal holiday planning -- including travel arrangements -- without burning out on either end. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You might find that you still need to firm up one or two of those still-outstanding decisions so that you finally can move forward as you had planned. Weigh the facts, then act. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You usually don’t carry grudges, but you might feel this is one time when you’re justified in doing so. But aren’t you spending too much energy holding onto it? Let it go and move on.
BORN THIS WEEK:
You have a way of using your quiet strength to persuade people to follow their better instincts and do the right thing. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #36 Sept 2nd 2019 Tidbits Dallas
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #36 Sept 2nd 2019
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
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Remarkable People DANIEL BARRINGER
SPORTS QUIZ By Chris Richcreek --1. Who was the last pitcher before Arizona’s Zack Greinke in 2018 to have a hit, an RBI and a stolen base in at least two games in a season? 2. Name either of the major-league pitchers who led his respective league in shutouts a record seven times. 3. When was the last time before 2018 that Army’s football team was ranked in The Associated Press Top 25 poll? 4. Dwane Casey holds the record for most career regular-season victories (320) as coach of the Toronto Raptors. Who is second? 5. When was the last time the Boston Bruins won 50 or more games in consecutive NHL seasons? 6. The U.S. women’s soccer team set a Women’s World Cup group stage scoring record in 2019 with 18 goals in three games. What country had held the record with 17 goals? 7. How many fights did former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier have after losing to Muhammad Ali in the Philippines in 1975? 1. MUSIC: Who composed the “1812 Overture”? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What was the sixth gift in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”? 3. SCIENCE: What is the softest mineral? 4. GOVERNMENT: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery? 5. ENTERTAINMENT: Who are the only two people to receive an Oscar award and a Nobel Prize? 6. U.S. STATES: How many states border Oklahoma? 7. LITERATURE: Which 20th-century novel features a place called Shangri-La? 8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president’s famous speech included the line, “Tear down this wall”? 9. GEOGRAPHY: Which country lies directly south of Venezuela? 10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Which filmmaker and author once wrote, “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address”? Answers 1. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 2. Geese 3. Talc 4. 13th 5. George Bernard Shaw and Bob Dylan 6. Six: Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado 7. “Lost Horizon” 8. Ronald Reagan, urging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to destroy the Berlin Wall 9. Brazil 10. Nora Ephron
Answers 1. Bob Gibson, in 1969. 2. Walter Johnson (A.L.) and Grover Cleveland Alexander (N.L.). 3. It was 1996. 4. Sam Mitchell, with 156 victories (2004-09). 5. The Bruins did it from the 1970-71 season through the 1973-74 season. 6. Norway (1995). 7. Two fights. (c) 2019 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
• Around 50,000 years ago, a giant meteorite struck the Earth in what is now northern Arizona near Flagstaff. Made of iron and nickel, it weighed perhaps as much as 300,000 tons, and was travelling at around 26,000 mph when it slammed into the planet. It exploded with the force of 20 million tons of TNT, equal to 150 times the force of the atomic bomb that levelled Hiroshima. The crater it left measures threequarters of a mile (1 km) wide, 2.4 miles (3.8 km) in circumference, and 750 feet (229 m) deep. • In the late 1800s, geologists theorized that the crater had been formed by an underground steam explosion of a volcano. • Daniel Barringer studied law at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania, and then studied geology and minerology at Harvard and the University of Virginia. He used his knowledge of geology to purchase a gold mine in Arizona, followed by the purchase of a nearby silver mine. These mines made him a wealthy man. • In 1902, Barringer learned about the meteor crater. Recently, another geologist had noted the vast amounts of pulverized iron surrounding the crater and put forth the theory that the hole had not, in fact, been caused by a volcanic explosion, but had instead been formed by an iron-rich meteor impacting the earth. This theory was first dismissed in the scientific community, but Barringer found it plausible. Barringer reasoned that the bulk of the meteor must be underground, beneath the crater. Since he had made one fortune on gold, and a second fortune on silver, he decided to make a third fortune on iron. Before he’d even seen the site, he formed the Standard Iron Company, and purchased the entire crater and the area around it. (cont)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 DANIEL BARRINGER (cont) • In 1902, the newly formed firm began drilling operations in the base of the crater. Barringer spent 27 years trying to locate a large deposit of meteoric iron, and drilled to a depth of 1,375 ft (419 m) but found no significant deposit. The process bankrupted him, but his efforts were instrumental in proving that the crater had indeed been formed by a meteor impact rather than a volcanic explosion. His research further proved that if a meteor hits the surface of the Earth at an angle, rather than dropping straight down as had previously been assumed, it will still form a perfectly circular crater. • In 1929, astronomer Forest Ray Moulton performed calculations on the energy expended by the meteorite on impact, reaching a wellresearched conclusion that the meteorite had most likely entirely vaporized when it landed. He theorized that the massive ball of iron that Barringer had been searching for did not exist. His report contained 127 pages of reasoning and mathematical analysis that could not be denied. • Daniel Barringer died of a heart attack shortly after reading this paper, dying at the age of 69. He left behind his wife and eight children, who were by now nearly destitute. Yet, they still owned the meteor crater and all of the property surrounding it. • They set up a visitor center and began offering tours. They opened a museum and created a gift shop, made interpretive trails, then added a campground, theater, café, and rock shop. Today you can visit Barringer’s Meteor Crater near Flagstaff and learn all about how meteors vaporize when they hit the surface of the Earth. • Today, a crater on the Moon is named for Barringer, in honor of his efforts that proved that a big hole in Arizona was caused by a meteor rather than a volcano.
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By Dana Jackson Q: Is the cast of “Friends” reuniting in the form of a new series, like “Will & Grace” did? If so, will it be on network TV or something like Netflix? -- C.I. A: The rumor of an onscreen “Friends” reboot began surfacing when Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel on the show, joined Instagram and posted a picture of herself with her former co-stars. Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc were all smiling in the group selfie, as close as ever. Even more promising to fans was an exclusive story by The Hollywood Reporter that the cast was in talks with HBO Max about possibly reuniting for an “unscripted special.” It’s not known if that means Aniston, et al. will be improvising scenes as their characters, or if they’ll simply be sharing a couch, reminiscing about the show. We’ll just have to wait and see. Q: What do the other dancers think of Sean Spicer after having worked with him for a few months on “Dancing With the Stars”? Do they all get along despite their political differences? -- B.B. A: I don’t know how everyone felt working with or competing against the former White House press secretary, but pro dancer Cheryl Burke did offer some kind words on her blog for “Us Weekly” magazine. “I actually really love Sean’s personality. Even in just the little time I spent with him, he’s really funny. He’s super down to earth. He’s not the Sean Spicer that I think ev
PHOTO: Jennifer Aniston Photo credit: Depositphotos
eryone thinks he is. Listen, he is having the time of his life. You can tell he’s holding back tears because of how much fun he’s having, and it’s super sweet and endearing to watch.” Former contestant Karamo Brown told FOX News that he was honest with Spicer about their political differences, but that they had very respectful conversations on the set and that Spicer met both his son and his partner. Spicer was voted off the show in early November after a long run. Q: Is “Days of Our Lives” going to be canceled? I read that all the stars were taken “off contract.” What does that mean? -- P.A. A: The good thing about “Days,” the NBC daytime soap that has been on the air for an astounding 55 years, is that it tapes its episodes about eight months in advance. The bad news is that in mid-November the entire cast was released from their contracts, and the soap was going on indefinite hiatus. The “Days” cast and crew always take a long break over the holidays, but we don’t notice it because new episodes continue to air weekdays. However, what’s different this season is the announcement that all the actors would be taken off contract with no end in sight. With so many months of episodes filmed but not having aired yet, NBC and Sony have time to negotiate with what fans hope will be a positive outcome. Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
Top 10 Video On Demand 1. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (PG-13) Dwayne Johnson 2. The Lion King (PG) animated 3. The Kitchen (R) Melissa McCarthy 4. The Art of Racing in the Rain (PG) Milo Ventimiglia 5. Toy Story 4 (PG) animated 6. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (PG-13) Zoe Margaret Colletti 7. Luce (R) Naomi Watts 8. Yesterday (PG-13) Himesh Patel 9. Spider-Man: Far From Home (PG-13) Tom Holland 10. Aladdin (PG) Will Smith Top 10 DVD, Blu-ray Sales 1. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (PG-13) Universal 2. The Lion King (PG) Disney 3. Toy Story 4 (PG) Disney 4. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (PG-13) Lionsgate 5. Yellowstone: Season 2 (TV-MA) Paramount 6. Spider-Man: Far From Home (PG-13) Sony Pictures/Marvel 7. The Art of Racing in the Rain (PG) FOX 8. Aladdin (PG) Disney 9. The Kitchen (R) Warner Bros. 10. The Secret Life of Pets (PG) Universal
TOP TEN MOVIES 1. Ford v Ferrari (PG-13) Matt Damon, Christian Bale 2. Midway (PG-13) Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson 3. Charlie’s Angels (PG-13) Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott 4. Playing With Fire (PG) John Cena, KeeganMichael Key 5. Last Christmas (PG-13) Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding 6. Doctor Sleep (R) Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson 7. The Good Liar (R) Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen 8. Joker (R) Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro 9. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG) Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning 10. Harriet (PG-13) Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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RECORD-BREAKING DOGS • World record for greatest number of tennis balls held in the mouth at one time: Augie, a golden retriever, at five tennis balls. • World record for greatest number of balloons popped in the shortest amount of time: Toby, a whippet, with 100 balloons in 28 seconds. • World record for the longest ears: Tigger, a basset hound, at 13.75 inches (34.9 cm). • World record for highest jump: Feather, a greyhound, at 74 inches (188 cm). • World record for running on hind legs only: Jiff, a Pomeranian, at 33 feet (10 m) in six seconds on his hind legs. • World record for running on front legs only: Jiff, the same Pomeranian, 16 feet (5 m) in 7.6 seconds. • World record for travel by scooter, with front paws on the handlebars and one hind leg pushing: Norman, a Briard, 100 feet (30 m) in 21 seconds. • World record for longest, fastest skateboarding: Jumpy, a border collie/blue heeler mix, at 100 meters (109 yards) in 19.65 seconds. • World record for farthest distance travelled on a surf board: Abbie Girl, a kelpie, at 351 feet (107 m). • World record for the tallest dog: Zeus, a great Dane, at 44 inches (112 cm) tall at the head. • World record for heaviest dog: Zorba, an English mastiff, at 343 lbs (156 kg). • World record for smallest dog: Milly, a Chihuahua, at 3.8 inches (10 cm) tall, weight 1 lb (.45 kg). • World record for number of clones made from a dog: Milly, the same Chihuahua, at 49. • World record for largest litter: Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff, at 24 (20 survived). • World record for longest tongue: Brandy, a boxer, at 17 inches (43 cm). (cont)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019 RECORD-BREAKING DOGS (cont) • World record for longest tail: Keon, an Irish wolf hound, at 30.2 inches (76.2 cm) • World record for oldest dog: Bluey, an Australian shepherd, at 29 years. • World record for longest eyelashes: Ranmaru, a labradoodle, at 6.7 inches (17 cm). • World record for most Frisbees caught and held in the mouth without dropping any: Rose, a lab/border collie mix, at 7. • World record for fastest walking with a soda can balanced on the nose: Sweet Pea, a shepherd/border collie mix, at 100 m (107 yards) in 2 minutes, 55 seconds. • World record for most expensive dog: Big Splash, Tibetan mastiff, $1.5 million. • World record for the largest number of dogs attending an obedience class: 390. • World record for greatest number of dog biscuits balanced on the nose at one time: Monkey, a mutt, with 26 biscuits. • World record for the greatest number of dogs simultaneously balancing a single biscuit on their nose: 109. • World record for biggest dog biscuit: Hampshire Pet Products, 617 pounds (280 kg), 19 feet long (5.8 m). • World record for greatest number of people saved from drowning: Swansea Jack, a black lab, at 27. • World record for richest dog: Gunther, a German shepherd, who inherited $106 million when his owner Countess Karlotta Liebenstein died in 1992. • World record for longest distance travelled by a lost dog to get home: Bobbie, a collie-shepherd mix, at 2,551 miles (4,100 km) from Indi-
By Healthy Exchanges
Cheesy Cauliflower-Rice Casserole
-You may want to “invite” this easy slow-cooker dish to your family potluck. It just could become the hit of the meal and the start of a new family favorite. 2 cups cooked rice 2 1/2 cups frozen cut cauliflower, thawed 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 (4-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup 1/3 cup no-fat sour cream 1/3 cup water 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese 1. Spray a slow-cooker container with butterflavored cooking spray. In prepared container, combine rice, cauliflower, onion and mushrooms. Stir in mushroom soup, sour cream and water. Add peas and Cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine. 2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Mix well before serving. Makes 8 (1 cup) servings. * Each serving equals: 152 calories, 4g fat, 9g protein, 20g carb., 438mg sodium, 2g Fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Meat, 1 Vegetable. (c) 2019 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
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WE BUY
NW
HOUSES We are investors that buy houses in North Idaho and the Spokane area. Some people run into challenges when trying to sell a home and there may be a number of reasons why you require a fast house sale. Whatever your reason for seeking a quick property sale, We Buy Northwest Housesis here to pro vide assistance. We are an investment company that can buy your house in a timescale to suit you, regardless of condition or location, meaning you can spend your time on other things. Meanwhile, if you are facing financial difficulties, you may find it useful to know that during the sales process there are no fees or hidden charges for you to pay at any stage. Our team is flexible, very easy to work with, and has a proven track record of making win- win deals together.
How We Help You
We can buy your property or help you stop foreclosure FAST, with absolutely NO COST to you! Do you need to sell your property fast? We buy any type of property in any condition: • Houses, Condos, Townhomes • Ugly, beau ti ful, brand new, we buy it all!
We buy property in any situation:
• Agent unable to sell your property? • Need a short sale? • Purchased another property and still stuck with your old one? • Behind on payments (or about to be)? • Simply want out from underneath the payment? • Facing Foreclosure? • Divorce or separation? • Moving or relocating? • Bankruptcy? • Inherited a property and want to turn it into cash? • Too many landlord headaches? • No situation at all, just want to sell
I got a promotion at work which required a transfer to Montana. I had to sell my house fast, and didn’t know what to do. We Buy Northwest Houses worked with my timeline and gave me the price I needed. — Verna H.
(208) 758-8888
For your free, no cost, stop foreclo sure consultation, call or email us at HelpMeOut@WeBuyNorthwestHouses.com
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
By Matilda Charles
When Every Dollar Counts
For so many of us, finances can be tough, leaving us few options for the things that make our lives more meaningful. That’s where senior discounts can help. I know ... we don’t like to do that. But once we get used to the idea of asking, it gets easier, and leaves money in our pockets. And remember, when you ask if there is a senior discount available, you won’t be the first to ask that question. Here are a few ideas: * If an annual membership at the local museum is $299 and you can purchase a senior membership for $59, you get the same benefits as those who pay the full price. Sign up for its newsletters and read them for a few months to help decide if it’s worth it to you to see exhibits and hear speakers. * If you discover that your favorite restaurant gives senior discounts, perhaps you can increase your dinners out from once to twice a month, especially if added to other new discounts you now ask for. * Check for senior discounts at the local YMCA. Sometimes during membership drives, two friends can sign up for the price of one, or a spouse can be added for only a few dollars. Or there’s a discount if you bring in a few canned goods for the food pantry (especially during the holidays). * Call the nearest college. Chances are it offers either discounted or free classes to seniors. Some places even have what they call Senior College, with courses geared to what interests us. Look for brown-bag lunch lectures as well as full courses. Every dollar counts, especially since Medicare Part B is going up another $9.10 in January, cutting into our 1.6% Social Security increase. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Christmas Gift for the Elderly Deciding on a Christmas gift for the elderly can be challenging. Christmas is a special time of year, but also stressful. Not only is there a huge list of things to do to get ready, but you also looking for the right gift for your elderly loved one. We can help decrease your stress by using our list of Christmas gift suggestions. But no, we can't actually do your shopping and we can't help cook the turkey, sorry!. If you don't find what you need below, look at one of our other articles with over 150 gift ideas for the elderly. As well as all the other gift suggestions in related articles, being a winter and Christmas-time lover, I wanted to include a few specific to the white season below. From spending quality time to photo books... there is sure to be an idea that will work for your loved one. Spending Time Together During the Holiday Season As always, the elderly say they most appreciate being thought of - so they really enjoy cards and phone calls during the Christmas season. And their favourite "Christmas gift for the elderly" is spending time together - so, if possible, making time to visit is a winner. Finding time to spend together during a busy holiday season, though, can be difficult. Try to fit it in as it will mean a lot to your elderly loved one. Here are some ideas: A personal visit to deliver a card, gift or a hug Asking them over to help decorate the tree Asking them along to sing Christmas carols or listen to a choir Going to a coffee shop where you can watch kids playing in the snow Watching an old Christmas movie together Service Ideas
A good Christmas gift for the elderly doesn't have to be wrapped up and put under the Christmas tree. There are other ways to spread the Christmas spirit. Freezing some of the left-overs from your large meals into small, heatable portions for their freezer Taking them grocery shopping for some of their favourite Christmas treats Helping them to get ready for Christmas, whether it be taking time to help them get their Christmas cards sent or taking them to buy gifts for family (or even buying the gifts for them)
Seasonal Gifts
Seasonal Productions
Seasonal gift are always nice and many people are sentimental at Christmas time. Seasonal gifts could be as simple as a small or large poinsettia. Or a small, potted tree that their grandkids or great-grandkids can decorate. If your aging parent can no longer have a tree in their home, you could consider a nice pine-scented candle. For colder climates, a pair of mittens or slippers are always nice. Anything you can think of that is seasonal and would please your loved one would be a nice gift. Taking your aging parent to a seasonal production is always a nice treat. Not only can you enjoy the show, but spending time together is a treat. Consider seasonal productions such as the Nutcracker. Attend local Christmas or other religious productions. Churches often have a Christmas play. Hockey games are another winter type activity that might be more enjoyable for men. In our town, a local company hosts a play that you watch from a horse-drawn sleigh. And they use the sleight to move you between acts. Now that brings back old times! Other Christmas Gift Suggestions During the busy holiday season, any time that can be spent thinking of your elderly loved one is a bonus. I've included just a few christmas gift for the elderly suggestions to get your ideas flowing. Putting a photo of you or family in a special frame Food, candy or useable gifts like candles, socks, scarves or nice pen/paper sets Their favourite homemade baking (Caring-for-Aging-Parents.com)
Linda Davis Director of building relationships. 208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #49 Dec. 2nd 2019
Tips for Choosing Toys for Holiday Giving A doll? A puzzle? A yo-yo? What was your all-time favorite childhood toy, and what made it so special? Now in the season of giving as we play Santa’s elves, those personal memories come into focus in considering what toys we can offer children that are fun, creative and lasting. Here are some tips to guide you as you search for an endearing and enduring toy for the children on your holiday gift list: -- Often, “bargain toys” are no bargain at all, particularly if they break after only one or two uses. Look for safe, well-constructed toys like wooden cars or trains, toy instruments, plush animals and puppets. These open-ended toys let children play with them in new and different ways as they grow. -- Avoid purchasing toys that will be played with once and be tossed aside. To get the most out of your toy-buying dollars, look for toys that can entertain in a variety of ways. Construction toys of any kind are a good example, such as wooden building blocks, snap-together Legos or Duplo blocks. Don’t overlook the classics that have been updated for a new generation, like Erector Sets and Tinkertoys. All of these help your children practice skills like sorting, stacking, balancing and counting. (Labels on toys will help you determine if it is age appropriate.)
Photo caption: Katie Brenke assists Kelly Davis in choosing an entertaining improv game for her 6-year-old niece at a Minneapolis toy store.
-- Find value in toys that help children use their imagination and creativity. “Jewelry and craft sets let kids develop fine motor skills while they make one-of-a-kind creations for relatives to display and wear,” says Katie Brenke, assistant manager at a Minneapolis toy store. “For a unique gift kit, assemble a tote full of art supplies, like paints, brushes, paper, glue and clay,” she adds. -- Take a look at games, too, as you peruse the shelves. A classic like Candyland, created in the late 1940s, helps preschoolers learn counting and colors. Another family favorite, Monopoly, teaches kids and adults about real estate and the value of money. Games like backgammon, checkers, chess and cribbage are favorites for all generations. Check out other new board games, too, that bring kids and adults together during the holidays and year-around. You may discover that games provide the best gift of all: memorable time spent together with family and friends. *** Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
TIDBITS PUZZLE ANSWERS
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