Vol. 20: #27 • Tidbits Celebrates July • (6-30-2024) Tidbits of Coachella Valley by Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Kathy Wolfe

Happy July from Tidbits! It's a busy month for observances and celebrations, and for many of us it's the month we get our summer activities in full swing and set out on our vacation trips. Although Independence Day might be the big event that first comes to mind, there are a lot of other July events that are well worthy of mention, and this week weʼre making sure youʼre aware of them. Just follow along and see!

• The month of July was named in 44 B.C. by the Roman Senate to honor their general Julius Caesar, whose birthday fell on July 12. In the ancient Roman lunar calendar, which started in March, July was the fifth month and was called Quintilis

• In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially designated July as National Ice Cream Month. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce declared July as National Hot Dog Month in July 1945. It’s July Highlights: Turn to page 3

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

(Answers on page 16)

1. HISTORY: What is America’s first colony?

2. ENTERTAINERS: Which actress’ mother is actress Melanie Griffith and grandmother is actress Tippi Hedren?

3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president is the only one born on Independence Day?

4. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is the Mont-Saint-Michel medieval monastery located?

5. SCIENCE: What does a kelvin measure?

6. ASTRONOMY: Which star is the brightest in the sky?

7. MUSIC: What are the first names of the Gibb brothers who formed The Bee Gees?

8. AD SLOGANS: Which company’s slogan is “You’re in good hands”?

9. MYTHOLOGY: What did Prometheus steal from the gods, resulting in his eternal punishment?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby turkey called?

Answers

(Trivia Test answers page 16)

your body

"Fearfully and wonderfully made"

This week, Tidbits sniffs out the facts on the body’s sinuses, more specifically, the paranasal sinuses.

• When we hear the word “sinus,” we usually think of the nasal passages, but the word itself, which translates from the Latin for “pocket,” refers to any sac or cavity in any organ or tissue. The lungs, hearts, kidneys, lymph nodes, and brain all have these air cavities.

• The paranasal sinuses are air-filled spaces surrounding the nasal cavity in the cranial bones. There are four pairs of sinuses located near the nose connected by a network of tiny airflow and drainage narrow passages. The largest adult sinuses are about an inch in diameter, while the others are much smaller.

• A newborn baby has just two pairs of sinuses, with the other two developing by the age of six.

• When we breathe in through the nose and mouth, the air moves through the sinus passages. The lining of the sinuses produces mucus that drains out of the passages, helping to keep the nose clean and free of bacteria, germs, dust, and allergens. Tiny hairs called cilia beat about 800 times a minute, helping mucus move through the cavities and drain down the back of the throat.

• The four pairs of sinuses are named for the bones of their location. The pyramid-shaped maxillary sinuses are the largest of the sinuses and are located behind the cheekbones near the maxillae, or upper jaw. Triangular front sinuses are above the eyes, in the center of the forehead.

• Ethmoid sinuses are a collection of up to 12 small air cells able to open independently. They’re found in the ethmoid bone, which separates the nasal cavity from the brain.

• Deeper into the skull near the optic nerve and the pituitary lie the sphenoid sinuses.

• All of the functions of the sinuses are not yet known. It is known that in addition to protecting the nose from bacteria and keeping it moist, they also give the voice resonance as the air vibrates. They also provide insulation against rapid temperature changes within the nose, and

Bill LeGrave Rolfing in the Desert 1/8 pg BW 6x disc. Sept. 17, 2023

provide an immunological defense.

• Because they are filled with air, sinuses also act as a “crumple zone,” protecting the brain from damage by acting as a shock absorber, absorbing energy when head or facial trauma occurs.

• The official name for a sinus infection is sinusitis, which creates inflammation and swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. The increased pressure within the sinuses creates facial pain in the cheeks, eyes, nose, or temples, along with a severe headache. A stuffy nose and fever often accompany the infection.

• Some individuals seem more prone to sinusitis, including those with allergies or asthma. A deviated septum, which means the line of tissue that divides the nose isn’t straight, narrows the passage on one side of the nose creating a blockage, which can contribute to frequent infection. Those who smoke are more likely to get a sinus infection, and a dental infection can spread to the sinuses.

• About four percent of the population has nasal polyps, growths inside the nose or sinuses that can block the nose, creating breathing problems, loss of smell and decreased taste. These people are often more likely to develop sinusitis than others.

July is National Blueberry Month, as declared by the USDA in 1974, giving Tidbits the opportunity

• There are two types of blueberry bushes, lowbush and highbush, shrubs that vary in size from 3.9 shaped flowers of white, pink, or red adorn the bushes. If raised in ideal conditions, a blueberry bush can live up to 60 years. One bush can • Native to North America, the benefits of

“ROLFING:® And Back Pain”

People often decide to be Rolfed because of pain in the muscular-skeletal system, often in the back, shoulders and neck. While Rolfing® is not designed as a system of treatment for illness, it can often be helpful in these situations as it brings the body into better alignment. A Rolfed body is more vertically balanced, with the leg more directly under the torso for better support, the pelvis less tipped forward, the chest lifted and symmetrical, and the head sitting directly over the neck and shoulders. In this alignment, chronic aches and pains often clear up as the body is positioned and moves in the most comfortable way. Call to schedule an appointment or for a free consultation: Rolfing® in the Desert 760-219-5301

Bill Peter LeGrave Certified Advanced Rolfer www.RolfingintheDesert.com

1. Jamestown, Virginia. 2. Dakota Johnson.

3. Calvin Coolidge was born on July

Week of June 30, 2024

July Highlights: (from page one)

estimated that Americans will consume about 155 million hot dogs over the July 4th weekend. However, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, that number jumps to over seven billion.

• After consulting with fellow founding fathers, statesman Thomas Jefferson composed America’s Declaration of Independence over the course of 17 days in 1776, from June 11 to June 28 at his Philadelphia residence. It was an historical document declaring that the 13 American colonies were officially independent from Great Britain and free from the harsh rule of King George III. Congress approved the resolution on July 2 and adopted the Declaration on July 4th, thus officially establishing the independent United States of America.

• July 4th took on additional significance in 1959 when a 49th star was added to the American flag representing the newly adopted state of Alaska, and again on July 4, 1960, when a 50th star was added for Hawaii.

• The United States isn’t the only nation that achieved independence in the month of July. Canada celebrates Canada Day on July 1, the anniversary of the 1867 act that united Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single dominion.

• Belarus’ Independence Day is July 3, and America shares its day with Rwanda, the Philippines, and Abkhazia. Algeria, and Venezuela observe the occasion on July 5. Other July independence day countries include the Bahamas, Malawi, Argentina, Colombia, Liberia, and the Solomon Islands.

• Most baby boomers have fond memories of Woolworth’s, the original five-and-dime store. The chain had its beginnings in Utica, New

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

A crowd of 200 spectators watched Spencer Gore become the first Wimbledon champion in July 1877. Dressed in a plain white long-sleeved shirt and long trousers, he competed against 21 others to take the prize. Wimbledon, known for its lush grass courts, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world.

York, in 1879, when F.W. Woolworth opened his first store. Unfortunately, that store failed in a short time. Four months later, Woolworth tried again, this time in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a venture that proved successful. Several more Pennsylvania stores followed along with another in New York City. In 1912, there were nearly 600 Woolworth’s stores. The following year, New York City’s Woolworth Building was completed, a 792-ft. tall skyscraper that was the tallest building in the world until 1929. Woolworth paid for the building entirely in cash.

• In 1979 during the chain’s 100th anniversary, Woolworth’s was recognized as the world’s largest department store chain. Eighteen years later, on July 17, 1997, Woolworth’s announced the closing of its final 400 stores.

• Americans first paid federal income tax in 1862, when, on July 1, President Abraham Lincoln signed the first bill that levied a 3% tax on those with an annual income of $600 - $10,000, and 5% for those over $10,000 in order to help fund the Civil War. Ten years later, the tax was repealed, but in 1894, when the country had enormous deficits, it was reinstituted, but that, too, was later repealed.

July 6 is designated as a time of aphelion. It occurs when the Earth is the farthest it will get from the Sun, a distance of 94,510,539 miles, some three million miles further than in January.

• Income tax as we know it today came about in 1913, when Congress created a 1% tax on all income above $3,000, with an additional 6% levied on those higher than $500,000. Less than 10% of Americans were affected by the tax.

• “Where is Jimmy Hoffa?” was the frequentlyasked question in July 1975. That’s when the Teamsters’ Union president disappeared without a trace. Hoffa, who had been involved with organized crime for many years and had been convicted of attempted bribery and fraud, served a little less than five years of his sentence. He was last seen outside a Detroit restaurant.

• Several individuals have claimed responsibility for Hoffa’s death, but no remains have ever been discovered. Theories surrounding his final resting place include a Michigan gravel pit, an underground steel drum gravesite, and burial under the old New York Giants’ football stadium, Meadowlands.

and Robinson Avenue. A total of 175 meters were installed that day, placed at 20-foot intervals over a distance of 14 blocks. Citizen complaints were many, but motorists soon saw the benefit of paying a nickel an hour for a place to park. By the early 1940s, the number of meters across the nation had grown past 140,000.

1. Which Civil War battle concluded on July 3, 1883?

2. What country celebrates Bastille Day on July 14?

• Carlton Magee was a journalist who came to Oklahoma City to start up a newspaper. He soon discovered that the downtown area had a lack of sufficient parking spaces. He set to work on an invention he called the Park-O-Meter. On July 16, 1935, the world’s first parking meter was installed on the corner of the city’s First Street

By Lucie Winborne

* On July 4, 1776, King George III of England wrote in his diary entry, “Nothing important happened today.”

* A 5-month-old fetus has 200,000,000,000 brain cells, but by birth half of them have been lost.

* Superstitious folks understandably took note in Santa Clara, California, on Oct. 22, 1931, when the Gamma Eta Gamma legal fraternity was partially destroyed by fire: The house was located at 1313 Franklin Street, its phone number was Santa Clara 13, and the postman wore badge number 13! The damage sustained to the house was even estimated at $13,000.

* An AK-47 is depicted on the flag of Mozambique.

* Einstein’s ideas on relative acceleration were partly inspired by a guy who fell off a roof in Berlin. Surviving without injury, he told the physicist that he had not felt the effects of gravity.

* Until the 17th century, the word “upset” meant to set up (i.e., erect) something.

* The oldest recorded death sentence is found in the Amherst papyri, a list of state trials of ancient Egypt dating to 1,500 B.C. A teenage boy, convicted of “magic,” was ordered to kill himself by either poison or stabbing.

* Apart from humans, the Asian elephant is the only mammal that can stand on its head.

* In 2002, the Nevada state legislature authorized a license plate depicting a mushroom cloud from an exploding nuclear bomb to commemorate nuclear weapons tests conducted in the state’s desert between 1945 and 1992. The Department of Motor Vehicles, however, rejected it.

* Soviet craftsman Nikolai Syadristy carved a set of chess figures that were so small they could only be distinguished when magnified 2,000 times with a microscope. ***

Thought for the Day: “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

-- Abraham Maslow

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

The Ultimate Guide to the Care and Cleaning of a Glass Cooktop

cleaner. This is for tough spots and any stuck-on food that spilled while cooking. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Shake well. Once the cooktop has cooled, sprinkle baking soda directly on the tough spots. Spray the baking soda with the vinegar mixture. Wait until the baking soda stops fizzing and wipe clean with a very soft cloth or sponge, using the texture of the powder to scour off the grease. This will not scratch the surface. Repeat as needed until you’ve taken care of any tough spots.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

When it comes to kitchen appliances, nothing says modern and sleek like a beautiful, new, electric, smooth-top ceramic or glass cooktop. It’s a financial investment that deserves the utmost maintenance and care.

While a smooth-top beats a coil-element cooktop in the style department, it requires a different kind of proactive care to keep it looking good while preventing discoloration and scratching.

With smooth-top cooktops, it’s all about prevention. If you think of your cooktop as a delicate possession that requires your protection, you’ll be way ahead of the game. That means being well aware of what not to do.

What to Avoid

Do not use cast iron or stone cookware on a smooth-top cooktop or range. Period. The bottom of these types of cookware can be rough, even gritty to the touch. Any movement on that cooktop can leave permanent scratches.

Do not drag heavy pots on the cooktop; lift and transfer to another area of the cooktop to reduce the risk of scratching.

Never allow abrasive cleaners, ScotchBrite sponges (the blue non-scratch version is OK) or metal pads near the cooktop.

Do not allow spills to linger. When boiling or cooking with sugary substances, take care not to spill these on a smooth-top cooktop. A sugar substance can discolor the cooktop, leaving yellowish areas that are impossible to remove. Clean up such spills quickly.

Never stand on top of the cooktop to reach something high up. Never place anything heavy on a smooth-top cooktop, even temporarily.

Do not place stirring utensils on a warm cooktop while you cook. Food on these utensils can mark or burn the cooktop, leaving a mess that needs more time to clean.

Do not place glass bakeware (from the oven) to cool on a smooth-top cooktop. Place these items on a counter to cool.

How to Clean

Here’s the rule: If you wouldn’t use it to clean your eyeglasses, don’t use it on your smooth top. Always reach for a soft sponge or cloth and a cream cleaning solution.

-- Bar Keepers Friend now makes a cooktop cleaner (about $8 for a 13-ounce bottle) that gets rave reviews from manufacturers and smooth-top owners. Another highly recommended option is Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner (about $10 for 28 ounces).

-- Homemade cream cleaner. Make a paste of 50/50 baking soda and Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid. Stir until smooth. Using a non-scratch sponge, work this cream in circles over the entire cooktop. When you’re done, rinse with a wet towel followed by a microfiber cloth to polish the glass surface.

-- Homemade heavy-duty smooth-top

-- Remove discoloration. The natural oils and acids in food cooked on the stovetop can leave behind dark or light stains on the surface. Restoring discoloration from a ceramic cooktop involves proper cleaning. Follow these steps to get your cooktop back to looking new.

Apply a cream ceramic cooktop cleaner (see above) once the area cools. Rub using a soft scrubbing pad made for this purpose (the Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner Kit comes with five cleaning pads), rubbing deep into the stain. The abrasive nature of a scrubbing pad that has been designed specifically for a glass cooktop helps release the stain to remove stubborn discoloration. Wipe the area with a wet paper towel or microfiber cloth.

-- Remove scratches. It’s best to never allow your cooktop to get scratched. Still, if you have scratches you cannot live with, you may be ready to bring out the big guns. An automotive scratch remover (you won’t find anything better than Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound) is designed to remove scratches to a clear-coat, glasslike finish. Follow the instructions on the label or apply the automotive scratch-removing compound with a soft cloth, and buff the scratch gently. Allow the scratch remover to dry, then wipe off the compound with a dry cloth.

You can find more information on the resources mentioned above at EverydayCheapskate.com/cooktop.

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.”

July is National Blueberry Month, as declared by the USDA in 1974, giving Tidbits the opportunity to focus on this little and beneficial wonder food!

• There are two types of blueberry bushes, lowbush and highbush, shrubs that vary in size from 3.9 inches to a height of 13 feet. Bell-shaped flowers of white, pink, or red adorn the bushes. If raised in ideal conditions, a blueberry bush can live up to 60 years. A single heathy bush can produce as many as 6,000 berries a year.

• Native to North America, the benefits of blueberries were first recognized by Native Americans centuries ago. They called them “star fruits,” because of the five-pointed star shape at the blossom end of the berry. The Natives not only consumed them fresh and dried, they used blueberries for medicinal purposes and as a dye for coloring fabric.

• The berries grew only in the wild until the early 1900s. In 1893, Elizabeth White, the daughter of a New Jersey cranberry farmer, aspired to domesticate and cultivate blueberries as part of their farm’s crop.

• Meanwhile, a USDA botanist, Frederick Coville was also experimenting with cultivation, and after discovering that blueberries require very acidic soil, in 1911, he published his book “Experiments in Blueberry Culture.” After coming across Coville’s book, Elizabeth White contacted him, offering to share a portion of acreage, and inviting him to work together with her to develop a crop.

• By 1912, the pair had its first successful field plantings, and by 1916 had sold their first

commercial crop of highbush blueberries.

• In 1932, the state of New Jersey honored White with an award for her “outstanding contributions to agriculture.” Between 1942 and 1962, more than 200,000 blueberry seedlings spread across 13 states.

BLUEBERRIES FOR HEALTH

• Blueberries are truly a super food! They are rich in manganese, copper, and Vitamins C, K, E, and B6. The pigment that gives them their distinct hue is an antioxidant known as anthocyanin, which has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

• There are 15 different anthocyanins in blueberries, linked to many health benefits. When the berries were compared with more than 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables for antioxidant benefits, blueberries ranked number one. Blueberries are also rich in flavonoids, which are associated with lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of cancer, improved gut health, and increased insulin response with better blood sugar levels.

• One of the most significant health benefits of blueberries is their connection with brain function. Studies have demonstrated that the berries contribute to a reversal of age-related memory loss. Blueberries have been linked to up to a two-and-a-half-year delay in brain aging.

• Drinking blueberry juice has contributed to improved memory in older adults with memory decline.

BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION

• The United States is the largest producer of blueberries, followed by Chile and Canada. Nearly one billion pounds (453,592,370 kg) of blueberries are grown in North America each year.

• As soon as they’re picked, blueberries stop ripening. Leaving them on the bush for an extra day will result in sweeter berries. A half-cup of blueberries contains 44 calories and supplies 10% of the body’s daily recommended Vitamin C requirement.

• Wild blueberries are smaller than cultivated ones, but their levels of beneficial antioxidants are higher.

• Wild blueberries are the official state fruit of Maine, where they’ve grown abundantly for thousands of years. 

by Dana Jackson

Q: I just started watching the comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” I know that two people on the series are married in real life. Did they meet on the show? -- G.W.

A: Debuting in 2005 and still going strong, this hit FX (and FXX) network sitcom is the longest-running, non-animated comedy series ever, surpassing the previous record holder “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.”

It was created by Rob McElhenney, who plays Mac on show, and stars his off-screen wife Kaitlin Olson as Dee, Glenn Howerton as Dennis, and Charlie Day as Charlie.

Olson and McElhenney fell in love on the set of “It’s Always Sunny,” but initially kept their romance a secret from their costars. They wed two years later and now have two sons.

The strikes in Hollywood pushed back production, but there will be a 17th season -- just don’t expect it until late 2024 or early 2025.

Q: Whatever happened to actress Jennifer Love Hewitt? I loved her show “Ghost Whisperer” and would love to see her do a supernatural theme again. -- W.J.

A: Jennifer Love Hewitt first gained fame

as Sarah in the 1990s drama series “Party of Five.” She followed that up with the hit scary film “I Know What You Did Last Summer” before starring in the TV show “Ghost Whisperer,” which ended in 2010 after five seasons. Since then, she’s starred in three other hit series: “The Client List,” “Criminal Minds” and “9-1-1.”

Next up, she’ll star, direct and produce “The Holiday Junkie,” a TV movie for Lifetime later in 2024. Her husband, Brian Hallisay, and their children will also appear in the film. It’s a very personal project for Hewitt about moving on during the winter holiday season while coping with the loss of her mother.

Elaine Frontain Bryant (EVP, head of programming genres for A&E, Lifetime and LMN) stated that “Jennifer is beloved by Lifetime and our viewers. We’re excited to work with her again on this special project near and dear to her and to have it as one of our cornerstones for our ‘It’s a Wonderful Lifetime’ slate.”

In addition, Hewitt launched her marketing and consumer brand The Holiday Junkie last year and is also releasing a book titled “Inheriting Magic,” which is set for publication this December.

Q: Did Bette Midler get cast as one of the cast members on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” like she wanted? I never heard anything further about it. -- W.M.

A: Back in March, film actress Bette Midler

(“The First Wives Club”) asked via social media if it was “too late” for her to be a “Real Housewife.” She was in the mood to “talk some s**t” and get paid for it. Alas, her name was not among the cast of the upcoming season, but she does have a new project on the horizon.

She’s part of the ensemble cast of the comedy “The Fabulous Four,” which hits theaters this July. Midler stars as a bride whose old college pals (played by Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Megan Mullaly) make up her bridal party at her destination wedding.

* * *

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

Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson star in “It’s Always Sunny” Courtesy of FX

Grilled Southwestern Pasta Salad

Here’s a hearty summer salad made with grilled steak, fresh vegetables and multigrain pasta, with just the right amount of cumin, fresh cilantro and lime juice.

8 ounces multigrain or whole-wheat penne

8 ounces lean boneless sirloin steak

1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin, salt and pepper

3 medium poblano chile peppers, halved and seeded

1 ear fresh corn, husked

1 medium sweet onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Nonstick spray

2 large ripe tomatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup lime juice

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water as package directs. Drain; rinse under cold water and drain again. Transfer to a large serving bowl.

2. Heat outdoor grill. Rub steak with 1/4 teaspoon each of the cumin, salt and pepper. Coat steak, peppers, corn and onion with nonstick spray.

3. Grill steak 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, for medium-rare. Remove to cutting board; let stand 5 minutes. Grill peppers, corn and onion 8 to 10 minutes, turning as needed until lightly charred and tender.

4. Cut peppers and onion into bite-size pieces and cut corn off cob; add to bowl with pasta. Slice steak thinly against the grain and add to bowl.

5. Add remaining cumin, salt and pepper and remaining ingredients to bowl; toss to mix and coat. Serves 4.

Strawberries With Amaretto

2 pints red ripe strawberries, hulled and

each cut into quarters, or halves if small

2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon grated fresh orange peel

1. In large bowl, toss strawberries with liqueur, sugar and peel. Let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon strawberries with their juice into four dessert bowls. Makes 4 (1 1/4 cup) servings.

 Each serving: About 95 calories, 1g total fat, 2mg sodium, 20g carb., 3g dietary fiber, 1g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping. com/recipes/.

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS TAKES

FLIGHT

6/30 California Avacado Day

7/1 Medicare Birthday

7/2 Made In The USA Day

7/3 Deep Fried Clams Day

7/4 Independence Day

7/5 Bikini Day

7/6 Fried Chicken Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

The Fourth of July’s for the Dogs

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” --

Erma Bombeck

I have a friend, a nervous type, and every time she hears a loud “POP!” or, worse, a loud “POP-POP-POP!” she has a mini-meltdown and rushes through the house securing windows and doors, having come to the foregone conclusion that someone has been gunned down at the foot of her driveway and shes next.

Did I mention she lives in the country?

Always -- so far at least -- it’s a car backfiring or kids playing with fireworks.

And that brings me back to Erma -- because Frisbee, potato salad and flies don’t hold a candle to good old-fashioned fireworks when it comes to patriotic displays in the U.S. of A. For most of us, fireworks are the ultimate expression of national pride. Whether or not we draw a connection between “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air” and our much more friendly version of fire in the sky, the reality is that one kid’s delight is another woman’s terror.

Or another dog’s terror.

So here we are. It’s officially the summer of 2024. The Fourth of July is now upon us. So what’s the plan for the d-o-g?

If your dog is as delighted by fiery skies as he is by Grandma’s brisket, great. Count your lucky stars and celebrate with some iffy potato salad -- for you, not the pooch.

If your dog is apathetic about the whole

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Beware the pepper

Oh my goodness. There’s an electric stove that turns itself on, with the heating elements spontaneously getting hot! Or the temperature changes all by itself! And there is a garden tiller that, due to a faulty instruction manual, can come apart with the tines posing a laceration hazard when the machine is used.

Then there is a vinegar cleaning solution that’s so caustic there is a risk of chemical burns in consumers.

These warnings come courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www. cpsc.gov/recalls).

In the case of the stove, the manufacturer is stepping up with a free inspection and repair. The manufacturer of the tiller is sending out new assembly instructions. The remedy for the caustic vinegar cleaning solution, however, is less than satisfactory. The response is to stop using it and send away for a new warning label to paste on the bottle.

Other recent recalls on the CPSC web-

The Art of DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

Wallpaper for Walls and More

Wallpaper goes in and out of fashion as much as the length of women’s hemlines. I happen to like wallpaper, as it helps dress a room. Rooms look a bit more finished when the walls are covered in beautifully colored wallcoverings.

Wallpaper brings another layer that can be in the form of a pattern, large or small, or a texture that makes an ordinary color seem interesting. I always suggest my clients order a bit more than what is needed. It is a great idea in case you have an area that gets damaged in the future; you can always repair the spot without having to do the entire room. After every job, there is usually some leftover wallpaper. Let’s explore the ways that you can use those leftover pieces, whether it’s one piece or a couple of rolls.

Wallpaper can be used on other items besides walls. For example, a great way to invigorate an antique bookcase or china cabinet is to cover the back surface with a wallcovering that is strongly colored or patterned. This can be done with a stop-you-in-your-tracks wallcovering that may be too much for an entire wall, but as an accent inside a piece of furniture, why not? Another alternative is to line your shelves with a wallcovering. That will always put a smile on your face when putting away your linens. Believe it or not, lining the insides of your drawers gives a posh feeling to your furniture and, in some cases, can help protect your clothing or

site include defective crib bumpers that can obstruct breathing, a pool drain cover that can entrap swimmers, a smoke and carbon monoxide detector that doesn’t work, kids’ pajamas that are a burn hazard and eyelid wipes for dogs that are full of bacteria.

So many defective products! And without product safety alerts we might never know, until someone we know gets hurt.

A few hints:

Before you buy a product, check online for any safety alerts.

Save your receipts when you buy products, especially those that are complicated enough to come with a user manual. Tape the receipt inside the front cover of the manual or keep a folder of receipts for products you purchase.

To stay safe, sign up for product recall alerts. Besides the CPSC website, check www. recalls.gov for an even wider selection of product types and, foodsafety.gov for food alerts.

Right now they have a salmonella alert for black pepper. Black pepper? Who would have suspected something was wrong with pepper.

* * *

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.

whatever items you have in the drawer. Imagine opening up the pencil drawer of a desk and seeing a beautiful pattern that recalls marbleized artisan paper made for fine Italian furniture. But don’t stop there; cover your waste paper basket, a small tumbler for holding pens and pencils, and a rectangular board or piece of wood for a desk pad. You will have a bespoke and expensive-looking desk set.

I also recommend using leftover wallpaper to line an old paper lampshade. The most successful shades have been the really unexpected wallpapers -- for example, a turquoise and gold geometric print for a white vase lamp. This pop of color and pattern can turn an ordinary lamp into a “wow” accessory in the room.

In my days, I have had rolls of wallpaper installed as wide horizontal bands to emulate the banding of cabana stripes or in alternating vertical stripes, which are reminiscent of a circus tent. I’ve used grasscloth from Pacific Designs quite successfully for different projects. The possibilities are endless. My all-time favorite use for wallpaper was in my own cottage, using pieces leftover from at least a dozen different jobs. I asked my installer to do a patchwork of the wallpaper; he looked at me with a puzzled look. He ended up cutting up the various papers into 2-foot squares and then installing them haphazardly. The result was so amazing there hasn’t been one visitor who hasn’t raved about the effect. After shaking his head at me at first, he has asked me for pictures of this one room. Goes to show you that hoarding in small quantities can be worthwhile.

* * *

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

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

shebang, even better. Independence Day is just another day.

If your dog is ambivalent or flat-out terrified of the snap-crackle-pop that goes on all day and into the night, then you need a plan.

That plan could be as simple as staying home with your dog. But many of us like to celebrate, and if your dog has a true phobia of loud noises, he’ll require more than just your presence to survive a lengthy display, particularly if you live near the action.

If your dog reacts to fireworks like deer to wolves, you might want to ask your veterinarian about prescribing a mild sedative to help him sleep. Some dogs react so strongly to loud noises that they literally harm themselves chewing through walls and fences trying to get away from them. This is dangerous not only in the potential injury to their jaws, but also in the possibility of getting hit by a car should they succeed in their attempt. In extreme cases, a mild sedative makes sense.

For most dogs who fear the Fourth’s festivities, a thoughtfully arranged crate or other comfortably secure and familiar area will go a long way to calming his anxiety. Close all of the windows and window coverings, and play some soothing music to drown out exterior noises. Make sure he has access to his favorite toys, cushion, and blanket. If you’re going to be around to supervise, give him something special to chew on. And if you’re going out, secure him in his crate or in the room you’ve made so comfortable.

It might be best to avoid walking an anxious dog on Independence Day, but exercise is a great weapon against anxiety. If you decide to forgo a walk, make sure you get in a good play session in the yard or in the house.

Above all, make sure your dog is chipped and is wearing ID tags that include your current contact information. You can be too full, but you can never be too safe.

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.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Common Questions

I recently did a radio show, and the host asked me what the most common questions I get are. I told her they can be divided into two broad categories: politically oriented questions (usually about the financing of Social Security) and program-related questions (mostly about Social Security benefits). She told me to stick with the latter. I thought I’d share with you what I discussed on this radio program. Here are some of the more common questions I get about Social Security benefits.

Q: How will my retirement benefit be figured?

A: In a nutshell, a Social Security retirement benefit is a percentage of your average monthly income using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings.

So when you file for retirement benefits, the Social Security Administration will look at your earnings history and pull out your highest 35 years. They don’t have to be consecutive. If you don’t have 35 years of earnings, the SSA must plug in an annual salary of “zero” for every year you did not work, until the 35-year base is reached.

However, before they add up those “high 35,” they index each year of past earnings for inflation. And this is where the formula starts to get messy. That’s because there is a different adjustment factor for each year of earnings, and each year’s adjustment factor is different based on your year of birth.

You can find a complete breakdown of those inflation adjustment factors for each year of birth at the Social Security Administration’s website. If you have a hard time negotiating that website, just Googling “Social Security indexing factors” will lead you to the right place.

The next step in the retirement computation formula is to add up your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. Then you divide by 420 -- that’s the number of months in 35 years -- to get your average inflation-adjusted monthly income.

The final step brings us to the “social” part of Social Security. The percentage of your average monthly income that comes back to you in the form of a Social Security benefit depends on your income. Basically, the lower your average wage, the higher percentage rate of return you get. Once again, the actual formula is messy and varies depending on your year of birth. You can find a complete breakdown of those computation “bend points” on the SSA website or by Googling.

Believe it or not, that was the “simple” explanation of how a Social Security retirement benefit will be figured. If you want an in-depth explanation, you’ll find it in my book “Social Security -- Simple and Smart” available at Amazon and other booksellers.

Q: I heard a wife is supposed to get half her husband’s Social Security. I’m not. How come?

A: Probably because you took benefits before your full retirement age. When you do that, benefits are reduced. For example, if you took benefits at 62, your spousal rate should be around 30%.

Q: If I die, what will my wife get?

A: The answer depends on several factors. But assuming you die well after your full retirement age, and assuming your wife is over her

full retirement age when you die, as a general rule, she will get what you were getting at the time of death. Here’s a quick example: You are 85 and getting $2,800 per month. Your wife is 82 and getting $1,700 per month. When you die, she will keep getting her $1,700, and then she will get an additional $1,100 in widow’s benefits.

Q: I took my benefits at 70, so I get an extra 32% added to my retirement rate. When I die, will my wife’s widow’s benefit be based on my augmented age 70 rate, or on my full retirement rate?

A: It will be based on your age 70 rate. And just to clarify a little further: A benefit paid to a spouse whose husband is still alive is based on his full retirement age rate. But as I just said, a widow’s benefit is based on the age 70 rate (assuming the husband waited until 70 to claim his benefits).

Q: I’m already getting my Social Security, but I’m still working. Will my additional income and the taxes I’m paying increase my Social Security check?

A: It depends. Your original benefit was based on your average monthly wage using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. If the earnings you have now are higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year used in your original computation, the SSA will drop out that lower year, add in the new higher year, and adjust your benefit accordingly. But don’t expect a windfall. Your benefit might go up by $10 to $20 per month for a year of good earnings.

Q: When my father died, why did we have to return his last check?

A: Several rules come into play here. First, Social Security benefits have never been prorated. Second, benefits are always paid one month behind. And third, the law says you must live an entire month to be due a Social Security check for that month.

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

2. From Song of Solomon 8, what is so powerful that many waters can't quench it? a) Faith b) Hope c) Salvation d) Love

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 speaks of ... a) God's wrath b) Coming tribulation c) Rapture of the Church d) Salvation

4. Thorns and what else grew from the ground that God cursed after Adam and Eve's sin? a) Thistles b) Vines c) Ivy d) Weeds

5. According to Paul, in hardships, Christians are more than ___. a) Worthy b) Prepared c) Warriors d) Conquerors

6. From Luke 19, what town was home to Zacchaeus? a) Bethlehem b) Jericho c) Tarsus d) Thessalonica

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

Here is a quick example: John dies June 24. The Social Security check that comes in July (the payment for June) must be returned. That’s the downside to the lack of proration. But there are two upsides. One: Let’s say John started his benefits when he was 66 and that he turned 66 on June 22. He would get a check for the whole month of June even though he was 66 for only eight days of the month. Two: If John left a widow, she would get widow’s benefits for the whole month of June even though she was a widow for only six days of the month.

Q: We would like to talk to you personally about our Social Security situation. We’d be willing to pay you. Can we please call you to discuss this?

A: I’m sorry, but I just can’t provide personal service, or work on individual Social Security cases. But for 15 bucks, I can give you the kind of help that might even be better than a personal consultation. Buy my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart.” In that book, you’ll find 10 factsheets that cover just about any Social Security situation you might encounter.

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.

Just be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

Medicines Usually Maintain Efficacy Past Their Expiration Dates

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently tested positive for COVID using an expired home test, and I self-isolated for five days. I also realized every Tylenol, antihistamine, DayQuil, NyQuil and allergy pill that I had was past its expiration date. Some were only expired by a few months, but most were expired by two to four years. I guess I don’t get sick often.

My question is: Before I dispose of these, how effective are they, and are any of them dangerous to use? -- K.L.

ANSWER: Drug manufacturers are now required by law to make expiration dates, and they guarantee that the drugs are what they say they are and are effective until a certain date (at least if they are properly stored in a cool and dark area). This does not necessarily mean that they become ineffective or dangerous after expiring, and many drugs have been proven to maintain efficacy for years or decades after the printed expiration date.

A military study found that 90% of drugs are still effective a full 15 years after expiration. It is rare for a drug to become dangerous; however, the tetracycline class of antibiotics is one where toxicity has been found.

In general, if a drug is a few months to a year past its expiration date, it is probably OK. (Liquid drugs, nitroglycerin and insulin are notable exceptions.)

But at some point, you have to ask yourself whether it is worth the small risk of the medicine being less effective, especially for inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Also, COVID test kits may have an extended expiration date. The Food and Drug Administration maintains a list at tinyurl.com/ COVIDTestKitExpire ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: Can you comment on N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an OTC supplement for psychiatric illness? I am interested in its safety and effectiveness and whether there any side effects or cautions when taking it. Also, what is the safe daily dosage, and how long does it take for benefits to occur? -- L.B.

ANSWER: NAC has been intravenously used for many years in medicine as a specific antidote to acetaminophen toxicity. It is also used via inhalation to thin out thick mucus so that it can be coughed out. As you say, several recent studies have looked at its effectiveness with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cannabis use disorder.

Although there is a risk of a severe allergic response when used intravenously, it is generally safe when used orally. Some studies have looked at the effectiveness of NAC by itself, while others looked to see whether NAC can im-

prove outcomes in combination with the standard treatments.

Although the literature is mixed, I say that there is promise with this treatment. When I recommend it, it is most commonly with patients who do not want to use the standard treatments or who want the lowest possible dosage. The dose used in most studies is 1-3 grams daily.

In one well-done study that looked at adults with major depression, the group who combined NAC with the standard treatment showed superiority over those who received the standard treatment alone. The difference was seen after 20 weeks of treatment. Not all studies showed a benefit.

I want to emphasize that an OTC supplement, no matter how promising, is not a substitute for medical care, especially psychiatric care. If you have a mental health issue, ask your mental health provider about NAC.

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.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Benefits and health care for female veterans

The VA health care signed up over 53,000 female veterans in the past year, the biggest enrollment increase ever for women. But it’s not just the VA chasing the numbers ... the VA has the services and facilities to provide the care female veterans need.

Among other things, female veterans under age 40 who had toxin exposure have access to breast cancer screenings and mammograms. (Breast cancer is a presumptive under the PACT Act.) In addition, screenings can be scheduled for colon, lung, skin and cervical cancers.

General health screenings can include blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, as well as the whole array of standard immunizations such as flu, tetanus, Covid and more.

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Reproductive and maternity care services are also available, with maternity care being handled by a coordinator who offers support for care within and outside of VA health care.

Female veterans also have a special call center. Call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There is also an online chat.

The call center can point you in the right direction for a wide variety of questions: enrolling in VA health care, what care options are available near you, eligibility, disability ratings, benefits including education and home loans, and more. Their help extends to reporting harassment at VA, complaints about medical staff at VA, infertility services and help for military sexual trauma.

If you don’t know where to start, begin with the call center. Or call your closest facility and ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager. Every VA medical facility has one.

For a long list of the services available for female veterans, go to www.womenshealth. va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/overview.asp

If you’re a female veteran who hasn’t connected with the VA, either for health care or benefits, consider contacting the call center or the WVP manager at the closest facility and getting started.

* * *

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

M.D.

-- by Jim Miller

Do You Need a Digital Will?

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: My wife and I had our estate plan – including a will, power of attorney and advance directive – drawn up about 10 years ago but have recently read that our plan should include a digital will too. What can you tell us about this? -- Almost 80

Dear Almost 80: If you or your wife spend much time online, adding a separate digital will document to your estate plan that provides a list of your digital assets would be extremely helpful to your loved ones when you die, not to mention it will help protect your privacy. Here’s what you should know:

Do You Have Digital Asset?

The term “digital assets” refers to personal information that is stored electronically on either a computer or an online cloud server account that belongs to an individual. Anyone who uses email, has a PIN code protected cell phone, makes online purchases, or pays bills online has digital assets.

Digital assets generally require a username, a password, or a PIN to access and can be difficult if not impossible to retrieve if someone is incapacitated or passes away.

Creating a digital will (also known as a digital estate plan) will help your loved ones access your electronic devices and online accounts more easily so they can manage your electronic affairs, according to your wishes, after you’re gone. This in turn will also protect your digital assets from hackers or fraud, which can happen to dormant accounts after you die.

How to Write a Digital Will

Your first step in creating a digital will is to make an inventory list of your digi-

tal assets, which includes everything from hardware to email accounts. Here are a few categories to help kick-start your list:

● Electronic devices (computer, smartphone, tablet, external hard drive).

● Digital files (for photos, videos or documents)

● Financial accounts (like bank and brokerage accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency).

● Bill paying accounts (utilities, mortgage accounts)

● Social media accounts (like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).

● Email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.).

● Cloud-storage accounts (like Google Cloud, iCloud, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive)

● Movie or music streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Apple Music)

● Online purchasing accounts (like Venmo or PayPal)

● Subscription services (magazines, newspapers, Amazon Prime, etc.).

● Reward programs (travel, stores, etc.).

● Membership organizations (AARP, AAA, etc.).

When making your list, you’ll need to include usernames, passwords, PINS, account numbers or security questions for accessing each account. And provide instructions on how you want your assets managed after your death. For example: Do you want certain accounts closed, archived or transferred? Do you want specific files or photos to be deleted or shared with loved ones? Do you want your social media profiles memorialized or deleted? Be clear and specific about your wishes.

You’ll also need to appoint a digital executor that you trust to execute your wishes after you die.

From a legal perspective, you should know that most states have enacted the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA), which legally recognizes digital estates. This law gives your personal representative or executor legally protected access to your online accounts.

Once your digital will is written, store it with your other estate plan documents either in a fireproof safe or file cabinet at home, on your computer hard drive, with your estate planning attorney or online at a reputable digital estate planning service like Everplans.com or Clocr.com. But make sure your executor knows where it is and has access to it.

Do you understand your

Also remember to keep your digital will updated regularly when you create any new digital accounts or change passwords.

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

eligibility enrollment options? Do

mometer would appeal to advertising collectors. They were often found hanging in service stations and home garages. Their Standard Oil Company delivery person very likely gave it to the homeowner. It originally had a white background.

ANTIQUE

Your circa 1950 thermometer can be found selling on the Internet in the range of $50 to $125.

ANTIQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

by Anne McCollam Creators

Vintage Thermometer Has Collectors’ Temperature Rising

Q: I have enclosed a photo of a tin thermometer that was in a 1950s-era home that I bought a few years ago. The home originally had an oil furnace, and I think the thermometer was given to the homeowner by the oil delivery person. It was hanging in the garage, and even though the tin is a little worn, it is still in good shape.

At the top are the words “Standard Fuel Oil” and also a torch. They are both in a black and red circle.

The thermometer has both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Below the thermometer is the Standard Oil logo.

On the back are the instructions to not use a hammer to nail the thermometer to the wall and only use a screw, along with the words “Made in Chicago.”

The overall measurements are 11 inches high and 3 inches wide.

What can you tell me about my thermometer and its possible value?

A: Your tin wall hanging Standard Oil ther-

Puzzle Solutions

I'm enormously tired of having no career and thus struggling financially. I need a vocation!

Q: This is a picture of the name that is on the side of a metal oil can that I have. The can stands about 6 inches high and is over 3 inches in diameter. The name is written in script and embossed. The metal looks like it is copper and is in excellent condition.

Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

A: You have an oil can that was intended to be used to oil Ford Model A and Model T cars. The can is metal with a copper finish.

Oil cans that are brand marked are popular with collectors of all sorts of advertising signs, oilcans, tools and automotive memorabilia.

Your oil can was made in the early 1900s and would probably be worth $75 to $100.

* * *

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.

* July 1, 1984, the Motion Picture Association of America, which oversees the voluntary rating system for movies, introduced its new rating of PG-13, indicating material that “may be inappropriate for children under 13 years old” and “may contain very strong language, nudity (non-explicit), strong, mildly bloody violence or mild drug content.”

* On July 2, 1992, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking broke British publishing records when his book “A Brief History of Time” held its place on the nonfiction bestseller list for three and a half years, selling more than 3 million copies in 22 languages.

* On July 3, 1887, Clay Allison, an eccentric gunfighter and rancher who displayed odd tendencies even in his youth, was believed to have died in a freak wagon accident in Texas. When the Civil War began, Allison had joined the Confederate Army but later received a rare medical discharge for a condition doctors described as “partly epileptic and partly maniacal,” which may have been the result of an early head injury.

* On July 4, 1826, the United States experienced a remarkable coincidence as both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the nation's Founding Fathers and former presidents, passed away on the same day. Even more astonishing, it was exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a document they both had a crucial role in drafting.

* On July 5, 1950, near Sejong, South Korea, 19-year-old Private Kenneth Shadrick became the first American reported killed in the Korean War when he looked up to check his aim and was cut down by enemy machine-gun fire.

* On July 6, 1933, Major League Baseball’s first All-Star Game, dreamed up by a determined sports editor, debuted at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The event was designed to support the sport and improve its reputation during the bleakest days of the Great Depression.

* On July 7, 2005, suicide bombs were detonated in three crowded London subways and one bus during the peak of the city’s rush hour. Thought to be the work of al-Qaida, the explosions killed 56 people, including the bombers, and injured another 700 in the largest attack on Great Britain since World War II.

"Nurse, turn the radio volume up. l don't want to miss anything in the ball game when this guy starts screaming."

Standard Oil wall thermometer was made around 1950.

Ford oil can was made in the early 1900s

July Highlights: from page 3

• Disneyland in Anaheim, California opened its gates for the first time for a sneak preview to invited guests only on July 17, 1955. But the theme park was in for a big surprise when more than 30,000 people showed up, with thousands having procured counterfeited passes and many others scaling the fence. The facility wasn’t prepared for the numbers, running out of food and drink on the 101-degree day, along with many non-functioning drinking fountains.

• Disneyland construction had begun one year and one day earlier on July 16, 1954 on 160 acres of former orange groves, 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Construction costs reached $17 million, about $153 million in today’s dollars. After extremely negative press reports from July 17, the park had its official opening the following day. More than 18 million people visit Disneyland every year, spending about $3 billion for the experience.

• More than 3,000 guests attended the “wedding of century” on July 29, 1981, while 750 million others in 74 countries watched on TV. It was the nuptials of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, held at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. More than 600,000 spectators lined up on the streets for a view of the royal couple as they passed by after the ceremony.

• The price tag for the wedding festivities topped $48 million. Diana’s gown took three months to create, decorated with more than 10,000 tiny pearls and a 25-foot-long train. The main wedding cake stood five feet tall and weighed 200 pounds. Twenty-seven additional smaller cakes made sure everyone got a taste. Diana, who had met Charles just 13 times before marrying him, spoke of the day as “it was heaven, amazing, wonderful,” but her later memoirs deemed it “the worst day of her life.” 

by Jason Jenkins

Coordinating the swing to be balanced, rhythmic, and effortless will be a constant battle for any golfer over their career. It doesn’t take long to lose the swing’s internal timing, especially when playing competitively or in adverse conditions (under pressure). Typically, the body movements get rushed and the arms don’t have time to make their normal, full movements. Your swing can be said to be “out of sync”.

One of the best reminders of rhythm and timing is a drill requiring the swing of two separate clubs in each hand. Typically players will use mid irons to perform this drill. Trying to slowly swing two clubs at once will force your arms and body to take a little extra time and coordination so the clubs don’t crash along the way. As you gain confidence with this drill, try swinging them faster until you’re at 60-75% of normal effort or speed. Try hitting balls directly afterward while performing a similar effort level, rhythm, and balance.

Linda Thistle