Tidbits of the Rogue Valley - Vol 1 Issue 42

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October 14, 2015

Published by: Velocity Ventures Trust

For Advertising: (541) 203-0233 TIDBITS® PRESENTS SOME

NUTTY FACTS

by Kathy Wolfe

Your comfort and health are our primary concerns.

Michelle Johnson DDS University of Texas, 1999

1002 Ramsey Ave, Grants Pass • Near Hospital Visit us online at www.allencreekdental.com

October 22 is National Nut Day – time to see how much you know about one of our favorite snacks.

• A nut is simply defined as a “dry fruit with one seed in which the seed case wall becomes very hard at maturity.” It’s plain to see that a peanut doesn’t fit this description. That’s because peanuts are really legumes – a pod with multiple seeds – and are grown underground unlike nuts.

About 3.75 million pounds (1,700,971 kg) of peanuts are eaten every day across America. The peanut has its origins in South America, specifically Brazil and Peru, and found its way to North America with early explorers. Today, peanuts are grown primarily in China, West Africa, and the United States. Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Virginia, and Oklahoma are America’s key producers of peanuts.

• Peanuts are rich in folate, a mineral necessary for brain development. Studies indicate that because of this, eating peanuts may help protect against cognitive decline.

• Likewise, walnuts are not really nuts, but rather are drupes from the same genus as apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums. The walnut tree is 15 years old before it reaches its full production, but then produces for 45 years. (turn the page for more)

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Volume 1 Issue 42

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NUTTY FACTS (continued):

• With origins in ancient Persia, the walnut is

the oldest tree food known to man. Walnut meats closely resemble a little human brain, with left and right hemispheres, and because of this, people in medieval times believed that walnuts could cure headaches.

In actuality, walnuts contain substances that help develop neuron transmitters within the brain, boosting its ability to send signals and messages. Studies also indicate they help ward off dementia by breaking down the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Walnuts are the only nut that contain hearthealthy Omega-3 fatty acids, and can help reduce inflammation in the arteries.

• California supplies 99% of U.S. walnuts and 75% of the world’s resources. Franciscan monks first began growing walnuts in California in the late 1700s. Commercial groves were first planted in 1867.

• Native to Brazil and the West Indies, cashews are also drupes and are a member of the poison ivy family. The lining of the cashew’s seed contains a powerful oil called anacardic acid that can irritate and burn the skin. Once the cashew is roasted, the oil disintegrates and the shell is easy to remove. Research indicates that cashews may be beneficial in warding off or managing diabetes by stimulating blood sugar absorption by muscle cells.

• Sometimes called the “king of nuts,” the Brazil nut is actually another drupe. The Brazil nut tree produces large pods weighing about 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) that are filled with 12 to 20 seeds, sectioned like a grapefruit. The pods fall to the ground when ripe, split apart, and release the seeds. They are grown mostly in the Amazonian rain forest of northern Bolivia, not in Brazil as the name implies.

The trees have a height of 150 feet (45.7 m), with a trunk diameter of nearly 8 feet (2.4 m).

Cat’s Shedding a Hairy Issue DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My cat “Chester” has always been a big shedder with his long hair.

I’ve pretty much kept up with it by brushing his coat every evening. But lately I’ve noticed a lot more hair deposited on the furniture and carpet, and when I comb him I have to clean out the brush several times. What could be causing this increased shedding? -Cherie K. in Dubuque, Iowa DEAR CHERIE: To start, make an appointment with Chester’s vet for a complete physical exam. Excess shedding doesn’t always have a concrete explanation, but it can signal a change in his health, especially if it wasn’t a problem before.

Excess shedding can have a cause as benign as changes in the season -- shedding in spring and fall, for example. Or it could be triggered by allergies to dust, pollen and molds, which can irritate his skin and make him scratch more.

Skin diseases such as ringworm can be another cause -- it’s something the vet will certainly check for, along with flea infestation or other irritants.

Excess shedding also can signal much more serious conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, something that a vet can diagnose. Ahead of the appointment,

watch Chester’s behavior: Is he drinking excessively? Does he seem agitated? Is he eating as much as he used to? Write down anything that seems unusual and shared it with the vet.

If Chester has developed a health condition, the vet can prescribe the right medications and advise you on the best diet to feed him. If allergies or some unknown irritant is at work, the exam will rule out other possible causes so you can focus on finding a shedding solution.

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Some flashes of Aries ire might erupt as you confront an unusually bewildering situation. But you should be able to keep your temper under control as you work through it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) That marriage ‘twixt the arts and practicality that Taureans excel at once again highlights your enjoyment of much of the week. However, you need to watch any sudden urge to splurge.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Even with all the plusses apparently outweighing the minuses, you still might want to defer an important decision to make sure you have all the facts you need.

CANCER ( June 21 to July 22) One or two problems might threaten to derail otherwise smoothly running situations at work or at home. But a few well-placed words should help get things back on track quickly.

LEO ( July 23 to August 22) This could be a good time for all you Leos and Leonas in the spotlight to open your generous Lion’s hearts and share the glory with those who helped you accomplish so much along the way.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You might want to get advice from someone who’s been there and knows these situations better than you do, before investing time or money (or both) in a questionable matter.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Be

careful how you handle a workplace matter that seems out of place in the schedule you’ve prepared. Before you act, one way or another, find out who set it up and why.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your entertainment aspect is strong this week.

Besides providing a wonderful break from everyday obligations, sharing fun times brings you closer to those you care for.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Having a weekend fun fest? Your friend or relative who’s down in the emotional dumps could perk up if you find a way to include him or her in your plans.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) If you’re in one of those “the Goat knows best” periods, you might want to ease up and try listening to what others have to say. You could learn something.

AQUARIUS ( January 20 to February 18) That new challenge is getting closer, and you should be out there now showing facts and figures to potential allies to help persuade them to rally to your support. Good luck.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Getting a head start on holiday plans could help free up some time later to spend on other projects.

Meanwhile, a colleague has some ideas that you might find worth discussing.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are always there for others, and sometimes you need to be reminded that you need to be there for yourself as well.

NUTTY FACTS (continued): • Brazil nuts are 65% oil with 19 grams of fat in a one-ounce serving. You would need to walk nine minutes to burn off the calories in one Brazil nut.

The good news is they are high in fiber, protein, and magnesium.

• A pecan tree can live to be over 200 years old.

The only major tree nut that is native to North America, the name “pecan” has its origins in the Algonquin Native American language, describing “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.” Cultivation of pecan orchards began in the 1700s and George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were among those who planted pecan trees. A tree, which only produces its fruit every two years, has a trunk that can grow to a diameter of more than 3 feet (.9 m).

• Many of the more than 1,000 varieties of pecans are named for Native American Indian tribes, including the Cheyenne, Mohawk, Sioux, Choctaw, and Shawnee. Some pecan processing facilities shell 150,000 lbs. (68,039 kg) of pecans every day, enough to make 300,000 pecan pies.

The average pecan pie contains about 78 pecans.

• About 80% of the world’s pecan supply is produced in the United States. There are more than 600,000 pecan trees in Albany, Georgia, making it the nation’s pecan capital. Every year, the community is home to the National Pecan Festival, hosting a race, parade, cooking contest, and crowning of the National Pecan Queen.

• Pecans and macadamia nuts have the highest amount of fat, the lowest amount of protein, and the most calories of any nuts. However, a pecan contains more than 19 vitamins and minerals, and is rich in Vitamins A and E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, and zinc.

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skills? Keep in mind that every person you have to hire on will make a dent in your profit.

You may be planning to sell the home, but it is still an investment nonetheless, and you need to know how to get a good price initially and where to invest for a better price later. Do you know how to negotiate a good price? Can you pinpoint the renovations that will get you the most bang for your buck?

Rogue Valley Real Estate House flipping was once all of the rage until the real estate market crashed.

Now that the market is improving, interest in the endeavor is increasing again. Before you make the flip, consider these questions.

It takes a lot of money to purchase a property, remodel it and sell it. Sure, low-interest financing is still available, but will you qualify for it, especially if you have your own mortgage and bills to pay? Even if you do, keep in mind that you will still have to pay interest on the loan, along with taxes, insurance and utilities, until you sell the house. On top of that, you will have to pay for supplies and services to renovate the house, and the estimates may not match the actual costs. You never know what you are going to run into when you start knocking down walls and pulling up flooring and fixtures.

From beginning to end, the process to flip a home could take months. Do you have the time to spare? Do you have the time to find the right property and put together the right team of professionals to ensure every job is done right and up to code? Do you have the time to shop for supplies, meet with contractors and inspectors, and stage the home to sell?

Again, it takes skills to renovate a house. Can you deal with all of the electrical, plumbing and carpentry issues that will come up? If not, can you find the right people with the right

To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D.

Psoriasis Can Precede Psoriatic Arthritis

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year-old male. I had to stop playing golf about two years ago due to joint pain. I had psoriasis from age 15 until I was 40. I am retired from the Navy and had to be hospitalized twice during my time in service due to my skin. Why it disappeared at age 40, I don’t know.

Is it possible that I could have psoriatic arthritis?

One doctor I saw said that I had to have psoriasis in order to get it. I saw that you said that sometimes the arthritis shows up before the skin lesions. Can it show up after you have quit having the lesions?

-- Anon.

ANSWER: Indeed, psoriatic arthritis can show up

Renovation rarely goes smoothly, even on newer homes. Do you have the patience to endure all of the issues that will crop up, like rotten floorboards and bad wiring? Do you have the patience to rework the budget to compensate for the issues that arise?

Flipping is not something to jump into.

It will not make you rich quick, and depending upon how you fare, it may never make you rich. If done right, it will supplement your income. The key is to learn all that you can, talk to as many people as possible and take your time working through the first few houses. Keep your day job and use flipping to supplement your income until you get a real feel for it and make more than enough money to support yourself. Give us a call when you want to get started-- our experience benefits you -- we guarantee it.

Sponsored by:

years after psoriasis starts and when there are no skin lesions. Often, pits in the nails or other nail changes are seen in those with psoriatic arthritis.

However, having psoriasis doesn’t protect you from other types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Since psoriatic arthritis is so destructive, you should see an expert, perhaps a rheumatologist.

The arthritis booklet discusses rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 301W, 628 Virginia Drive Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: Do varicose veins in the leg still return blood? Does circulation diminish if they are removed? Should the elderly avoid removal?

What if a vena cava filter exists for a one-time DVT 25 years ago? -- S.S. ANSWER: Varicose veins are dilated veins. They are very common, especially as we get older, and they seem to run in families. They often come because of leaky valves inside the veins. A previous blood clot is a risk factor, and a filter may make

NUTTY FACTS (continued): • The macadamia nut tells the farmer when it’s ready for harvest by falling to the ground. With origins in Australia, this nut was not discovered until around 1857 and not cultivated until the 1930s. It was named in honor of an Australian chemist, medical teacher, and politician John Macadam. The seeds were introduced to Hawaii in 1882 as a windbreak for sugar cane fields.

Dog owners should be aware that macadamias are toxic to dogs, and can produce weakness, hind leg paralysis, muscle tremors, and severe abdominal pain.

• The almond has its origins in the Mediterranean countries. It’s considered a very healthy nut (although it’s really a drupe!), with more calcium than any other nut. It also contains an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation and may keep cancer and cognitive decline at bay. Almonds are the lowest-calorie nuts – 23 nuts contain 160 calories. There are 110,000 acres of almond trees in California, the almond capital of America.

• Filberts are also known as hazelnuts or cobnuts, and are the main ingredient in the confection praline. Filberts are used to make Nutella, a sweet hazelnut chocolate spread, and Frangelico, an Italian liqueur. As with many other nuts, filberts are rich in thiamine and B vitamins. Most of the world’s supply is grown in Turkey (75%), but Iran, Spain, the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, also contribute to the production.

• The black walnut tree, a member of the hickory family, secretes a poisonous substance called juglone into the soil. Apples, tomatoes, and white birch should not be planted near a black walnut tree, as juglone deprives the plants of energy for their metabolic activity.

varicose veins and clots somewhat more likely.

They do continue to function, returning blood. They should be treated conservatively, with leg elevation, exercise and compression, such as using pressure stockings. I seldom recommend more-aggressive therapy, but if they are symptomatic (pain, tightness, skin irritation) despite a good trial of conservative treatment, they can be treated with laser or radiofrequency ablation, by injecting medication into or around them, or by vein stripping. A vascular surgeon is the expert on these treatments. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 63-year-old male who had a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2008. The source of the bleed could not be found, and fortunately I came out of it in good shape, with no adverse effects. My doctor prescribed diclofenac [an NSAID] for joint and muscle pain, and it does help. Do you see a problem with this, considering that it thins the blood? -- T.O.M. ANSWER: Since the aneurism wasn’t repaired, I would not recommend taking the NSAID unless your consulting neurosurgeon has specifically told you that it is safe to do so. I wouldn’t be brave enough to prescribe it without that OK, even though there is some evidence saying it may be safe.

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NOTEWORTHY INVENTORS:

DONALD FEATHERSTONE

Every time you drive past a neighbor’s front yard decorated with plastic pink flamingos, remember the name of this man, Donald Featherstone, their inventor.

• Back in 1957, Massachusetts native Donald Featherstone was a new graduate of the Worcester Art Museum’s art school, after nine years of formal art training. Described as “an extremely talented artist,” Donald said he “decided to make a living rather than starve to death,” and took a job designing 3D plastic animals for Union Products, Inc. • One of Featherstone’s first projects at Union Products was to sculpt a duck. He purchased a live duck, named it Charlie, and kept it in his sink while he studied the duck for sculpture. Charlie was later released in Fitchburg, Massachusetts’ Coggshall Park.

• Late in 1957, Union tasked Featherstone with carving a flamingo to be molded into plastic.

Without a live flamingo to use as a model, he studied photographs of the bird from National Geographic. A pair of flamingos was the result, one standing erect, the other bending over, seeming to munch on grass. Their legs were metal rods that were planted in the ground.

Featherstone dubbed his creation Phoenicopterus ruber plasticus.

• In 1958, when the color pink was trendy, the plastic birds appeared in the Sears catalog with a retail price of $2.76 a pair. Instructions were included: “Place in garden, lawn, to beautify landscape.” However, not everyone viewed them as a lovely addition to the neighborhood.

Some residential developments prohibited the ornaments, declaring that they epitomized bad taste.

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When you start your vehicle, the instrument panel lights up with all those little symbols. As soon as the computer verifies everything is working properly, the lights go off. On occasion, however, a light remains on and it is best that you find your vehicle’s handbook and look up a detailed explanation of what the light means and if the vehicle is safe to drive. Although some warning lights are specific to a manufacturer or model, there are some that are universal. In this discussion let’s continue to look at some of the more common warning lights and what you should do in the instance they occur.

The check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp indicates there is a potential emissions fault. There are a number of reasons why this light might come on, such as dirty fuel injectors, a loose gas cap, fouled spark plugs, the failure of an engine sensor or an emissions control system problem. To find the exact nature of the problem, a mechanic must attach your vehicle’s diagnostic connector to a scan tool. You may continue to drive your vehicle unless another light comes on. In that case, you should have your vehicle checked out as

Beat the Winter Blues Short days when the sun stays low in the sky, even at noon ... cold temperatures that make us want to stay inside -- winters can be dark, in more ways than one, and mental health can be affected.

If we don’t get enough sunlight, we don’t make enough serotonin, the “happy mood” chemical, and our natural routines can be upset. Cabin fever can set in when we hibernate, and that can lead to depression. The key is to stay as active as possible.

Consider whether planning for regular, specific outings this winter can add to your mental wellbeing. Here are some ideas: * Get outside. Go somewhere, just to be in a different place for a little while. The bookstore, craft shop, indoor mall, grocery store, library, a

Dirty Dealing at the VA The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General has just finished its long review of anonymous allegations about a senior executive in the Philadelphia Veterans Benefits office. The VAOIG had been asked to investigate by the chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs. The charge: Inappropriate use of senior positions for personal benefit. The verdict: Guilty as charged.

At the VA regional office in Philadelphia, the director created the very vacancy that she then applied for: The person who had the job was told he needed to relocate (under duress) to Los Angeles or he’d lose his job. She was approved for the post six days before the displaced employee even saw his reassignment

Page 5

soon as possible. If the light comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, switch the engine off for two minutes and then restart it; this may reset the engine management system.

The charging system warning light or the battery charge warning light indicates your vehicle is running on the battery.

The charging system isn’t producing enough current for the vehicle’s electrical needs. Your vehicle will run as long as the battery has a charge, which may not be very long in the daylight and even less at night. To get more life out your battery, turn off all unnecessary electrical devices (radio, heater and defroster). The problem could be the result of a number of things, such as corroded or loose battery cables, an alternator malfunction or a damaged drive belt. If you don’t see a problem with the battery cables or the belt, start the vehicle and turn on the lights. If they are dim, you have a problem with the alternator or some other electrical part. You should have the vehicle checked out immediately.

Next week I will finish our discussion about indicator lights. In the meantime, if you have any of the issues described and you would like a professional diagnosis, come by and see us in Grants Pass or Medford-- Kelly’s Automotive Service, where we service your vehicle, but take care of you. ~ Safe Travels, Dave Kelly

friend’s house, the movies, the gym -- anyplace different (but warm) can be a mood elevator. * Be social. Meet with others and plan something different each week. Check crafts, art, writing or any kind of class at the senior center.

Look into a reading or current-events discussion group at the library. If you’re near a college, attend a lecture or audit a class. * If you go to an indoor mall, use that as an opportunity to walk in a climate-controlled environment. If you can locate a seniors workout class, sign up. Ask about a swim class at the YMCA. Take a friend, so you’re not tempted to stay home. Stretch your time away by including a stop for a cup of coffee or a meal, or a visit to the library. * Sign up to volunteer: animal shelter, church, homeless shelter, hospital baby ward, school library, reading to children ... the list is nearly endless.

Don’t let the cold keep you indoors this winter!

package. (In another case, the then-current job holder was similarly shafted and hustled off to Baltimore so another person could have his job in St. Paul, Minnesota.)

The new director received a whopping $274,019.12 in relocation assistance when she moved 140 miles to her new position. Of that amount, $33,261.29 went directly into her pocket. She kept her executive-level pay rate ($181,497), even though the new job had fewer responsibilities.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Once the VAOIG got to looking around, it uncovered over 20 cases where executives took another position, got pay increases and had their moving expenses paid -- all during a time when the head of the VA said no executives would get a raise because of the backlog of claims.

The salary increases, said the VAOIG, “did not consistently reflect changes in the positions’ scope of responsibility.” When the new salaries were given, they were substantially higher than what the predecessor was paid -- a ploy to get around the ban on pay raises.

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Saturday October 24th 4:00 & 6:00 PM Odd Fellows Cemetery • Foothill Blvd, Grants Pass

$10 Adult • $5 Kids 12-17 • Under 12 Free

Volunteers Needed! make a difference in the life of a vulnerable adult in Jackson or Josephine County.

• Good Personal Finance Skills like budgeting, banking & organizing?

• Basic computer skills, are dependable, and enjoy helping others?

Contact: Robin Hoerler (541)779-2273

“That’s Amore” Q: I have a mint 78-rpm recording of Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.” Is it worth more than the $5 I paid for it? -- Stan, Sun City, Arizona A: Probably not. Your recording was issued by Capitol Records (Capitol 2589) and hit the charts in November 1953. The song was introduced in the movie “The Caddy.” It is not considered rare, and generally sells for $2 or $3 in good condition. Incidentally, the record charted for 22 weeks and quickly became a standard. ***

Q: I have inherited a vase that was crafted and signed by Susie Cooper, but I have not been able to find anything about her in any of my reference books. I wonder if the piece is worth keeping. -Betty, San Diego A: Susie Cooper was a 20th-century ceramic designer who was first affiliated with A.E. Gray Pottery in Henley, England. Some of her very first pieces were made in 1922, but by 1930 she had formed a family pottery business with her brotherin-law, Jack Beeson. Within a decade she had become an important potter, and her pieces are quite collectible. For example, a vase might sell in the $200 to $450 range, and a punch bowl, $200. If you like your vase, it is worth keeping. *** Q: I have a set of salt-and-pepper shakers that are marked “Desert Sands.” What do you know about this company? -- Bill, Tulsa, Oklahoma A: Not much. During the 1850s, a small pottery

company was started in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. During the 1920s, it moved to Las Vegas, where the name Desert Sands was adopted. In 1937, the plant relocated to Boulder City, Nevada, and eventually moved once again to Barstow, California, where it closed during the 1970s.

Pieces were identified with stamps and paper labels. I would assume your salt-and-pepper set might be worth about $25. *** Q: I have several thousand matchbook covers.

How can I find out how much they are worth?

-- Niles, Palmetto, Florida A: One of the better reference books is The Matchcover Collector’s Price Guide (2nd edition)

by Bill Retskin, available at Amazon.com. You also might look into the Rathkamp Matchcover Society at www.matchcover.org.

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Page 7

Community Read-Aloud

Sunday, October 25th 1:00 pm -4:00 pm Josephine Community Libraries, Grants Pass Branch 200 NW C Street Pre-registration is required. Call 541-476-0571 or visit josephinelibrary.org

1. THEATER: Which musical featured a song with the lyrics, “I feel pretty, oh so pretty”?

2. MEDICAL: In human beings, what causes a goiter?

3. GEOGRAPHY: In what city would you find the Brandenburg Gate?

4. MUSIC: Which Southern rock band had a hit single with “Imaginary Lover”?

5. MOVIES: In which movie did longtime game host Bob Barker make his debut?

6. SCIENCE: What does an ornithologist study?

7. COMPUTERS: What kind of computer file carries the extension “.wav”?

8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the adjective used to describe horses?

9. LANGUAGE: What is a pangram?

10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Who once said, “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend.

Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read”?

1. Name the last N.L. pitcher before the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw in 2014 to win the regular-season MVP Award.

2. How many managers did the Chicago White Sox have during the decade of the 1980s?

3. Marshall’s Rakeem Cato, in 2014, set a Division I record for most consecutive games with at least one TD pass (46). Who had held the mark?

4. When was the last time before 2014 that the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks all failed to make the NBA playoffs in the same season?

5. Name the coach who led Canada in 2002 to its first gold medal in men’s Olympic hockey following a 50-year drought.

6. Lionel Messi set a Champions League soccer scoring record in 2014 when he tallied his 72nd goal. Who had held the mark?

7. Name three of the six fighters Manny Pacquiao has lost to in his 65-bout pro boxing career.

Shape and Bake Colorful Leaf Tortilla Chips

FEATHERSTONE (continued): • In 1987, Featherstone inscribed his signature in the original molds in order for buyers to distinguish between his creation and unauthorized imitations.

• In 1996, Featherstone became the president of Union Products. That year he was also awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for Art, a parody of the Nobel Prizes, given each year for unusual achievements. The goal of the prize is to “honor achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.” Featherstone remained at the helm of the company until his retirement in 2000. During his 43-year tenure, he had designed over 600 items for Union. In addition, he had co-authored a book The Original Pink Flamingos: Splendor on the Grass.

• In 2006, after producing an estimated 20 million plastic flamingos, Union Products closed its doors and the bird became an endangered species. Featherstone set out to find a buyer for the molds. In 2007, a New York manufacturer purchased the copyright and molds, and once again the ornaments were in production.

• Donald and his wife Nancy, whom he married in 1976 when he was 40 years old, wore matching outfits for more than 35 years. Nancy sewed all of the ensembles, many of them from flamingo-patterned fabric. The couple kept 57 plastic flamingos on their front lawn. Her Christmas gift to Don one year was a 6-foot-tall (1.83-m) bronze flamingo. Although the plastic flamingo was Don’s most popular creation, Nancy claims she has always been partial to the ostrich he designed.

• Tribute was paid to Don by naming the pink flamingo character Featherstone in the 2011 Disney film “Gnomeo & Juliet.” Don passed away in June of 2015 at age 79.

In the spirit of fall, let a blaze of edible leaf-shaped chips fall on your platters for a tasty, healthy treat for parties, or for a quick and easy eye-catching afterschool snack. Pop the colorful chips, designed by cookie cutters and made from your favorite tortillas and wraps, in the oven, or take the shortcut approach and use your microwave. Either way, the crispy and crunchy edible “leaves” will be a super family hit.

When you peruse the tortilla and wrap section of your grocery store, the choices for making your chips can be daunting. I grabbed the colorful varieties to mimic the look of changing leaves in our backyard. Wholegrain tomato basil wraps, spinach flour tortillas and sprouted grains tortillas were perfect for the project.

My family also likes corn tortillas for their taqueriastyle flavor and texture, but the cookie cutters simply didn’t cut through those as easily. For that variety, we used scissors and cut out geometric shapes and capital alphabet letters to spell “LEAF.” Whatever you choose, here’s how to make this healthy, whimsical snack: LEAF-SHAPED TORTILLA CHIPS 6-8 tortillas and wraps in a variety of flavors and colors, such as tomato basil, spinach, sprouted grains and corn Canola oil Salt Assorted metal cookie cutters in leaf shapes Kitchen scissors 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Place a tortilla on a wooden cutting board, and cut into leaf shapes with metal cookie cutters. If using corn tortillas, use scissors to cut your own leaf designs and alphabet letters. You might cut letters to make a word such as “leaf,” “fall,” “Happy Halloween” or the name of your favorite sports team.

3. Set cutouts in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or brushed with oil.

Lightly brush shapes with oil and sprinkle with salt and other favorite seasonings.

4. Bake for 6 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet and bake until the chips are crisp, lightly golden and brown, about 3 minutes more. Serve with salsa and dips. Serves 4-6. Chips can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

SHORTCUT: Make a few chips quickly in your microwave. Cut a tortilla in shapes and set on a paper towel. Microwave on high for about 1 minute. Turn cutouts over and microwave for 15-30 seconds or until lightly brown and crisp, but not burnt. Keep watch, as microwaves vary. Sprinkle with salt or seasonings and serve.

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ORIGAMI

World Origami Days are held October 24 through November 11. Let’s see how much you know about this ancient art.

• The word “origami” has its origins in the Japanese language, with “ori” meaning “folding” and “gami” translating “paper.”

At one time, it was known as “orikata,” or “folded shape.” The goal of origami is to transform a simple sheet of paper into a delicate sculpture through folding techniques, without the use of glue or cuts.

Paper folding that utilizes cuts is referred to as “kirigami.”

• Many claim that paper was invented in China around 105 A.D., although some archaeological evidence indicates an earlier date. Early Chinese paper folding was primarily “yuanbao,” paper folded to look like gold nuggets. The pieces were used at funerals as a burnt offering to the dead. China also introduced Golden Venture Folding, in which small pieces of paper are folded into triangular units which are assembled into larger models.

• Around the sixth century, paper was introduced into Korea and Japan. Paper was expensive and not readily available to the general public, and consequently, became an art form limited to religious rituals and ceremonies. Early Japanese purification rituals employed the use of zig-zag-shaped paper known as “Shide.”

These triangles were attached to straw ropes, to altars, or to wooden staffs that were used as purification wands.

• The first documented book published about paper folding was Tsutsumi-no Ki, published in 1764, containing instructions on how to fold 13 different ceremonial folds. In 1797, recreational paper folding became popular and the book Folding of 1000 Cranes was introduced, with lessons on folding interconnecting cranes.

• Origami is used at traditional Shinto weddings to fashion paper butterflies to decorate bottles of Japanese sake. The “Mecho” butterfly signifies the female, while the “Ocho” represents the male.

1. St. Louis’ Bob Gibson, in 1968.

2. Tony La Russa (1980-86), Doug Rader (1986), Jim Fregosi (1986-88) and Jeff Torborg (1989).

3. Russell Wilson, who did it in 38 games with North Carolina State and Wisconsin (2009-12).

4. Never.

5. Pat Quinn.

6. Raul, with 71.

7. Floyd Mayweather Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley, Erik Morales, Medgoen Singsurat and Rustico Torrecampo.

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A “Tsuki” is a piece of origami that accompanies a valuable gift and can serve as its certificate of authenticity. “Noshi” are attached to gifts, much like we use greeting cards, used as a token of good fortune for congratulatory occasions, such as graduations or promotions. “Noshi” would never be given at funerals or religious ceremonies. The “Tsutsumi” is a formal gift wrapping whose folds symbolize sincerity and purity.

• The traditional origami paper used in Japan is known as “washi,” and is much tougher than ordinary paper. Rather than being fashioned from wood pulp like ordinary paper, washi is made using fibers from the bark of the gamp tree or mitsumata shrub in a long and intricate process. It can also be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, wheat, or the kozo (paper mulberry) tree.

• In the 17th and 18th centuries, origami was used in Germany to produce baptism certificates called “Patenbriefs,” which translates “sponsor letters.” These were 4x4” (10x10 cm) papers, typically given to babies by their godparents.

• In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, 250,000 paper cranes, the symbol for world peace, were folded and displayed at a memorial in that city. Each crane had a person’s name on it, along with as a short message. An ancient Japanese legend claims that if you fold 1,000 cranes, you will be granted a wish.

Answers 1. “West Side Story” 2. Usually a lack of iodine 3. Berlin 4. Atlanta Rhythm Section 5. “Happy Gilmore” with Adam Sandler 6. Birds 7. Audio 8. Equine 9. A sentence that uses every letter of the alphabet.

10. Groucho Marx