KootenaiCounty, County,Idaho IdahoIssue Issue#52 #46December Nov. 13th24th 20172018 ofofKootenai
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TIDBITS® CELEBRATES THE WINTER SOLSTICE
by Kathy Wolfe This year, the December Solstice will fall on December 21, and will be the Northern Hemisphere’s shortest day of the year and the Southern Hemisphere’s longest day. It’s when the sun reaches its southern-most position as seen from the Earth, and the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun. Follow along as Tidbits sets its sights on that event and other happenings that have occurred during this Solstice week over the years. • The word “solstice” has its origins in the Latin language, translating “the Sun stands still.” At the moment of the solstice, the Sun does seem to stand still over the Tropic of Capricorn, then reverses its direction. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the solstice is used as the start of the winter season. North of the Arctic Circle, there is no direct sunlight whatsoever, while south of the Antarctic Circle, there are 24 hours of daylight. • On Christmas Eve, 1963, just 31 days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, New York’s Idlewild Airport was renamed JFK Airport in his honor. Idlewild, which opened in 1948, was named for the Idlewild Beach Golf Course, previous tenant of the property. Today, JFK is the sixth-busiest airport in America, handling more than 59 million passengers last year. turn the page for more…
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018 WINTER SOLSTICE (continued): • Lots of folks were on pins and needles on December 21, 2012, waiting for the world to end. Some astronomers predicted the end of human civilization on that day based on the Mayan calendar. However, the Mayan calendar didn’t really end on that date, but rather it was the end of “Great Cycle of the Long Count,” a wheelshaped part of their calendar. After December 21, another “Long Count” began. Yet certain astronomers claimed that a galactic alignment of planets would produce a gravitational effect between the sun and a black hole at the center of the galaxy, possibly destroying Earth. • On December 21, 1968, three astronauts – Frank Borman, James Lovell, Jr., both 40 years old, and 35-year-old Williams Anders – entered the Apollo 8 spacecraft and launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s orbit and reach the moon. Apollo 8 took 68 hours to cover the distance to the Moon, where it orbited ten times over the next 20 hours. The crew became the first humans to see the Earth as a whole planet and to view the dark side of the moon. On Christmas morning, the craft exited the Moon’s orbit and headed for Earth. On December 27, it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean south of Hawaii. • Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh suffered from mental illness and severe depression his entire life, and on December 23, 1888, he cut off a large portion of his left ear with a razor. He later painted Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear to record the event. Although revered today as the genius who created his famous sunflower series of paintings, along with Starry Night and Irises, Van Gogh lived much of his life in poverty and despair. He created about 2,100 works of art in just over ten years, yet during his short lifetime, he actually sold only one painting. Just 19 months after cutting off his ear, he took his own life at age 37.
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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 #52 December 24th 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
WINTER SOLSTICE (continued): • The world’s first successful kidney transplant took place at a Boston hospital on December 23, 1954, by a team headed by 35-year-old Dr. Joseph Murray, a surgeon and Harvard Medical School professor. Richard Herrick was 23 years old and had recently been discharged from the Coast Guard. He was welcomed home by his twin brother Ronald, who was told that Richard was dying of kidney disease. Because humans can live with just one kidney, Ronald donated a healthy kidney for this ground-breaking surgery. As a result, Richard lived eight more years. Over the next 20 years, about 10,000 kidney transplants were performed. Today, nearly 17,000 Americans undergo the procedure every year. The survival rate for the first year after surgery is more than 95%. Upwards of 80% are still alive five years later. • Just two days after Christmas, 1932, New York’s Radio City Music Hall opened its doors at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. The plot of land, located in a formerly run-down area of the city, was originally intended for a new Metropolitan Opera House. But because a new building was too pricey for the opera to fund by itself, billionaire John D. Rockefeller, Jr. stepped in, making the theater the cornerstone of his new Rockefeller Center complex. For 40 years, Radio City Music Hall functioned as a first-run movie theater and a site for large stage projections. It then adjusted to hosting concerts by famous musicians. With a capacity of nearly 6,000, Radio City is the world’s largest indoor theater, and has accommodated more than 300 million attendees since 1932.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai Issue #52 December 24th 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas County WINTER SOLSTICE (continued): • Christmas Eve, 1923 marked the lighting of the first outdoor national Christmas tree. President Calvin Coolidge lit the tree on the White House grounds, the first tree to be decorated with electric lights, 2,500 red, white, and green bulbs. The 48-foot-tall (14.6 m) balsam fir had been sent from Coolidge’s home state of Vermont. The lighting was followed by caroling led by the Epiphany Church choir and a U.S. Marine Band quartet, and a concert by the full band. • The history of baseball changed dramatically on December 26, 1919, when Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for an unprecedented $100,000. After five seasons with the Sox and the completion of the 1919 season, Ruth demanded a raise from $10,000 a year to $20,000, about $212,733 in today’s dollars. When Frazee refused, Ruth said he wouldn’t play until he got the raise. Frazee’s response was the sale. And so began the “Curse of the Bambino.” Up to that point, the Sox had been one of the most successful teams, with five World Series titles. After the sale, the Yankees won seven American League pennants and four World Series championships, while it took 86 years before the Sox were Series champions again. • Beginning in 1927, Time magazine has named a “Man of the Year,” renamed “Person of the Year” in 1999. However, on December 26, 1982, the magazine chose a non-human for the honor, with the cover reading “Machine of the Year.”
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STRANGE BUT TRUE by Samantha Weaver * It was beloved American comedian and film star Groucho Marx who made the following sage observation: “There’s one way to find out if a man is honest -- ask him. If he says ‘Yes,’ you know he is a crook.” * You might be surprised to learn that, in addition to his holiday duties, Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, coopers, sailors, fishermen, merchants, broadcasters, the falsely accused, repentant thieves, brewers, pharmacists, archers, pawnbrokers, Aberdeen, Galway, Russia, Greece, Hellenic Navy, Liverpool, the Italian town of Bari, the city of Siggiewi in Malta, Moscow, Amsterdam and the Lorraine region of France. * The next time you’ve enjoyed a happy hour out with friends, you might want to consider the virtually unknown adjective “gambrinous,” which means “to be content and happy due to a stomach full of beer.” * A pregnant goldfish is known as a “twit.” * Sometimes looking at local ordinances can make you wonder what inspired lawmakers to pass such laws. For instance, in Florida it’s illegal to wear nothing but liquid latex while in a public place. * If you make a serious study of Hungarian gypsies, you probably already know that you’re a “tziganologist.” * Ever wonder how the statuette taken home by winners of the Academy Awards got its nickname? Evidently, in 1931 a secretary at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences saw the statuette for the first time and exclaimed, “Why, he reminds me of my Uncle Oscar!” The comment struck the fancy of a reporter who was present, and he put it in a story about the awards, and the name stuck. “It is easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.” -- Felix Adler (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho #52505-0674 December 24th 2018 For Advertising Call Issue (334)
COUCH THEATER -- DVD PREVIEWS By Amy Anderson
PHOTO: Jack Black in “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” Photo Credit: Dreamworks
“The House with a Clock in Its Walls” (PG) -- Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) is 10 years old and an orphan, sent to live with his oddball uncle. It’s hard to be the new kid, especially when you live in the creepiest house in the neighborhood. When he’s dared into opening an off-limits section of the house to a schoolfriend, he accidentally wakes the dead, and he, his uncle and the neighborhood witch (a delightful Cate Blanchett as Mrs. Zimmerman) will have to work overtime to clean the clocks of the evil that’s to come. Jack Black is at his most effective in weirdo roles, and he’s simply magical here as Uncle Jonathan Barnavelt, a warlock who is the caretaker of this house with a secret. Pull up an enchanted sofa, and enjoy this film with a batch of chocolate chip cookies. “A Simple Favor” (R) -- An unlikely friendship is struck between glamorous fashion executive Emily (Blake Lively) and mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) that takes so many twists and turns that by the end of the movie you’ll be sick to your stomach -- and loving it! The two women bond over play dates, so it’s unremarkable when Emily enlists Stephanie as a babysitter. But then she doesn’t turn up and eventually is discovered dead in a lake. There’s intrigue, confession, sex and alternate personalities. Well-done performances by the leads and direction by Paul Feig. Adapted from the novel by Darcey Bell. “Little Women” (PG-13) -- When Louisa May Alcott published “Little Women,” do you think she knew just how many times the March sisters would have to come of age on film? This release marks the seventh film adaptation, this time bringing Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy into the present day. Jo is a writer challenged to dig into her own life for meaningful material. Meg dreams of domestic harmony, while Beth’s quiet spiritual strength belies her fragile health, and Amy’s artist talents blossom as she dreams of material wealth. It may be updated to the modern times, but it’s 100 percent sappy and sweet -- like, the Hallmark Channel version. Lea Thompson is Marmee, and Lucas Grabeel plays Laurie. “Venom” (PG-13) -- Tom Hardy stars as investigative journalist Eddie Brock, who, while trying to expose the underhanded machinations of a big bio-engineering company, inadvertently bonds with an alien lifeform that unleashes superhero powers in him. This symbiote is called Venom, and unfortunately for the rest of us, is part of a group of no nose, big teeth, slimy actual peopleeaters whose manifest destiny includes taking over the planet. Bummer. Brock/Venom face off against archtype billionaire baddie CEO Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed), among other things. The superhero genre has a plentiful stream of offerings, there’s no need to waste your time on this weak drivel. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TIDBITS ofTidbits Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018 of Dallas County
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
Winter Blues – Greens, Reds and Yellows Too! We call them “Winter Blues” – feeling kind of low and down and out. “Depression”, grey skies and the winter illnesses all collectively result in feeling a little dispirited. Instead of feeling woeful this time of year, why don’t we circumvent this melancholy time period and strengthen our resolve – mentally and physically. We can. First, make sure the body has what it needs to make healthy serotonins – your healthy, happy, stress-enduring brain hormones. What do we need? We need Vitamin D, essential fatty acids, good whole foods and nutrient-dense broths, soups and other foods to nourish our brain and our bodies. Some of these foods are multi-colored. In fact, eating a rainbow of colors on each plate of food not only nourishes your body, but nourishes the mind. This eye-candy is essential to offsetting the “blue” in our lives. Each color offers different benefits. Green foods, such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and other cruciferous veggies and green leafy veggies provide minerals much needed by the brain, help balance pH in the body, boosts immune system health/fights infections. Green veggies and fruit contain betacarotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate, vitamin C, calcium and other nutrients. Orange, red and yellow foods such as carrots, beets, tomatoes, peppers of all colors, and squashes contain many vitamins as well as minerals that the brain requires to make hormones. These colored veggies provide beta-carotene,
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zeaxanthin, flavonoids, vitamin C and lycopene (needed for eyes, skin, brain); anthocyanins and quercetin, hesperidin, ellagic acid – particularly in the red foods (that help the circulatory system, brain aging and prevents oxidative damage). Blue and purple foods contain anthocyanins, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, quercetin and phenolics (slows aging and oxidative DNA damage). Even some white fruits and veggies are helpful. A strong spot of white amongst purple broccoli, red beets, yellow-spined swiss chard and a nice steak provides a beautiful contrast. White, such as cauliflower, garlic, ginger, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, kohlrabi, mushrooms, onions, turnips, parsnips, white nectarines or white peaches contain powerful immune-boosting nutrients such as beta-glucans, lignans and other nutrients which also balance immune responses. By contrast, yellows, reds, greens and blues in the form of gelatin desserts, sodas and other artificially colored foods is the antithesis to health. These sugary consumables actually inhibit healthy immune response. If you want to stay healthy during the winter, avoid these like the plague! The best color you could have is pink – not in foods, but in your complexion. Pink represents the quintessential in a healthy body. Using acupuncture to reduce any disease that inhibits your health, reduce stress and lift mood is one of the most effective ways to reduce the winter “blues”.
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 #52 December 24th 2018 Advertising CallIssue (334) 505-0674
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue #52 December 24th 2018 Tidbits Dallas County
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might be busier than you had expected right now. But between the socializing rounds and the workplace tasks, there are opportunities for special moments with that certain someone. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your creative approach leads to a quicker-than-expected solution to a workplace problem. Now you can devote more time to that proposal you hope to introduce by midmonth. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Technological glitches create problems early on. But by midweek, all runs smoothly once again, and you’re well and truly on your way to meeting all your deadlines. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your energy levels are high, and you feel you can handle everything that comes along. But try to take a break from your hectic pace for some quiet time with someone close to you. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Before you pounce on that shiny new opportunity, take more time to check it out to see how much substance actually lies beneath all that glitter. A family member has important news. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A personal situation you thought was resolved resurfaces, thanks to a possibly well-intentioned move that went awry. Deal with it as soon as possible. Accept the help of a trusted friend. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) That goal you set way back when is finally in sight. Maintain your focus on achieving it, and don’t allow yourself to be distracted by unimportant demands for your attention. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A temperamental flare-up creates negative feelings that need to be dealt with immediately. But things once again go well after the apologies are made and hurt feelings are soothed. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An early impulsive act causes confusion. But all is smoothed over once explanations are made. Expect a friend or family member to ask for your kind and always wise advice. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You might have to do some juggling of your priorities, as a personal matter appears to require more time and attention. Put your pride aside and accept help from those who offer it. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your creative aspect is strong. Not only does it help you accomplish your goals, but it also inspires others. This could lead to a potentially rewarding collaboration opportunity. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Be careful about making major decisions when you’re not really committed to them. And resist any pressure to do otherwise. Better to delay action until all doubts are resolved.
BORN THIS WEEK:
You set goals and are rarely distracted by any attempt to move you off the path you’ve chosen to reach them. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
ForofAdvertising 505-0674 TIDBITS Kootenai County,Call Idaho(334) Issue #52 December 24th 2018 DONNA’S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN By Donna Erickson
Scented Pomander Balls Add to Holiday Decor
Inserting whole cloves into a firm apple or citrus fruit to create what is known as a pomander is a lovely traditional craft you might remember doing when you were young. Tis the season to pass this artful fun on to your own kids or grandkids. Easy to make, pomander balls’ rustic beauty and holiday scent make them unique gifts for friends and neighbors that will last long into the new year. For this version using apples, you’ll need to do some shopping for just two ingredients, whole cloves and apples. I economize by buying cloves in bulk at our neighborhood co-op grocery story. You may also find them in jars in the spice section of most markets. Use any size apple you prefer. This year, I chose cute small snack-size apples rather than larger ones, which makes creating a lovely clove-studded apple easier for kids to complete in one sitting. Here’s the stuff for one pomander ball covered with cloves: -- Fresh, firm apple -- Whole cloves -- Narrow festive ribbon -- Toothpick or bamboo skewer -- Gift box to fit finished pomander ball and one sheet of tissue paper (for gift-giving) Here’s the fun: To cover the entire apple with cloves, use the toothpick or bamboo skewer and poke several evenly spaced small holes making a circular pattern through the apple skin, beginning near the top stem. Insert cloves one by one into these holes, like a “dot to dot” activity. (Leave space between the cloves, as the apple will shrink in size.) Continue making holes around and around the apple and filling them with cloves until you reach the base. For a gift: Decorate the clove-studded apple by criss-crossing colorful ribbon around it vertically once or twice and topping it with a loop to hang in a windowsill or on a wreath. For a nice presentation, set in small gift box with tissue paper. When the recipient lifts the lid, the delicious, spicy scent will permeate the air. Citrus balls: Using a similar technique, poke holes into the rind of citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons and limes. Instead of covering fruit entirely with cloves, use as many as you would like to create swirls, shapes or alphabet letters. If you have visitors coming to your holiday dinner, make a place card by forming the initial of their name, add a bow on top and place the fruit on the center of each plate. 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.”
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai IssueCounty #52 December 24th 2018 TidbitsCounty, Dallas
Q&A with Susan Ashley, MD
Weight Loss
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It’s implanted via a minimally invasive procedure to generate gentle electric pulses from the stomach’s natural churning motions and deliver them to the vagus nerve that links the stomach and the brain -- basically it fools the brain into thinking the stomach is full after only a few bites of food! Effects of the device are reversible; after removing the study animals resumed normal eating patterns and regained their weight. It does not require external battery charging - there’s no batteries at all. There are no electronics, no complicated wirings, and relies on the undulations of the stomach walls to power its internal generators. It’s been patented and testing is beginning in larger animals. If successful, they will then move on to human trials. Which means, I don’t know when it will come on the market, but when and if it does it may be of great benefit to many. In the meantime, enjoy Christmas and all the blessings that the holidays bring, and afterwards, start the diet!
The first of the year is coming, and you know what that means. New Years Resolutions for weight loss! As anyone over the age of 40 knows, weight loss becomes more difficult with each passing year, as our metabolism slows, insulin resistance occurs, and muscle mass decreases. For effective fat loss, I recommend a lower carb diet, especially the ketogenic diet. The keto diet is high in the good fats, which makes you feel full all the time - hunger is not an issue. It’s moderate in protein and low in carbs. It’s also good for you, and brings down insulin and blood sugars, while lowering inflammation. If this is too difficult, a promising new weapon is on the horizon in the battle of the bulge -- a device that is implanted and reduces hunger. The device measures less than 1 cm across, has no batteries, and is easily implantable. In lab testing the device helped rats to shed close to 40% of their weight. 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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1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the current capital of Turkey? 2. MOVIES: What message did the Wicked Witch of the West write in the sky in “The Wizard of Oz”? 3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In which century did the National Geographic magazine first publish? 4. HISTORY: In what decade were the Dionne quintuplets born, the first known set of quintuplets known to have survived their infancy? 5. LITERATURE: What is the last word of Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”? 6. MUSIC: Which singer/songwriter’s nickname is “Sweet Baby James”? 7. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: What 20th-century statesman once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility”? 8. TELEVISION: What was the name of the town that was the setting for the comedy series “Petticoat Junction”? 9. MATH: What is the only number whose letters are in alphabetical order when spelled out? 10. CHEMISTRY: How many hydrogen atoms are in one molecule of water? Answers 1. Ankara 2. “Surrender Dorothy” 3. 19th century (Sept. 22, 1888) 4. 1930s 5. Sleep 6. James Taylor 7. Winston Churchill 8. Hooterville 9. Forty 10. Two (H2O)
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Issue County #52 December 24th 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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FOOD OF THE WEEK: FRUITCAKE • Fruitcake might be the butt of many jokes during this season, but it wasn’t always so. It was a delicacy to the ancient Romans, who made a mixture of barley, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins. During the Middle Ages when dried fruits became available, these were added, along with honey and spices. The Crusaders carried fruitcake with them to get them through their long journeys. • During the 1700s and 1800s, it became a tradition to make fruitcakes for very special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. Fruitcake was always served at British teatime in the mid1800s, and Queen Victoria served a plum fruitcake at her wedding to Prince Albert. The tradition was repeated at the wedding of Princess Diana to Prince Charles. That particular fruitcake became famous when a slice was sold at an auction house in 2016 for $7,500. The 2011 wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William continued the fruitcake custom. Unmarried wedding guests during Victorian times placed a slice of the wedding fruitcake under their pillow in order to dream of the person they would marry. • Today’s fruitcakes are made with a high ratio of fruit and nuts to batter, with just enough cake batter to hold it together. The result is a very heavy, dense, moist cake. A light fruitcake’s ingredients include light corn syrup, golden raisins, pineapple, and apricots, while a dark fruitcake has darker ingredients – molasses, dark fruits like raisins, prunes, dates, and cherries. Candied citron is a popular component, made from thick peel of citrus fruit. It is placed in brine and fermented for several weeks, boiled, then candied in a sugar solution.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Call Idaho Issue #52505-0674 December 24th 2018 For Advertising (334) FRUITCAKE (continued): • Fruitcakes are saturated with liqueurs or brandy, then covered in powdered sugar, both which serve to prevent mold. Storing them in brandyor wine-soaked linens, then placing in an airtight container prolongs their life. Cakes aged 25 years and longer are not unusual, and can still be eaten. In fact, a 106-year-old fruitcake was discovered last year, dating from a Norwegian expedition to Antarctica in 1811. It was considered in “excellent condition” and “almost edible,” with just a very slight rancid butter smell. • A pineapple fruitcake was part of the cargo on the Apollo 11 space mission. However, none of the astronauts partook of the treat, which is now the property of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. • Johnny Carson was famous for ridiculing fruitcake, saying, “There is only one fruitcake in the entire world and people keep passing it around.” The Urban Dictionary defines fruitcake as “a gross cake-like thing that consists of nasty spices, nuts, and dried fruit.” Another clever line by Jon Ronson was, “Friends are the fruitcake of life – some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet.” • Manitou Springs, Colorado, has been home to the Great Fruitcake Toss on the first Saturday of every January since 1995, which “encourages the use of recycled fruitcakes.” The record for the longest toss is 1,420 feet (432.8 m), by a team of Boeing engineers who used a mock artillery piece fueled by compressed air to launch their fruitcake.
Spending Soars on Gifts for Pets DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I love buying gifts for my pets at Christmas. My ex-boyfriend, however, says I spend too much money and that my dog and two cats don’t care that they’re getting presents. I still love doing it, though -- it makes me happy to see them in a new dog sweater or cat collar or playing with new toys. What do you think? -- Craig J., via email DEAR CRAIG: I think you answered the question yourself: It makes you happy to give gifts to your pets. That should be all that matters -- as long as you’re not overspending. Paying the rent or the mortgage is still important. The truth is, Americans are spending more on their pets this holiday than ever before. A new poll by St. Leo University found that, on average, pet owners plan to spend $237 on gifts this season. That’s way up from the same poll done in 2015, when pet owners said they would only spend about $98 on their pets. Why the big uptick in spending? Maybe it’s the way we increasingly see pets as family members. Maybe we have a little more disposable income this year and want to buy pricier gifts that we wouldn’t have considered for our pets a few years ago. For example, the owner of a store I frequent has a small terrier that wears a different, stylish doggie sweater every day. At any rate, it’s your choice how much to spend on your pets, no matter what others might think. Readers, what New Year’s resolutions will you make for your pet? Let me know at ask@ pawscorner.com or on Twitter @PawsCorner. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
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® of Idaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #52 December 24th 2018 Tidbits Dallas
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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS In commemoration of the first publication of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Tidbits studies up the facts on this beloved poem. • Clement Clarke Moore has long been purported to be the author of the poem, which was originally entitled “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore was a professor of biblical and classical studies, especially ancient languages. In 1809, he published the lengthy two-volume Compendious Lexicon of the Hebrew Language. He composed several poems to his beloved wife Elizabeth, who died shortly after her 30th birthday, leaving Moore with seven children. • The classic poem was first published on December 23, 1823 in a New York newspaper, the Troy Sentinel, submitted to the paper anonymously. There are differing theories as to who gave it to the Sentinel, one that the Moore’s housekeeper sent it, and another that a daughter of a local reverend overheard the poem recited when visiting the family in 1822, copied it down and sent it to the paper. Some historians say that Moore didn’t claim the authorship at the time because he considered it a less-than-distinguished work for a theological professor. • Over the next several years, the poem reappeared a few times in newspapers, but then faded away. In 1837, 14 years after its first publication, Moore claimed ownership of the poem, admitting he had written it “not for publication, but to amuse my children,” and in 1844, he officially included it in an anthology of his work. • In 1899, the family of Henry Livingston stepped forward with claims that their farmer and part-time poet great-grandfather had in fact composed the poem. They maintained that, according to family recollections, their ancestors recalled their father reading the poem to them at Christmas time, 1808, and that he in fact was the author.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
New GI Bill Fiasco Leaves Vets in Debt
The Forever GI Bill, which expands education benefits for veterans and their families, was supposed to take effect Aug. 1, 2018. It didn’t happen. Due to computer problems, hundreds of thousands of veterans either didn’t get their money or didn’t get the correct amount, leaving many of them in hock, with the landlord knocking at the door. But, said the Department of Veterans Affairs, all the missing money would be paid retroactively. Meanwhile, Congressional staffers heard rumors that the VA would not be making those retroactive payments, period. It wouldn’t be possible to look at hundreds of thousands of claims to make sure veterans got all of their money. It would be too much work for too little benefit. Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, in a sit-down with Congress, said the same thing. Instead of August 2018, they’re looking at December 2019 to kick off the program. He blamed the computer system. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie had to immediately step up and tell Lawrence to “reset” their efforts to get the IT going, which would include soliciting bids from vendors. Wilkie further announced that veterans would indeed get all of their new and retroactive benefits “once VA is in a position to process education claims in accordance with the new law.” In other words, once the IT is up and running. Once again, the devil is in the details ... and in the parsing of sentences. The VA hasn’t had a chief information officer all year. This summer the president nominated a highly qualified 20-year Marine Corps veteran to fill the post. The nomination hasn’t been confirmed. I honestly don’t know it there’s truly an unfixable computer problem, or if it’s political. Think about that. Sometimes all you have to do to bring down a computer system is trip over the power cord.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (continued): •One Livingston relative claimed that several of Henry’s children had seen the original manuscript on his desk, with notations and edits. But the family couldn’t produce the manuscript, saying it had been lost in a house fire. • Several 21st-century literary professors analyzed the poem’s style, and compared Livingston’s with Moore’s. Some professors declared that there was no way Moore could have written the work, because the Christmas poem was completely unlike Moore’s usual structure and content. They argued that Livingston’s style and phraseology of his other works matched “A Visit from St. Nicholas” perfectly. Others contended that Moore was a grumpy and stodgy scholar of ancient Hebrew, who didn’t like children and couldn’t possibly have written a “light-hearted, child-friendly poem.” • Livingston’s Dutch heritage was also brought into the argument, because the original poem listed two of the reindeer names as “Dunder” and “Blixem,” the Dutch words for Thunder and Lightning. • However, the truth remains that the poem was published several times after 1823, and Henry Livingston did not step forward to claim authorship. There also remain four hand-written copies of the poem, signed by Clement Clarke Moore, including one that was sold for $280,000 in 2006. • And so the controversy continues, one family’s word against another’s, with Moore getting credit for the classic until Livingston’s family can prove otherwise. • The Chelsea District of Manhattan sits on an estate once owned by Moore’s father, an 18th-century sea captain, who bought the land in 1750. Clement Moore donated the apple orchard to the Episcopal Diocese for a seminary, and developed the remainder of the estate into an upscale neighborhood.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #18 April 30th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #18 April 30th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
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* On Jan. 4, 1785, the older of the two Grimm brothers, Jacob, is born in Hanau, Germany. His brother Wilhelm is born the following year. As young men, the brothers published “Children’s and Household Tales,” later known as “Grimm’s Fairy Tales,” in several volumes between 1812 and 1822. * On Dec. 31, 1879, in the first public demonstration of his incandescent light bulb, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison lights up a street in Menlo Park, New Jersey. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company ran special trains to Menlo Park in response to public enthusiasm over the event. * On Jan. 5, 1933, construction begins on the Golden Gate Bridge, as workers began excavating 3.25 million cubic feet of dirt for the structure’s huge anchorages. The bridge officially opened on May 27, 1937, the longest bridge span in the world at the time. * On Jan. 1, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issue a declaration, signed by representatives of 26 countries, called the “United Nations.” The signatories vowed to create an international postwar peacekeeping organization. * On Jan. 2, 1962, an appearance by The Weavers on NBC’s “The Jack Paar Show” is canceled when band members refuse to sign an oath of political loyalty. The folk group saw their careers nearly destroyed by the anti-communist Red Scare of the early 1950s. * On Jan. 6, 1975, some members of a large crowd in line to buy tickets to the rock band Led Zeppelin break into the Boston Garden arena and cause $50,000 in damage. In response, Boston’s mayor Kevin H. White bans the band from Boston for five years. * On Jan. 3, 1987, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame admits its first female artist, Aretha Franklin. Since then female inductees have included The Supremes, Janis Joplin and The Shirelles. (c) 2018 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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,
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
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Seniors’ Perspectives Enhance our Families, our Communities, our Lives! By Matilda Charles
New Scam Has You Pay With Gift Card If you get calls from people claiming to be from the utility company or an alleged family member, or even the Internal Revenue Service, and they try to scare you into making immediate payment, it’s surely a scam. One way to tell it’s a scam is if they insist you pay with gift cards, likely a Google Play or iTunes card. This is a theft problem that has increased 270 percent since 2015. It can be tempting ... especially if you’re told you’ve won something and only need to send a gift card to cover postage. You might be told that you missed jury duty and can post your bail with a gift card instead of being arrested. Or you might be told that you can get certain medical supplies that Medicare won’t pay for, or that you have a computer bug and they can fix it for you. There’s no end to the scenarios these thieves can think up. Even if you fall for the scam, once might not be enough. Once they know how to manipulate you, they’ll come back again and again. A note of warning: If you’re in a store buying a gift card and the clerk tells you it might be a scam, listen. They see this all the time and they’re trying to help you. There are at least seven different gift card scams out there right now. To learn more, go online to the Federal Trade Commission and see ftc.gov/giftcards. If you’ve paid for something with a gift card, let the FTC know. The FTC website has the phone numbers of many companies that issue gift cards, including Amazon, MoneyPak and Steam. Also go online to giftcards.com and read up on gift card scams. (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
The primary joy of working in Assisted Living is, without a doubt, the loving positive impact of the residents of all faiths and backgrounds on my heart. Today was no exception. A lovely resident asked me to read a story she wrote of her personal experience. It seems important to share it with you… “Road Rage” (Written by Barbara Powell with Deeann Chisholm) God has a purpose for our lives. Our purpose will always involve bringing His love and mercy to a hurting and dying world. If we watch, we will see opportunities to fulfill our purpose. Road rage is one sign that people are becoming angrier and feeling more out of control of their lives and environments. Wild and reckless driving, obscene gestures and outright physical violence cause terror for other drives and pedestrians. The rage spreads like a virus as one person responds to another person’s violence in an equally violent way. We all have places we need to go and be at certain times. Sometimes we underestimate the amount of time it takes to get somewhere and drive a bit more aggressively than we normally would. We cut off the person who seems to be moving too slowly; we tailgate, run red lights and stop signs, and exceed the speed limit. We are misbehaving, hoping that we can get away with it. As a senior citizen, I am more and more aware that I have to be very careful and watch what I am doing. It is very easy to make mistakes that could cause an accident, as my friend and I recently learned. After a wonderful dinner one night, my friend, Sandy, and I had just gotten on a street when we witnessed an accident. A woman in a sedan assumed that she was at a four way stop. She pulled out and broadsided a pickup truck. The pickup truck had the right of way. There were two young children in the club cab. The man jumped out of his truck and began screamingat the woman. He then pulled his children from the cab and examined them for injuries. After assuring himself that they were uninjured, he placed them back into the truck. He then got into his truck and pulled it around to a parking area. The woman just sat in her car. She was obviously stunned. Again the man approached her car and ordered her to move her car out of traffic into the parking area. His anger was intense but controlled. I said, “Sandy, I think this is our call.: She pulled around the corner into the parking lot. We parked next to the two vehicles. I said, “I’ll take the woman, Sandy, you take the kids.” The woman was standing outside her car, very upset and crying. She said over and over, “I didn’t do it on purpose. I wouldn’t hurt your children. I love children. I am in an unfamiliar area. I thought this was a four way stop. I am so sorry. I am so sorry.” I wrapped both of my arms around the woman. Sandy went to the children and wrapped her arms around them and spoke calming words to them. A five-year old told me once, “we all make mistakes!” With this memory, I repeated the wise words of the five-year old to the distressed woman. “It’s okay. Weall make mistakes.” After the accident had cleared, the man came to where we were standing. He said to the woman, “I’m so sorry that I yelled at you.” He put his arm around her and gave her a hug. That evening God’s will was for us to bring His love and mercy into that stressful situation. We were to be a calming presence for the concerned father, his children, and the frightened young woman. Our response to God’s question, “Who can I send? Who will go?” should always be, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” For guidance, questions, and tours of The Lodge Assisted Living, call Linda Davis 208-755- 3637.
Linda Davis Director of building relationships. 208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
1. What 1950s teen idol wrote and released “You Are My Destiny”? 2. Which group released “Walking in Rhythm”? 3. Who had a No. 1 hit with “The Flame”? 4. Whose version of “Almost Persuaded” won a Grammy in 1967? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “With her went my future, my life is filled with gloom. So day after day, I stay locked up in my room.” Answers 1. Paul Anka, in 1957. He was 16 years old. The song went global with versions in French and Spanish. Anka later recorded a duet version with Michael Buble. 2. The Blackbyrds, in 1975. The song charted in both the U.S. and U.K., got a Grammy nod and went gold. 3. Cheap Trick, in 1988. It was the only chart topper the group ever had. Formed in 1973, the band still tours. 4. David Houston. The country song has been covered by over a dozen artists. 5. “I Wish It Would Rain,” by the Temptations, in 1967. The singer’s girl has left, and he needs the rain to hide his tears. The man who penned the lyrics wrote it from his own experience. He committed suicide a week after the song came out. (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. Green Book (PG-13) Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali 8. Robin Hood (PG-13) Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx 9. The Possession of Hannah Grace (R) Shay Mitchell, Grey Damon 10. Widows (R) Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez (c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #52 December 24th 2018
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #38 September 17th 2018
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