Vol. 19: #28 • Tidbits Visits Idaho • (7-9-2023) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

and known for its breathtaking scenery, majestic mountains, spectacular waterfalls and national parks, Idaho provides a rich array of exciting landmarks and outdoor activities for both its residents and visitors alike. Follow along with us as Tidbits discovers how our 43rd state offers a lot more than just potatoes!

HOW IDAHO WAS NAMED

• George Willing was a physician in the mid-1800s when he got caught up in the gold rush, ending up at Pike’s Peak in what is now Colorado. He ran for office but lost and became a lobbyist instead. When it came time to choose a name for the region, Willing lobbied hard for “Idaho” claiming it was an Indian term meaning “gem of the mountains.” When it was later learned that he made up the word supposedly because he was enamored with a girl named Ida, the new state was named Colorado instead.

• Still, a riverboat owner liked the word Idaho and named his steamship after it. The ship carried

Idaho: Turn to page 3

(Answers on page 16)

PEOPLE WORTH REMEMBERING

BETTY LOU OLIVER

• Betty Lou Oliver was 20 when she reported to work at New Yorkʼs Empire State Building on July 28, 1945. She was an elevator operator in what was, at the time, the world’s tallest building.

• Betty was in charge of Elevator #6, one of the 73 elevators in the building, and it was her last day on this job. As a newlywed, she began working there when her husband went off to war, but now he was coming home. They had plans to move to Fort Smith, Arkansas.

• That same day, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel William Franklin Smith was piloting a B-25 Mitchell bomber. He had flown many combat missions during the war in Europe. Today he was on a routine mission, flying the ten-ton bomber at 225 mph from Massachusetts to New York. Besides the pilot, there were two other crew members on board.

• It was a very foggy morning. Smith radioed La Guardia tower that he was nearing the airport for landing, only to be told visibility was near zero and he was advised to divert instead to nearby Newark airport in New Jersey. But he was determined to continue to La Guardia. He became disoriented in the dense fog, banking right instead of left as he flew by the Chrysler Building. He could not see the 1,250 foot Empire State Building looming above his altitude and directly in his flight path.

• At 9:30 a.m., his plane impacted the north side of the Empire State Building between the 78th and 80th floors. Spilled fuel immediately burst into flame, igniting the building and engulfing the plane. All three on the bomber died, along with 11 people inside the building.

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of Samantha’s mother in the “Bewitched” comedy series?

2. MOVIES: What is the name of the shark-hunting boat in the film “Jaws”?

3. SCIENCE: What is the most lethal consumed plant in the world?

4. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who served as vice president in Abraham Lincoln’s first term as president?

6. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of alcohol is traditionally used in a drink called a sidecar?

7. LITERATURE: What city is the primary setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?

8. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system was the first to be explored by a space probe launched from Earth?

9. MUSIC: In what year did MTV launch?

10. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral located?

Answers

• Both wings sheared off and tumbled to the streets below, scattering debris as far as five blocks away. One of the engines broke loose and tore into the building, crashing to the bottom of an elevator shaft. Another engine ripped all the way through the building, crashing through seven walls, bursting out the south side and landing on the roof of a 17-story building next door. On its way through, that engine destroyed three elevators.

• Betty Lou was on the 80th floor of the 102-floor building when the plane crashed. She was thrown out of the elevator, burned by the fireball. Rescuers loaded her into an undamaged elevator, expecting ambulance attendants to meet her in the lobby at street level. Suddenly, the damaged elevator cables snapped, and the injured Betty Lou Oliver plummeted 75 floors to the basement, a distance of over 900 feet.

• Several things worked in her favor that day. First, the severed cables below her elevator tumbled to the bottom of the shaft, landing in a spring-like coil that helped cushion the hard landing. Second, the elevator shaft was nearly airtight, and the falling cab compressed the air as it plummeted downwards, helping to slow the fall.

• Still, Betty landed with enough force to break her legs, pelvis, neck, and spine. Still remaining conscious, she had to wait several hours for rescuers to cut her out of the wreckage.

• After four months in the hospital, Betty Lou was finally dismissed and able to walk, with the aid of braces and crutches, five feet from her wheelchair to an awaiting car. A month later, she returned to the Empire State Building taking an elevator all the way to the top, where she was celebrated for her bravery.

• Soon Betty Lou Oliver and her husband moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, as planned. He became a service manager and she raised three kids. When she died in 1999 at the age of 74, she left seven grandchildren behind and was buried in Fort Smith next to her husband.

• The crash killed 14 people and injured about 25. Because the incident had occured on a rainy Saturday, few people were in the Empire State Building at the time, and few were on the streets when debris fell. Firemen controlled the fire within an hour, which still retains the record for the highest structural fire to be controlled by firefighters. Most of the building, which escaped structural damage, was open for business by Monday morning.

• Betty Lou’s episode still holds the world record for the longest elevator fall ever survived. □

CLIP AND SAVE

hundreds of settlers up the Columbia River and was well known. When gold was discovered on the Clearwater River nearby in 1860, people began referring to the area as “the Idaho mines.” When the region became a territory in 1863, the Idaho name stuck, and it became the state’s official name in 1890.

• But still, the myth that Idaho was an Indian word persisted. When researchers asked members of various Indian tribes in the area, including Nez Perce, Shoshone, Arapaho, and Yakima, for any phrase that sounded even vaguely like “Idaho” they all drew a blank.

WHY "THE GEM STATE"?

• Idaho's nickname is well earned as there are 72 kinds of gems found in the state, along with 240 types of minerals. The only region with a greater variety of gems is Africa. Idaho's minerals produce semi-precious gems like aquamarine, cerrusite, vivianite, pyromorphite and ilavite. The Idaho mountains contain deposits of gold veins, zinc, lead, copper and cobalt.

• The Idaho state gemstone is the star garnet, named for the four- or six-point rays that spread out like a star when the stone is properly cut and polished. Idaho is one of only two places in the world where star garnets can be found; the other is in India. Anyone can mine their own star garnets at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, with a scavanger limit of up to two pounds of garnet material daily.

• The word “garnet” comes from the Middle English “gernet” meaning “dark red” which is also the root of the word “pomegranate.”

IDAHO SPUDS

• You just canʼt talk about Idaho without talking about potatoes, and we wonʼt disappoint. Idaho is the top potato producing state in the U.S. due to its ideal climate conditions and rich, volcanic and peat soils. Out of necessity during

World War II, potato processing plants grew in numbers, which encouraged Idaho farmers to increase their crops. After the war they kept up their production, and Idaho potatoes are famously known today as the best in the world.

POTATO PECULIARITIES

Idaho (from page one) in downtown Boise every year on New Year’s Eve. As the countdown to midnight begins, the GlowTato slowly descends to its base, where a huge burst of sparklers, rockets and fireworks is released -- to the delight of the cheering crowd. It’s an evening of music, dancing, food and games, and lots of fun.

• The world’s largest potato on record was not actually grown in Idaho. This honor goes to British gardener Peter Glazebrook of the U.K,. who in 2011 grew a ten-pound, 14 oz. spud, which is some three pounds heavier than a newborn baby. While this is impressive, Idaho, however, has bragging rights to a couple of other tubers that are in the truly tremendous category.

• It started this way: In 2012, the Idaho Potato Commission wanted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their organization by spreading the word about the health benefits of potatoes. So they built a gigantic 12,000-lb. fiberglass potato, mounted it on a flatbed semi-truck, and sent it on tour. The potato team handed out literature, gave speeches and lectures, and did interviews at parades, county fairs, and store openings throughout the country.

• Though the tour was supposed to last just one year, it was so successful that The Big Potato Truck still continues its travels today. If the Big Potato were real, it would be equal in size to about 20,000 medium-sized potatoes, and would easily make a million French fries.

• Alas, the original Big Potato began to wear out after weathering seven years on tour. It was replaced by a new version, but what should be done with the old Big Potato? The problem was solved when Kristie Wolfe, who toured with the potato for two years, purchased it.

• She placed it permanently on some acreage she owned near Boise, and turned it into the potato hotel. The hollow interior of the potato measures 28 feet long, 12 feet wide, 11.5 feet tall and offered 336 square feet to work with. Wolfe constructed a bedroom and lounging area, added electricity, heat, air-conditioning, and an indoor fireplace. A full bathroom including a Jacuzzi is located in a converted grain silo next door. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable stay in the big spud for $200 per night.

• Taking second place for the world’s largest potato would be the 400-pound, 17-foot “GlowTato.” This polystyrene/resin potato is painted to resemble an Idaho potato, and stuffed with flashing LED lights. The giant spud spectacle is hoisted high in the air by a crane

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

Pierre-Jean deSmet was a missionary in Idaho, and two different towns were named after him. When the postmaster ordered one of them to change their name, they changed it to Temsed, which is deSmet spelled backwards. However, due to sloppy handwriting, the town is now called Tensed.

IDAHO CURIOSITIES

• Did you know that it is illegal to fish from the back of a camel in Idaho? Actually, what the law says is that it is illegal to fish while astride any animal. The ruling referred to a horse, and the reason for the restriction is that

Idaho: Turn to page 15

QUIZ BITS

1. What is the only state with more rivers than Idaho's 101,000 miles?

2. 63% of land in Idaho is public property, owned by the government, more than any other state by proportion. What state is in 2nd place?

(Answers page 16)

By Lucie Winborne

* The paint on the Eiffel Tower weighs the same as ten elephants.

* The actual grave of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the elaborate crypt known as the Taj Mahal was built, is the only undecorated part of the famous structure, due to a Muslim law dictating that graves cannot be adorned, as this is seen as an act of vanity.

* One ingredient in Ranch salad dressing is titanium dioxide, which is used to make it look whiter. It’s also the same ingredient that’s used in sunscreen and paint for coloring.

* George Washington celebrated July Fourth by giving his soldiers a double ration of rum.

* The Bagheera kiplingi spider, discovered in the 1800s, is the only species of spider that has been classified as vegetarian.

* William Moulton Marston, who created the superheroine Wonder Woman, also designed the first lie detector.

* The full name of the famous Chuck E. Cheese mouse is Charles Entertainment Cheese.

* After the release of the 1996 film “Scream,” which involved an anonymous killer calling and murdering his victims, caller ID usage tripled in the United States.

* The longest-ever cricket match, between England and South Africa, lasted more than 12 days and finally came to a conclusion because the English team would have missed their boat home.

* There’s very little evidence the TSA has ever stopped a terrorist or found a real bomb. When tested, they failed to find fake weapons and bombs 95% of the time.

* The island of Madagascar got its name when Marco Polo misspelled it.

* During the Second World War, German tank drivers would drive their vehicles over camel droppings, thinking it would bring good luck.

Thought for the Day: “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” -- Anne Frank

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

Good News for Shoppers: Prices Dropping on These 13 Grocery Items

Many restaurants now offer free meals for the kids on low-volume days -- typically Tuesday or Wednesday -- when the adults order from the regular dinner menu.

STICK TO A BUDGET:

Determine how much you’re willing to spend -- including tax and gratuity. This will help you make more conscious choices and avoid overspending.

LOOK FOR DEALS AND DISCOUNTS:

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

You don’t need me to tell you about skyrocketing food costs. Over the past couple of year, a trip to the grocery store to pick up eggs, milk or butter has been breathtaking. The financial strain on consumers has become nearly unbearable for many of us.

But now the price of some food items is starting to recede. The index for food at home (grocery prices) dipped 0.2%, while the index for food away (eating out) from home rose 0.4% (see below).

Overall, grocery prices have gone down this year, while restaurant prices -- which used to be relative compared to the cost of food -- have and continue to go up significantly. Why? Because of labor costs and what has been going on with rising wages.

Grocery items that are getting cheaper:

Here are some grocery items that got cheaper based on the seasonally adjusted percentage change from March to April 2023.

Bacon and related products

Bread

Butter and margarine

Canned vegetables

Citrus fruit

Coffee

Dairy and related products

Eggs

Fish and seafood

Fruits and vegetables

Meats

Prepared salads

Salt, seasonings, spices

That’s according to the latest Consumer Price Index, which was released in April 2023.

By contrast we need to keep in mind that while the cost of eating out has become abhorrent, it’s going even higher. Restaurants are not passing along lower food costs to their to their customers. Why? Because labor and other associated costs continue to soar.

Eight easy ways to cut the cost of eating out: KIDS EAT FREE: Plan ahead and then make sure you meet the criteria to get free meals for the kids.

Check websites, mobile apps and social media platforms for restaurant deals, coupons and special promotions. Many restaurants offer happy hour specials, early bird discounts or weekday specials that can significantly reduce the cost of your meal.

SHARE MEALS OR ORDER SMALLER PORTIONS:

Restaurant portion sizes are often larger than necessary. Consider sharing a meal with a friend or family member or choose smaller portion options (sides) if available.

SKIP THE EXTRAS:

Extras like appetizers, drinks and desserts significantly increase your bill. Share a dessert, if you must.

CHOOSE WATER INSTEAD:

Beverages are where the restaurant can really pad its profit. At $3 or more for a single soft drink, iced tea or coffee (it’s getting ridiculous!), a typical restaurant is looking at about 90% profit. Ka-ching! Multiply $3 times the number of times you eat out in a year and you will be amazed at how much it's costing you. Determine ahead of time to order water with your meal.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LUNCH SPECIALS:

Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are more affordable compared to their dinner menu. Opt for a lunch outing instead of dinner, as you can often find similar dishes at a lower price.

COOK AT HOME:

The more meals you can eat at home, the faster you’ll be taking advantage of dropping grocery prices. Make eating out something special that you plan for special occasions and celebrations.

* * *

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."

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE BONNEVILLE FLOOD

helped blaze the Oregon Trail.

• About 6,000 years ago, landslides caused by an earthquake fell into Lake Bonneville, resulting cracks in the dam's walls, and pressure by the tsunami that jarred the dam loose. The unleashed water gushed downstream in a mammoth flow, encountering another large lake near American Falls, Idaho. The onrushing water overcame a lava dam, and the combined torrents rushed forward in a wall of water over 400 feet high.

Dunes National Park in Colorado, at 755 feet. However, Bruneau’s Big Dune is the largest “single-structure dune” in North America, a geological classification meaning that all the dunes in the area are connected to each other rather than being arranged in parallel rows.

• Today, only a small remnant of Lake Bonneville remains. It’s now called the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The Bonneville Salt Flats nearby are so completely flat that cars have raced there in speed trials since 1914. □

• During the last Ice Age, a vast lake covered more than 25% of the total landmass of what is now the state of Utah, as well as parts of Nevada and Idaho. It was equal in size to the combined states of Vermont and Massachusetts. A huge dam of dirt and debris held the lake back at the location now called Red Rock Pass in Idaho.

• The lake covered 20,000 square miles and was over 1,000 feet deep in places. If the entire shoreline were straightened into a line, it would reach from Red Rocks Pass in Idaho to New Orleans.

• Geologist Grove Karl Gilbert toured the area and was the first to officially hypothesize the existence of an ancient lake, publishing his findings in a report issued in 1890. He named the lake after Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville, who had explored the region previously and

• The resulting flood roared at a rate estimated to be three times the combined output of every river on the planet. It emptied an enormous amount of water equal to the entire volume of Lake Michigan in just a few weeks. The deluge followed the path of the Snake River, then the Columbia River, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Known as the Great Bonneville Flood, and rearranged much of the region’s topography.

• Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho, was gouged by this massive flood, along with Hells Canyon.

• As the flood poured through the Snake River Canyon, it tore basalt boulders loose and carried them along. As the waters began to slow, the current dropped debris according to size: the largest car-sized boulders first, then mid-size rocks, then the smaller stones, and finally the gravels, and then sand.

• One area is littered with thousands of melonsize boulders. A jokester put up a billboard advertising his gas station ahead, and he added: “Petrified watermelons! Take one home to your mother-in-law!” The billboard became such a landmark that geologists began referring to the stones as “melon gravels.”

• When the Great Bonneville Flood receded, it left a massive amount of sandy sediment near the current town of Mountain Home, Idaho. The winds swirled it into massive dunes in what is now Bruneau Dunes State Park.

• The dunes are enormous. The tallest, appropriately called the Big Dune, is 470 feet high. By comparison, the tallest building in Idaho is the 8th & Main Building in Boise, which is 18 stories tall and reaches a height of 278 feet (323 feet if you include the spire).

• The Big Dune is not the biggest dune in the world. That honor goes to the Duna Federico Kirbus in Argentina, which towers 4,035 feet tall, named after the researcher who measured it. The Big Dune is not even the biggest in the U.S., which is Star Dune in Great Sand

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is Vanna White leaving “Wheel of Fortune” when Pat Sajak retires? I’m sad to see him go, but I hope they keep Vanna. -- T.L.

A: ”Wheel of Fortune” game show host Pat Sajak recently announced that the next season will be his last. He’ll remain as a consultant off camera for three additional years after that, but the question fans are asking is, where does this leave Vanna White?

According to Entertainment Weekly, White is in the process of trying to negotiate a new deal to remain on the show and is also seeking a raise -- her first one in 18 years. A decision about her future with the show is in limbo right now. ***

Q: Is it true that the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel is going away? I really enjoy watching old films on that channel before bed every night. -- J.K.

A: In recent days, it was reported that the TCM channel was downsizing its staff from 90 employees to 20. Fans like yourself, including actor Mark Hamill, feared the worst -- that TCM would be erased from our cable TV guides forever.

The news of the layoffs alarmed directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson so much that they teamed up for an emergency call about it with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.

The trio of respected directors released a statement about their discussions with Zaslav and concluded that “it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected. ... We are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”

After Hamill tweeted that he “can’t imagine a world without my all-time favorite station,” Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz replied: “You don’t have to imagine it. We’re not going anywhere.” That certainly sounds reassuring. Hopefully, the #SaveTCM social media campaign, combined with the star power behind it, will ensure that the TCM channel remains part of television history for a long time to come. ***

Q: When are the Emmy Awards this year? I know the Academy Awards and Grammys are earlier in the year, but I’ve lost track of the Emmys. -- H.J.

A: Nominations for the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on July 12, with the live ceremony planned for Monday, Sept.

18, on Fox. However, if the WGA Writers Strike isn’t resolved by the end of July or early August, there’s a good chance the ceremony will be postponed. According to Deadline.com, if that happens, don’t expect it to air any earlier than November.

The 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were supposed to be telecast on June 16 on CBS, but have been postponed due to the strike as well. The list of predicted nominees that will be announced on July 12 include the stars of HBO’s “Succession” and “The White Lotus,” AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” Hulu’s “The Bear,” and Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” among others. Many are also anticipating that Hollywood legend Carol Burnett, who recently turned 90, is expected to be nominated for her guest-starring role in the final season of “Better Call Saul.”

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

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Split ................................ (PG-13) James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy

1. Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse (PG) Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld

2. Rings (PG-13) Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

2. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

3. A Dog’s Purpose (PG) Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid

3. The Flash (PG-13) Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton

4. Hidden Figures ....................(PG) Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer

4. No Hard Feelings (R) Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman

5. La La Land .................... (PG-13) Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

5. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (PG-13) Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter ...................................... (R) Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen

6. Asteroid City (PG-13) Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson

7. Sing (PG) animated

7. The Little Mermaid (PG) Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

8. Lion (PG-13) Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman

(PG-13) Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji

9.

9. The Space Between Us .. (PG-13) Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield

10. xXx: Return of Xander Cage .................................... (PG-13)

10.

Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Blackening (R) Antoinette Robertson, Dewayne Perkins

The Boogeyman (PG-13) Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina

Good Recipes from Korean-Style Sesame Short Ribs

Marinating overnight makes these meaty ribs irresistible.

4 pounds beef chuck short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces

1/2 cup light soy sauce

4 teaspoons minced, peeled gingerroot

2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1. With sharp knife, slash meaty side of short ribs diagonally at 1/2-inch intervals, about 1/4 inch deep.

2. In zip-tight plastic storage bag, combine soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and garlic. Add short ribs, turning bag to coat. Seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Place bag in 13-by-9-inch pan and refrigerate overnight, turning once.

3. Place ribs on grill over medium heat; brush with remaining marinade and cook 20 to 25 minutes for medium-rare, turning ribs occasionally. Serves 5.

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Berries, chocolate and cream make for a memorable end to Sunday dinner.

1 1/2 pints strawberries

1 1/2 cups heavy or whipping cream

3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons strawberry preserves

35 chocolate wafer cookies (about one 9-ounce package)

1. Hull and thinly slice 1 pint strawberries; reserve rest for garnish.

2. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spoon 2 cups whipped cream into another bowl; cover and refrigerate.

3. With rubber spatula, gently fold sliced strawberries and preserves into remaining whipped cream.

4. On 1 side of each of 6 cookies, spread about 1 heaping tablespoon strawberry cream. Stack cookies on top of one another. Top stack with a plain cookie.

5. Repeat stacking cookies with strawberry cream until all cookies and cream are used, making 5 stacks of 7 cookies each.

6. Turn each stack on its side. Place stacks, one behind the other, with rounded edges touching, to form a log on platter.

7. Frost log with reserved whipped cream; cover and refrigerate cake at least 5 hours or overnight to allow cookies to soften.

8. To serve, hull reserved strawberries; cut each into quarters. Garnish platter with strawberries. Makes about 10 servings.

 Each serving: About 270 calories, 17g total fat (9g saturated), 3g protein, 28g carb., 49mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium.

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS FLIES WITH SOME

WEIRD BIRDS

Cody’s Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Warm Weather Pests

Summer brings outdoor fun, and animals love nature and warm weather. But the season isn’t without its headaches -- namely, pests that can affect your pet’s health, both short term and long term.

A number of emails recently have inquired about dogs that still eat their normal fare but experience weight loss. That could be caused by a lot of things, but one thing’s certain: Any pooch that eats what it normally eats and suddenly starts losing weight needs to see the veterinarian. This is a sure sign that something is wrong.

For example, unexplained weight loss is one of the symptoms of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), which is caused by a parasitic worm that infests the pulmonary arteries after the dog has been bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected dog. The disease is life threatening and must be treated promptly.

Other signs of an infected dog include coughing after physical exertion and labored breathing. You can protect your dog by avoiding exposure to mosquitoes, which is virtually impossible if your dog goes outside and mosquitoes are in season. So the best protection is preventive medication for heartworm, which can only be administered if your dog has not been infected.

Unfortunately, there is no protection against the West Nile virus, also carried by the pesky mosquito. It’s best to keep your pet indoors at sunset and during the early evening hours, when those disease-laden pests are hunting for blood.

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

There are more kittens and puppies this time of year, and both species need to start their basic vaccinations at about six to eight weeks of age. Follow-ups continue every four to six weeks until the pet reaches about four months of age. Until that time, dogs and cats are not protected from some of the more prominent and serious diseases: cats from upper respiratory diseases and feline distemper, and dogs from distemper and parvovirus. The length of time required for shots that fully protect your pet is one of the reasons I object to taking little ones to dog parks and group classes when they are too young, not to mention their vulnerability to older dogs that may be aggressive toward other

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 11

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Maybe Social Security Is Just Another Tax We Pay

I’ve received a lot of emails recently from readers trying to calculate how much they paid in Social Security taxes over the years and then wanting to compare that to what they will get out of the system in return. More often than not, they are trying to prove that Social Security is a rotten deal. While considering my response to these folks, I thought back to a column I wrote on this topic. I guessed it was just a couple years ago, but when I checked, I wrote the column way back in 2010. I decided I’m going to reprint the column today. I think it bears repeating, so here is that column I wrote 13 years ago:

“I’m writing this at two o’clock in the morning, so I’m not sure if the message I’m trying to convey in this column is a startling revelation ... or the mindless meanderings of a half-asleep brain! Let’s find out.

There I was trying to sleep. But I was troubled by some recent comments from readers about Social Security that were running through my head. That’s the downside to spending your entire adult life either working for the Social Security Administration or writing a newspaper column about Social Security issues. Instead of dreaming about my lovely wife, or dreaming about ... well you know, the kinds of things guys dream about ... boring old me was thinking about Social Security as an investment.

Those mindless musings were prompted by a recent email I received, one that included comments similar to those I’ve heard from people almost every day for the past 40 years. The comment generally goes something like this: ‘If I could have invested all that money Social Security took out of my paycheck, I’d be a millionaire today!’

In fact, the most recent such claim, the one that prompted my sleepless night, came from a guy who somehow calculated exactly how rich he’d be. And he had it down to the penny! He said

his investments would have netted $7,466,847.69. Yup, had that big, bad government not stolen from his paycheck in the form of Social Security taxes, he’d have over seven million dollars. Oh, and don’t forget that 69 cents!

My normal response to such allegations takes two tacks. For one thing, such calculations assume they would have religiously invested every nickel of their Social Security tax each week for the past 40 years or so. And, of course, they also assume all of their investments would have paid off and that the markets don’t collapse just before they were planning to tap into their personal Social Security goldmine.

Also, in this guy’s case, I pointed out in my emailed response to him that if he claims he would have gotten back $7 million, I’d guess other Social Security taxpayers could expect the same. In fact, assuming this guy is Mr. Average, that means some people would make better investments and some would do worse. So we’ll assume that the average taxpayer would get $7 million from their Social Security investment account.

Well, there are about 150 million Social Security taxpayers in this country. If they each will get $7 million, that comes out to more than one quadrillion dollars! I mean, is this a great country or what? Sign me up for this guy’s Social Security plan tomorrow! (Actually, I’m not sure if that “quadrillion” number is right. My little desktop calculator didn’t go that high, so I did some old-fashioned arithmetic with pencil and paper -- and I haven’t been in a math class since 1968! But it really doesn’t matter if it’s a quadrillion dollars or a gazillion dollars; it’s a heck of a lot of money, and somehow, apparently, our economic systems could handle all that personal wealth accumulation!)

So, let’s get back to my normal responses to claims of lost personal wealth because the inefficient government forced people into paying Social Security taxes.

The second point I usually make to these

folks is that Social Security was never meant to be a personal investment scheme. It is and always has been just what its name implies: a social insurance system. It guarantees a basic level of support for you and your spouse if you retire or become disabled, or for the young children of a family breadwinner who dies.

But what kept me up tonight is that I got to thinking something more radical: maybe Social Security isn’t a social insurance program or an investment. Maybe it’s just another tax we pay.

So why do we think of it in terms of an investment? Of course, I know part of the answer to that question. Social Security has always been touted as the one government program where you pay an earmarked tax into the program, records are kept of those taxes and your earnings, and then someday you get a benefit that is based, in part, on those numbers. In other words, there is a ‘return on your investment.’

But why is that really different than any other tax we pay? You pay federal income taxes, and in return you get the world’s largest military force. You get national parks. You get medical research programs. You get embassies all over the world to serve our needs in foreign countries. You get a highway system. You get air traffic controllers to keep you safe when you’re flying across the country. The list goes on and on.

And for the state and local taxes you pay, you get schools and libraries. You get your garbage picked up and your streets plowed. Do we ever say, ‘If I could have invested those state taxes I paid, I would have built a much nicer library’? Or ‘If I could have invested those federal income taxes, I would have come up with a cure for cancer by now.’

So why do we think that way with Social Security? Maybe Social Security is simply another tax you pay. And instead of getting back a school or a tank or a new visitor center in a national park, you get a pension.”

So, was I on to something all those years ago? Or should I have just kept my mouth shut and not shared my middle-of-the-night musings with my readers?

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

2. From Galatians 5:13, "Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through ______ serve one another." a) Love b) Hope c) Liberty d) Honesty

3. From 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is _____." a) Peace b) Love c) Liberty d) Hope

4. From John 8:36, "If the ____ shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." a) Love b) Son c) Truth d) Promise

5. From what book's 6:7 does it say, "For he that is dead is freed from sin"? a) Mark b) Acts c) Galatians d) Romans

6. In Acts 22:28, who said, "But I was free born"? a) Paul b) Peter c) Timothy d) Saul

(Answers on page 16)

For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com

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 2023 CREATORS.COM

Sharpen your understanding of scripture with Wilson Casey's latest book, "Test Your Bible Knowledge," now available in stores and online.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

Are We Seniors Yet?

When do we actually become seniors? That varies, depending who we ask.

Is it age 50, when all the AARP ads start arriving in our mailbox? Maybe it’s age 60, when we can get food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or receive Meals on Wheels deliveries. Or how about 62, when we can start collecting some of our Social Security money?

If we’re taking a Gallup Poll, the consensus is that 65 is the starting senior age. This is when we need to sign up for Medicare or pay a penalty later if we don’t. Or maybe it's 66 or 67, when we can collect a bigger Social Security payment. Or maybe age 70, when we can collect even more? Or have we finally reached official senior status at age 73, when we need to start taking disbursements out of our IRA or pay a penalty on our taxes?

Then there are those instances that vary by state or industry or location to determine if we are seniors yet: Auto insurance, retirement homes or communities, cellphone service providers, restaurants, grocery stores, train travel, motels, senior low-income programs, museums, theaters and DMV in-person renewals.

Most disturbing, however, of all the seniorrelated numbers were the results of a poll that asked: At what age should women stop wearing jeans?

Stop wearing jeans? What kind of person even comes up with ideas like that? It was decided, as a result of that poll, that age 53 is when women should hang up the denim, at least the snug-fitting variety.

I don’t mind being asked if I’d like the senior discount in a restaurant. I don’t mind being told I should apply for the local seniors electric bill help.

But I fear the day is coming when the pendulum swings in the other direction and we might have to prove to someone that, yes, we’re young enough to purchase a pair of jeans.

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

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

animals.

Internal and external parasites are problems for both dogs and cats, especially now. Beware of fleas, ticks, flies and lice, all of which carry disease and cause serious allergic reactions. Fleas also transmit internal parasites.

So what can you do about these pests?

First, inspect your pet regularly. Look beneath the fur to the skin for signs of fleas and ticks. Check your pet from head to toe. Fleas are sneaky little devils, and there is more than one variety. Some prefer ears. Others lurk in armpits. And when you come searching for them, they scatter so rapidly that you may miss them if you are not persistent. If your pet is scratching frantically or digging into his skin ferociously with his teeth, you can be sure you have a problem that needs tending. There are a number of different types of flea protection. Ask

your veterinarian about the best solution for your pets.

Embedded ticks must be removed immediately and disposed of, and this is no easy task. You may want your vet to handle this. Ticks cause blood loss and eventually anemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other blood diseases. Among the most common today is Lyme disease.

Once any and all pests have been removed from your dog or cat, you must treat your home with a thorough cleaning and the use of an appropriate, nontoxic pesticide. Disinfect all areas, including your pet’s bedding. If your home is infested, a professional exterminator may be the best choice. 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.

COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

How Certain Diet Styles Work to Lower Heart Disease Risk

DEAR DR. ROACH: Which diet styles in particular are associated with a lower risk of heart disease? Many people get confused about what a healthy diet actually consists of. Is a Mediterranean diet easier than an extreme low-fat diet? -- D.H.H.

ANSWER: There are several styles of diet that have been proven to be healthier than a typical North American diet. Two of the best that have been studied are the ones you mentioned -- the extreme low-fat diet and the Mediterranean-style diet -- but there are many others that show benefit and a few that show harm.

In a landmark study published by Dr. Dean Ornish in 1998, intensive lifestyle changes reduced the amount of heart disease (measured by blockages in the heart arteries) more than those in the control group without medication. This remarkable result required a diet that was mostly vegetarian (egg whites and only 1 cup of milk a day) and no more than 10% fat (the average American diet is 30% to 35% fat).

In addition to dietary changes, participants performed aerobic exercise (3 hours per week), stress management (1 hour per day) and group psychosocial support (4 hours twice a week), and they also had a 100% smoking cessation rate. It is unclear how much of the benefit in reversing heart blockages is due to diet and how much is due to other beneficial behavior changes, or whether they all worked together (which seems likely to me).

The Mediterranean diet, when studied, also reduced risk of heart disease, with a roughly 30% relative-risk reduction in heart attack, stroke or death due to heart disease. This diet is characterized by:

-- An abundant use of olive oil

-- High consumption of plant foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, nuts and seeds)

-- Frequent but moderate intake of wine (especially red wine) with meals

-- Moderate consumption of fish, seafood, fermented dairy products (yogurt and cheese), poultry and eggs

-- Low consumption of red and processed meat as well as sweets

There isn’t a doubt that the Mediterranean diet is much easier for most to comply with. The two diets haven’t been compared, so I can’t say which is better, but I more commonly recommend the Mediterranean diet. However, I do not recommend drinking wine for any kind of health benefit. Exercise, stress management and psychosocial support would be likely to improve outcomes with any kind of favorable dietary change.

The DASH diet -- a lower-salt diet with 4 to 5 servings of fruit, 4 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 3 servings of low-fat dairy per day, with less than 25% of daily caloric intake from fat -- has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Moreover, in people with high or normal blood pressure, this diet lowers risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature

mortality. It’s also easy to maintain. Many people ask me about ketogenic (“keto”) diets, which typically involve large amounts of meat and, consequently, a high proportion of protein and fat. Although these types of diets can cause short-term weight loss, a recent study showed these diets unfortunately increased cholesterol levels and more than doubled the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes (heart attack and death).

So, I recommend against following this type of diet and remind readers that weight loss does not necessarily translate into better health. As the above studies have shown, a person of any weight can better their health by having a more plant-based diet, getting regular exercise, managing their stress and receiving psychosocial support. The changes you make do not need to be extreme in order for you to receive better health.

* * *

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Stolen Valor, Still

Right now in the U.S. Congress is bill S.1469 - Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors. Its purpose is to require certification of small businesses applying for contracts. Ideally, this bill, if passed, would put more teeth into any punishment handed out for abusing the Department of Veterans Affairs small business and service-disabled veterans contract program.

Despite the laws about stolen valor, crooks still try to claim what isn’t rightfully theirs.

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In a recent case, a woman was sentenced to federal prison for, among other things, forging military discharge papers and claiming to have received military medals after being hit by IEDs. In this case, the woman actually worked at the VA and saw firsthand what kind of paperwork and information was required. She ended up grabbing $250,000 from veterans charities, served as a VFW post commander and gave speeches wearing a uniform and medals she purchased online. She managed to keep up the fraud for five years. She’ll be heading off to prison for six years (not nearly long enough) and will need to repay $284,000.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 in Palm Springs is seeking volunteer drivers. The drivers will drive a 9 passenger van known as the “AMVETS Express” from Cathedral City and Palm Springs to the Loma Linda VA Hospital and then return to the desert. The driver will work one day per week. The van departs Cathedral City about 6:30 AM and returns to the desert in the afternoon of the same day. The van operates Monday through Friday.

Applicants for the position of driver do not have to be veterans. Applicants are required to study a training manual and pass a complete physical exam. The drivers cannot be over age 70. The drivers are volunteers and are not paid a salary.

Then there’s the guy (a Canadian) who’s been charged with violating the Stolen Valor Act by falsifying his discharge papers to indicate that he earned many medals and ribbons, including the Purple Heart. The guy did serve in the U.S. military, but he was bounced with a bad-conduct discharge and never earned a Purple Heart. He’s incurred the wrath of several government agencies -- in addition to the U.S. attorney -- including Homeland Security, DMV, Border Patrol and the U.S. Air Force.

And there’s the guy who claimed to be a former prisoner of war and a Navy SEAL to help him steal health care benefits and jump up a few priority groups ahead of real veterans. The thief never served.

If you suspect someone isn’t who they say they are, check online databases. Look at the P.O.W. Network (www.pownetwork.org), the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (www.cmohs.org) and Home of Heroes (www.homeofheroes.com) with an alphabetical index of 120,000 actual recipients.

* * *

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.

The AMVETS Express has operated since 2004 and it is the only free van transportation from the desert to the VA Hospital. Drivers are not permitted to accept tips from the passengers. The AMVETS Express takes homeless veterans and veterans who are having a mental health crisis to the hospital. We also transport many disabled veterans who cannot drive a car. For many veterans the AMVETS Express is the only way for them to receive their medical care. We transport about 22 veterans per month. Because

ADVERTISING PROOF

Post 66 Commander Tom Swann Hernandez at For full details and to apply, please call

Final

(c) 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

-- by Jim Miller

How to Handle Social Security Benefits When a Loved One Dies

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: How are Social Security benefits handled when someone dies? After a long illness, my 68-year-old father has only weeks left to live. I am helping my mother figure out her financial situation going forward, including what to do about my dad’s Social Security after he passes away. I am hoping you can give me some tips as l could use some help. -- Only Son

Dear Only Son: I’m very sorry about the impending loss of your father. To help you and your mom understand what Social Security provides and what needs to be done when a family member dies, here are some key points for you to know:

Your first order of business will be to make sure the Social Security Administra tion is notified when your father dies, so his monthly benefits will be stopped. In most cases, the funeral home providing his burial or cremation services will do this. You’ll need to provide your dad’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. But, if they don’t offer that service or you’re not using a funeral home, you’ll need to do it yourself by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. This should be done as soon as possible after his passing.

When Benefits Stop

There are a couple of things to be aware of regarding your dad’s Social Secu rity benefits. For starters, you need to know that a person is due no Social Security ben efits in the month of their death.

With Social Security, each payment received represents the previous month’s benefits. So, if your dad were to pass away in August, the check for that month – which would be paid in September – would need to be returned if received. If the payment is made by direct deposit, you would need to contact the bank or other financial institution and ask them to return any Social Security benefits sent after your dad’s death.

Survivor Benefits

When your father passes away, your mother may be eligible for survivor benefits on his record if she’s at least age 60 (50 if disabled). Here’s how that works depending on her situation.

If your mom is currently receiving Social Security benefits based on your father’s work record, her spousal benefit will automatically convert to survivors benefits when the government gets notice of your dad’s death. She cannot receive both spousal and survivor benefits at the same time.

Widows are due between 71 percent (at age 60) and 100 percent (at full retirement age) of what the husband was getting before he died.

If, however, your mom is eligible for retirement benefits (but hasn’t applied yet), she can apply for retirement or survivors benefits when her husband passes away and switch to the other (higher) benefit later. Or, if your mom is already receiving her retirement benefits on her own work record, she could switch to survivors benefits if it offers a higher payment. She cannot, however, receive both benefits.

To apply for survivors’ benefits, your mom will need to call Social Security at 800772-1213 and schedule an appointment. She can’t do it online.

You should also know that survivor benefits are available to former spouses and dependents who meet SSA qualifications –see SSA.gov/benefits/survivors

Also note that if your mom collects a survivor benefit while working, and she’s under full retirement age, her benefits may be reduced depending on her earnings. See SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf for details.

Death Benefit

In addition to survivor benefits, Social Security will also pay a one-time payment of $255 to your mom (the surviving spouse) if she was living with your dad at the time of his death. If they were living apart, she may still receive this one-time payment if she’s collecting spousal benefits on his work record. In the absence of a surviving spouse, the lump-sum payment can go to a son or daughter who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s work record.

ANTIQUE -- OR

JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam

Brilliant Period Was a Cut Above

Q: I am enclosing a photo of a cut glass pitcher that belonged to my grandmother. I acquired it when she passed away in the late 1950s. I always admired the pitcher, and it is very special to me. It stands about 9 inches tall and is decorated with flowers and leaves. Marked on the bottom is the name “Clark.”

There is a crack on the base, but it is internal. I have no idea how, when or how it happened.

Can you tell me something about its background and possibly its value?

A: T. B. Clark was established in Honesdale, Penn., in 1885. They soon added a second plant in Seelyville, Penn. Dorflinger Glass Company provided the blanks for Clark, and their designers created the patterns.

The Brilliant Period of cut glass lasted from 1880 to 1917. It was an era of exceptional quality glass that was cut to reflect and refract the light. As the period waned, pieces were decorated with flowers and leaves. As a rule, the glass cutters’ signatures were acid etched and couldn’t be felt by running a finger over the mark. Those pieces that are signed are more valuable than those that aren’t.

Your pitcher was made around 1915. Although the sentimental value of your pitcher is high, the actual value is diminished. A similar pitcher in mint condition would probably be valued at $150 to $225.

* * *

Q: This mark is on the back of a porcelain plaque that has been in my family for generations. It is an oval shape, in mint condition and set in a metal frame that measures 8 by 10 inches. It is decorated with hand-painted

Puzzle Solutions

Large area of the U.S. where people always put forth tons of effort: The Great Pains region.

GO FIGURE

SOLUTION

pastel flowers against a white background.

I was told it was worth a lot of money and that I should have it appraised. The appraiser who looked at it said it was worth $1,500 to $2,000 and then offered to buy it.

What can you tell me about my plaque and its value?

A: An ethical appraiser would not offer to purchase an item that she/he just appraised. Always research the credentials of an appraiser before doing business. Sadly, not everyone is honest.

Wave Crest was made by the C.F. Monroe Company in Meriden, Conn. They were in business from 1898 to around 1917. Wave Crest is an opaque blown-molded glass and blanks were purchased from the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company in New Bedford, Mass.

Your plaque would probably be worth $3,000 to $5,000.

Q: I have a child’s plate and matching cup that belonged to my dad when he was a baby around 1919. The plate has the alphabet around the outer edge. Both the cup and plate are decorated with children playing. They were made in Germany.

I would really appreciate any information you can provide.

A: Your plate and cup are examples of children’s ABC dishes. They were made in the late 1800s and early 1900s and are collectible. Your set would probably be worth between $75 and $100.

* * *

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

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

* On July 10, 2011, the British newspaper News of the World published its final edition after 168 years in print, when owner Rupert Murdoch received a high amount of criticism following accusations against his staff that complained of phone hacking and bribing police to obtain the paper’s stories.

* On July 11, 1977, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by Jimmy Carter, who called King “the conscience of a generation” who “made our nation stronger because he made it better.”

* On July 12, 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first sitting American president to opt for flying in a helicopter over using a motorcade to get to his destination (in this case, Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland).

* On July 13, 1930, France defeated Mexico 4-1 and the United States defeated Belgium 3-0 in the first-ever World Cup football matches, played simultaneously in host city Montevideo, Uruguay. The World Cup has since become the world’s most watched sporting event.

* On July 14, 1882, gunfighter John Ringo was found dead in Turkey Creek Canyon, Arizona. Romanticized as a supposedly Shakespeare-quoting fellow of honor and courage whose wit was as quick as his gun, Ringo was not formally educated and came from a struggling, working-class Indiana family, but cultivated the image of a refined gentleman.

* On July 15, 1986, Columbia Records dropped Johnny Cash from its roster after a 26-year partnership, due to changing tastes in country music and declining album sales. At the time, Cash hadn’t made it into the Top 10 with a single since releasing “The Baron” in 1981.

* On July 16, 2007, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck central Japan, killing nine people and damaging hundreds of homes, as well as one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants, which had a small electrical fire and leaked of radioactive air and water into the environment. The incident prompted increased safety in power plants over concern of a repeated scare.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

"Did you notice if the pro shop here rents snorkles?"

Cut glass pitcher was made in the Brilliant Period.

Wave Crest was made by C. F. Monroe Company.

Idaho (from page 3)

any hooved animal that lingers for long on a riverbank tramples the delicate riparian zone. Because the law only said “animals,” some jokester interpreted that to mean it’s against the law to fish from the back of a camel, though it is equally illegal to fish from the back of an elephant, ostrich, kangaroo, giraffe or hippo.

• The winter of 1947-48 was an exceptionally cruel one in Idaho, leaving the citizens in the town of Pocatello generally depressed and sullen. In an effort to cheer citizens up, Mayor George Phillips passed a tongue-in-cheek ordinance stating it was illegal not to smile at your fellow Pocatello citizens. The regulation was supposed to last only one week, but no one ever took it off the books.

• Some 40 years later, a reporter found the law still in the records and wrote about it. At the time, the American Bankers Association was trying to get outdated banking laws updated. They pressured Congress by pointing out ridiculous old laws that had never been repealed. This “Smile Ordinance” became central to their campaign, receiving national attention. Pocatello enjoyed the attention and became the “Smile Capital” of the world. The law remains in place, but is never enforced.

• Island Park, Idaho boasts having “the longest Main Street in America.” You would think that a main street 33 miles long would make Island Park a huge metropolis, yet the Idaho town has fewer than 300 residents. The city limit, while being 33 miles long, is only an average of 500 feet wide. Main Street is actually the only street in that town, and there are long stretches of the road where there’s nothing but sagebrush and tumbleweed.

• So, why such a weirdly skinny shape for such a sparsely populated town? Because Idaho state regulations prohibited the sale of liquor outside city limits. The state highway that runs through the middle of town is near Yellowstone National Park, drawing a large number of tourists to the area. Various resorts, lodges, and restaurants popped up along the highway, separated by long stretches of empty land. The business owners wanted to meet their guestsʼ requests for liquor service, but could only do so if they were inside city limits. Therefore, in 1947, city planners redrew the city limits to include as many businesses as possible, giving Idaho “The Longest Main Street In America.” □

STAN SMITH’S TENNIS CLASS

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

The takeaway has been one of the most varied topics in golf instruction over the years. While there is a wide range of preferences and parameters for club and body movement, the majority of top players tend to fall into a similar category of “one piece takeaways”. The term implies that the club movement away from the ball involves a unison of body movements rather than a drastic leading of one part over the others.

One of the common dangers of the takeaway is an overly dominant wrist action that forces the club well to the inside of the target line. By coordinating the arms, shoulders, torso, and hips to move together, with little independent hand action, the club will move in a neutral, on plane journey.

The first two feet of club travel should involve the chest turning to the right while the “triangle” of the arms and hands stays passive. The lower body many times has to make a slight shift and rotation to allow the upper body’s action. The grip end of the club may stay aligned to the navel during this sequence. Avoid excessive wrist or forearm rotation in this phase.

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of Samantha’s mother in the “Bewitched” comedy series?

2. MOVIES: What is the name of the shark-hunting boat in the film “Jaws”?

3. SCIENCE: What is the most lethal consumed plant in the world?

4. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who served as vice president in Abraham Lincoln’s first term as president?

6. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of alcohol is traditionally used in a drink called a sidecar?

7. LITERATURE: What city is the primary setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?

8. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system was the first to be explored by a space probe launched from Earth?

9. MUSIC: In what year did MTV launch?

GO FIGURE!

10. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral located? Answers

TRIVIA TEST Answers Answers

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

by Linda Thistle

Answer peekers' names and photos posted on Facebook

1. Endora.

2. The Orca.

3. Tobacco.

4. A doe or nanny.

5. Hannibal Hamlin.

6. Brandy.

7. Verona, Italy.

8. Venus (Mariner 2).

9. 1981.

10. Moscow, Russia.