KootenaiCounty, County,Idaho IdahoIssue Issue#51 #46December Nov. 13th17th 20172018 ofofKootenai
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TIDBITS® CRACKS OPEN FORTUNE COOKIES
by Janet Spencer Fortune cookies are an American invention, unknown in China. Come along with Tidbits as we discover their history! FORTUNE COOKIES • In the region surrounding Kyoto, Japan, a cookie called “tsujiura senbei” is sold around the New Year for good luck. “Tsujiura” means “fortune telling” and “senbei” means “rice cracker.” These rice crackers are folded and baked with a message hidden inside. • They were developed because there was a particular shrine which crowds endeavored to visit on the New Year. Because the shrine was difficult to reach and the roads were crowded, not everyone could get there. In the 1800s, someone started selling these fortune crackers to wannabe pilgrims as a spiritual consolation prize: if you can’t make it to the shrine, at least you can have a special cracker containing a message of hope from the gods. These were the precursor of the modern fortune cookie. • Makoto Hagiwara was a Japanese baron who was kidnapped by pirates and taken to the U.S. in 1879. After escaping, he decided to stay in California. He was a talented gardener and was hired to create a Japanese garden for the Japanese Village at World’s Fair California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 held in San Francisco. (cont’d)
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #51 December 17th 2018 FORTUNE COOKIES (cont) • When the fair ended, Hagiwara petitioned to have the temporary garden remain as a permanent fixture of Golden Gate Park. He was granted permission and put in charge of maintaining, expanding, and improving the garden. He added a tea house, and began baking Japanese style fortune-telling cookies to be served with the Japanese tea ceremony. • When demand for the cookies increased, he hired nearby Japanese bakeries to make the fortune cookies for him. When Hagiwara died in 1925, his daughter Takano Hagiwara and her children took over. • When World War II started, over 120,000 Japanese people were sent to internment camps. The Hagiwara family and all of the Japanese bakers in San Francisco were sent to a camp in Utah for the next three years. • In the tea garden, anything that looked Japanese was torn down, the Hagiwara home was destroyed, all their possessions were taken, Chinese replaced the Japanese women as hostesses of the tea ceremony, and the place was renamed “The Oriental Tea Garden.” • During the war, Chinese people escaped internment. Because fortune cookies had been popular and profitable, Chinese people took over and started to manufacture and distribute them to their Chinese friends who ran Chinese restaurants throughout the city. • Because San Francisco was a heavily used military port during the war, soldiers who passed through became acquainted with the newly formed tradition of fortune cookies. When they returned to their hometowns and ate at local Chinese restaurants, they asked for fortune cookies, and when none were available, they complained to the management. Chinese restaurants started ordering Japanese fortune cookies to satisfy the wishes of their American patrons. (continued next page)
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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
Lil BUGGERS~BUG STORE and more! Just opened this week!
Unique & Exotic Bug art creations gift store. Where every gift is real! You will be wow-ed, amazed and creeped out by all our interesting specimen. From bugs to bats, butterflies to flowers, alligator heads to sea life and much much more. Come try all the fun candies and snacks made with real bugs! 213 W Appleway ste. #2 (208)512-5773
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #51 December 17th 2018
EVENT CALENDAR December 31 New Year’s Celebration - A Diamond Soiree Ring in the New Year with two amazing fireworks shows complete with a grand celebration on the lake at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The Diamond Soiree features a buffet dinner, live entertainment and a Champagne toast at midnight. New Year’s Eve celebrations are also available on the lake with a host of Coeur d’Alene Lake Cruise options for the ultimate views of the fireworks shows. Questions regarding the events call Evelyn at 208.755.9120 or email evelyn2318@gmail.com
FORTUNE COOKIES (cont) • In Golden Gate Park, it wasn’t until 1952 that the title “Japanese Tea Garden” was re-instated. The Hagiwara family never regained their position as caretakers and were never reimbursed for their losses. It wasn’t until 2009 that Japanese gardeners were put in charge of the Japanese garden. • Today the five-acre Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. It’s the oldest Japanese tea garden in the U.S. Fortune cookies are still served with every order in the tea house. • Fortune cookies used to be made by hand, one at a time. A dollop of batter was dropped into a cast-iron mold similar to a waffle iron and then cooked over a grill. When removed from the press, the slip of paper containing the fortune would be laid on pancake-type cookie, which would then be folded in half and folded in half again. The end result is supposed to resemble a butterfly or a flower blossom, but really just looks like a wonton. • In 1967, Edward Louie, owner of the Lotus Fortune Cookie Company in San Francisco, invented a machine that that used a vacuum to automatically insert the paper fortunes into the golden wafers as they came off the griddle. He also invented giant fortune cookies which could be stuffed with gifts such as jewelry or money, as well as risqué fortune cookies that were popular at parties. At the time of his death in 1990, the original machine he created was still in operation. • Subsequent improvements to his design by other inventors in later years made mass production of fortune cookies so easy and quick that their price dropped dramatically, contributing to their popularity.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai Issue #51 December 17th 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas County FORTUNE COOKIES (cont) • Family-owned and operated, Wonton Food was founded by Mr. C. S. Wong who was born in South China and came to the U.S. in the 1960s. He started making noodles in the basement of a small store in Brooklyn’s Chinatown in 1973 with only ten employees and one production line. Today, Wonton Food is the largest manufacturer of noodles, wrappers, and fortune cookies in the United States. They turn out 4.5 million fortune cookies a day, more than anyone else in the world. In 1989, Wonton Food attempted to create a demand for fortune cookies in Hong Kong, where they were advertised as being “genuine American fortune cookies.” They never caught on because the idea was too foreign to the Chinese. • When 7’6” Chinese basketball player Yao Ming was signed to play for the Houston Rockets, the team went up against the Miami Heat in 2002. Miami Heat responded by distributing 8,000 fortune cookies, intended as a racial slur. Yao Ming didn’t understand the insult, because he’d grown up in China and had never seen a fortune cookie before in his life. He assumed it was an “American thing.” The Rockets won the game, 105-100. • Lottery officials suspected a case of fraud when the Powerball drawing on March 30, 2005, produced 110 second-prize winners. However, an investigation showed that all 110 winners had picked lottery numbers from fortune cookies made by Wonton Food, Inc. of New York City. The factory had printed the numbers “22, 28, 32, 33, 39, 40” as the lucky numbers on thousands of fortunes. The “40” in the fortune did not match the Powerball number, 42. Of the winners, 89 received $100,000 each, while the other 21 received $500,000 each because they were Power Play selections. The fortune inside the mass-produced cookie read: “All the preparation you’ve done will finally be paying off.”
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STRANGE BUT TRUE By Samantha Weaver * It was New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd who made the following sage observation: “The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.” * A law in Memphis, Tennessee, states that it is illegal for a woman to drive a car unless a man walks in front of it to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians. * Martha Stewart got her start in business by catering from her home. * It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of the maple syrup you put on your pancakes. * The Tom Thumb locomotive and Jell-O were invented by the same person. * Ancient Egyptians often were buried with opium, boats and artificial limbs for use in the afterlife. And it wasn’t unusual to have a model of the deceased’s home included, as well -- just in case shelter was needed. * England’s Prince Philip was born on a kitchen table in Greece. * The word “widget” was coined by an American humorist in the 1930s and referred to an imaginary gadget or machine. In the 1990s, however, widgets moved out of the realm of fiction when the makers of beverage cans invented a device that releases carbon dioxide to make foam after a can has been opened -- and they named it a “widget.” * In its entire lifetime -- four to six weeks -- a single worker bee produces a sum total of about 1.5 teaspoons of honey. * North Carolina once outlawed cats and dogs fighting with each other. *** Thought for the Day: “No matter what side of an argument you’re on, you always find some people on your side that you wish were on the other side.” -- Jascha Heifetz (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho #51505-0674 December 17th 2018 For Advertising Call Issue (334)
COUCH THEATER -- DVD PREVIEWS By Amy Anderson
PHOTO: Keira Knightly in “Colette” Photo Credit: Bleecker Street
“The Equalizer 2” (R) -- In the first “Equalizer,” retired CIA agent Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) was a level-headed hero who calmly tried to save a young woman from a life of exploitation, got driven over the edge, and then methodically dealt with all the riffraff -- to the audience’s delight. This follow-up -- again directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk -- sees McCall driving a Lyft while meting out part-time justice and back in cahoots with his old friend Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo). When the wrong people take Plummer out, the level-headed hero is replaced by a cold killing machine who’s bent on total vengeance and has the goods to deliver. Alas, you can’t have everything, kids. I had high hopes when I heard Mr. Washington would grace us with a sequel (something he’s not known for), but it’s not as good as the first one. “Smallfoot” (PG) -- They do exist! Channing Tatum voices Migo, a Yeti just trying to figure out life and catch the eye of the village leader’s daughter Meechee (Zendaya). When he accidentally discovers a Smallfoot, and eventually brings one -- wisecracking wildlife documentarian Percy Patterson (James Corden) -- back to his Yeti village as proof, he finds out that there’s more to human-Yeti relations than existential proof. It’ll take a whole gang to work it out. The message, delivered sweetly and with much mirth, is tolerance and open-hearted acceptance of the unknown. It’ll have you all warm and fuzzy despite its frozen setting. “Colette” (PG-13) -- The riveting life of French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette is under exploration in this biopic by director Wash Westmoreland, with Keira Knightley in the title role. As a young country girl married to the notorious Paris rake and self-promotion machine Henry Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West), Colette began writing under her husband’s pen name Willy, publishing loosely autobiographical stories that took Paris by storm. Her exploration of sexual identity and gender roles and her struggle to claim ownership of her own words are powerful material that Knightley bears brilliantly. She grows stronger and more angled as Colette’s story and personality progress. “Peppermint” (R) -- Jennifer Garner plays Riley North, a mother whose young daughter and husband were gunned down by a drug cartel. Abused by crooked police, let down by a corrupt and useless justice system, she disappears broken and disheartened -- but just long enough to hone herself into a serious weapon with a single mission: get the justice she was denied by the police and the courts. Crazed mom goes rogue to exact revenge for her murdered family and stand up for everyone who gets screwed by the system? There’s a lot to work with, but it didn’t come across compelling. There’s killing for killings’ sake, but not much more.
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TIDBITS ofTidbits Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #51 December 17th 2018 of Dallas County
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By Dr. Holly Carling
Volunteer Greeter with AARP Tax-Aide Program My first experience with AARP Tax-Aide started about 25 years ago when I stopped by just to ask a question. I was really surprised to see the positive attitude and friendliness. When I retired, I needed something to keep me busy and also something that was interesting, and by then Tax-Aide was doing my taxes and they said they needed help so I told them I would like to help. I have now been volunteering my service for 8 years and enjoy every minute. There are some really busy days and I just think of these days as a challenge. I really enjoy the different personalities that I am exposed to and this puts a smile on my face. AARP TAX-AIDE WANTS YOU Diane B, Dalton Gardens, Idaho For more information, and a chance to experience that ‘WOW’ feeling that comes from volunteering, contact Warren at 208-765-6589 or at warrenfisher@prodigy.net or check out our link http://www.unitedwayofnorthidaho.org/taxprep
When the Dark and Dreary Days Emphasize “Dreary” The time is upon us when I start hearing “I feel down when the skies look so dark and dreary”. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is common as the skies are dark day after day like this time of year. Symptoms include a lack of energy or motivation (especially to wake up in the morning), increased feelings of despair, feeling melancholy, anxiety, excess cravings for “comfort foods” or “energy stimulating foods” such as sugar, carbs, energy drinks, alcohol or coffee, loss of interest in foods (other than those mentioned above), diminished desire for relationships, and headaches. Commonly, in those affected by the dark and dreary is a reduction of the brain hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, melatonin and serotonin. These brain chemicals are also known as “happy hormones” because the more we have the happier we seem to be, and the more depressed these levels are, the more depressed the individual tends to be. So what makes our “Happy Hormones” happy? Well, they love sun. In Northern Idaho, that’s the problem in the winter. So we’ve found a substitute: natural lighting in your home. Full spectrum light bulbs are available at most hardware stores. They cost more, but replacing your standard or fluorescent bulbs with full spectrum bulbs is cheaper than buying the lamps that cost $100-$300 that you have to sit next to. They are a great “sunlight” substitute.
Happy Hormones love Vitamin D. In fact, they are finding there is a relationship between Vitamin D and early mental decline. So more than just a seasonal boost, Vitamin D could give you a lifetime boost! Cod Liver Oil is a must in the winter – not only does it contain Vitamin D, but also Omega 3 fats which are critical for brain hormonal health. Fish, egg yolks and liver contain lots of these good nutrients as well. Acupuncture is a useful therapy for S.A.D. as well as many other conditions. It is helpful in treating several neurological, immunological, and hormonal disorders and several studies demonstrate its effectiveness in the treatment of depression. Studies show that acupuncture releases several hormones which are commonly out of balance in a variety of depressive disorders. Hydration is also important. Even mild dehydration effects cognitive functioning and researchers are theorizing that the neurons that detect dehydration also regulate mood. It was found that those who stayed hydrated were able to resist depression better than those who were dehydrated. Those dehydrated were more prone to depression. In a study done in Iceland (they have the lowest depression rates in the world), they found that their diet was remarkably high in sulfur. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and egg yolks are high in sulfur. There are several ways to lighten up the “Dark and Dreary” days of winter. Lighten up your life and find joy this season!
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.
TIDBITSFor of Kootenai County, Idaho #51 December 17th 2018 Advertising CallIssue (334) 505-0674
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue #51 December 17th 2018 Tidbits Dallas County
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The arts are a strong part of the Arian aspect, with music becoming more dominant. An important decision looms as a longtime relationship takes an unexpected turn. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Surrounding yourself with beautiful things helps restore the Taurean soul. Enjoy an art exhibit, for example. Or redecorate your personal space with something truly splendid. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Some colleagues might try to talk you out of what they insist is a risk, but which you consider an opportunity. As usual, follow your own good sense when making your decision. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A workplace change you might have worried about soon proves to be highly favorable for the clever Crab who is ready to take advantage of new opportunities opening up. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Congratulations. Your Leonine pride is polished to a dazzling new brilliance thanks to your success in winning support for your new project from even the most doubtful of detractors. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An unsettling rumor about a colleague’s apparently regrettable behavior is soon proved groundless, allowing you to enjoy the upcoming end-ofyear festivities in a happy mood. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your success in helping to create a harmonious environment out of a chaotic situation earns you the admiration of someone who could become an important new presence in your life. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your Scorpion’s sense of loyalty could find you leading a passionate defense of a loved one you feel is being unfairly treated. The week’s end brings long-awaited family news. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your keen instincts are once more on high alert as you find yourself being pressured to make a quick decision about a certain matter. More facts come to light by week’s end. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) An unexpected workplace development could disrupt some family plans. A full explanation, however, averts domestic discord. A financial matter continues to need attention. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Spend time away from distractions to reassess some recent moves that might not have worked out as you had hoped. What you learn could be invaluable for future decision-making. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A recent act of kindness is a reminder of how important your friends are to you. You might want to show your appreciation by hosting a special pre-New Year’s party just for them.
BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do your best, which sometimes causes you to be critical of those who don’t live up to your standards. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
ForofAdvertising 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County,Call Idaho(334) Issue #51 December 17th 2018 DONNA’S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN By Donna Erickson
Photo caption: French-born Nicole Winters serves her easy version of chocolate mousse.
Make Easy French ‘Chocolate Mousse’
French-born Nicole Winters enjoys telling the story of serving her favorite chocolate dessert from her childhood at a Christmas party gathering of over 20 friends and family. When her 3-year-old grandson, Jacob, stepped up to the dessert table after the meal, a woman offered him a small bowl and asked, “Would you like some chocolate pudding?” “It’s not pudding, it’s ‘mousse au chocolat’!” he confidently exclaimed with a perfect French accent. “I was so surprised,” said Nicole. “He had just been in the kitchen cooking with me the day before when I taught him how to say those French words. Cooking together is an enjoyable way for me to pass on family food traditions from my background and culture to my children and grandchildren, which I believe is so important.” Since her easy blender version of rich “mousse au chocolat” (chocolate mousse) doesn’t use raw eggs like the traditional French recipe, and it comes together effortlessly in just 10 minutes, it captured my attention for our family holiday menus. I gave it a whirl in our blender, poured it into small dessert bowls, and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Topped with fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a keeper. EASY BLENDER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup whole milk Cream cheese (3 ounces), cut into several pieces Fresh raspberries or whipped cream for topping 1. Place chocolate chips, sugar and vanilla in your blender. 2. Heat milk in a saucepan to almost scalding. It should be steaming. Immediately pour it into the blender over the chocolate chips, sugar and vanilla, cover and blend for 30 seconds. 3. Add cream cheese pieces and blend until smooth. 4. Pour into six small dessert dishes or a dessert bowl. Refrigerate at least two hours, until set. 5. To serve, top each dish or serving dish with a few raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream. A little sprig of fresh mint is a nice touch for a special occasion. Makes 6 servings. 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) 2018 Donna Erickson
Distributed by King Features Synd.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai IssueCounty #51 December 17th 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas
Q&A with Susan Ashley, MD
Reversing Osteoporosis
Last week I discussed myths about osteoporosis. This week I’ll review how to reverse osteoporosis, making bones stronger, thereby greatly reducing fracture risk. Steps to build bone: 1) Consider bio-identical hormone replacement, or BHRT. Without estrogen and progesterone, it is very difficult to rebuild bone. Find a doctor well versed in prescribing BHRT, and knows how to measure and calculate the amount you need. It is not a one-size-fits-all! And avoid synthetic hormones, which come with many potential side effects. 2) Diet - reduce or avoid soft drinks or coffee these tend to leach calcium from bones. Eat protein and vegetable with trace minerals - colorful vegetables is what you want, not white potatoes. 3) Supplements - most people think the only thing they need for bones is calcium, and tend to recommend too much. While calcium is important, we don’t need more than 600-800mg a day, and it should never be in the form of caclium carbonate -- this is poorly absorbed and some studies show it may increase calcification of arteries. Instead use calcium citrate, lactate or hydroxyapetite. Other vitamins and minerals are critical for bone production, including Zinc, vt C, Vt K, boron, strontium, Magnesium and phosphorus. Vt D is critical, the most important. Without D, your bones will become thin and brittle, no matter what else you do.
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Have your doctor measure your level - for bone health it has to be a minimum of 40, and optimal is between 70-90. Take D with food containing fat for maximum absorption. Make sure your D is D-3, not D-2. D-2 is synthetic, and not well absorbed. Vitamin K1 reduces calcium loss from the bones - even just one mg a day of K1 reduces the loss of bone calcium by 35-50%. It is fat-soluble, so is absorbed best with fat, like D. It’s most commonly found in green vegetables, so eat your green leafy salad daily. B12 is critical for bone health as well. A B12 deficiency is so common in the elderly, as many medications reduce B12 absorption. It’s safe to get a B12 shot monthly. 4) Exercise - bones, like muscles, need exercise to grow strong. This needs to be weight bearing exercise, and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Walking quickly for one hour, 3 days a week can increase spinal bone density by 4.4% per year. Even 30 mins of walking 3 days a week will help. For the arms, use weights, either 3 or 5 lbs, or push-ups. A vibration plate is excellent for increasing bone density, and anyone can do it. The best brand is called a power plate. 5) Stem cells - there is research on the effectiveness of stem cells when given IV to stimulate bone production. It is a natural and very safe way to improve bone density, with no side effects. Use stem cells sourced from the umbilical cord, as they are much more potent. As you can see, osteoporosis can be reversed. I’ve seen patients who follow this plan completely reverse their bone loss, and build healthy bone tissue. Get started today and your bone density will improve year after year.
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.
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By Fifi Rodriguez 1. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the last Thursday in November? 2. TELEVISION: What was the name of Roy Rogers’ horse on the TV series? 3. ACRONYMS: Where did the name “jeep” come from? 4. ASTRONOMY: The planet Venus has how many moons? 5. LANGUAGE: What is unusual about the words facetious, abstemious and arsenious? 6. FOOD & DRINK: What is foie gras? 7. GEOLOGY: What is the only rock that floats? 8. LITERATURE: In what 19th-century novel is the character of Captain Nemo introduced? 9. GEOGRAPHY: What inland U.S. state has the longest freshwater coastline? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the birthstone associated with the month of June? Answers 1. Abraham Lincoln 2. Trigger 3. The military, where a “general purpose” vehicle was known as a GP. 4. None 5. All three words are spelled with the vowels in correct order. 6. A pate made of duck or goose liver 7. Pumice 8. “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” 9. Michigan 10. Pearl
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue County #51 December 17th 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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Fabulous Food MARGARINE • When wars caused a butter shortage in Europe, the price of butter skyrocketed. In France, Napoleon sponsored a contest to see who could come up with the best substitute for butter to serve to soldiers. • “Oleum” is Latin for beef tallow. The word “margarine” springs from margaric acid, a fatty acid that appears in small amounts in oils and fats. Margaric acid is pearly white when it crystallizes. Its name comes from the Latin word for pearl, which is also the origin of the names Margaret, Marguerite, and Marjory. • Mège-Mouriès sold his patent on oleomargarine to a Dutch butter-making company, which eventually became part of Unilever. Today Unilever is still one of the world’s major producers of margarine. Aside from the prize money, he never profited from his discovery, and died penniless in 1880. By the time of his death, margarine’s popularity was spreading around the world because it was about half the price of butter. • In 1874, two factories in New York produced 19,000 pounds of margarine daily. By 1880 there were 37 companies in the U.S. making margarine. • The popularity of margarine threatened the profit margin of the dairy industry. Dairy farmers raised such a commotion that U.S. Congress passed the Margarine Act in 1886, which placed high taxes on margarine to discourage its use, and imposed steep licensing fees on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Many states banned its sale outright. (continued next page)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Call Idaho Issue #51505-0674 December 17th 2018 For Advertising (334) MARGARINE (cont’d) • Because margarine was white, manufacturers added coloring to make it look like butter. In fact, 32 states outlawed the artificial coloring of margarine. Manufacturers got around the law by including a packet of yellow dye that had to be mixed into the margarine by hand. Other states required margarine be dyed pink, brown, black, or red, but this was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court who ruled it was unlawful to force the adulteration of food. • Still, people kept buying margarine. In 1902, Congress quintupled the tax on margarine. By now it was made from cottonseed and soybean oil. Farmers who raised cotton and soybeans were incensed by the restrictions. • There were butter shortages during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Consumers got angry about the butter protectionist laws. In 1949, thousands of housewives marched on Washington, D.C. to protest the margarine laws. In 1950 Congress repealed the Margarine Act of 1886. The sales of margarine doubled between 1950 and 1970. • The one hold-out was Wisconsin, which continued to restrict the sale of margarine until 1967. The margarine industry challenged Wisconsin senators to a blind taste test, to see if they could tell the difference between margarine and butter, and to ask which taste they preferred. Wisconsin state senator Gordon Roseleip, who had been the state’s most vocal opponent of margarine, failed the taste test and pointed to the margarine as the best-tasting spread. His wife confessed that she had secretly switched to margarine years prior because she was worried about his heart condition.
Should Shelters Lower the Cost of Adoption? DEAR PAW’S: My local shelter has started holding “free” adoption days twice a year. It drops the $100 fee to adopt a pet (although people still need to pay a $10 processing fee, and they get a collar and ID tag with that). Taking care of pets can be expensive, and I think these kinds of promotions attract owners who aren’t going to invest in their new pet and keep them healthy. What do you think about low-cost shelter adoptions? -- Colin H., via email DEAR COLIN: If a lower adoption fee helps shelters find homes for pets, and reduces shelter populations, I’m in favor of it. However, I understand your reservations. In some ways, it’s a gamble that the shelter takes on each new person to come through its door. Will this person be the forever family for a traumatized dog? Can a family with kids care for a cat with special needs? Some shelters vet potential owners before allowing them to adopt, while others follow the more familiar “open adoption” practice, where the criteria are not so strict. Pet adoption fees are not about gatekeeping. These fees cover the cost of caring for animals at the shelter: their food and health care, as well as administration. In return, new owners often receive a voucher or coupon for a free vet visit and steeply discounted services like vaccination and deworming. And the fee is far lower than the cost of buying a pet through a breeder or at a pet store. Whether a lower-cost promotion is in place or not, potential new owners should always visit their nearest shelter first as they search for their new pet. Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@ pawscorner.com. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #51 December 17th 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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BIRD FACTS • If a songbird is raised in complete silence, will it still sing properly? Well, it will still sing, but the song will be only a garbled version of what it’s supposed to sound like. Young birds in the nest depend upon their parents and other birds of their species to train them in the proper techniques for their species. Songbirds of different regions also develop specialized “accents” that differ from members of their own species found in other regions. When blackbirds were imported to Australia from their native Britain, within a short period they had developed their own distinct calls. • A number of birds know how to sew. Three different types of warblers have long thin pointy beaks that they use to poke holes in adjacent leaves, and then thread fibers through. For thread they use cottony fibers from seeds such as thistle down, stringy fibers from bark, and even spider silk. They give the fibers a twist after threading them through the holes, locking them into place. Several leaves stitched together act as a cup which can hold a nest. Orioles are also adept at weaving, constructing precise nests by threading fibrous strips from leaves over and under other strips. • When green-backed herons stand in shallow water waiting for fish to swim into range, they spread their wings on hot days, offering a patch of shade while standing still. Fish swim into this shady spot where they are easily nabbed by the patient and clever heron. They also stand nearby when people come down to the water to throw bread to the fish. They’ll pick up a piece of floating bread and drop it in the water near where they are standing, then wait for a fish to swim up to take the bait. They will also pick up bugs they find on the shore and drop them into the water as bait. • Kiwis, ground-dwelling birds native to New Zealand, are one of the few species of birds that hunt by smell. (continued next page)
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #51 December 17th 2018
File Disability Claims Before Leaving Service If you’re scheduled to leave active duty soon and know your separation date, start keeping a calendar of important dates, especially if you’re going to have a disability claim. Veterans who have between 90 and 180 days left in active-duty service can file for the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program. The Department of Veterans Affairs has made big improvements to the system, and many who make disability claims in the BDD program can receive a decision within 30 days of getting out. In the first year, 53 percent of veterans had a claims decision within 30 days. As they’ve smoothed out the details, that percentage has gone up. Claims can now be reviewed at any regional office, and they’ve improved the software for records transfers and added claims training for those who will do the work. Still, it’s important to get any claims filed in the 90-180 day window before you leave. That will ensure your disability medical exams go into your service treatment record, and if the condition worsens later, you’ll have a starting date right there in your medical file. There are limits, however, to using the BDD program. You can’t use it if you’re terminally ill, are in a VA medical facility, will need case management or if you can’t get to a VA exam within the 45 days after you file. For the whole list of restrictions, go to www.va.gov/disability and put BDD in the search box. You’ll also find details about the pre-discharge claim. If you have fewer than the 90 days until separation, you can still put in a disability claim through the Decision Ready Claim or a fully developed claim. If you’re injured, sick or wounded and can’t do your job, they will refer you to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
BIRD FACTS • Penduline tits are small birds native to Europe. The male weaves an impressive nest that looks like a bag hanging down from a tree branch, often located over water. After weaving the nest, he sits on top of it and calls for a mate. Females inspect each nest and mate with the one who has built the best one. • Whereas most bird couples work in tandem to raise the young, that is not true of the penduline tit. Each one of the pair is eager to get the nest made, lay the eggs—and then abandon them in favor of finding another mate and starting a second family. But they will only leave if they know that the other is going to stay behind to raise the brood. • Each time the two mate, the female lays a single egg. The nest usually contains six eggs. If the male notices that there are six eggs in the nest, he will leave in order to go find another mate. So the female will often hide or disguise the eggs, tucking layers of wool or thistledown over the top of them. When the male returns to mate with her again, thinking that there are only two or three eggs in the nest, he will find her gone and discover there are already six eggs in the nest. In the meantime, she’s off looking for yet another mate in order to lay another six eggs. • Water birds keep their feathers coated with a water-repelling wax that they spread through their feathers by preening. But water birds that nest on the ground where they are susceptible to predation will change the odor of their wax during nesting season, making it harder for predators to catch their scent. • Vultures are attracted to foul smells. Capitalizing on this, oil companies trying to locate leaks in gas pipelines will inject a foul smelling gas into the lines, then will watch for vultures and track them to find out where they congregate. The birds follow the smell to the source, thinking there might be something rotten and good to eat there.
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* On Dec. 29, 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket is brutally murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II of England, apparently on orders of the king. The Christian world was shocked, and in 1173 Becket was canonized a Catholic saint. * On Dec. 26, 1606, William Shakespeare’s play “King Lear” is performed at the court of King James I of England. Lear was one of Shakespeare’s later works. * On Dec. 30, 1853, the U.S. minister to Mexico and the president of Mexico sign the Gadsden Purchase in Mexico City. The treaty established the final boundaries of the southern United States. For $10 million, the U.S. acquired 30,000 square miles of land in what is now New Mexico and Arizona. * On Dec. 24, 1865, in Pulaski, Tennessee, a group of Confederate veterans convenes to form a secret society that they christen the “Ku Klux Klan.” The KKK rapidly grew from a secret social fraternity to a paramilitary force bent on reversing the federal government’s progressive reconstruction activities. * On Dec. 27, 1927, Agnes Nixon, the creator of the long-running television soap operas “One Life to Live” and “All My Children,” is born in Chicago. Nixon is credited with introducing social issues into soaps. * On Dec. 25, 1941, “White Christmas,” written by composer and lyricist Irving Berlin, receives its world premiere on Bing Crosby’s weekly NBC radio program, “The Kraft Music Hall.” It went on to become one of the most commercially successful singles of all time. * On Dec. 28, 1975, ice hockey fans watch the Central Red Army team from the Soviet Union defeat the New York Rangers 7-3 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It marked the start of the first midseason exhibition games between Soviet and National Hockey League teams, held from 1975 to 1991.
FIND YOUR ROOTS AND
family tree. Family research, family trees, pedigree charts, living relative look-ups, family history books and posters. Digital documentation included. Samples available upon request. 20% off any research service. John Donovan, Genealogist MBA, 509-251-0921, Post Falls,
johndonovan1@aol.com
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #51 December 17th 2018
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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!. By Matilda Charles don't find what you need below, look at one of our other articles with over 150 gift ideas for Seniors Raising Grandchil- Iftheyou elderly. As well as all the other gift suggestions in related articles, being a winter and Christmas-time lover, dren A show of hands, please -- how many of us are I wanted to include a few specific to the white season below. suddenly raising our grandchildren just when From spending quality time to photo books... there is sure to be an idea that will work for your we were about to retire? Or maybe after we’ve loved one. already retired and have fewer resources and income? There are 2 1/2 million of us doing just Spending Time Together During the Holiday Season As always, the elderly say they most appreciate being thought of - so they that. really enjoy cards and phone calls during the Christmas season. It wasn’t that long ago that we were on our own And their favourite "Christmas gift for the elderly" is spending time toif a family situation fell apart and it became gether - so, if possible, making time to visit is a winner. necessary for us to take in our grandchildren Finding time to spend together during a busy holiday season, though, can and raise them. Now we might be able to get be difficult. Try to fit it in as it will mean a lot to your elderly loved one. some help. A new law was enacted this sumHere are some ideas: mer -- The Supporting Grandparents Raising A personal visit to deliver a card, gift or a hug Grandchildren Act -- after being supported by Asking them over to help decorate the tree 40 different advocacy organizations. Asking them along to sing Christmas carols or listen to a choir The new law will create an advisory council Going to a coffee shop where you can watch kids playing in the snow working under the Department of Health and Watching an old Christmas movie together Human Services to figure out what’s needed to help the children when it comes to health, nutrition and education, as well as help with our Service Ideas A good Christmas gift for the elderly doesn't have to be wrapped up own mental and physical health. The council is and put under the Christmas tree. There are other ways to spread the supposed to research how to raise children, loChristmas spirit. cate resources and so on, with an emphasis on Freezing some of the left-overs from your large meals into small, children affected by drug addiction. The counheatable portions for their freezer cil was given six months to get their ducks in a Taking them grocery shopping for some of their favourite Christmas row. That six months is now up. treats If you’re hooked up with Social Services, give Helping them to get ready for Christmas, whether it be taking time them a call and ask what help you can now get to help them get their Christmas cards sent or taking them to buy from this new law. We’re supposed to get a onegifts for family (or even buying the gifts for them) stop source for contacts and information. Meanwhile, there are other places to seek help. Start with Grandfamilies.org [www.grandfami- Seasonal Gifts Seasonal gift are always nice and many people are sentimental at lies.org], which has information and support for Christmas time. those who are raising their grandchildren. Look Seasonal gifts could be as simple as a small or large poinsettia. for the state fact sheets to see what is available Or a small, potted tree that their grandkids or great-grandkids can in your state. Look at the Search Laws section decorate. to make sure you know the local laws. Also go If your aging parent can no longer have a tree in their home, you to aarp.org and do a search for “grandparents could consider a nice pine-scented candle. raising grandchildren.” For colder climates, a pair of mittens or slippers are always nice. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc. Anything you can think of that is seasonal and would please your loved one would be a nice gift. Seasonal Productions
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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1. Who released “I’ll Be Around” in 1972? 2. What is “The Way It Is” about? Who released it? 3. “Crockett’s Theme” was the theme song for which television series? 4. What female singer released “Picture This” in 1978? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I can’t believe you’ve got a heart of stone, I’ve seen your tears fall when you thought you were alone.” Answers 1. The Spinners. It topped the Hot Soul Singles chart. The song has been covered by a number of others, including The Rippingtons, Otis Gayle and Hall & Oates. 2. The song, written and released by Bruce Hornsby in 1986, is about social issues and civil rights. It went global and charted in the U.S., Ireland, the U.K. and others. 3. “Miami Vice.” The “Crockett” is Detective James “Sonny” Crockett, portrayed by Don Johnson from 1984 to 1990. Although not a big success in the U.S., the instrumental was a smash hit in Europe. 4. Blondie. The song reached No. 12 in the U.K., but was never released as a single in the U.S. 5. “Heart of Stone,” by Taylor Dayne in 1988. The song was released on her debut album, “Tell It to My Heart,” and went to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TOP TEN MOVIES 1. Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) animated 2. The Grinch (PG) animated 3. Creed II (PG-13) Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone 4. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (PG-13) Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston 5. Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13) Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton 6. Instant Family (PG-13) Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne 7. The Possession of Hannah Grace (R) Shay Mitchell, Grey Damon 8. Robin Hood (PG-13) Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx 9. Widows (R) Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez 10. Green Book (PG-13) Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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