Vol. 20: #17 • Famous Folks & Their Exotic Pets • (4-21-2024) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

"The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read"

by Kathy Wolfe

We love our pets! Nearly 70 percent of us have an animal in the home, and, according to surveys, 90 percent of pet owners think of their pets as members of the family. But for some, these pets go way beyond cuddly kittens and playful pups. Read on to hear about some well-known folks who have ventured far beyond the kitty class!

• Actor Nicolas Cage has owned several exotic pets, including an octopus for which he paid $150,000. His two albino king cobras, Moby and Sheba set him back $276,000. Cage kept a supply of antidote in his home in the event that he was bitten by the cobras, considering that he would have just 15 minutes to live without it. His menagerie also included a five-foot-long Asian water monitor lizard, a shark, and a crocodile. Cage was forced to surrender them all when faced with a $14 million IRS settlement for unpaid taxes.

• Monkeys have been the pet of choice for several celebrities, but not with the best outcomes. Exotic Pets: Turn to page 3

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

your body

is hypoglycemia, which causes low blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body produces too much glucagon, creating high blood sugar levels.

The PANCREAS

It may be small – just 4.7 to 5.9 inches (1215 cm) long – but the pancreas is vital to the digestive process. This week, Tidbits delves into the functions of this important organ.

• Painful inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can be the result of gallstones blocking the bile duct, trauma to the abdomen, certain infections, or excessive use of alcohol. Sometimes people with severe acute pancreatitis can develop a complication where the pancreas loses its blood supply. This can cause some of the tissue of the pancreas to die (necrosis). When this happens, the pancreas can become infected, which can spread into the blood (sepsis) and cause organ failure.

(Answers on page 16)

1. MOVIES: Which dramatic film features the character “V”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Luzon belongs to which island nation?

3. LANGUAGE: What is the Latin phrase for “before the war”?

4. U.S. STATES: Which state has the most national parks?

5. LITERATURE: Which 1950s novel includes the line, “Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”

6. CHEMISTRY: What kind of gas makes a drink bubbly?

7. TELEVISION: Which sitcom features a mom named Debra Barone?

8. MUSIC: What was the former name of the English band Muse?

9. SCIENCE: What are the gaps between nerve cells called?

10. THEATER: Who wrote the play “The Crucible”?

Answers

1. “V for Vendetta” (2005).

2. The Philippines.

• A Greek surgeon named Herophilus was the first to formally identify the pancreas around 300 B.C. The organ was first referred to as the pancreas about 400 years late, when another Greek surgeon, Ruphos, came up with the name using the Greek word “pankreas,” which translates “all flesh,” perhaps because of its lack of bone or cartilage.

• Where is the pancreas located? It’s just behind the stomach in front of the spine. It’s surrounded by the gall bladder, liver, and spleen.

• The two main functions of the pancreas are to make digestive juices and to produce hormones. The pancreas aids in digestion by producing a fluid containing enzymes that flows into the small intestine help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and neutralize stomach acid.

• The pancreas also secretes two hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones, insulin and glucagon, are the ones that control blood sugar. When there’s too much sugar, known as glucose, in the blood, insulin is released. Glucagon is released when the blood doesn’t have enough sugar.

• The most common pancreatic ailment is diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, preventing other cells from accessing the blood’s glucose for energy, producing an unhealthy build-up of sugar in the bloodstream.

• Type 2 diabetes arises when insulin is produced, but usually not enough, and the body doesn’t use it correctly. The cells become resistant to insulin, frequently due to obesity, causing glucose to accumulate in the blood.

• If the body produces too much insulin, the result

• It’s possible to live without a pancreas, but it would require daily insulin shots to control blood sugar and a dose of enzyme pills to aid in the digestive process.

• Pancreatic cancer accounts for about three percent of all new cancer cases, but nearly eight percent of all cancer deaths. It’s the tenth most common cancer, and a sneaky and insidious disease as it doesn’t cause symptoms until the cancer is already advanced.

• At the time of diagnosis, the cancer in half the patients has already spread outside the pancreas to other organs, which denotes Stage Four cancer. The most common type originates in the cells lining the ducts that carry the digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.

• The cancer is difficult to discover because the symptoms are nonspecific, such as abdominal pain, back pain, weight loss, tiredness or weakness – all things that are more likely to be caused by something else. Type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, obesity, and alcohol abuse can raise the risk, as well as family history and older age, as most people diagnosed are over 65. 

Week

Exotic Pets (from page one)

Michael Jackson purchased his chimp Bubbles from a research clinic, and brought his pet along with him on tour, with Bubbles even enjoying tea with the mayor of Osaka, Japan. Jackson frequently dressed Bubbles in a costume identical to his own, taught him how to moonwalk, and put him to bed in a special crib on Jackson’s ranch. But when Bubbles grew larger and became aggressive, he was moved to a Florida primate sanctuary.

• Actor George Clooney gifted his girlfriend a Vietnamese potbellied pig, which grew to 300 lbs. Max was frequently seen on Clooney’s movie sets, was allowed to sleep in his master’s bedroom, and grunted and squealed when his breakfast was late. When Clooney’s romance went south, Max stayed with him for the next 18 years, until the pig’s death at age 19.

• The Roman Emperor Nero was the owner of a pet tigress named Phoebe, a fighting brute he rescued from a match at the Coliseum. She was housed in a luxurious golden cage in the emperor’s palace, but was often allowed to roam free and wander through banquet halls with guests. Those who offended or opposed Nero ran the risk of becoming Phoebe’s dessert.

• A friend of young singer Justin Bieber gifted him with a capuchin monkey, Mally, on his birthday, and Bieber took his pet on tour to Germany. Unbeknownst to Bieber, the capuchin is an endangered animal in Germany, and authorities confiscated the animal, charging him $8,000 to cover the costs of moving Mally to a zoo.

• Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife Josephine kept a primate, a female orangutan that joined her at the dinner table attired in a white cotton dress. The ape supposedly had acceptable manners and had a love of turnips. Josephine also kept an emu, black swans, and several kangaroos.

• Ice-T is the rapper and actor known for a tough exterior, but did you know he's also a proud owner of an exotic pet shark? The “Law & Order: SVU” star has a 17,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in his home, housing various sea creatures, including a blacktip reef shark. His custom-designed tank even includes a built-in shark cave!

• The late drug kingpin Pablo Escobar kept himself remotely hidden on his massive eight-square-mile estate deep in the jungles of Colombia. Escobar also had an affinity for keeping a variety of exotic wild animals as pets that roamed free on the grounds. When he was killed in 1993, most of the animals he had imported zebras, giraffes, kangaroos and rhinoceroses -- died or were transferred to zoos. But his four hippopotamuses were never captured and have since thrived -- and continue to grow in numbers.

• From the original four hippos that escaped from Escobar's country estate about 215 are roaming wild today – the largest population outside Africa. With no natural predators to keep them in check, their population will keep growing exponentially. One study estimates that by 2034 the hippos will number 400, and could easily exceed 1,000 by 2050 if measures aren’t taken to control the beasts, a danger to both the environment and human populations.

• Left unchecked, their intrusion could displace other mammals, such as manatees and capybaras, and the large amount of waste they produce will alter aquatic ecosystems, leading to harmful algal blooms and the poisoning of other wildlife. Escobarʼs legacy lives on.

• Boxing champ Mike Tyson’s favorite pet was his white Bengal tiger named Kenya, which he owned for over 16 years. Kenya weighed 550 pounds, lived in his home, and even slept in his room with him. But when she viciously injured the arm of a neighbor who visited his yard unexpectedly, he ended up giving the woman $250,000. And that ended his life with Kenya.

• Theodore Roosevelt brought a baby badger home from a 1903 trip out west, and named it Josiah. Josiah was not the only animal of the unusual pet menagerie kept by the Roosevelt family and their six children. A black bear named Jonathan Edwards was allowed to roam the grounds of the White House, along with Maude the pig, Algonquin the pony, Peter the rabbit, a laughing hyena, and five dogs. Completing the collection was a lizard, five guinea pigs, and feathered friends – a macaw, a hen, a one-legged rooster, and a barn owl. Daughter Alice was the owner of a normal Pekingese named Manchu, a gift from the last empress of China during a trip there.

• Elvis Presley had numerous pets, including donkeys he kept in an empty swimming pool and a turkey named Bowtie, but his favorite was his chimpanzee, Scatter. Scatter accompanied the King on tour, but was unruly and out of control, biting the crew and even swigging whiskey when left unsupervised. The chimp was sent back to Graceland, where it’s alleged that a cleaning lady poisoned him after being bitten severely.

• Elvis also kept a mynah bird in his Graceland

Exotic Pets: Turn to page 15

By Lucie Winborne

* It is impossible for a human to sneeze during sleep due to a bodily state called REM atonia.

* For 200 years tomatoes were considered poisonous in Europe. In reality, their acidity was dissolving poisonous metals like lead from plates.

* Scientists investigating the occasional appearance of thousands of dead fish on the banks of an African river eventually discovered that the cause was huge numbers of hippos pooping in the water.

* Actor Danny DeVito used to be a beautician.

* Ten thousand years ago, everyone’s eyes were brown until someone living by the Black Sea developed a genetic mutation that turned brown eyes blue.

* In 2007, a gorilla escaped from his exhibit, grabbed and mauled a nearby woman, and then attacked a restaurant. Later it was later revealed that the woman had been making eye contact and smiling at the primate several times a week, something zookeepers had warned her not to do.

* Freelance diamond setter Raffi Stepanian found he could collect enough bits of carelessly dropped diamonds, rubies, platinum and gold on the sidewalks of New York City’s Midtown Diamond District to actually earn a living.

* In April of 2018, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes in California completely erased Alzheimer’s disease damage in human cells by altering the structure of a single protein.

* The most expensive photograph ever sold, “Rhein II,” a basic picture of the lower Rhine river under an overcast sky that had been digitally altered to remove dog walkers and a factory building, was purchased in 2011 for a cool $4.3 million.

* Research has shown that taller people are happier but shorter people live longer. ***

Thought for the Day: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -- Bernard M. Baruch

and don’t take offense if you don’t get it. But be thrilled when you do. -- Bill C., California

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

Great Readers, Great Tips!

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

Once again, my very clever readers have reminded me that it’s the little ways we avoid spending money that add up. It makes us feel good, too. I hope you enjoy this week's tips as much as I have.

by Mary Hunt

WORKS THE SAME. I use the Clorox ReadyMop, but my tip works equally well with a Swiffer. The replacement pads for both brands are quite expensive so I tried a strong paper towel in place of the Clorox ReadyMop replacement sheets. Works great! I tear away a bit of the towel to allow for the spray holes and of course I have to replace the paper quite frequently, but it is well worth the effort. You can also use a washcloth cut to allow for the spray holes as well, but I prefer to simply throw the paper towels in the garbage rather than add to my laundry.

-- Randy E., Oregon

BUT IT’S CHEAPER. Regarding the tip to use Calgon water softener to remove scum from tubs, it works great. But plain powdered borax, also obtainable at the grocery store, works just as well and, at least in my area, is much cheaper than Calgon. -- Nancy B., Texas

LITTLE STUFF ADDS UP. A rich restauranteur I worked for told me he could tell whether a restaurant was profitable just by looking in the trash bins. If workers hadn’t been taught how not to waste good food, the restaurant would go out of business. The same applies at home. Check your trash cans and you may come up with a “teachable moment.” You’ll be amazed at what the kids, especially teenagers, throw out. All the little things really do add up.

-- Prof. Roger K., Ukraine

JUST ASK. After having work done on my car, I received a bill for $590. I looked at it and said to the clerk with a big smile on my face, “What about my discount? I’m poor, I’m a cheapskate. ... That should be worth something.” With that she said, “Ten percent, but for labor only.” Knowing I had just scored I asked, “Why labor only?” And she said, “Don’t push your luck!” I was joking the whole time and would have been happy with no discount, but by asking I got $41.50 off my bill. The secret is to ask, don’t beg,

FREE KIDS CLUB. We take our kids to Home Depot’s monthly “Kids Club Workshops.” These workshops (https://www.homedepot. com/c/kids) are free how-to-clinics designed for children ages 6-12, available 9 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult use prefabricated kits to construct projects like wooden birdhouses, step stools and sailboats to more educational projects like the plastic bag recycle box and window bird box, where kids can watch the birds build their nests. Kids leave with a finished item, an orange apron and achievement pin! -- Brian O., California

POT REPAIR. Don’t throw out that busted terracotta pot. You can repair it quite easily. Moisten the breaks with water. Squeeze carpenter’s glue onto the broken edges and reset the pieces. Circle the pot with strips of masking tape to hold the pieces in place. Let the bond harden. Good as new. -- Victor G., California

SELF-GRATING CHEESE. If you freeze a block of cheese, then thaw it, it will crumble. You don’t have to grate it. -- Tanley M., email

NO MORE SPLITS. To prevent moulding from splitting, my father taught me to place the nails head down on a solid surface and then tap the point of the nail. This blunts the point, and the nail cuts through the wood rather than splitting it. This method works well on moulding made from woods that have a pronounced grain such as fir, which is prone to splitting. -- Dave. R., Florida

GROW SOME YOGURT. My kids love yogurt so I make my own. Boil half a gallon of milk and allow it to sit in a cool place. When lukewarm, add 1 tablespoon Dannon plain yogurt, stir and cover. Let it sit on top of the stove overnight. It will be ready the following day. This will be sugar-free. You can add fruit, honey or granola to sweeten. -- Aruna S., Illinois

STORE BRANDS. Some generic items are awful and others are exactly the same product as the name brand alternative. Do some experimenting, especially if your store offers “satisfaction guaranteed.” If you don’t like it, the store will let you exchange it or may give you your money back. -- Bette J., Nevada

PLANT VACATION CARE. Before taking off for your summer vacation, thoroughly soak and feed your houseplants then cluster them together in an empty bathtub or child’s swimming pool. Set in a sunny location or provide your plants with artificial lighting while you are away. Cover them completely with a lightweight tent of clear plastic and tightly seal it with tape on all sides. No more water necessary. This will work for up to two weeks. -- Lara P., Georgia * * *

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.”

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

TIGERS

While we're on the subject of wild and exotic animals in this week's issue, we thought we'd spend a little time taking a look at that fabulous feline called the tiger. Sleek, beautiful and deadly, they're indeed a special breed unto themselves, and one that some determined souls actually harbor as pets!

• In the wild, you can find tigers in the dry forests, tropical forests, and flooded mangrove forests of Asia. However, the Siberian tiger likes the northern, colder areas of eastern Russia and northern China.

• Just as every human has different fingerprints, no two tigers are alike in the pattern of their stripes. The most familiar tiger, of course, is orange with black stripes, but others are black with tan stripes, or white with tan stripes. There are even all white albino tigers. The rare gene

carried by white tigers is present in just one in every 10,000 tigers.

• The largest of the tiger species, the Siberian, reaches lengths of 10.75 feet (3.3 m) and weights of 660 lbs. (300 kg). The long tail can add up to 3.6 feet (1.1 m) to a tiger’s overall length. Even with their massive size, they can run up to 40 mph (65 km/hr) at full speed. And although it’s strange to think of a swimming cat, tigers actually like the water and are good swimmers.

• Tigers usually hunt at night, and are usually alone in their quest for their prey. Their strictlycarnivorous diet consists of deer, wild pigs, antelope, and buffalo. A tiger can jump roughly 18-20 feet! Although other large felines, such as pumas and leopards, can also take big leaps, the tiger's impressive size and weight makes its long jumps even more astonishing.

• They stalk their victims, then quickly pounce, clamping down on the animal’s neck or back of the head with sharp teeth up to three inches long. Tigers are fast and they’re ferocious, but still have a 90 percent failure rate of catching their prey.

• While tigers are capable of quietly stalking prey, the sound of their roar can’t be ignored. It can be heard as far as 1.85 miles (3 km) away!

• Although baby tigers are born helpless, weighing about 2.2 lbs (1 kg), it doesn’t take long for them to mature. At just 8 weeks, they’re already equipped to head out hunting with their mother. As tigers roam their territories seeking food, they mark the territory by scratching marks into trees with their mighty claws. In the case of the Siberian tiger, it’s no small area, with its domain reaching an area of more than 4,000 square miles (10,000 sq. km)!

• When a tiger is two years old, it’s on its own, and the mother will deliver another set of cubs, up to seven cubs in a litter. Typically, only two survive, because the female leaves them to hunt, and can’t bring home enough to feed the entire litter. A tiger in the wild lives about 14 to 18 years.

• Lions and tigers might look completely different on the outside, but their body configuration is so similar, if you shaved them, you would be unable to tell them apart! In fact, tigers even breed with lions, resulting in hybrids known as tigons and ligers.

• In ancient times, Romans used to fight tigers with lions for sport. In all the fights tigers won easily. In one recorded fight two lions were pitted against a tiger, and again the tiger won. Tigers thrash with both front claws while

fighting, while lions in comparison use one. Tigers are bigger, have more muscle, are more ferocious and are more agile than lions.

• With less than 4,000 tigers remaining in the wild, the species is highly endangered. There are actually more tigers in captivity – about 5,000 – than live in the wild. Their population today is only about seven percent of what it was less than 100 years ago. The Bali tiger became extinct in the 1930s, the Caspian tiger in the 1950s, and the Javan tiger was last seen in the 1970s. 

In the Coachella Valley, pricing your home to sell requires careful consideration and expert guidance. While online tools offer quick estimates, they often overlook key factors like upgrades, location and view. In other words, the price is just a rough estimate.

To ensure you’re setting the right price to sell your home consider these tips:

1. Consult a Local Expert: Reach out to a knowledgeable Coachella Valley real estate professional who understands the intricacies of our local market. They’ll conduct a thorough analysis of your home’s unique selling points and guide you through the pricing process.

2. Highlight Upgrades: Make sure to highlight any upgrades or renovations you’ve made to your home. These can significantly impact its value and appeal to potential buyers.

3. Consider Market Trends: Stay informed about current market trends in our Desert market. A skilled Realtor can provide valuable insights into buyer preferences, pricing dynamics, and seasonal fluctuations.

4. Be Flexible: Pricing your home competitively from the start can attract more interest and potentially lead to multiple offers. Be open to adjusting your price based on feedback and market conditions.

5. Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): A CMA is a powerful tool that compares your home to similar properties that have recently sold in the area. This data-driven approach provides a realistic valuation and helps set the right price. In some cases, it may be more than the third-party site estimates.

Ready to take the next step? Call or email us today with questions about pricing your home or ANY real estate topics in general. We’d love to answer your questions in this article.

death.

3. Demi Lovato named her dog after the superhero __________.

by Dana Jackson

1. Name the Flintstones’ family pet.

2. What is the name of Harry Potter’s pet owl?

Q: I miss watching “This Is Us” and wish it would have had at least one more season. What other shows has the person who wrote it done? -- K.J.

A: ”This Is Us,” the heart-wrenching drama series about the lives of siblings spanning across several decades, was created by Dan Fogelman, who first got his start in animated films. He’s credited with writing the screenplay for “Cars,” “Bolt” and “Tangled,” but it was the critically acclaimed film “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” starring twotime Oscar winner Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), that showed audiences he had a gift for dialogue. Fogelman’s first series was the short-lived ABC comedy “The Neighbors,” starring Jami Gertz (“Still Standing”). He followed that with several other shows that were canceled after one season (“Galavant,” “Grandfathered” and “Pitch”). He struck gold in 2016 when “This Is Us” premiered on NBC, averaging 14 million viewers in its first season. Not since “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy” did a network television show become the topic of discussion the next day at work.

Carl Spitz was the owner of a female Cairn Terrier named Terry, who began her film career in 1934 in the movie “Ready for Love,” followed closely by a role in “Bright Eyes” with child star Shirley Temple. Terry appeared in 23 movies, but she’s most famous for her role as Dorothy Gale’s pet Toto in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” Spitz, who had developed a method of using silent hand signals in training animals, received $125 per week (about $2,200 in today’s money) during filming. Terry did her own stunts and was seriously injured during “Oz” when a Winkie guard unintentionally stepped on her paw, resulting in a bad sprain.

Expectations are high for Fogelman’s next project, “Paradise City.” The upcoming series is described as a thriller and stars “This Is Us” alum Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden (“Jury Duty”) and Julianne Nicholson (“Mare of Easttown”). Hulu has picked up the series, which started production this past February.

4/21 Kindergarten Day

4/22 National Jelly Bean

HIPPOPOTAMUS

4. In the long-running TV series, “Friends,” Ross’ pet monkey was named ______.

Brown, who plays the head of security for a former president in the new series, notes that this character will be quite different than his “This Is Us” character, Randall. ***

5. Which U.S. President owned the cocker spaniel named Checkers?

Q: When is the show “Evil” returning? Is it only on Paramount+? -- D.A.

A: The upcoming fourth and final season of “Evil” will air exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming service, beginning May 23. Fortunately, there will be 14 episodes, which will roll out weekly and air throughout the summer.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” –

Anatole France

In the trailer for the new season, Ben (Aasif Mandvi) states, “We’ve already hunted werewolves and demons. Are we now hunting witches?” Another plotline is said to involve the birth of the antichrist. Katja Herbers, Mike Colter and Christine Lahti are all said to be returning for the final run. ***

Q: When is Pat Sajak’s last episode as the host of “Wheel of Fortune”? Will Ryan Seacrest be taking over immediately? -- J.J.

Tony Romo 4/21/80

Jack Nicholson 4/22/37

George Lopez 4/23/61

Kelly Clarkson 4/24/82

Al Pacino 4/25/40

Channing Tatum 4/26/80

Sheena Easton 4/27/59

A: Pat Sajak, the longtime host of the iconic game show “Wheel of Fortune,” announced that season 41 would be his last. The season premiered this past September and will conclude on June 7, making that night the last time you’ll see Sajak spinning the wheel.

Ryan Seacrest will take over hosting duties when the new season premieres, which will most likely be in September of this year. However, Sajak will remain with the show behind the scenes as a consultant for three additional years, and Vanna White has inked a deal to continue her letter-turning duties at least through 2026.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy

If you own a K-cup pod coffeemaker, here’s your chance to make a difference! Purchase a reusable stainless steel pod and add your own coffee. These durable pods are not only ecofriendly, you’ll save money compared with disposable pods.

1. Split ................................ (PG-13)

2. Rings ............................... (PG-13)

Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

1. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (PG-13) Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry

3. A Dog’s Purpose (PG)

Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid

2. Monkey Man (R) Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley

4. Hidden Figures (PG)

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer

3. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13) Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon

5. La La Land (PG-13)

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

4. The First Omen (R) Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (R)

5. Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG) Jack Black, Awkwafina

Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen

7. Sing (PG) animated

6. Dune: Part Two (PG-13) Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya

8. Lion ................................ (PG-13)

Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman

7. Someone Like You (PG) Sarah Fisher, Jake Allyn

9. The Space Between Us .. (PG-13)

Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield

8. Arthur the King (PG-13) Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu

10. xXx: Return of Xander

Cage .................................... (PG-13)

9. Immaculate (R) Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte

Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen

10. Wicked Little Letters (R) Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Sixth President John Quincy Adams received an unusual gift from the Revolutionary War hero, the

an

The reptile took up residence for several months in the East Room bathroom.

2. Betty White

Marquis de Lafayette, that of

alligator.

Sterling K. Brown ( Upcoming in Dan Fogelman’s “Paradise City”) Depositphotos

Good Recipes from

Passover Gateau au Chocolat

We love this luscious orange-infused cake.

1/4 cup blanched whole almonds

3 tablespoons matzo cake meal

9 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

6 large eggs, separated

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

1/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar

Salt

Kosher for Passover confectioners’ sugar for dusting

1. Heat oven to 375 F. In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse almonds and matzo meal until almonds are finely ground.

2. In microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate and butter. Heat in microwave oven on Medium (50 percent power) 1 minute, stirring once. Microwave 30-60 seconds longer; stir until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

3. In medium bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites until foamy. Increase speed to high; gradually beat in 1/3 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.

4. To large bowl, add yolks, peel, brown sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Using same beaters, and with mixer on high speed, beat 2 minutes or until pale and thick. On low speed, beat in chocolate mixture.

5. Fold almond mixture and one-fourth of egg whites into egg-yolk mixture. Fold in remaining whites.

6. Transfer batter to ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 1 1/2 inches from edge comes out almost clean (top of cake may crack). Cool cake in pan on wire rack.

7. To serve, run knife around side of cake to loosen from pan. Remove side of pan; transfer cake to serving plate. Sprinkle cake with Kosher for Passover confectioners’ sugar.

 Each serving: About 370 calories, 27g total fat (15g saturated), 5g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 150mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium.

Recipe excerpted from Chocolate Holidays: Unforgettable Desserts for Every Season by Alice Medrich (Artisan Books)

Macaroni, Cabbage and Bean Soup

Rich in fiber and protein, this hearty Macaroni, Cabbage and Bean Soup can be served as a main course. Offer fresh, crusty bread and a green salad to accompany.

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni or mini penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion

1/2 head savoy cabbage

2 clove garlic

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cans chicken broth

2 cans white kidney beans (cannellini) Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Salt

1. Heat 4-quart saucepan of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add macaroni and cook as label directs.

CLIP

2. Meanwhile, in 5- to 6-quart saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, cabbage, garlic and pepper; cook until cabbage begins to wilt, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often. Stir in broth, beans and 1 1/2 cups water; heat to boiling.

3. Drain macaroni. Stir macaroni into cabbage mixture; heat through. Serve with Parmesan if you like. Serves 6.

By John Allen

DIAMOND LIL

by Brett Koth

Donald Duck by Walt

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS GOES COLOR BLIND

4/21 National Rendering Day

4/22 Passover - begins at sundown

4/23 English Language Day

4/24 National Save Denim Day

4/25 Red Hat Society Day

4/26 Audobon Day

4/27 Babe Ruth Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

A Trend that Needs To End

In Shakespeare’s day, something was rotten in the state of Denmark. Nowadays, something’s rotten in the United States. That something in two words: disposable animals.

One of the saddest aspects of our citizenry is this sticky notion that animals are disposable. One of the ways that plays out is in the ongoing practice of dumping dogs of a certain age at the local shelter.

For most of us, this is unimaginable. But for too many others, it’s ridiculously justifiable: He’s sick, and I can’t afford to take him to the vet.

He’s high-maintenance.

He’s not as fast, not as much fun.

He’s not as cute as he was as a puppy. And on and on.

Forgive the pun, but that dog don’t hunt. Older dogs make fantastic companion animals. They are typically more relaxed, more content, less rambunctious and far less inclined to cause trouble than their puppy counterparts. For many, this calm, cool and collected older dog is the reward of enduring puppyhood, with its housebreaking, teething, nipping and chewing challenges.

No one is more aware of this fact than shelter workers. And I happen to reside in a county that hosts some of the best.

The citizens of El Dorado (Calif.) County are blessed with an outstanding animal welfare organization: PAWED. People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado (of which my wife and I are members) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of companion animals. Boy, do they see it all.

In addition to senior dumping, they see people go on vacation and leave their dog alone in the yard. Many of these dogs try to escape (who could blame them?), and when they do, PAWED picks them up and houses and cares for them.

They witness the consequences of “breed

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Spring Cleaning and Safety

It’s time to begin my annual spring cleaning, and this year it’s going to be a bit different. Instead of just sticking with the window cleaning, closet organizing and dryer vent vacuuming type of activities, I’m going to concentrate on safety. Here is a look at some of the things on my target list that may perhaps get you thinking of jotting down a few of your own:

Grab bars in the bathroom: I’m going to bite the bullet and admit I probably should have done this years ago. I’ll hire a handyman to make sure it’s done right, anchoring the screws and bolts into the solid wall studs so that they are sturdy and immoveable even under hard pulling pressure. One in the shower and one by the stool, and one by the guest bathroom stool.

New batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: While the handyman is here, I’ll have him install them because, yes, I’ve given up ladders.

Small rug: The little area rug I have in front of the kitchen sink has to go. It has a curled corner, and while I’ve managed not to trip on it, I need to finally replace it with a new flat one with a non-skid surface.

The pantry: After stocking up on extra items for the last few years because of the Covid pandemic, it’s time to be sure I didn’t let any items slip way past their expiration date. I’ll need to pull out every single thing and check the dates. This will include olive oil, spices, rice and

all canned goods.

Night Lights: I need to add at least 2 more of these automatic plug-ins that provide low-light visibility at night. These inexpensive devices are essential, and the safer I am whenever I have to get up and move about in any room when the house is dark.

Drugs: Expired drugs I have crowding my medicine cabinet will need to go to the drop-off for disposal so they don’t end up in a landfill.

Anything you want to add to these ideas for your own spring cleaning list this year?

* * *

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.

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

trends.” Paris Hilton gets a Chihuahua; everyone wants a Chihuahua. Puppy mills and breeders start pumping out Chihuahuas. Next thing you know, shelters are full of unwanted Chihuahuas. The thing about trends is they always come to an end. Who pays the price? The animals, organizations like PAWED and the people who want to adopt from them.

When a shelter is operating at beyond capacity -- and almost all are these days -- it is forced to raise adoption fees to cover costs. Higher fees, in turn, keep people from adopting. It’s a sickening cycle that demonstrates the high cost of careless behavior.

One way to stop or at least slow the cycle is for animal lovers who want to support the good work of their local shelters to make a donation to that shelter to subsidize adoption fees. Low adoption fees are key to keeping shelters an attractive alternative to buying from breeders, brokers and pet stores.

This year more than any other, I’d encourage animal lovers to consider giving the gift of a donation to their local shelter to all their animal-loving friends and family members.

If it’s true that all good things come to an end, why not all bad things? It’s high time this trend of disposing of our companion animals goes for good.

* * *

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

benefits on your account even if you haven’t filed yourself.

her friends she is getting benefits on my account. I’m going to call my lawyer to stop this!

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Divorced Man’s Guide to Social Security

Over the 27 years I’ve been writing this column, I have probably written a hundred columns directed at divorced women. But after answering emails from men who had questions about benefits for divorcees, it dawned on me that I’ve never written a column specifically for divorced men. Today, I’ll make up for that.

I should point out that I will be concentrating on the benefits a husband’s ex-wife can get on his Social Security account -- and what effects those benefits have on his own Social Security or on benefits due a subsequent wife. Why? Because those are the kinds of questions I get from men.

I will briefly cover what benefits a divorced man might be due on his ex-wife’s Social Security record. But frankly, that rarely happens. As I recently pointed out, because women traditionally have earned less than men, and because women take time off from their careers to raise children, there are millions of women getting benefits off a husband’s or ex-husband’s Social Security account. But there are only a handful of men getting spousal benefits from a wife’s record.

Let me first explain how a divorced woman qualifies for benefits from her ex. First of all, she’s got to be old enough, which means at least age 60 for divorced widows and at least age 62 for an ex-wife whose husband is still alive. Second, her marriage to the ex must have lasted at least 10 years. Third, she can’t be currently married. (If she remarried after the divorce, but that second marriage ended and she is unmarried now, she’s potentially eligible for benefits from the first ex.) And fourth, she can’t be due higher benefits on her own Social Security account. There are other qualifying conditions, but these are the main ones.

And if you are that rare divorced man whose ex-wife consistently made more money than you, meaning she is due a higher Social Security benefit than you are, then the eligibility rules for divorced women explained above would also apply to you. In other words, the same rules that apply to divorced and financially dependent wives and widows also apply to divorced and financially dependent husbands and widowers.

But as I said, men very rarely qualify for these kinds of benefits. And that’s why a divorced man’s interest in rules for divorcees almost always have to do with how his ex might qualify for divorced spousal benefits and how it affects his own benefits. Here are some sample questions.

Q: My first wife and I were married for 30 years before getting divorced five years ago. I have remarried. My ex hasn’t. She is 62 years old. My current wife is 45. I am 65 and not yet drawing Social Security. My ex says she is going to file against my Social Security. Can she do that without my permission?

A: Your ex-wife does not need your permission to file for divorced wife’s benefits on your record. If the law says she’s due benefits, she’ll get them no matter what you say. So if she is not currently working, she’ll be due benefits on your record unless her own retirement benefit pays her a higher rate. And by the way, your ex can file for

Q: My wife and I are about to turn 67. We are thinking of filing for Social Security. My wife’s own benefit is so small that I’m sure she will get higher benefits on my record. But I was married once before, and my ex-wife is already getting divorced wife’s benefits on my account. Is that going to reduce what my current wife will be due on my record?

A: No, it won’t. Any benefits paid to an exspouse are just “add-on” benefits. They don’t take anything away from what you are due or what your current wife will be due on your record.

Q: I am 76 years old. I waited until I was 70 to file for Social Security. The primary reason I did this is so my wife will get the highest widow’s benefits possible when I die. But I just learned that my first wife, to whom I was married for 20 years, is going to get half of my benefits upon my death. And my current wife will have to settle for the other half. This doesn’t seem fair.

A: Well, it might not be fair if it were true. But it’s not true. When you die, your current wife will get 100% of your benefit -- assuming she is over her full retirement age when you die. And assuming your ex hasn’t remarried and is over her full retirement age and isn’t due higher benefits on her own record, she also will get the 100% widow’s rate. As explained above, any benefits paid to your ex do not offset any benefits due your current wife.

Q: I can’t believe my ex-wife is getting my Social Security. When we divorced in 2018, I very specifically added a clause to the divorce decree stating that my soon-to-be exwife would not be able to get any of my Social Security. And yet now I learned she’s telling

1. The book of Jeremiah is found in the a) Old testament b) New testament c) Neither

2. The villains Sanballat and Geshem are only mentioned in which book? a) Ezra b) Nehemiah c) 2 Chronicles d) Esther

3. From Ephesians 5, what did Paul recommend as a substitute for wine? a) Juice b) Laughter c) Prayer d) Holy Spirit

4. Where did the Israelites experience the first Passover? a) Mt. Sinai b) Red Sea c) Amalek d) Egypt

5. Who condemns drinkers who start early in the morning? a) Isaiah b) Ezra c) Job d) Ezekiel

6. Who wrote the Book of Revelation? a) Timothy b) Matthew c) John d) Jude

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

(Answers on page 16) For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com

A: You can call your lawyer if you want. But you aren’t going to stop this. That clause you added to your divorce decree isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. Federal law overrides anything you or your lawyer might scribble onto your divorce papers. And if that law says your ex is due spousal benefits on your account, she’s going to get them.

Q: I’ve been married and divorced five times. Is each of my ex-wives going to get some of my Social Security? No wonder the system is going broke!

A: Actually, it’s pretty uncommon for more than one ex to get benefits on your account. Why? Because the only way all your ex-wives would collect on your record is if they all have remained unmarried and if all of them have never worked. Or to put that another way: All your exes who have remarried and all your exes who have worked and will get their own Social Security won’t be collecting divorced spousal benefits from you.

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 Easy-to-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. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. 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 2024 CREATORS.COM

Vocal Cord Becomes Paralyzed After a Cold

DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter, 45, has had a paralyzed left vocal cord for about a year now. We have been to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor who ran at least a half dozen tests, including several scans. These didn’t show a reason for the problem, and everything else appeared to be normal. She had a cold before this happened, and we were treating her for a lingering sore throat.

The doctor has told us that there is nothing to be done to unfreeze the vocal cord. I would love your opinion on this matter, as she has a lot of pain associated with it, and she coughs trying to get out what feels stuck in there. -- K.P.

ANSWER: Paralysis of the vocal cord is often the result of damage to the nerve that leads to the vocal cord; there’s one on each side. The left side is particularly vulnerable and may be damaged during surgery (especially thyroid surgery), but a big fear is that a mass (especially a cancerous one) can damage the nerve and cause paralysis of the vocal cord. This is why her doctor did a CT scan.

There are other less-common causes, such as nerve damage from other occurrences (stroke and multiple sclerosis); inflammatory diseases (lupus and others); and infections (such as Lyme disease). It sounds like the ENT doctor looked for other possibilities such as these. (But if not, then it should be done.)

When a cause can’t be found, we call it “idiopathic unilateral vocal cord paralysis.” This often seems to happen after a viral infection, and it sounds like your daughter might have had one. Many people with this condition get better by themselves during the first year, but now that it has been about a year for her, she isn’t likely to get better without treatment.

I am not an expert in treatment, but ENT surgeons have several types of surgical interventions to improve hoarseness, cough and discomfort. It’s time to go back to her ENT doctor or get referred to an expert in the surgical treatment of this condition.

DEAR DR. ROACH: If exercise helps new arteries to grow, would it also help new veins to grow and alleviate varicose veins?

-- M.D.

ANSWER: It’s a good thought, but unfortunately, exercise does not make the body grow new arteries, which are the large blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to our organs and muscles. Exercise increases the size of the arteries and can help keep them from getting stiffer with age. Exercise in combination with a good diet can also help keep them from getting blocked.

In addition, exercise can help with varicose veins, but once again, it isn’t because the body grows new veins. Varicose veins are dilated veins that occur due to damage in the tiny valves inside the veins. Without those valves, the venous blood can pool under the effects of gravity,

causing the veins to swell.

Exercise helps because of the pump effect of the intermittent muscle contraction, which forces blood back into the large veins and ultimately back into the heart. Exercise, compression stockings and elevation are among the most important lifestyle changes for varicose veins.

*

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

(c) 2024 North America Synd., Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Estate Planning Attorney

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Compensation for ServiceRelated Conditions

Service-connected injuries and conditions for which you can receive compensation can be either physical or mental. But there’s no one-size-fitsall when it comes to how much compensation you can receive. Whether it’s hearing loss or depression, or cancer or PTSD, each one has a different rating, which results in a different level of compensation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating you are assigned after being approved is based on the severity of your condition. Your compensation will be based partially on that and partially on whatever else might increase that compensation, such as having a family or a disabled spouse, or if you’ve suffered severe disability or loss of limbs.

And from there it gets even more complicated. It’s possible for your rating to change over time if your condition worsens, but even when combining multiple ratings (conditions) it’s nearly impossible to reach 100% disability.

Increasing your final rating by combining smaller ratings (for multiple conditions) is difficult because there are rules, charts and math to consider. There is combining the numbers, converting, rounding up or down to the nearest 10. For example, you can’t take a 20% rating and a 60% rating and come up with an 80% rating. In this case, the actual combined rating equates to 68%, but it’s rounded up to 70% ... because the chart says so.

Combining three or more disabilities is even more complicated. And nowhere on that chart is a rating of 100% disability.

A 100% disability rating, if given, can be temporary (until your condition clears up or gets better) or permanent if given for severe conditions such as blindness or loss of limb. But reaching that level without those severe conditions is difficult enough that whole legal websites across the internet are devoted to that one effort: getting a 100% disability rating.

To wade through the disability compensation ratings and benefits, go to www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index. asp#howcalc

The ratings calculator can be found at www. va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings

The VA is currently taking 158 days to make decisions about claims.

* * *

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.

-- by Jim Miller

Healthy Travel Tips for Older Travelers

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: What tips can you recommend for retirees with health issues who are wanting to take some get-away trips? We’ve been looking forward to traveling again after staying home for the past few years since the Covid restrictions, but my husband has now developed a heart condition and some back problems that worry me. -- Concerned Wife

Dear Concerned: A dream vacation can turn into a real nightmare if you get ill or injured while you’re away and aren’t prepared. Before setting out, here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy trip for you and your husband.

Get prepared: Before you go, talk with your doctor about your travel itinerary and what precautions you need to take before traveling. You should also have your doctor’s contact information with you when you travel, as well as a list of the medications you’re taking in case you need emergency medical care while you’re away.

It’s also a smart idea to locate health clinics or urgent care facilities near the areas you’re visiting. Your hotel can help you with this or a simple internet search can identify nearby health care services. If you’re traveling abroad, the U.S. consulate or embassy in the countries you’re visiting (go to step.state.gov to enroll your trip) is a good place to get a referral. Or use the International Society of Travel Medicine’s directory at ISTM.org

outside your geographic area.

Beneficiaries that have original Medicare are covered everywhere in the U.S. But if you’re traveling abroad, you won’t be covered outside the U.S. and its territories except in rare circumstances, although some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap supplemental policies do provide limited coverage. Most private health plans don’t pay health care costs outside the U.S. either. This is important to be aware of, so be sure to check.

Many retirees traveling abroad purchase travel insurance with medical coverage, which may cover expenses if you cancel the trip, need to be treated while traveling or need to be evacuated for medical care. Make sure the policy will also cover your preexisting medical conditions. To shop and compare policies visit TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com. Purchasing travel insurance will cost you more, but if it's needed it can save you many times its cost and can prove to be a huge safety net against staggering bills.

Organize your medications: Make sure you have a sufficient supply of medications to last the entire trip.

If traveling by air, you need to pack your medicine in your carry-on bag, so if your checked luggage gets lost or misdirected you won’t be without. It’s best to keep your medications in their original pharmacy containers to get through airport security without delays. It’s also a good idea to bring along a note from your doctor that explains in medical terms why your condition requires this medication, especially if syringes or other medical supplies are involved.

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For airport security requirements visit TSA.gov – click on “Disabilities and Medical Conditions.” You can also call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

ing. Some good apps that can help with this are Backpack Health (BackpackHealth.com) and Capzule (Capzule.com).

Making these preparations in advance can make the difference between a smooth journey and a nightmarish trip spoiler.

Send your senior questions to:

If you’re traveling outside the U.S., you also need to find out the health conditions of the country you’re visiting and what, if any, vaccinations and/or preventative medications are recommended. See CDC.gov/travel or call 800-2324636 to get this information.

Check your insurance: If you have private health insurance or a Medicare Advantage plan through an HMO or PPO that covers in-network doctors only, check your plan to find out what’s covered if you need medical care when traveling

Maximize technology: Keep a list of your medications and other important health and medical information handy on your smartphone so you can easily access and share it with emergency health care providers when you’re travel-

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.

Q: I have tried to draw the mark that is on the back of a china plate I have. It was given to my 95-year-old uncle by his aunt when he was a small boy.

ANTIQUE

ANTIQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

The Cheshire Cheese Was a Popular Inn

The plate is in excellent condition. It is decorated with a dark brown border against a white background. On the right side of the plate is a dark brown horse. We have learned Dan Patch of Chaska, Minnesota was the “World’s Champion Harness Horse.” In 1906, he set the turf world record of 1.55 and one-fourth miles at the Minnesota State Fair.

My uncle would appreciate knowing about the factory where the plate was made, the approximate date and possible value. The plate is very special to him.

Thank you for your help.

* On April 22, 2000, 6-year-old Elian Gonzalez, who was the sole survivor of an abortive attempt by 13 other Cuban citizens to enter America as illegal immigrants, was taken by a S.W.A.T. team from his Miami relatives. Following a number of court battles, the child was returned to his father, Juan Miguel Gonzalez.

Q: We inherited this porcelain plate that is titled “Dr. Johnson at The Cheshire Cheese.” It is broken, and I was wondering if it is valuable enough to have it restored. Our family name is Boswell. We are related to James Boswell, who wrote about Dr. Samuel Johnson. Marked on the back of the plate is a side view of a lion wearing a crown. Beneath the lion is a large crown. Also included with the mark are the words: “Royal Doulton -- England” and a written number that is very difficult to read. It seems to be “p3/27.”

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

A: Your plate was made by Royal Doulton in England. The compay used this mark from 1902 to 1930. The number is a series number and is probably D3123.

Samuel Johnson was born in England and was an essayist, writer and lexicographer. He was the author of the first significant English dictionary. Johnson and a group of poets, writers and philosophers met at inns for conversations. One of the meeting places was Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street in London. Johnson and author/biographer James Boswell were friends. Boswell wrote the famous biography “The Life of Samuel Johnson.”

If your plate were in excellent condition, it would probably sell for $150 to $200. Given the family history and sentimental value attached, it might be well worth having it restored. * * *

You really shouldn't disregard these fine people from the Pine Tree State. Mind your Mainers!

1890.

A: Harker Pottery made your plate. It was located in East Liverpool, Ohio, from 1890 to 1972. The words on the mark actually are “Semi Porcelain.” Dan Patch memorabilia are collectible. He was foaled in Oxford, Indiana, in 1896.

Your plate was made around 1914 and would probably be worth $125 to $175.

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since 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 April 23, 1898, Spain declared war on the U.S. after rejecting its ultimatum to withdraw from Cuba. Following the declaration, the American Asiatic Squadron, under Commodore George Dewey, engaged the Spanish Pacific squadron under Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarn in the Philippines’ Manila Bay, and decimated the Spanish squadron.

* On April 24, 1942, singer/actress/film producer Barbra Joan Streisand was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Considered “the girl on the block with the good voice” in her youth, and determined to be a star, her breakthrough came with the lead role in the 1964 Broadway musical “Funny Girl.” In 1968, the movie version of the role earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. To date, Streisand has sold more than 140 million albums and won 10 Grammys.

* On April 25, 2006, Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that his country was happy to share its nuclear technology with other nations, during a meeting with the visiting Sudanese president. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice condemned the comments, and Iran’s top nuclear negotiator threatened to suspend its cooperation with the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog if the country was threatened with sanctions.

* On April 26, 1928, Filipino immigrant Pedro Flores opened the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara, CA. By November 1929, he was operating two additional factories in Los Angeles and Hollywood, which together produced 300,000 yo-yos daily.

* On April 27, 1971, eight members of the Welsh Language Society were accused of conspiring to damage, remove or destroy Englishlanguage road signs in Wales.

* On April 28, 1789, Fletcher Christian led a mutiny against William Bligh aboard the HMS Bounty and set him and 18 loyal crew members adrift in a 23-foot open boat, but the men survived a 47-day voyage to the Dutch East Indies and returned to England to report the mutiny. Christian and the rest of the crew eventually settled on the uncharted Pitcairn Island and Tahiti.

on to this creeep, so go get yourself lost!"

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

"Awright, you stupid little brat. All the arrows in your quivver aren't going to get me turned

Royal Doulton is located in England.

Harker Pottery was founded in

office that would repeat the excuses it heard about why Elvis couldn't come to the phone: "Elvis is asleep," he squawked. "Elvis isn't available," "Elvis isn't here." Elvis has left the building," Elvis is out of town." One day the bird suddenly burst out with rapid repeats all of the phrases, over and over nonstop, which left Elvis hysterically laughing on the floor.

• Seventh president Andrew Jackson, a war hero of the War of 1812, was the owner of a parrot named Poll, a bird that first belonged to his wife Rachel. Following her death, Jackson was Poll’s caretaker for 17 years. When Jackson died in 1845, the parrot was brought to the funeral service held at Jackson’s Nashville home, The Hermitage. There he began squawking loudly and swearing in the voice of his owner. The vile cursing continued nonstop until the foulmouthed bird had to be removed from the building so the people could hear the service.

x 6”

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Pop the Short Ones

Every once in a while all golfers go through a stretch of poor putting from inside four feet. These “knee knockers” sometimes become more of a mental hurdle than a challenge on mechanics or green reading.

Rather than trying to stick to a rigid set of principles on your form, try experimenting with an old school type of “pop” stroke to change things up.

Many golfers error with short backswings and long follow throughs on short putts, so try reversing the image with a shorter follow through. In fact, try hitting these short putts with roughly an eight inch backstroke (minimally) and then stop the follow through immediately upon impact.

There may be a tightening of the arms and hands to hold this follow through from going too far forward. You’ll be feeling like the stroke “pops” at the ball, rather than releasing through. One of the advantages of the pop stroke is that it reduces the putter face’s rotation through impact, which causes the majority of missed short putts.

so on the road.”

6. CHEMISTRY: What kind of gas makes a drink bubbly?

7. TELEVISION: Which sitcom features a mom named Debra Barone?

8. MUSIC: What was the former name of the English band Muse?

9. SCIENCE: What are the gaps between nerve cells called?

10. THEATER: Who wrote the play “The Crucible”? Answers

1. “V for Vendetta” (2005).

2. The Philippines. 3. Antebellum.

4. California, with nine.

5. “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac.

6. Carbon dioxide.

7. “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

8. Rocket Baby Dolls. 9. Synapses.

10. Arthur Miller.