Vol 20: No 48 •Thanksgiving Celebrations• (11-24-2024) Tidbits of Coachella Valley
by Janet Spencer
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Since then, certain traditions surrounding this annual event have developed: We engorge on roast turkey, wolf down pumpkin pie, tune in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and watch football. But along the way, other less standard traditions have curiously appeared, and Tidbits thought you might enjoy scoping out a few of these weird observances, so follow along and enjoy!
THE TURKEY TOSS
• This annual event, sponsored every Thanksgiving by a radio station in Boston, involves actually throwing frozen turkeys as far as possible.
• Each high school in the Boston area chooses a two-man team from their football lineup -- the best passer and best receiver. The day before Thanksgiving, all teams gather for the popular turkey-throwing competition. Cheering townfolk, marching bands, school cheerleaders, TV cameras, local celebrities, sports heroes, and referees all gather for this rousing event.
TRIVIA NEWSFRONT
(Answers on page 16)
1. MOVIES: What is the name of the necklace that Rose throws into the sea at the end of “Titanic”?
2. GEOGRAPHY: Where was the ancient city of Carthage located?
3. TELEVISION: What are the names of the FBI agents on “The X-Files”?
4. LITERATURE: Who wrote the short story “The Gift of the Magi”?
5. HISTORY: When was the United Nations organization created?
6. SCIENCE: What is the addictive substance in tobacco?
7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president signed into law the Sherman Antitrust Act?
8. CHEMISTRY: What is the lightest of metallic elements?
9. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the half-man, half-bull creature that inhabits the Labyrinth?
10. FOOD & DRINK: What is challah?
your body
"Fearfully
Facial Expression
• Your face is central to so much that makes you human. Not only are your senses concentrated there, but your face is central to expression.
• Humans have more muscles in their face than any other animal, with 22 on each side. The skin on the face is extremely mobile, unlike the skin on any other part of the body.
• In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen was the first to discover what is now called Easter Island. This is one of the remote places on the planet, and the civilization that existed there had been isolated from other humans for since their beginning. Still, the facial expressions of the inhabitants were exactly the same as the facial expressions of all other humans: fear, astonishment, happiness, and eagerness were all universal.
• Other explorers, including Columbus, Vespucci, and Cortes, found this to be true as well. Facial signals cross the confines of culture. They are ingrained in our human DNA.
• The six most basic facial expressions are happiness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, and sadness. There are many subsets, including things such as pain, contempt, and neutrality.
• A smile is the most recognizable facial expression and can be understood by another human being even at a distance of 300 feet. The second most identifiable expression is surprise, identifiable at 150 feet.
• The mouth is responsible for many vital functions such as eating, speaking, and kissing, but it’s also important for expression, as it can turn instantly from smiling to pouting, sighing, yawning, spitting, laughing, trembling, whistling, and more.
• The expression “two-faced” may spring from having many more muscles in our lower face than our upper face, making the lower face more skilled at false expressions. from a genuine smile. A fake smile employs only the muscles connected to the mouth, whereas a genuine smile also uses the cheek-pulling muscles, causing the eyes to squint. Real smiles last only a few seconds whereas false ones can
linger for an unnaturally long period. A real smile will fade gradually, whereas a false one ends abruptly. A fake smile will also be slightly off balance: a right-handed person will lift their left lip artificially high, while a left-handed person will lift the right lip a bit too high.
• The white of the eye is called the sclera. The white of the eye is very prominent in humans whereas most other animal eyes are very dark. Why? Researchers theorize that it’s for communication purposes. It’s easier to read the face of another human if you can see the expressiveness in their eyes. Discerning eye movement is also very handy for indicating which way a person is looking, which can have many implications.
• Humans are the only primate that cries. There are two types of tears: “irritant” tears and “emotional” tears. They each have a unique chemical composition.
• In a study when noise levels were too high to hear what another person was saying, people could understand the words just 23% of the time if they could not see the face of the person speaking, but they could understand 65% of the time if they could also see the speaker’s face, especially the lips.
• Do dark-skinned people blush? Yes, they do, but it’s far more difficult to discern than a blush on white skin.
• The Japanese phrase “kao ga tsubureru” means literally “to ruin one’s face” and “kao ga tatsu” means “to establish face.” These phrases came into the English language as “losing face” and “saving face” regarding the state of one’s reputation.
CLIP AND SAVE
Week of
(from page one)
• Each passer must hurl the frozen turkey backward over his head in the general direction of where the receiver is. The receiver must catch the frozen missle without letting it hit the ground. If the bird touches the ground, that team is eliminated. Rounds continue with distances increasing each time, while radio DJs provide an enthusiastic play-by-play. Money raised is donated to the local food bank.
FLAMING TURKEY THROW
• If throwing frozen turkeys backward over your head isn’t challenging enough, consider how much more fun it would be to hurl a turkey while it’s fully engulfed in flames! For a spectacular but brief moment in Thanksfiving history, folks did this very thing in Bloomington, Indiana. Bloomington used to sponsor a normal turkeythrowing competition starting in 2001. But in 2005, organizer Doug Ballard dreamed up an even better turkey tossing method involving fire: “If you’re going to launch a turkey into the air, why not cook it while you’re throwing it?”
• The bird was dressed in an infant’s onesie and soaked in lighter fluid. Each flaming turkey was attached to a chain. Contestants twirled the fiery bird in a circle before letting it go, in the style of the olympic hammer throw.
• Alas, the event lasted only two years before it ended, presumably due to liability issues. The winning throw in 2006 was an impressive 185 feet 6 inches, after leaving a smoky trail across the sky.
TURKEYS AWAY!
• The 1970s-era TV sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” was about a zany crew running a radio station. One episode entitled “Turkeys Away!”went down in Thanksgiving history. The plot entailed a promotion that involved dropping live turkeys from a hovering helicopter. A radio station reporter narrates a horrified play-by-play
NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE
The average adult consumes up to 4,500 calories during a single Thanksgiving feast. The recommended daily caloric intake for an average person is 2,000 calories per day. In order to burn off an average Thanksgiving meal, a typical adult needs to spend 10 hours at a steady pace on a treadmill.
description of the off-camera event, mimicking the Hindenburg disaster: “Oh no!” he cries. “The turkeys are hitting the ground like bags of wet cement! Ohh... the humanity!” Later, a dazed manager staggers back to the station following the calamity, covered in feathers, and utters the immortal line: “I swear, as God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!” This became the single most memorable quote from the series, morphing into an American meme.
• This extremely memorable episode of a largely forgotten sitcom lives on in modern traditions. Various television stations re-run the show on Thanksgiving weekend as tribute.
• Various organizations host their own modified “Turkey Toss” before Thanksgiving. For instance, the Hiller Aviation Museum helicopter in San Carlos, California, drops 300 turkeys to a waiting crowd below. No, not the real thing, but instead theyʼre soft, squeezable toy turkeys.
BOWLING BIRDS
• In 1988, Derrick Johnson worked nights as a stock boy at Lucky’s Supermarket in Newport Beach, California. He was struck by how easily the frozen turkeys slid across the countertops, and subsequently noted that they also slid nicely across the linoleum floor. Setting up several large plastic soda bottles as bowling pins, he invented a new sport: turkey bowling!
Junior and Sammy Herbert owned a butcher shop in Maurice, Lousiana. One day in 1984, a local farmer brought in a chicken, a duck, and a turkey. He asked the Herberts to stuff one bird inside the other for him. They did so, wedging sage-seasoned stuffing in between. Thus was the birth of the Turducken.
• Lucky’s never sponsored a Frozen Turkey Bowling tournament. Regardless, word got out about the new sport, starting with a tongue-incheek article in the sports column of a local newspaper on a slow news day, and culminating with appearances for Johnson on ABCs Good Morning America and The Arsenio Hall Show. The management at Lucky’s wasn’t at all happy about the publicity, and Johnson was fired.
• The Butterball company was also unhappy with the publicity since Johnson routinely mentioned that Butterballs were best for bowling because their built-in plastic carrying handle made it easy to fling. They issued a cease-and-desist.
• Though Derrick Johnson has faded into obscurity, Frozen Turkey Bowling lives on. Grocery stores sponsor tournaments; schools schedule them as a morale-booster; social programs host them on frozen lakes as a fundraiser; hockey teams
perform them on the rink as entertainment. Derrick Johnson would be happy to know his sport lives on today in American tradition. Butterball... not so much.
DEEP FRIED TURKEY
• Turkey has long been the customary fare for Thanksgiving, and the customary method of
1. What sportscaster ate a turducken while on the air during a 1996 football game, rocketing the dish to superstar status?
2. What year was the word "turducken" officially added to the dictionary?
By Lucie Winborne
* 1674, the Women’s Petition Against Coffee claimed the beverage was turning British men into “useless corpse[s]” and proposed a ban on it for anyone under the age of 60.
* Eugene V. Debs ran for president in 1920 while serving a prison sentence in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary for his protests against World War I. He still captured nearly 1 million votes.
* The plot of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was partly inspired by the collision of holiday store decorations.
* Cotton candy was invented in 1895 by candy maker John C. Wharton and dentist William Morrison, who called it “fairy floss” and sold thousands of servings at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. It was renamed “cotton candy” in the 1920s by Josef Lascaux -- another dentist -- who sold the saccharine confection to his patients. Hmmm, sounds a little bit suspicious.
* In a study by the Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation, the scent women found most arousing was Good & Plenty candy mixed with cucumber.
* Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of your mouth.
* Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the U.S. capital for the shortest period of time, a single day, on Sept. 27, 1777.
* Aretha Franklin’s voice was declared a “natural resource” of the state of Michigan.
* In 1967, supermodel Twiggy became the first celebrity to be immortalized as a Barbie doll. Other celebrity Barbies have included Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis and Priscilla Presley, and Nicki Minaj.
* A face with big eyes, a small nose and a small chin exhibits kinderschema: the collection of traits humans generally find adorable ***
Thought for the Day: “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” -- Danny Kaye
Everyday CHEAPSKATE®
by Mary Hunt
‘Plan’
is Not a FourLetter Word
But Sally also picked up a few planning tools that will help her make the next goal happen. Perhaps they’re tools you could put to work as you consider your dreams:
WRITE IT DOWN
No matter how goofy it sounds, write down your goal. You have to own a goal for it to have any chance of being reached.
BE POSITIVE
Everyday CHEAPSKATE®
A friend -- I’ll call her Sally -- in her early 30s moved from Arizona to Florida in search of a better job and a new life. Not that many months later she decided a change of scenery wasn’t the solution she thought it would be and moved back.
by Mary Hunt
She decided that what she really wanted was to settle down and buy a house.
She’d had surgery the year before, and thanks to some poor choices during employee benefits enrollment, she’d been required to pay a big share of the bill. The recovery was easy; the doctor and hospital bills were not.
Back in Arizona she was working two jobs just to make a dent in the medical bills, not to mention her rent, credit card debt and car loan. For some reason I have never quite understood, she thought it was time to take on a mortgage.
To jumpstart her dream, Sally packed up her belongings and moved again, this time into some friends’ basement for a hundred bucks a month. It wasn’t the ideal housing arrangement for a 30-something professional, but it helped her overcome the obstacles blocking her way to her dream of home ownership.
She lived cheaply, all while diligently paying down her debt and putting cash in the bank for a down payment. Two and a half years later -- ironically on April Fool’s Day -- she got preapproved for a mortgage. Two months later she took possession of a quaint starter home.
That’s what financial planning is all about. You have a goal, then you do whatever it takes to make it happen. Given her situation, two and a half years was a remarkably short season of hard work necessary to realize her dream. There were sacrifices, but that’s nothing unusual for a first-time homebuyer.
Don’t go wishy washy by saying, “I hope I can buy a house,” or “I’d love to pay off my debt.” Instead, be positive -- make it, “I will buy a house,” “I will pay off my credit card debt,” etc.
SET A DATE
Unless you have a deadline, you won’t accomplish the goal. Just be reasonable and don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss your deadline.
STAY FOCUSED
Keep visual reminders around that will keep you thinking about your goal. Create a chart that will let you see when you meet interim goals along the way so you can adequately evaluate your progress. Celebrate lightly, then keep going.
Even now, Sally tells me that when she is tempted to charge up the cards and fall back into her old ways, she forces herself to recall the cold, damp floor of her friends’ basement.
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
Next Level Air Conditioning
Affordability and availability prompted Sally to buy a house in an entirely different city than she had originally planned, but doing so cut her commute to work in half. She also chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with a lower introductory interest rate in hopes of landing a better house. In her excitement, she forgot the “introductory” part and got a big surprise when her rate jumped a year later, pushing her mortgage payment up more than $400. That increase presented her with yet another financial planning opportunity.
-- Henry David Thoreau
Breaking the Wishbone
• About 2,400 years ago, the Etruscan civilization thrived in the region of Italy, which is now called Tuscany. The Etruscan people believed chickens had supernatural powers, both living and dead. A live chicken, placed in a pen where letters of the Etruscan alphabet were drawn in the dirt, would peck at scattered grain, spelling out words, like a living Ouija board, to answer questions.
• A chicken carcass yielded a forked bone, now called the wishbone, which was thought to grant wishes when someone stroked it while visualizing what they wanted. When the Romans took over the region, they adopted the tradition.
• However, since there were more citizens wanting wishes than there were chickens available, the Romans began breaking the wishbone in half so that two people could each have wishes instead of just one. As the Roman Empire spread, so did this practice.
• By the time the tradition reached the Roman territory in England, it had been modified so
that two people would grasp the bone and break it in half. Whichever person got the larger half would have their wish granted. The phrases “I got a lucky break” or “Give me a break” are thought to come from being either the winner or the loser in the contest.
• When the pilgrims left England for the new world, they brought the tradition with them. Since wild turkeys were common, tasted good and had very large wishbones, breaking the wishbone after devouring a turkey became just another Thanksgiving tradition.
• The wishbone is simply the forked chest bone of a bird. It’s formed from the fusion of two collarbones and is found at the base of a turkey’s sternum, between its neck and chest. The bone supports a bird’s chest when it’s in flight.
• The official name for the wishbone is the “furcular” which means “little fork” in Latin. All flying birds, not just chickens and turkeys, have a furcular. It’s one of the signatures of the genus.
• Even some dinosaurs had a furcular, indicating to some that there may be a relationship to birds. If the furcular fractures while the bird is still alive, it will be unable to fly.
• Do humans have wishbones in their chest? No, because, of course, people don’t fly. Humans do have two clavicles, but they’re not fused together as in birds.
• Many chefs remove the wishbone before cooking the bird. This makes it possible to carve the breast meat easily with no obstructions.
• Here are some hints for winning the larger part of the wishbone: Try to pick the thicker side of the bone. Be sure your hands are dry so that you have a firm grip. Hold the bone with your dominant hand, pinching it firmly between your thumb and forefinger. Get as close to the bottom of the V-shape as possible.
• Now, pay attention because this part is important: You must not pull on your half of the wishbone. Let the other person pull hard. The person who pulls with the greatest force is most likely to break their own side.
• If you try to break apart a wishbone that’s just been taken off a raw or cooked bird, it won’t crack. You must first let the bone dry out and become somewhat brittle before it will snap, which can take several days on a sunny windowsill or a few hours in a warm oven.
Some people save last Thanksgiving’s wishbone to break this Thanksgiving.
• If you soak a wishbone in a jar of vinegar for a week or two, it will become about as pliable as a rubber band.
• Reba McEntire once said, “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”
by Dana Jackson
Q: Why is “Wicked” going to be a twopart film? How long was the Broadway musical? -- E.L.
A: ”Wicked” was originally a novel written by Gregory Maguire before it became a Broadway musical. The stage version is about 150 minutes, plus an intermission. Even if the movie translates the musical verbatim, it would still be a long film, but it might not require a second one. The reason that a second film, which will premiere in theaters in November 2025, is needed might be due to the film version including more elements from the book. (Also, it’s a great way for the studios to make more money.)
I personally believe that pro-shot musicals, which are filmed live musicals, are the best way to see a Broadway show on your screen. Disney+ did this with “Hamilton,” which allowed millions of people who couldn’t see the original cast on Broadway to experience the show.
Q: I heard that Claire Danes has a new show coming out. What network will it be on, and when does it start? -- K.S.
A: “The Beast in Me” is the title of the upcoming limited series on Netflix -- a mystery
thriller starring Claire Danes (“Homeland”) and Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”). Danes plays an author who is grieving the loss of her child, when she gets distracted by a mystery surrounding her new neighbor. This neighbor is a real estate mogul who was once suspected of being involved in his wife’s disappearance. The show is from the creative minds of Gabe Rotter (“The X-Files”) and Howard Gordon (“Homeland”). It won’t be released until sometime in 2025, but it has an impressive cast. In addition to Emmy award winners Danes and Rhys, the cast includes Jonathan Banks (“Breaking Bad”), Will Brill (“Fellow Travelers”), Kate Burton (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Bill Irwin (“Legion”), and Julie Ann Emery (“Better Call Saul”).
***
Q: I haven’t seen one of my favorite dancers, Mark Ballas, on “Dancing with the Stars” for a while. Is he taking a break and coming back in the future? -- D.O.
A: Mark Ballas actually returned as a guest judge on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” for season 33. The three-time Mirrorball champion joined the judges’ table alongside former “DWTS” pro Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli for just one episode. But he says that he’s open to more in the future.
Ballas announced at the end of a “DWTS” live tour in 2023 that it would be his final dance with a “celebrity partner.” Therefore, it’s doubtful that he’ll return to the ABC show as anything other than a judge.
Ballas is the son of two Latin ballroom professionals and teachers. His father, Corky, was
a dance pro on “DWTS” for two seasons, having been paired with TV sitcom icons Cloris Leachman in season 7 and Florence Henderson in season 11. Ballas’ mother, Shirley, is a judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” in the United Kingdom. * * * 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.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in the upcoming film “Wicked”
Good Recipes from
Classic Bread Stuffing
1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick) 5 celery stalks, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 loaves (16 ounces each) sliced firm white bread; cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1. In 5-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes, until tender.
2. Remove Dutch oven from heat. Add bread cubes, broth, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and sage; toss to combine well. Use to stuff 12- to 16-pound turkey, or serve in baking dish
alongside poultry or ham: Spoon stuffing into greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish; cover with foil and bake in preheated 325 F oven about 45 minutes until heated through. Makes about 10 cups stuffing.
Each 1/2 cup: About 170 calories, 4g protein, 24g carbohydrate, 6g total fat (3g saturated), 1g fiber, 13mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium.
Homemade Turkey Broth
Homemade broth is so simple, but it makes a huge difference when it comes to flavor. It can enrich everything from soups to stews and sauteed dishes.
Turkey carcass, scraps and neck from roast turkey
2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 large onion, cut into quarters
1 large stalk celery, cut into 2-inch chunks
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Parsley stems from 1 bunch
1. In 10- to 12-quart stockpot (if you don’t have 1 pot large enough, divide ingredients between 2 smaller ones), combine turkey carcass, cut up if necessary, scraps and neck with carrots, onion, celery, thyme and parsley. Add enough cold water just to cover ingredients; heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 3 hours.
2. Slowly and carefully pour turkey broth through colander into very large bowl set in sink. Discard solids.
3. To cool broth quickly before refrigerating, set bowl with broth in sink filled with ice wa-
ter and stir broth occasionally until cool, adding additional ice if necessary.
4. Cover bowl and refrigerate turkey broth overnight. Spoon off and discard fat. Refrigerate broth up to 3 days, or freeze in 1-quart portions to use up within 6 months. Makes 4 1/2 quarts.
For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/ (c) 2024 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
By John Allen
DIAMOND LIL
by Brett Koth
Donald Duck by Walt
NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS CLOCKS THE FASTEST & SLOWEST
11/24 What do you Love about America Day
11/25 National Play with Dad Day
11/26 National Jukebox Day
11/27 Slinky Day
11/28 Thanksgiving Day
11/29 Square Dancing Day
11/30 National Mason Jar Day
Dog Talk with Uncle Matty
By Matthew Margolis
Get Fit with Fido
With the goal of achieving beach bods and six-pack abs, it’s hard to remember that fitness isn’t just about looks. It’s about health -- and not just physical health.
Fitness is also about mental acuity, good behavior and an all-around feeling of happiness. This is true for humans, and it’s true for dogs.
No doubt you’ve heard the saying: A tired dog is a good dog. Well, it’s almost accurate.
If a dog that hasn’t been on so much as a walk around the block since winter struck suddenly finds himself jogging across town under a blazing sun, he’ll be tired, all right. But he might also be injured. Or in pain. Or dehydrated. Or feeling sick. This is not the objective, and it could backfire, as pain, injury and illness can trigger aggression.
Nor is it the goal of exercise to simply tire your dog out by setting him loose in the yard to mindlessly run around in circles. Tired is good. But tired in the right way is best.
What’s the right way? Depends on the dog.
While it’s true that any exercise is better than none, in most cases, owners and dogs exercising together is optimal for many reasons:
-- You are there to bear witness to any injury your dog may suffer. Prompt attention and temporary restriction of activity if necessary can prevent a minor injury from becoming severe.
-- Your participation allows you to tailor the type of exercise to your dog’s needs. For example, herding dogs are intelligent and high energy by nature. Sports, games or even an obstacle course in the back yard will satisfy their need for physical exercise and mental stimulation. A Chihuahua, however, might be turned into a jittering bundle of nerves by such a regimen. This small breed’s exercise requirements would be easily satisfied with a couple of half-hour walks a day.
-- Exercising with your dog makes the entire experience as much about bonding as about getting in shape. If you carve out time every day for exercising with your dog and customize that exercise to accommodate his breed and your life-
In a few weeks, those of us on Social Security will be getting approximately 50 extra dollars in our monthly benefit. Minus the $10 increase in Medicare Part B, that brings the average increase down to $40 per month. How shall we spend our "windfall"?
If food prices are going to come down as promised after the recent election, it won’t be instantly. We need to continue to shop carefully and get the best possible deals for our dollar. Look for senior discount days, coupons, loyalty perks and, yes, the food bank.
If you can spring for a Walmart+ membership ($98 per year, minus $20 if you’re also an AARP member), each time you shop you can end up with rewards dollars added to your account for buying certain products. Look for other benefits such as free shipping, discounts on fuel if your local store has a gas station, access to
The Art of DESIGN
by Joseph Publillones
Design Destination:
Venetian Winter Getaway
Venice in the winter can be brutal. Cold and rainy on top of that wind, some would say you’d be out of your mind to travel there during the winter months. Despite all these inconveniences, Venice offers the unique opportunity to explore the city like a Venetian, sans the hordes of summer tourists and oppressing humid heat.
During this time of the year, a thick blanket of fog covers most of Venice’s Piazza San Marco and surrounding narrow streets, and they are bracing for “Aqua Alta” so 18” high platforms are in place so you can walk above the rising tides, should they rise. You peek through the cafe curtains of the classic Cafe Florian and you enter into the heart and soul of 18th century Venice. Painted boiserie panels and liveried servers pouring piping pots of hot chocolate. For those lucky enough to visit during Carnavale (second half of February), promenading costumed Venetians add to the mystery of Venice.
the TV streaming service Paramount+, prescription delivery and a lot more.
For the first time in 15 years, the membership cost of AARP is going up in 2025. The new price of $20 will take effect after your current membership expires. If you extend your membership now, it will be at the current rate. Meanwhile, take advantage of AARP’s savings and discounts on a wide variety of products and services, ranging from dining out; insurance; travel, including car rental and vacation packages; gym memberships; and so much more.
Ask your cable and internet provider for a reduced fee. It could be that by dropping down one plan level, you could save considerable money by cutting out the channels you never watch anyway.
Investigate Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with fuel and heating costs, one of our biggest expenses. Start by calling the Community Action Agency in your state or the Area Agency on Aging.
* * *
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.
20th century painters can be seen throughout the lobby, corridors and stairwells. Well thought out details like the handrails and sparkling bathroom designs make this property unique.
A short walk from the hotel is the Peggy Guggenheim collection. Here you can find Ms. Guggenheim’s personal and passionate collection of art from international artists from the 1950s and 1960s. Picassos to Marinis are mostly in their original locations, as Peggy Guggenheim curated for her one-storied villa; a unique view into the life of an extraordinary and revolutionary collector.
The latest must see in Venice is Fondaco dei Tedeschi. First constructed in 1228, and reconstructed in 1506 and located at the foot of the Rialto Bridge, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi is one of Venice’s largest and most recognizable buildings. This iconic building has undergone a renovation from 2009-2016 by star architect Rem Koolhaus.
The Fondaco has a rich past, having once been used as a trading post for German merchants, a customs house under Napoleon, and a post office under Mussolini. Immortalized by Canaletto in his paintings, the Fondaco is now an uber-groovy department store and eatery. Each floor now houses a dozen different boutiques from Fendi to Ferragamo and on the upper floors an exhibition space and roof top terrace with unparalleled views of the heart of Venice. This is quite surely destined to become “the” destination visit when in Venice.
Cody’s Corner (from page 9)
style, you will have created something that will both lengthen and strengthen your relationship.
Here are a few ideas of the kind of exercise I am talking about. Again, do a little research into your dog’s breed to determine what kind of exercise would benefit him most:
-- Most dogs will benefit from at least one long walk every day. How long should be determined by breed and current fitness level. If your dog is out of shape, gradually increase the length and pace of your walks over time.
-- Supervised swimming is good exercise for most breeds. But don’t just toss your dog into a lake assuming he’ll be a great swimmer.
-- Hiking trails provide good exercise and stimulation for dogs -- on-leash, of course.
-- Set up an obstacle course in your yard for a good mental and physical workout.
-- Jogging and Frisbee are tried and true forms of exercise, as well. Just remember to always have water available for you and your dog.
Bottom line: Exercise isn’t about feeling tired. It’s about feeling -- and being -- your best.
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.
A small vaporetto ride from the train station is the stop for Academia. A first stop at the Ca’ Pisani to drop off bags; Ca’ Pisani is a small design hotel in a restored 14th century Venetian palazzo. The architectural elements such as windows and doorways have remained untouched, but the interiors show a strong Art Deco influence with original furniture from the 1930s, evoking this strong period in Venice’s design evolution.
The Hotel houses some of the artwork of one of the key figures of the Italian Futurist movement, Fortunato Depero (1892-1960). Sketches of furniture that still exist inside the hotel adorn the walls. Gouaches by Ugo Sissa, an artist that was long active in Venice, as well as artwork by other
Bliss for all the senses. A nightcap of Jazz at the Bauer added to this unique visit. Their roster of artists is ever-changing. Located within the lobby of the Bauer Hotel, which a friend appropriately described as a Gio Ponti-esque set for La Dolce Vita. High-style in an eclectic mix of 1940s vintage glam dotted with Murano glass chandeliers and sconces, larger than life Black-a-moors and mile-long napa leather couches in dove gray. Don’t forget to scope out the chic Assouline design bookstore in the lobby.
* * * 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
creators.com.
by Tom Margenau
ence that most of the time, it is your Social Security check that gets reduced.
be due -- dollar for dollar.
How Other Government Benefits Interact With Social Security
I have been saving up some emails from readers who want to know how other government benefits might affect their eligibility for Social Security, or vice versa. In other words, they wonder if their Social Security benefits impact whatever other government benefits they might be due.
I can always deal with that first issue. In other words, I can tell you what happens to Social Security if you get another government benefit. On the other hand, I usually can’t tell you what might happen to your other benefit when you get Social Security. For that answer, you’d have to talk to someone at the agency that manages whatever other government benefit you are talking about.
Q: I am about to turn 62 and want to file for my Social Security, but I am getting unemployment insurance. Can I get both at the same time?
A: There is no Social Security law that prevents you from getting unemployment benefits and Social Security benefits at the same time. But as I said above, you would have to ask someone at your unemployment agency if their rules let you do that.
Q: I am 60 years old. I have several medical problems, and I am in the process of filing for Social Security disability benefits. I am also filing for unemployment benefits. Will one benefit offset the other?
A: As I said in the prior answer, the Social Security laws say you can get Social Security and unemployment at the same time. But you are in a whole different boat than the guy who asked the prior question. He is filing for retirement benefits. You are filing for disability benefits. And if I was processing your disability claim, I’d be looking at your allegation of a disability very skeptically. Why? Well, to get disability benefits, you are telling the Social Security Administration that you are unable to work because of some disabling condition. But at the same time, you are telling the unemployment agency that you are ready, willing and able to work, but you just can’t find a job. I hope you see the conundrum there. And even though I don’t know their rules, if I were your unemployment benefit adjudicator, I’d also be very skeptical.
Q: I am getting worker’s compensation benefits, and I am now in the process of filing for Social Security disability benefits. Will I be able to get both benefits at the same time?
A: The answer is yes, but with some qualifications. There is a law that says the combination of your Social Security disability benefits and your worker’s compensation payments cannot exceed 80% of the average monthly income you had before you became disabled. (There is a complicated formula they use to come up with that 80% figure that I really don’t understand; just know that it ends up with a maximum of around 80%.)
Anyway, if the combined benefits exceed that level, one or the other gets reduced to take you down to the 80% rate. Which benefit gets cut varies from state to state. But it’s been my experi-
Q: Can I get disability from the Veterans Administration and a disability benefit from Social Security at the same time?
A: You can get Social Security disability benefits while getting a disability check from the VA at the same time. And I’m pretty sure your VA check won’t be reduced if you get Social Security. But to be sure, you’d have to ask of someone at the VA.
Q: I get VA disability, but I was turned down for Social Security disability. Why? How can one government agency say I’m disabled but another government agency says I’m not?
A: Because each government agency has its own legal definition of “disability.” For example, the VA has degrees of disability. In other words, you might be classified as “50% disabled” by that agency. Or it could be 10%. Or 70%. Each case is different. But to get Social Security disability benefits, the law says you must be 100% disabled. Or to be more precise, it says your disability must be so severe that you are unable to do any kind of work, or that your condition is terminal.
Q: I am retired military and get a military retirement pension. I am about to turn 62 and plan to file for Social Security. Will that military pension affect my Social Security?
A: No, it won’t. You can get Social Security and military retirement at the same time. But once again, you’ve got to talk to the military retirement people to see what happens when you start getting Social Security. I’m pretty sure nothing happens, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Q: I get a teacher’s retirement pension from the state of Texas. If my husband dies, I’m told I won’t get any of his Social Security. Why?
A: A Social Security retirement pension has always offset any widow’s benefits you might
1. The book of Zechariah is found in the a) Old testament b) New testament c) Neither
2. From Numbers 21:6, what repulsive creatures bit the Israelites in the wilderness? a) Scorpions b) Fiery Serpents c) Bees d) Vermin
3. Before the Tower of Babel, how many languages were in the world? a) One b) Three c) Seven d) Unknown
4. From Matthew 7:7, Jesus said that we should seek, knock and ....? a) Pray b) Ask c) Persue d) Believe
5. Whose last verse is, "Remember me, O my God, for good"? a) Nehemiah b) Daniel c) Ezekiel d) Isaiah
6. How old was Adam when he died? a) 30 b) 130 c) 430 d) 930
Find expanded trivia online with Wilson Casey at www.patreon.com/triviaguy. FREE TRIAL.
(Answers on page 16)
For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com
By the same token, the government pension offset law says your teacher’s retirement pension also will offset any widow’s benefits due. But the GPO law cuts you a deal. Instead of a dollarfor-dollar offset, your teacher’s pension is only a two-thirds offset. In other words, an amount equal to two-thirds of your teacher’s pension will be deducted from any widow’s benefits you might be due from Social Security.
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.
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Doctor Recommends Bisphosphonates Due to High FRAX Score
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m an active, 5-foot-2-inch, 125-pound, 72-year-old Caucasian woman without a history of known osteoporotic risk factors, other than demographic ones. I exercise daily, eat calcium through food, take 2,000 units of vitamin D, and follow a Mediterranean-style diet.
My last dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan showed a T-score in my spine of -3.3 and a T-score in my hip of -2.7. My Z-scores were 0, and my FRAX score showed a 15.4% overall risk of fracture, with a 4.4% risk of a hip fracture in the next 10 years. Overall, my bone density went down 6.5% for my spine and 5% for my hip, compared to three years earlier.
My primary care physician has recommended starting bisphosphonates. My preference would be to postpone medication for at least a year, while I work with a dietician and a physical therapist to refine my exercise program and try to build bone more effectively. But I also don’t want to take foolish chances with a spine or hip fracture.
At my request, I received a referral to a specialist, but I cannot see her for four months.
How accurate are the results of a DXA scan? I have scoliosis from my childhood; could it affect the accuracy of the test results? Would any other imaging, blood or urine tests be appropriate to provide additional information or indicate if there are other causes of bone loss, besides age and gender? -- A.M.
ANSWER: The most important number here is the FRAX score, which combines your clinical risk (age, gender, height and weight, ethnicity, steroid use, previous fractures, alcohol use, etc.) and your bone density results from your DXA scan to provide an estimate of the overall fracture risk. It also provides an estimate of the most dangerous type of fractures: hip fractures. It’s freely available at frax.shef.ac.uk/ FRAX/tool.aspx
severity of osteoporosis in people with scoliosis. Furthermore, the fact that both your hip and spine have osteoporosis makes the diagnosis pretty certain. A Z-score of 0 means your bone density is at a level that is expected for your age and sex. This means that a secondary cause is unlikely; however, the T-score still indicates osteoporosis.
Four months may seem like a long time, but it’s entirely reasonable to wait on deciding the optimal medication until you see the expert. She is likely to do additional testing and give you more personalized information.
Finally, if you can improve your diet and exercise from the standpoint of osteoporosis, this will help you whether you decide to take medication or not. Getting enough protein and calcium from your diet will help, as will avoiding excess
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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer 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
Lead Paint in Veteran Housing
It’s one thing to send phony bills to the Department of Veterans Affairs or claim to be a small business -- but quite another to put veterans and their families in danger.
An abatement/mitigation company was nailed for saying it had done the work to clear the lead paint in housing units rented to veterans when it had indeed not done a bit of this work.
Being in an environment with lead-based paint can be extremely dangerous to everyone, especially to children. Whether it’s from the dust or chipped paint, the damage can be permanent.
by Freddie Groves
The homes in question, 42 in all, are set up as affordable units for veterans and their families. The work the company had agreed to do involved using special paint to cover lead-based paint.
This is serious stuff: The company was not certified, their employees were not certified, and they didn’t apply the special paint correctly. Additionally, the company knew in advance that they wouldn’t actually do the work properly.
The company, after their guilty plea, could face a fine of $500,000 plus restitution.
The story gets worse and worse. At that same location, a real estate agent didn’t disclose to veterans that there was lead-based paint in the rental housing units.
The arrogance in this case is astounding. The agent claimed that the disclosure laws didn’t apply because the property was built after 1978 -while knowing full well that the properties were built in 1895 and 1905.
The problem with lead-based paints in the units came to a head when a toddler, after eating flaking paint chips, was tested and found to have very high blood lead levels and had to be treated. In this case, the real estate agent faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
If you live in a home built before 1978 and suspect you might have lead-based paint, get it tested. Avoid the at-home lead tests you can buy. Instead, have it done professionally with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or laboratory paint chip testing.
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.
FILLERPAGE2 2Q08-WEEK19 MAY4-MAY10
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(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
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PRESENTS
TRIVIANEWSFRONT™
Your results are above the recommended threshold for medication, which is either a totalfracture risk of 20% or a hip-fracture risk of 3%. Among the different options, most experts would choose a bisphosphonate drug like alendronate, based on decades of experience and strong data. However, a very low T-score (worse than -3) makes some experts choose a different type of agent -- a PTH analogue like teriparatide. Your scores have dropped a lot quickly, so I definitely recommend treatment.
TRIVIANEWSFRONT™ PRESENTS
byKaraKovalchik&SandyWood
byKaraKovalchik&SandyWood
I do understand why you are hesitant. These drugs can cause more harm than good when they are not used correctly, and many of my patients are concerned after reading others’ experiences. But when used properly, generally for three to five years, they are very good at preventing fractures.
How to Choose a Memory Care Unit for a Loved One with Dementia
DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: My dad has dementia and has progressed to the point that he can’t safely live at home any longer. I need to find a good memory care residential facility for him but don’t know where to turn. Can you provide me with some suggestions? -- Only Daughter
Dear Only: Choosing a good memory care residential unit for a loved one with dementia is a very important decision that requires careful evaluation and some homework.
Most memory care units, sometimes called special care units, are housed within assisted living or nursing home facilities. At their best, they offer staff extensively trained in caring for people with dementia, individualized care that minimizes the use of dangerous psychotropic drugs, a home-like environment and activities that improve resident’s quality of life. But sadly, at their worst, there are some that offer little more than a locked door. Here are some steps that can help you find a good facility and avoid a bad one.
Make a list:
To identify some good memory care residential units in your area ask your dad’s doctor for a referral or use an online search tool like Caring.com. Make sure the facilities on your list are close to family members and friends who can visit often, because residents with frequent visitors usually get better care.
Research your options:
Once you’ve made a list, call your local long-term care ombudsman (see LTCombudsman.org for contact information). This is a government official who investigates assisted living and nursing home complaints and can tell you which facilities have had problems in the past.
If you’re looking at a memory care unit within a nursing home facility, use Medicare’s nursing home compare tool (Medicare.gov/ care-compare), which provides a 5-star rating system.
Call the facilities:
Once you’ve identified a few good facilities, call them to find out if they have any vacancies, if they provide the types of services your father needs, what they charge and if they accept Medicaid.
Tour your top choices:
During your tour, notice the cleanness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also be sure to taste the food, and talk to the current residents' family members, if available.
Also, ask about staff screening and training procedures, their turnover rate, and their staff-to-resident ratio. Make sure they provide quality activities to keep your dad engaged and find out how they respond to residents who may wander or become aggressive.
Because transitions can be unsettling for dementia suffers, make sure that your dad will be able to remain at the facility for the foreseeable future. And find out what, if any, health conditions might require him to leave the facility or move to a higher and more expansive level of care.
It’s also a good idea to make multiple visits to the facility including an unscheduled visit in the evening or weekend when the staff is more likely to be stretched thin. Observe the general mood of the staff and take special note of whether they show compassion for the residents and treat them kindly.
To help you choose a good facility, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of questions to ask at CommunityResourceFinder.org/Alz/ Tips – click on “Tips for choosing a residential care facility” under Housing Options.
Paying for care:
The national average costs for memory care within an assisted living facility is over $6,000 per month, and over $8,500/month for nursing home care, but costs can vary widely depending on location and services.
Since Medicare does not cover long-term care, most residents pay for care from either personal savings, a long-term care insurance policy or through Medicaid (if available) once their savings are depleted. Or, if your dad is a veteran, he
may be able to get funds
and Attendance benefit. To learn more, ask the facility director or contact the regional VA benefit office at 800–827–1000.
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.
Bill LeGrave Rolfing in the Desert (1 of 6) 1/8 pg BW 6x disc. Nov. 24, 2024
In a series of 10 sessions, Rolfing® actually changes the way your body is structured. You become straighter, taller, more graceful, flexible and free-moving. Possibly many aches and pains will disappear. How does this actually happen?
ROLFING:® How Does it Work?
We manipulate connective tissue called fascia, a type of body tissue that holds the body together and gives it shape. Fascial planes shape broad areas of the body. Dr. Rolf’s discovery was that if you put certain kinds of pressure on fascia, the shape of the tissue will change in a lasting way. She worked with a very firm level of pressure. Since then, we have found that lighter pressure combined with your movement makes the body reshaping occur quicker. Call to schedule an appointment or for a free
ANTIQUE
by Anne McCollam Creators News Service
Victorian Rococo Cabinet Rocks
Q: I have enclosed a photo of a beautiful china cabinet. I purchased it in 1975 for $800 at a secondhand store and was told it was made in the early 1800s. The finish is black, the mirrors are beveled and it is in mint condition. I don’t know anything else about it. Can you tell something about its background and the value?
A: You have a Victorian Rococo china cabinet. The black finish is painted over wood to achieve an ebony appearance. The gold appearing trim is ormolu, which is gilt bronze, and the cabriole legs were inspired by 18th-century French furniture. The ornately scrolled beveled mirrors, woodframed glass doors, applied carving, cabriole legs and ormolu are typical of late Victorian design. Your cabinet is vintage 1890 and would probably be worth $2500 to $3000.
Q: The name Royal Jackson is on the back of each dish in my set of china that I bought in 1966. It is a service for 12 and decorated with silver floral designs against a white background. Also included with the mark are the name “Parisienne” and a tower. It is like new because I have never used it. I
think it was made in Poland.
I would like to know how much my set is worth.
A: Your set of porcelain dinnerware was made in Falls Creek, Pa., by Jackson China Company. The firm was founded in 1917 and “Royal” was added to its mark around 1940. “Parisienne” is the name of the dishes’ shape, which was available in a variety of pattern decorations.
Jackson China Company made fine-quality china and also hotel dishes. The factory closed in 1985 because of a lack of funds to clean up environmental contaminations from sludge and pollution to nearby wetlands.
Your set of dinnerware would probably be in the range of $500 to $750.
* On Nov. 25, 1990, following a severe thunderstorm on Thanksgiving Day, Washington State’s historic Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge broke apart and sank to the bottom of Lake Washington. Its disintegration was slow enough for news crews to capture the entire event on camera and broadcast it to a fascinated audience throughout western Washington.
Pa.
Q: I have two red plastic swizzle sticks that were given to passengers on TWA Airlines. Each is approximately 8 inches in length, in the shape of an airplane propeller and marked “TWA” on each end.
I have been wondering if they are collectible and have any value.
A: Vintage airline memorabilia is collectible. Airline-issued swizzle sticks like yours can be found on the Internet and at antiques shops selling in the range of $3 to $5 each.
* * *
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
* On Nov. 26, 1864, Oxford mathematician Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known to us today by his pen name, Lewis Carroll, sent a handwritten manuscript called “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground” to 12-year-old Alice Liddell. One of the earliest stories written solely to amuse rather than teach children, it became a beloved and much-adapted classic and is still the author’s best-known work.
* On Nov. 27, 2005, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, along with rapper 50 Cent and other notable music celebs, took to the stage as featured performers in New York City’s Rainbow Room at the $10 million bat mitzvah of 13-year-old Elizabeth Brooks.
* On Nov. 28, 1582, 18-year-old William Shakespeare and 26-year-old Anne Hathaway paid a £40-pound bond for their marriage license in Stratford-upon-Avon. Their first child, daughter Susanna, followed six months later.
* On Nov. 29, 1942, coffee was added to the list of rationed items in the U.S. in spite of its record production in Latin American countries, due to high demand for the bean as well as shipping needed for other purposes.
* On Nov. 30, 1954, a 7-inch meteorite weighing eight and a half pounds crashed through the roof of Elizabeth Hodges’s house in Sylacauga, Alabama, bounced off a radio, and struck her hip as she slept on her living room sofa. Although badly bruised on her hip and leg, she was not permanently injured.
* On Dec. 1, 2020, South Korea, which normally requires its men to enlist in the military by the time they turn 28, passed a law to defer such service until age 30 for K-pop stars who have “elevated the country’s cultural influence around the world.”
"If
Jackson China Company was located in Falls Creek,
Victorian china cabinet was made around 1890.
Celebrations: from page 3
cooking it was to roast it in the oven. All that changed when a new fad swept the country: deep-fried turkey, yielding a bird that’s moister on the inside and crispier on the outside.
• It all started with the invention of propaneheated cookers in the 1970s. The deep, heavyduty aluminum pots are placed on a stand over a gas flame to get the oil good and hot. Folks in Louisiana adopted this method of cooking a favorite Cajun dish of boiled crawfish, which led to deep-fried fish. Then it was modified to poultry submersed in lard, then turkeys cooked in peanut oil. There is no doubt that deep-fried turkey originated in Cajun country; the only question is who invented it first.
• Regardless of the details of its birth, once the idea first saw the light, it spread quickly. Chef Jim Chehardy of the Landmark Hotel in the French Quarter started serving it in 1982. The first newspaper article about it appeared that year. Celebrity chef Justin Wilson deep-fried a whole turkey on his PBS show, “Louisiana Cookin’” in 1986, and that got national attention.
• When the Newspaper Food Editors and Writers Association met in New Orleans for their annual meeting, they were treated to a demo. Then there were celebrity endorsements: Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, Emeril Lagasse etc. Even the National Turkey Federation endorsed the unique cooking method.
• Today, there are more cooking-related housefires on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. Fully one-third are started on a deck, patio, porch, or garage due to deep fryer mishaps. Firefighters have respond to about a thousand deep fryer fires each year, resulting in five deaths, 30 injuries, and the loss of 900 homes.
• The one organization that failed to endorse deep-fried turkey? The National Fire Protection Association.
by Jason Jenkins
Toe Spinner
Watching televised golf, you may hear a commentator mention that a player has “short sided” themselves, meaning they’ve missed the green on the same side as the pin. This usually creates a difficult situation in the pitching game.
Yet, the player then plays a soft landing, spinning shot that finishes a few feet away. While this shot seems like only the kind that tour players can produce, there are a few simple keys that may allow you to produce effective shots when you’ve missed the green on the “short side.”
club in the bag (typically a lob wedge), and allow the face to be opened slightly at address. Turn clubface then take a normal grip.
2. The real trick is to place the ball of the toe side of the club, and attempt to strike the grass slightly first so the ball will hit the toe area. By hitting the high, toe area of the clubface, you’ll be more apt to produce a spinning, softer soft.
3. It helps to use a
and newer wedges as well. Tour players have the advantage of both each week.
