Vol. 18: #50 • Nature's Architects • (12-11-2022) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Janet Spencer

Animals and insects of all types are equipped at birth with an amazing built-in instinct for constructing a living space for themselves, complete with building plans and construction methods already imprinted on their brains. When reaching adulthood, they set about the purposeful tasks of building their multipurpose homes, some of which are also used for catching prey and attracting their mates. In the process they create gorgeous nests, shelters, and habitats. This week, Tidbits looks at a few examples of this creature-created architecture!

INSECT ARCHITECTURE

• Many people have spent their careers studying how a very large workforce of tiny-brained creatures can build a complex structure using very simple principles of organization and division of labor. For example, a nest of wasps was carefully studied by researchers who painstakingly applied colored dots on the backs of an entire wasp colony in order to identify where they went and what they did. They found

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

1. MOVIES: What does Susan Walker want as a gift from Santa in the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”?

2. MUSIC: Which famous rock band once called itself The New Yardbirds?

3. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the Thar Desert located?

4. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom’s theme song was “Thank You for Being a Friend”?

5. FOOD & DRINK: When was frozen food invented?

6. MOVIES: Which Disney princess is modeled after a real person?

7. ANATOMY: What is the only human organ capable of natural regeneration?

8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male and female swans called?

9. U.S. STATES: Which state’s motto is “Excelsior!”?

10. HISTORY: How many people signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence?

• A black hole is called a black hole because of its color, especially since light can’t escape. Every black hole started out as a star. Every star started out as a swirling mass of gasses. As gravity pulled the gas cloud closer, everything pressed together. Pressure built up on the inside, eventually becoming so intense that a nuclear reaction started. The star became a furnace which burned for millions or billions of years, until the furnace ran out of fuel and the nuclear reaction ceased.

• The center of the star began to cool down, and the superheated plasma surrounding the center collapsed and compressed, and then rebounded, like a wave crashing against a cliff wall and bouncing back. The pressure pushed the outer layers of the star outward in what’s called a supernova. A supernova has the potential to become a black hole, but it all depends on the size of the original star.

• If the star was 25 to 40 times bigger than our Sun, the supernova eventually collapsed in upon itself, pulling matter in so tightly that gravity will not even allow light to escape. It is now a black hole.

• However, if the star was only ten times the size of the Sun or less, when the supernova contracts, it becomes a white dwarf. This will be the eventual fate of our Sun.

• If the star is ten to 25 times the size of our Sun, it’s not quite big enough to form a black hole. Instead, it becomes a neutron star.

• Black holes are grouped into four categories by their size: Stellar, supermassive, intermediate, or miniature. Black holes expand in size either by swallowing surrounding matter or by merging with other black holes. There is no limit to the size they can grow.

• Approximately one out of every thousand stars is massive enough to become a black hole. Since the Milky Way contains over 100 billion stars, our home galaxy must harbor some 100 million black holes.

• Albert Einstein first predicted the existence of

black holes in 1916, with his general theory of relativity. The term “black hole” was coined in 1967 by American astronomer John Wheeler.

• The first black hole ever discovered was Cygnus X-1, located within the Milky Way in the constellation of Cygnus, the Swan. Astronomers saw the first signs of the black hole in 1964, and confirmed its existence in 1971 by noting a blue star circling endlessly around a blank spot, while the blank spot was constantly drawing material off of the star. Cygnus X-1is ten times larger than the Sun.

• The first image of a black hole was captured in 2019. The photo of the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy 55 million light-years from Earth thrilled scientists around the world. It is 6.5 billion times heavier than the Sun.

• There is a black hole at the center of every galaxy, but black holes exist elsewhere too.

• The supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A* (pronounced A-star), is 4.3 million times the mass of our Sun. It’s 27,000 lightyears away. This is the only black hole whose mass has been measured directly by observing the full orbit of a circling star. It’s diameter is about equal to the distance between Earth and the Sun.

• A snowball size ball of plasma from the center of the Sun would weigh about 100 pounds. But the same size ball of material from inside a black hole would weigh as much as the total of ten Earths.

• The closest black hole to Earth is dubbed “The Unicorn” and is located about 1,500 light-years away. The nickname has a double meaning. Not only does the black hole reside in the constellation Monoceros (“the unicorn”), but it’s also incredibly low mass, being only about three times that of the Sun, making it rare and one of a kind, also like a unicorn. □

Tidbits

that there are four main tasks divided among the entire colony: First is to forage for wood pulp; second is to bring water to the nest; third is to combine the pulp and the water and mix it to the right consistency to build the wasp nest; fourth is to forage for pollen and nectar for food.

• In small wasp colonies, task-switching was common, but in large colonies, very little taskswitching occurred. In large colonies, when the nest was damaged so that more nest-building materials were required, squadrons of formerly inactive wasps would come forth to get the work done, but those wasps devoted to the gathering of food never joined in the ranks.

• One species of Central American moth is densely covered with long stiff hairs when it’s in the caterpillar stage. When it’s ready to pupate, it pulls out its hairs one by one with its jaws and then attaches the hairs to the stem of a plant using silk extruded from its mouth. Then it builds its cocoon in between rows of these spikey barriers, incorporating the last few hairs to strengthen the wall of the cocoon. The structure provides protection from predators during the metamorphosis period as it turns into a moth.

• In the warm climate of South America, the leafcutter ants burrow underground nests that go as deep as 18 feet and house colonies of up to eight million ants, not including some two to three million larva and eggs. This is equivalent to the population of some of the world’s largest cities, all living in within a single structure! The ants make their living by chewing the leaves of certain grasses to a pulp, and then storing the edible fungus from the pulp in dedicated chambers far underground. The fungus needs ventilation, so the ants build entrance holes in shallow surface mounds topped by tiny turrets made of dried mud. The surface wind is caught by the turret vents and funneled down to the depths of the chambers.

of Coachella Valley

with an average of 41 entrances, some of the tunnels having over 500 places to exit. You might expect that such a complicated system of burrows would house dozens, if not hundreds, of rats. But only two, or sometimes three rats actually inhabit the sprawling complex.

Nature's

QUIZ BITS

• In South Africa, termite colonies use mud to construct tall towers which can measure more than six feet in height. Clustered together, the mud shafts of varying heights are up to four feet wide, earning them the title of “cathedral” mounds. One such mound was carbon dated and found to be about 5,000 years old, with the colony still thriving within.

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One species of mud-dauber wasp is named the 'potter wasp' because it slurps up beads of water and carries it to a patch of collected soil, where it mixes it into mud perfect for constructing its nest.

• Long-abandoned nests of the mud dauber wasp found in caves in Western Australia. were carbon dated and found to be over 10,000 years old – remarkable for a delicate-looking nest made of mud. Mud daubers also build nests under bridges in the U.S. which are so sturdy that swallows use them as a foundation to build their own nests on, also made of mud.

• Some species of moths and butterflies have detachable scales, so if they encounter a spider web, scales peel off and are left behind in the web while the bug falls free. The spiders will then build several layers of webs so that when the freed insect falls, it will become stuck again, eventually running out of detachable scales and becoming permanently stuck.

• The silk strands in a spider web are made up of protein molecules aligned tightly together. Even though each strand is thinner than a human hair, each one has, pound for pound, a stronger tensile strength than hardened steel.

RODENT ARCHITECTURE

• A species of rodent called the Brant’s whistling rat gets the blue ribbon prize for its amazing tunneling ability. Most rodents that live underground will dig a burrow with one or two entrances. But this unique African rodent builds a complex labyrinth of multi-branching tunnels

1. It would take the life work of how many spiders to produce a single pound of silk?

Wed.--Sat. 10am--5pm ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. FREE valleybits@msn.com Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 All Rights Reserved Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Please review carefully. Prices  Hours Office: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Property of CFR Patio 1/8th page, Full Color, 26x Disc. Dec. 11, 2022 • Vol. 18 - No. 50  CFRpatio.com PATIO FURNITURE PATIO FURNITURE 760.413.5560 760.413.5560 Our sling fabrics are woven from durable, resilient PVC-Coated Extremely strong it won’t sag or tear under pressure! Our material preforms beautifully in all kinds of weather, is water resistant and can withstand the desert’s intense UV Rays! White Glove Pickup/Delivery Service Available CALL: SLING FABRIC REPLACEMENT Make Your Old Patio Furniture LOOK LIKE NEW AGAIN! Extensive 3-year warranty. Workmanship guaranteed ● Furniture Parts ● Powder Coating MON., DEC. 5 WE’VE MOVED! NEW LOCATION ! 60+ Fabric Choices 10% OFF 10% OFF SPECIAL Exp. 1-31-23 DISCOUNT OUTDOOR FURNITURE RESTORATION 31290 Plantation Dr. ● Thousand Palms Visit our NEW SHOWROOM REFURBISHED FURNITURE SALES RESTORE • REFINISH • REPAIR I-10 VARNER RD. 31290 Plantation Dr. Thousand Palms MANUFACTURING RD. RAMON RD. BOB HOPE DR. PLANTATION DR.   ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. FREE The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read of Coachella Valley enture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. FREE The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read of Coachella Valley For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved  Driveways  Walkways  Patios  Pavers  Repairs  Resurfacing 40 Years Experience ● All Work Guaranteed 10% Donated in your name to charity of your choice CONCRETE SERVICE A.R.C. CONCRETE 760-832-8556 Lic. #CA 664512 A.R.C. Concrete c/o Willie Dougherty BZ BW 6x Discount Dec. 11, 2022 • Vol. 18: Issue #50 Thursday, 12/1/2022 My Uncle’s Shutter Factory 760- 898 - 4040 MyUnclesShutters@gmail.com Building quality custom shutters for over 31 years An element of LDR Construction Services CA Lic#988835 FancyorPlain MyUncle’sShutterFactorywillsaveYou$onShutters! Quality Basswood Construction ·Reasonable Prices ANY Color! ·Limited Lifetime Warranty Professional Installation ·Locally Made in S o Cal ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide! of Coachella Valley Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Hours Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 Bartley Corrigan Construction 12th page, BW, 26x October 23, 2022 • Vol. 18: #43  Family owned and operated for 25 years. ROOF REPAIR ROOFING • PAINTING • WATERPROOFING & LEAK SPECIALIST 10% OFF 10% OFF Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Mobile Homes Call "Bart" TODAY: I FIND IT & FIX IT! I FIND IT & FIX IT! ALL PHASES OF ROOFING: New Roofs • Flat • Tile State-of-the-Art Silicone Coatings Metal • Shingles • Shakes Asphalt • Polyurethane Foam Tile & Metal Roof Painting COOL ROOF COATINGS 760.895.5599 Old School Quality and Service. CA Lic #743322 • Bonded • Insured • Workers Comp. SENIOR DISCOUNT Exp. 11-30-22 Exp.12-31-22

By Lucie Winborne

* In 2020, a lightning bolt extending a total of 477.2 miles spread across Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, setting a new world record for the longest flash.

* Rubber bands last longer if you refrigerate them.

* Rooms at the Null Stern (“zero star”) Hotel are situated in repurposed nuclear bunkers and include open-air mountain rooms with equally zero walls. The designers obviously weren’t kidding about that rating.

* In 2002, NASA intern Thad Roberts stole a safe full of moon rocks so he and his girlfriend could have “sex on the moon.” Their otherworldly romantic encounter backfired when they later tried to sell the $21 million worth of rocks. Roberts was caught and sentenced to eight years in prison.

* And speaking of romance: Tinder’s not just for humans! Well, not at the Dutch zoo that created a “Tinder for orangutans” to help a female named Samboja find a breeding partner. The primate was shown photos of potential mates from an international breeding program on a tablet, but unfortunately her mother got hold of it ... and smashed it to pieces.

* Only humans have chins.

* In 2012, the police chief of Vaughn, New Mexico, stepped down because his own criminal record prevented him from carrying a gun. That left just a drug-sniffing dog named Nikita as the only certified member of the town’s police department.

***

Thought for the Day: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” -- Zig Ziglar

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

Ask Me Anything:

Cost

of Ice, DIY Whipped Butter, Old Frozen Birds, EC en EspaÑol

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

that should be tossed.

DEAR MARY: I was reading a Spanish newspaper cover to cover on a flight from Madrid to Miami. The newspaper, El Pais, features articles from The New York Times, the Washington Post and others every week. Well, right there in one of the articles was a quote from you. Talk about reaching readers!

On a recent extended visit to Spain, I didn’t have internet access like I have at home, but I checked your column at least three times a week in that newspaper while I was there. Thanks for the job you do and for inspiring us. Congratulations on all your accomplishments. You are a blessing in my life.

-- Carmen

by Mary Hunt

DEAR MARY: My husband says that it costs more to make ice in the freezer than to buy it in bags. I find that hard to believe. Do you know the answer? -- J.M.

Dear J.M.: Let’s say a 10-pound bag of ice at the store costs $2. Two dollars’ worth of water from your tap would be nearly 350 gallons at the U.S. average price of about 0.0058 cents per gallon -- enough to make a lot of ice. You are already keeping the freezer at zero degrees F, so it will take no more energy to make ice in it than you’re spending now to freeze other stuff.

Your husband’s theory might hold water if he’s talking about buying a separate ice-making machine that will be an additional appliance in your home and draw its own electricity. Otherwise, I think he’s all wet.

3:00 p.m.

DEAR MARY: I love the soft texture of whipped butter, but the stuff in the tubs costs a fortune when compared pound for pound with stick butter. My favorite is the butter that is whipped with olive oil.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can make my own whipped butter? I have no idea what type of proportions I would need, or if a third ingredient is necessary so it will spread easily. -- Sara

Dear Sara: You’ll need two sticks of real butter (that’s 1 cup, and please do not substitute with margarine), 1 cup of canola or olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and an electric mixer. Allow the butter to come to room temperature in a medium-size mixing bowl. Mix it with the electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds or until it becomes creamy. Keeping the mixer running, add the oil in a small, steady stream. Add the salt. Keep mixing until it looks very light and fluffy.

Store the whipped butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Even enjoy its spreadability straight from the refrigerator. By the way, the nutritional value of canola oil and olive oil are almost identical. However, you may find it more cost effective to use canola oil.

DEAR MARY: How long will a turkey keep in the freezer? I still have an uncooked turkey in the freezer from Thanksgiving 2007. Should I toss it, or can I do something with it? -- Lina

Dear Lina: I just did a double take! I thought I read 2017, but now I see you’ve had this bird in your freezer for 15 years! You may have a collector’s item on your hands -- petrified turkey! No, seriously, you need to dispose of it. My best sources assure us that a turkey frozen solid in its original packaging is good for up to one year. After that, it degrades into a tasteless, poorly textured, very old, terrible piece of poultry

Dear Carmen: Who knew I could write in Spanish! Ha-ha. Seriously, oftentimes interviews that I do or articles I write are licensed to other publications without my knowing. Many thanks you for your kind words, or perhaps I should say, “Gracias!”

*

* *

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate. com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”

all heard stories about household dogs that seem to have amazing abilities to sense things that humans can't detect at all. But did you know that many of their feline counterparts have shown they can have similar traits? Here are some interesting examples of ordinary cats doing just that!

• A married couple went on vacation and left their cat with an aunt at her house while they were away. The aunt lived two miles away, and the cat had never been there before. When the couple returned home two weeks later, they found their cat on their front porch. They called their aunt to thank her for returning their pet, saving them the trouble of collecting him. The aunt heaved a sigh of relief, saying that the cat had slipped out the door just that morning and she’d been searching everywhere for him all day.

• One woman had taken a new job and had to move far away, leaving her beloved cat with her parents. The cat then disappeared from its new home a few days later, and the parents eventually gave up looking for him. But when the woman returned home for a visit two months later, the cat mysteriously reappeared about an hour before she arrived. He was well-fed and nicely groomed, but had no collar or ID on him. Everyone was baffled as to where he had been, where he was living, and how he could possibly have known to show up just when his previous owner was about to arrive for a visit.

• The mystery continued as he disappeared once again as soon as she left to go back to her new home. To the amazement of all, he reappeared again months later just before their daughter returned for another visit. The unexplained visitations continued this way for over a year until the daughter decided to do a test by arriving at her parents' home without first letting them

know she was coming. But her test failed to surprise her parents when the cat arrived at their home about an hour before their daughter did.

• One woman owned five cats who had the run of the house and the yard, using a cat door to come and go. One time when she suffered a prolonged illness, the five cats took turns staying by her side, while the others roamed free. They had a very exacting rotating schedule which they never varied from, so she was never alone in the house and always had a companion by her side.

• Another lady who was an enthusiastic cook often used a grinder to grind vegetables, fruits, and meats. Her cat would always come into the kitchen whenever she got out the grinder to grind meats, because she would drop scraps to the floor as treats. But the cat would somehow sense before the grinder even came out that her intentions were to grind fruits or vegetables, and it never even came into the kitchen.

• Cats can even sometimes sense things coming over the phone. Take the case of the cat named Carlo, who belonged to a young girl. When she grew up and went off to college, she would phone home occasionally, but not on any regular schedule. In the family’s house, the phone was on the stair landing, and the cat was not allowed upstairs. But whenever the phone rang and it was her on the line, Carlo would bound up the stairs and stand close to the phone. He never did this at any other time.

• Sugar was a Persian that belonged to a family in California. When they moved to a new home in Oklahoma, Sugar jumped out of the car window in panic and could not be found. The family continued with their trip, and the neighbors notified them later that they had found Sugar and would keep her safe until they could return for her. Unfortunately, Sugar disappeared a few days later and could not be found anywhere. A year later, the cat turned up, skinny and with matted fur, at the family’s new home in Oklahoma. It had traveled alone over 1,100 miles through unknown territory, and somehow

managed to find them.

• A survey of vet clinics showed that 90% of them often experienced cancellations when cats were scheduled for appointments. It's because cats would so often sense that a vet visit was in the offing they would suddenly disappear. The only clinic that did not report this phenomenon had stopped making appointments for cats, and just told cat owners: “Bring your cat in whenever you can catch it, and we’ll see it then.” □

by Dana Jackson

Q: I recently watched a Christmas movie with “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer. Was that his real-life daughter who played his daughter in the movie? They have the same last name. Is her mother Camille from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”? -- G.Y.

A: Yes, father-daughter combo Kelsey and Spencer Grammer recently starred in the Lifetime holiday film “The 12 Days of Christmas Eve.” Kelsey plays a wealthy CEO with a knack for business, but has zero personal skills, resulting in a poor relationship with his offspring. After his character gets into a frightening car accident, none other than Santa Claus gives him 12 chances to mend his ways.

As for Spencer Grammer, her first acting role was an appearance on an episode of “Cheers” back in 1992. Spencer’s also known for playing Dr. Lucy Montgomery on the daytime soap “As the World Turns” for three years, and she went on to star in the ABC Family series about sorority life, “Greek.” Her longest-running role, for about ten years, has been in the form of voiceover work as Summer on the animated series “Rick & Morty.”

As for Spencer’s mother, her name is Doreen Alderman. Camille Grammer, formerly of

“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fame, was his second wife. They were married for 14 years and had two children before splitting after the first season of the reality show. For the past decade, Kelsey has been married to Kayte Grammer, who is from England. They met while she was working as a flight attendant during one of his business travels. ***

Q: Who are the Antonellis, the couple who own a cheese shop in the credit card commercials? Where is their store located? -- D.N.

A: They’re spouses John and Kendall Antonelli, owners of Antonelli’s Cheese Shops in Austin, Texas (www.AntonellisCheese.com). According to “Insider,” their store hosts hundreds of classes and events every year and also sells their products wholesale to over 150 restaurants. During the pandemic, they actually grew the size of their workforce by 40% across three locations.

John is a former CPA, who had an epiphany on their honeymoon that he wanted to do “something with cheese.” Kendall worked for a nonprofit and eventually joined John in launching their business. They both do public speaking engagements as well. ***

Q: Is the actress playing Holly on

“General Hospital” the same one who played the role years ago? -- Y.H.

A: Yes, that’s Emma Samms back as Holly Sutton, the same role she originated in the early 1980s. She last appeared on the soap in 2015 to help usher out the character of Luke when Anthony Geary retired. Samms came back to L.A. in September for a month-long shoot alongside another iconic character, Robert Scorpio, played by Tristan Rogers.

Samms warned producers that she was suffering from extreme fatigue and shortness of breath due to lingering effects from COVID. She told “People” magazine she feels really lucky that her bosses were so willing to accommodate her restricted work schedule.

* * *

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Features News Syndicate

Grillades

This New Orleans-style smothered steak is often served with grits for breakfast. We like it for lunch and dinner, too.

4 (6 ounces each) beef minute steaks

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black peppercorns

3 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (14 to 16 ounces) tomatoes in puree

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1. Sprinkle beef with salt and ground black peppercorns. In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add steaks and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side, transferring steaks to plate as they are browned.

2. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil to skillet; reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add green pepper, celery and garlic; cook, stirring, 3 minutes longer. Add tomatoes with their puree, breaking them up with side of spoon. Stir in broth, Worcestershire and bay leaves. Increase heat to high; heat to boiling.

3. Return steaks to skillet and reduce heat. Cover and simmer 40 minutes. Transfer steaks to platter; keep warm. Increase heat to high; stir in vinegar and heat to boiling. Boil until

sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves. To serve, spoon sauce over steaks. Makes 4 main-dish servings.

 Each serving: About 437 calories, 26g total fat (9g saturated), 37g protein, 13g carbohydrate, 107mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium.

Bacon Deviled Eggs

8 hard boiled eggs

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons relish

1 tablespoons yellow mustard

1 teaspoons water

1/8 teaspoons pepper

2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

1. Peel the hard boiled eggs and cut each

lengthwise in half. Transfer yolks to large bowl; arrange whites on serving plate.

2. To bowl with yolks, add mayonnaise, relish, yellow mustard, water and pepper. Stir until well-combined. Mound 2 teaspoons of the mixture into each egg white. Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over filling.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/. (c) 2022 Hearst Communications, Inc.

"Do Not Touch" must be one of the scariest things to read in Braille.

Just when I'm finally holding the right cards, everyone wants to start playing checkers.

NEST HEADS

By John Allen

DIAMOND

by Brett Koth

By Matthew Margolis Creators

DUE:

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12/12 National Poinsettia Day

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12/16 Stupid Toy Day 12/17 Christmas Caroling Day

You probably know that ticks cause Lyme disease in dogs. But did you know that removing a diseased tick in the early stages of attachment could save your dog a lifetime of pain, decreased mobility and possible damage to the heart, kidneys and nervous system?

You probably know to keep your dog away from chocolate and candy. But did you know that a handful of raisins could induce kidney disease? And would you recognize the symptoms of failing kidneys?

You probably know that a limping dog is an uncomfortable dog. But did you know that a dog with a “skip” to his gait might have a patellar luxation? And did you know that a consequence of patellar luxation is degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and lameness?

You probably know that obesity leads to diabetes in dogs and humans. But do you know how diabetes presents in a dog? Would you notice the symptoms of lethargy, decreased appetite, excessive water consumption and increased urination?

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You probably know all about the dangers of snakes hidden in tall grass. But what about the danger of some grasses themselves? Foxtail barbs designed to move forward and not backward pose a serious threat of soft tissue damage and infection when left embedded in a dog’s nose, ear canal, paw or skin.

A little bit of awareness is all it takes to prevent most of these scenarios from spinning dangerously out of control. Daily attention to your dog’s overall being can save you thousands of dollars -and his life.

I call it the nose-to-toes one-minute morning checkup, and it’s the best return on investment you’ll ever see.

As the name suggests, start at the nose and work back. Check the nose, eyes, ears and gums. At first, you’re looking to get a feel for your dog’s norm. Once you know his norm, you’ll readily pick up on changes -- drippy nose, bad breath, inflamed

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Do You Feel Isolated?

Researchers must be worried about us. There are hundreds of studies done around the world on the topic of isolated seniors and how it’s bad for our brain and physical health. While we can appreciate their concern, it would be nice if they could at least all agree on the facts they report.

A Norwegian university has released the results of a report on maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline. They’ve concluded, after reviewing 101 other studies, that social activity is very important, along with physical exercise and involvement with interesting activities and hobbies that keep our minds active.

One study praised us for following the Covid rules and staying home and avoiding face-to-face social contact, saying we mentally weathered our isolation better than any other age group.

But at the same time, another study concluded that we didn’t do well at all during the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. Their findings reported that we not only suffered from sleep disturbances, but that we were coping with depression and anxiety as well.

Still another study analyzing information

gathered before and during the pandemic concluded that yes, there was physical and social isolation, but not digital isolation. In other words, many of us took advantage of our plentiful spare time to buckle down and learn enough computer basics to go online. As a result, it allowed us to communicate with family and friends and search interesting topics on the internet. It opened a whole new world for us.

One serious study looked at 12 possible relationships (friends, neighbors, family and so on) and concluded that being socially isolated made us more susceptible to the common cold.

Yet another study said that it was when the Covid rules were lifted, when we could finally get out of isolation to go to stores and back to our meetings again, that our real stress started. (Oh, really?)

In the U.S., 27% of seniors over the age of 60 live alone, as opposed to several other countries where multiple generations live together. One thing researchers need to consider: Some seniors might actually like the peace and quiet of living alone. They might like having control about who comes over and when, and the independence it allows.

Still, if you sense you don’t get out enough, go. Take a walk. Volunteer to walk a dog at the shelter. Stroll the aisles at the library.

Or don’t. It's really up to you.

* * *

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@ gmail.com.

(c) KingFeaturesSyndicate

sort and redecorate, arrange and accessorize a room or an entire villa.

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

gums, foul-smelling ears.

From there, palpate head to tail, back to belly for lumps. As a dog ages, lumps become more common. Most of the time, they are nothing more than fatty fluid. Sometimes, though, they’re malignant and should be removed. Your vet will know the difference. Draw a map of your dog’s body, and keep track of those you’ve had checked.

Check the niches of his paws for ticks, foxtails or any other foreign body. Check his paw pads to ensure they aren’t dry and cracked.

Pay careful attention to your dog’s weight. Any unexplained significant weight loss or gain should be reported to his veterinarian. “Significant” varies depending on size. A one-pound loss over the course of a week is not particularly noteworthy in a Great Dane. In a Pomeranian, it’s significant.

It’s also important to be familiar with your dog’s water and food habits, as well as his overall energy level. Changes in any of these behaviors are worthy of your attention. A sad dog is a sick dog, and so a sad dog will likely benefit from a visit with the vet.

In addition to educating yourself about your dog’s normal, pick up a resource book of veterinary medicine for laymen. Pocket size will do. Just have something on hand that links symptoms to possible causes, and don’t be afraid to see the vet. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Woof!

* * *

Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” Read all of Uncle Matty’s columns at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com.

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by Joseph Publillones

Flipping Out

I tell you, one of these days, I am going to burst. Why does my housekeeper think she is an interior designer? As a matter of fact, as I reflect a bit on the past, most of my previous housekeepers have moved my whole house around. Why? I guess they all thought they were auditioning for Zoila Chavez’s job on Bravo’s “Flipping Out.”

Every Friday when I get home from work, the guessing game begins. From the four corners of our home, you can hear, “WHERE IS THE ...?” and “I CAN”T FIND THE ...!” And as I look around the rooms, inevitably, the lumbar pillows from the slipper chairs are on the sofa, the orchids that adorned the bar earlier in the day are now the centerpiece on the coffee table, and my stacks of shelter magazines are fanned out on the end tables in the living room as if it were a doctor’s waiting room.

But really, why am I complaining? I shouldn’t be flipping out. Every week is a different scheme. More than an effort to impress me, for better or worse, it’s an attempt at keeping my house feeling fresh. I should rejoice that I am getting an opportunity to see my own things in a new light.

As I get older, I am learning to accept that my particular point of view on a room is not the only way to go. In reality, there are many ways to

I highly suggest the following fruitful exercise to get rid of the blahs. Invite a trusted friend to come to your home and ask them to rearrange or reaccessorize it. You’ll be amazed at how they perceive your home. Granted, it might take a bit of effort to get used to things being moved around, but the reward is the feeling of a freshly decorated room.

If you are not so fortunate as to have a friend to help you, revamping your decor still can be accomplished. The first rule of order is to keep an open mind. Allow yourself the freedom to pull a piece of furniture center stage from any room in the house.

Secondly, it’s time to let go of any item that you’ve been afraid to ditch despite the fact that it annoys you. Yes, it’s OK to let go of useless items, even if it means throwing out the Chia Pet your significant other’s mother gave you for your birthday. The trick is to be discreet. Oops, it fell off the counter and broke.

Finally, choose the time for your revamp wisely. If anyone in your household doesn’t deal well with change, it is best to wait until they are out for a weekend or at least for a few hours to get your mission accomplished.

It sounds like a lot of work, and it is! Maybe I should give you my housekeeper's name.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Reduced Benefits Explained

Before I start today’s column -- a word of warning. It’s going to involve a lot of messy math, and I don’t like math. To be more precise, I don’t like including too much math in my column because I’ve learned over the years that putting lots of numbers in a column just confuses the dickens out of so many of my readers and turns them off.

But alas, I’ve got to get into messy math to explain today’s topic: how Social Security benefits are reduced if taken before full retirement age. So, if you’re like me, and your eyes just glaze over when presented with too many numbers, you might want to skip today’s column and go straight to the comics and puzzle pages instead!

Anyway, here goes -- numbers and all. I recently got an email from a reader who kind of chewed me out for allegedly misleading her about the percentage reduction that is applied to Social Security benefits if they are taken before full retirement age. I usually say that reduction is “about one-half of 1%” for each month benefits are taken early. Her email said that a Social Security representative told her the actual reduction is five-ninths of 1%. And that’s true -- sort of. But as with so many government rules and regulations, there is a lot more to it than that. I’ll explain those rules today, and once I’m done, I think you’ll see why I simply say the early benefit reduction is “about one-half of one percent.”

Part of the problem is that there are different reduction rates for different kinds of Social Security benefits. Let’s start with retirement benefits. If you take those benefits before you reach full retirement age, your Social Security checks will be reduced five-ninths of 1% for the first 36 months and five-twelfths of 1% for any remaining months. For example, if your full retirement age is 67, and you want to take benefits at 62, your benefit will be reduced five-ninths of 1% for the months from age 67 to 64. And then they will be reduced fivetwelfths of 1% for the months from age 64 to 62. That comes out to a 30% reduction if your FRA is 67. If your FRA was age 66, it would be a 25% reduction, and the reduction would be somewhere between 25% and 30% if your FRA is somewhere between 66 and 67.

Spousal benefits have a different set of reduction factors. The spousal reduction is twentyfive/ thirty-sixths of 1% for the first 36 months and five-twelfths of 1% for any remaining months. That comes out to a 35% reduction if your FRA is 67 and a 30% reduction if your FRA is 66. And that reduction is applied to the normal spousal rate, which is half of the primary account holder’s full retirement age benefit. Here is an example of that.

Wilma’s full retirement age is 67. She was a stay-at-home mom and has no Social Security coverage of her own. Her husband, Fred, took his benefits at his FRA and he is getting $3,000 per month. If Wilma waits until she is 67, she will get an amount equal to half of Fred’s benefit, or $1,500 per month. But she wants to take spousal benefits at 62. As I explained above, someone whose FRA is 67 will suffer a 35% reduction if she takes benefits at 62. Or to turn that around, at 62, she will get 65% of her normal spousal rate. So instead of get-

ting $1,500, she will get $975 (65% of $1,500 equals $975).

Here’s a twist to the tale of benefit reductions for spouses. I was recently explaining this spousal reduction business to a reader (I’ll call her Betty) who was in a boat like Wilma’s. Her full retirement age was 67 and she wanted to take spousal benefits on her husband’s record at 62. In an email exchange, Betty said she was confused because I said her reduction rate would be 35% (as noted above for Wilma). She said a Social Security Administration rep she talked to on the phone said she was going to get a 32.5% spousal rate. I had to explain to her that we were both right, and here is why.

Let’s use the same numbers as in Wilma’s case above. So, if Betty took benefits at 62, her normal spousal rate of $1,500 would be reduced by 35% giving her a $975 monthly benefit. The SSA rep was telling her that she was going to get 32.5% of her husband’s full retirement benefit. And 32.5% of $3,000 equals $975.

This is why I just like to keep things simple by telling a woman that if she takes spousal benefits at 62, she’s going to get about a third of her husband’s full retirement age benefit.

Let me throw in one more note of clarification about spousal benefit rates. They are always based on the husband’s full retirement age benefit amount. We’ll go back to Wilma and Fred. I said Fred’s FRA benefit was $3,000 per month. But let’s say Fred, whose full retirement age was 66, started his own benefits at 62. That means his benefit is reduced by 25%, meaning he’s getting only 75% of his $3,000 benefit, or $2,250. Wilma’s spousal rate is based on his FRA rate of $3,000 and not his actual benefit of $2,250.

To go to the other end of the benefit start date spectrum, let’s say Fred waited until age 70 to begin his benefits. That means he’ll get a 32% bonus added to his monthly benefits. In other words, he

is actually getting $3,960 per month. But again, Wilma’s spousal rate is based on Fred’s FRA benefit, or $3,000, not on his augmented benefit of $3,960.

I told you there would be lots of numbers in this column, and I haven’t even gotten into the reduction factors for widow’s benefits. I’m not going to get into them because it’s WAY too messy to explain. Those reduction factors can be anywhere from 19/40ths of 1% to 19/48ths of 1% to 57/152nds of 1% to 57/164ths of 1% and on and on! If you want to really get into this stuff, then just Google “Social Security widow’s benefit reduction factors,” and well ... good luck trying to understand it.

Once again, I try to keep things simple by telling a widow that she gets 100% of her husband’s benefit if she is full retirement age or older when he dies. The earliest she can get widow’s benefits is age 60, when she would get 71.5%. So, the percentage she gets is somewhere between 71.5% and 100% if she is between 60 and FRA when she starts her widow’s benefit. And one other factor: Unlike benefits to a spouse with a living husband, widow’s benefits are based on the guy’s actual benefit, not his FRA rate.

One final note of clarification that should help most widows. Most of the time, a woman is well into her 70s or 80s when her husband dies. In those cases, the widow usually will just start getting what the husband was getting when he died.

* * *

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easyto-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

1. The book of Theocratese is in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither

2. Where did the angel Gabriel appear to Mary saying, "Blessed art thou among women"? a) Nazareth b) Bethlehem c) Judah d) Ameaus

3. With perhaps two different biblical answers, who was the father of Joseph? a) Jacob/Heli b) Gideon/Ishmael c) Solomon/Nahum d) Samuel/Pilate

4. Which Old Testament prophet predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? a) Isaiah b) Obadiah c) Zephaniah d) Micah

5. For the journey to Bethlehem, how did Mary and Joseph travel? a) On foot b) Donkey c) Cart d) Bible not specific

6. To whom did the Holy Spirit say he would not see death until he first saw the Lord's Messiah? a) Ananias b) Simeon c) Zacchius d) Bartholomew

(Answers on page 16)

For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc. © 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

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gram. The results of that will absolutely guide your cardiologist as far as further treatment, including whether you need treatment for your cholesterol numbers.

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DEAR DR. ROACH: I have always wondered if it matters if you swallow a bunch of pills in one swallow or if it would be better to space them out. I take a bunch, like Eliquis, dicyclomine, gabapentin, etc. -- B.A.

Although statin drugs do not reduce Lp(a), they do reduce the risk of heart disease in people with elevated levels of Lp(a). I follow the advice of experts who recommend a lower threshold for medication treatment in people with high Lp(a) levels, especially in people with a family history of heart blockages or heart attacks.

Were You Stationed at Fort Ord?

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I remember Fort Ord as a beautiful place to live, with perfect weather and the ocean right over the sand dunes. It was idyllic.

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ANSWER: With most pills, it’s OK to take them as a bunch together if you can tolerate doing so (I’ve known people who have a tough time taking multiple pills at the same time due to gagging). There are a few combinations of pills that shouldn’t be taken together, such as tetracyclines and calcium, but these warnings should be labeled clearly on your bottle.

A few medicines, like alendronate (Fosamax), can’t be taken with any other medicines. Some medicines, including all the ones you mentioned, can cause sedation, which can be worsened if taken together.

As always, your pharmacist is your best friend for questions about medication interactions. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: Despite having family history of high cholesterol (including early death due to heart failure), I was told at 53 that my ten-year risk is not alarming. I do not smoke, nor do I drink.

I recently had some tests done and was told that my Lipoprotein(a) level is above normal. I am wondering if that may explain my concern of why, despite keeping a very careful diet over two decades (and a fairly good Mediterranean diet before as well) and an ideal BMI, my figures are not getting better. (I still have a high LDL, low HDL and high triglyceride count.)

After I recovered from COVID, I seemed to have a high pulse and was advised that my stress ECG is positive. I find aerobic exercise very challenging, but I keep active when I can. I tend to be anemic and feel tired very often due to heavy periods, but I take iron supplements.

What should I do concerning my cholesterol in my blood? I am concerned that my high figures may indicate a serious silent illness. -- M.H.

ANSWER: The ten-year risk is a good place to start in deciding whether elevated cholesterol needs to be treated; however, the tenyear risk does not consider some risk factors, including the high Lp(a), which is an independent risk factor on top of your high LDL and low HDL. The Lp(a) doesn’t affect the other cholesterol numbers.

Diet and exercise do tend to help cholesterol numbers and definitely help reduce heart disease risk, but it is possible to have cholesterol results that are not ideal despite a very good lifestyle.

A positive stress test is a concerning finding and is usually followed up by a definitive test for blockages in the artery, such as an angio-

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But now over a thousand veterans have developed cancer after having served at Fort Ord. The likely culprit: chemicals in the drinking water, 40 of them, with trichloroethylene, or TCE, being most notable for causing different types of cancer. And once again, leaking tanks allowed chemicals to leach into the water supply.

It wasn’t until an anonymous call in 1984 that the EPA and other agencies learned about illegal dumping of drums of chemicals that were leaking into the soil. It was two years before the Army decided to clean it up. But there was concern in 1985 about the level of chemicals, and studies were done. The conclusion of many of the tests: Chemicals exceeded safe limits. An order went out that those doing cleanup were not to tell the community, the press or other government agencies.

The EPA labeled Fort Ord as a Super Fund site in 1990 because of leaking underground petroleum tanks, a landfill, a motor pool, a target range, a burn pit for drums of chemicals and other culprits.

The base closed in 1994, but the housing was still used until 1997.

Ring any bells? Think back to Camp Lejeune and all the years it took to get the illnesses listed as presumptive after exposure to all the chemicals. And at this writing, Lejeune is the only base where the Department of Veterans Affairs assumes that service there caused so many of the health problems ... not only in veterans but their spouses and children.

Veterans who have become ill after serving at Fort Ord have gone to the VA for care and have been told there’s no service connection between their illnesses and Fort Ord.

To read more about Fort Ord, see www. fortordcleanup.com and click on “Cleanup Programs.” To see what was known when, click on “Documents.” Or call them at 800-852-9699.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

M.D.

Little Known PropertyTax Relief Programs Help Seniors Save

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I recently learned about a property-tax relief program for seniors in the county where I live. Apparently, there are hundreds of these programs across the country that many retirees like myself are eligible for but don’t know about. What can you tell me about this?

-- Overtaxed Edward

Dear Eward: Great question! Residential property-tax refund and credit programs exist in nearly every state, but unfortunately few people know about them. These programs can help retirees and many other Americans by reducing their property taxes. Here’s what you should know.

Rising Property Taxes

Property taxes are a major source of income for local governments, but while they help fund key public services, they can be a financial drain for many homeowners, especially retirees, many of whom live on fixed incomes.

According to Attom Data Solutions, a property-data provider, the average American household payed $3,785 in property taxes in 2021, but this amount varies widely depending on your state’s tax rate and your home’s estimated value. For example, New Jersey residents paid $9,476 per year on average in 2021, while West Virginia residents paid $901.

To help ease this tax burden, most states offer a number of property-tax relief programs. But states aren’t always proactive in letting people know. It’s up to you, the homeowner, to find out what’s available in your county or city that you may be eligible for, and how to apply.

Relief Programs

Property tax relief programs, sometimes called exemptions, release eligible homeowners from paying some or all of their property tax obligation. How long the exemption lasts can vary depending on where you live, and the reason you’re applying for the exemption.

The tax-relief process varies by county, city or state. In general, you’ll have to meet certain eligibility requirements, submit an application and provide documents that support your request. Most programs will either reduce, waive or freeze property taxes for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, disabled and low-income residents.

But there are some counties that also offer basic homestead exemptions to homeowners regardless of age or income, and others that may provide exemptions to homeowners that have recently made energy-efficient improvements to their home.

Where to Look

The best way to learn about local property-tax relief programs and their eligibility requirements is to visit your county, city or state website

that collects your property tax. Most of these sites also provide applications and instructions, and will allow you to apply either online, by mail or at your local tax office.

Another good resource for locating programs in your area is the Lincoln Institute, which has a property-tax database that lets you to browse programs across the country. To access it go to ResidentialPropertyTaxReliefPrograms.org

AARP may also be able to help through their Property Tax-Aide service – see PTAconsumers.aarpfoundation.org. This free program, which is available in 13 states (Arizona, Colorado, Florida–Miami Dade County, Illinois-Cook County, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York and North Carolina) and the District of Columbia helps eligible homeowners and renters apply for relief.

* * *

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

11 AM

It isn’t everyday that we win awards, but if, or when we do it is important to stop, take a moment and say, “Thank you.” Wright Health Insurance Agency of Indio, CA, was recently nominated by a staggering number of our clients, and subsequently awarded the “2022 Better Business Bureau’s Award for Ethics - Marketplace Excellence - Small Business Category”. It is, as you may imagine, a remarkable achievement and one that we at Wright Health Insurance Agency, are sincerely thankful for.

For nearly two decades, our dedicated team of licensed insurance professionals, captained by our President Doug Wright, have served thousands of clients, and ensured that they received the Wright health plans and the Wright coverage to meet their individual requirements. We wanted to take a moment this week in “Wright Advice” to say a warm “Thank you” - to all those we have served, and to those we will serve for the first-time during this Medicare 2023 Annual Enrollment Period season: October 15th - December 7th.

If you or anyone you may know is turning 65, and is in need of assistance navigating the often tumultuous waters of healthcare plans and coverage, get in contact Wright away. Wright Health Insurance Agency is ready to assist you. Remember, there is never a charge to clients at Wright Health Insurance Agency. We are paid directly by the health provider that you select.

As of November 2022, President of Wright Health Insurance Agency, Doug Wright, is officially ranked #3 in overall production and #1 in Medicare Supplement Insurance across the United States by a top-tier nationally recognized insurance provider.

by Tiar’a Literary & Illustration tiarapublications@gmail.com

JUNQUE

Four of a Kind

Q: This is a photo of one of a set of four chairs that I purchased at an antique auction in the 1980s. The auction house received containers of furniture each week from Europe and auctioned off the contents.

I would like to know something about the chairs and their approximate value.

A: Based on your photo, your chairs are from the Victorian Era and are examples of the sub-style, Rococo Revival. You didn’t mention the overall condition or if the upholstery is the original. Both factors contribute greatly to the value.

Assuming they are in mint condition and the upholstery is the original, your set of chairs from the 1870s would probably be worth $1,400 to $2,000.

of children playing arcade games. On the side of the roller coaster, there is a shield with the words: “J. Chein -- Made in U.S.A.” It is in excellent condition and the colors are bright. What can you tell me about my toy?

A: J. Chein & Co. was located in Burlington, N.J., from 1900 to 1970. They were one of the leading manufacturers of tin windups, pull toys, banks and friction toys. The roller coaster was also available in a ski ride version.

Your tin lithograph toy is extremely collectible and would probably sell in the range of $450 to $650. ***

Q: I have enclosed a copy of the mark that is on a set of porcelain dinnerware that was purchased in 1970. The set is a service for 12 and includes all the serving dishes, as well as a coffee pot, cream pitcher and sugar bowl. What is my set worth today?

A: The Morimura Brothers, importers located in New York City, have imported Noritake China to the United States since 1910. The china was made in Noritake, Japan. “Irene” is the name of your pattern.

Similar sets of Noritake dinnerware are selling in the range of $800 to $1500.

Noritake China has been imported since 1910.

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has recently retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers.

To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com

Q: I have what I think is a collectible. I will do my best to describe it. It is a Minnie Mouse wind-up alarm clock. On the face is the picture of Minnie Mouse with her hands and arms that point to the time. Below the alarm setting that is on the top of the face of the clock is the word “Bradley” and on the bottom it reads “Walt Disney Production - Germany.” It was purchased almost 50 years ago in Florida at Disney World.

I would appreciate learning if my clock has any value.

A: Your Minnie Mouse alarm clock is collectible and would probably be worth $75 to $100.

Q: I still have a tin, windup roller coaster toy that was given to me for my birthday in the early 1950s. It has the original two cars and box. The frame is decorated with scenes

Puzzle Solutions

I can't seem to trust people who go around making rough drawings. They're all so sketchy.

* On December 16, 1773, a group of highly disgruntled Boston colonists board three ships loaded with taxed tea from Britain. While it would undoubtedly have been enjoyed by the locals, following the refusal of officials to return it, the men hurled the tea into Boston Harbor as a form of protest against “taxation without representation.”

* On December 18, 1912, amateur archaeologist Charles Dawson discovered human remains in the Piltdown gravel pit in Sussex, England. Dubbed the “Piltdown Man,” he was thought to represent the missing evolutionary link between apes and mankind until it was confirmed at a 1953 international congress of paleontologists that the specimen was a fraud, consisting of skull parts both human and orangutan.

* On December 12, 1917, with a loan of $90, Father Edward Flanagan founds an orphanage originally called The City of Little Men, dedicated to caring for at-risk children, with national headquarters in the village of Boys Town, Nebraska, for which it was later renamed.

* On December 13, 1978, the U.S. government honors women’s suffrage icon Susan B. Anthony by minting a dollar coin named for her, but its close similarity to the quarter ultimately doomed it for public acceptance.

* On December 14, 1997, in advance of a visit from Pope John Paul II, Cuban president Fidel Castro declares Christmas to be an official holiday for the first time since his takeover in 1959.

* On December 15, 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens to the public after a team of experts spent 11 years repairing it, at a cost of over 30 million euros. While the Tower was stabilized, this third attempt at eliminating its famous lean also notably failed.

(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc

"l'd like to hire you as my assistant golf instructor. All you have to do is demonstrate your address stance and swing so l can tell my students to do the exact opposite."

1870s Victorian chairs were purchased at auction.

BIRD CREATIONS

• Many species of spiders and caterpillars use silk for their own purposes, but it’s also scavenged and used second-hand by many bird species. The tailor bird combines silk with soft and fuzzy plant down to make short lengths of yarn, which it uses to stitch together living leaves to make a pouch. The pouch is then lined with grasses to form a cozy nest.

• Certain grasses, palms, and lilies that have veins that run parallel to each other are called monocots. Trees, shrubs, and most flowers have veins that are more like lace, and they are called dicots. Birds that use plants for weaving nests prefer monocots. They clip a long blade of grass near the ground and fly off with it clutched in their beak. They then tear off long narrow strips of the leaf from between the veins, giving them a nice length of strong, ribbon-like material for construction. Researchers have observed the weaver birds using a variety of common knots, including half hitches, overhand knots, and slipknots, as well as over-and-under weaves to connect the ribbons and snug them around the outside to bind the nest together.

WORLD’S SMALLEST HOUSE

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

A good finish should have the left leg straight, the right thigh up close to the left leg, the right foot up on the toe, and the upper body arching back slightly. The trick is that the hips are now “tucked under” the upper body or the stomach is pushed forward. Many beginners, or players who don’t have good core strength, will finish with their hips pushed out behind their upper body. Learn to correct the finish by tucking the hips under or pushing your belt buckle forward in order to feel the correct position. Good leg work will assist in correct hip positioning as well.

CALL FOR A TEE TIME: CALL FOR A TEE TIME: Great Golf, Food & Spirits Only 30 min. from Palm Springs! Open Daily 7 am 55100 Martinez Tr. • Yucca Valley *12 or 18 holes w/cart Anytime - Mon. Thru Thurs. PLUS With this AD. thru 11-15-22 ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. FREE The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide! of Coachella Valley Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. FREE The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read of Coachella Valley Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved Hawk’s Landing c/o Cindy Melland Golf Caddy - Prem. Position Oct. 23, 2022 Vol. 18 - No. 43 Friday night is PRIME RIB and Live Music night! Hawk’s Landing GOLF CLUB 760-365-0033 760-365-0033 Unique Course Design Fun & Challenging Golf! $$40 40 ONLY ONLY per player • GREAT GOLF! • GREAT FOOD! • GREAT PRICE! • GREAT GOLF! • GREAT FOOD! • GREAT PRICE! Sun- Wed: 7am - 5pm • Breakfast & Lunch Thur - Sat: 7am - 9 pm • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Only 30 min. away! MAKE A DAY OF IT! TUES., OCT. 18 Call for Reservations PAY LESS to PLAY MORE GREAT GOLF!* * Includes Beverage of Your Choice & Free Bucket of Range Balls 12-31-22 STAN SMITH’S TENNIS CLASS

Bernhard Langer has created a Senior Tour career that few would have envisioned after witnessing his PGA Tour days. Putting yips were sure to keep him from winning, yet with the long putter working successfully, Langer has relied upon his swing to elevate his game to one of the best senior champions ever.

Langer’s strong grip and “two part” backswing are truly his secrets of success. By two parts, we mean that as his body turned in the backswing, his arms would create a lifting action that would raise his hands high above his right shoulder. Many golfers glue those two actions together: body turns as arms swing around, or arms lift as body slides.

termediate players, the finish position requires extra attention. The body is contorting into an unusual position and needs to be balanced to be effective. Advanced players take the finish position for granted, especially when it comes to the small arch in the lower back.

of beginning to in-

Tuck It Under

Game Changers

In the first half of the backswing Imagine the body turning as the arms go along for the ride. Then midway through, feel the arms lifting upward as you attempt to swing the club high above the right shoulder. Perhaps you elongated your successful playing days like Langer.

Jason Jenkins was a 16-year member of the Jim McLean Golf School teaching staff and was one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100

Nominees 1999-2010. He was named one of the Golf

Top Teachers in California in 2011.

Poor

Jason Jenkins was a 16-year member of the Jim McLean Golf School teaching staff. He was one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher Nominees 1999-2010 and has been named one of the Golf Digest Top Teachers in California. Jason teaches at GOLFTEC CENTER in Indio. Contact him at jjenkins@golftec.com

Why go through all that trouble to create such an elaborate tunnel system? It’s because the Brant’s rat eats vegetation but lives in a desert where vegetation is sparse, and where protective foliage cover from predators is hard to find. This way, the wary rat is never more than a short dash away from safety into one of its numerous entrances.