Vol 20: #50 • SNOW • (12-8-2024) Tidbits of Coachella Valley
by Janet Spencer
Snow may be the only thing on Earth that is simultaneously enchanting and many times annoying, completely necessary and often a slippery hazard. But whether you love it or hate it -- or both at the same time -- you may not realize that snow is actually an essential part of the earth’s ecosystem. Follow along as Tidbits considers some of the more unusual aspects of this flakey phenomenon called snow!
FLAKE FACTS
• Scientists classify snow as a mineral, the same as salt or diamond: a naturally occurring solid inorganic material with a definite chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement.
• Snowflakes are composed of ice crystals. A crystal is any matter in which ions, atoms, or molecules are arranged in a highly ordered three-dimensional lattice.
• In fact, the word “crystal” comes from the Greek “krustallos” which means not only “rock crystals” but also “ice.”
• The largest single ice crystal ever documented
TRIVIA NEWSFRONT
(Answers on page 16)
1. ANATOMY: Where is the glabella located in the human body?
2. LITERATURE: In children’s books, what is the name of the Big Red Dog?
3. GEOGRAPHY: In which country would you find the 98-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer figure?
4. GAMES: What number is represented by the phrase “two little ducks” in bingo?
5. SCIENCE: What percentage of air is nitrogen gas?
6. MUSIC: When did Rock the Vote, an organization that encourages young people to vote, come into being?
7. TELEVISION: Which 1970s comedy show features the theme song “Come On Get Happy”?
8. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which month of the year has the least number of letters?
9. U.S. STATES: Which state is first alphabetically?
10. MOVIES: Which 1983 movie features a character named Tony Montana?
your body
"Fearfully
• When driving, you’ll blink as you look down at the dashboard and blink again when returning your gaze to the road.
• The average person blinks between 15 and 20 times per minute. You blink on average 4.2 million times a year.
• Babies and children only blink about 2 times per minute.
• Our eyes are closed for about 10% of our waking hours due to blinking.
• When you blink, the eyes reopen twice as fast as they close.
• It may seem as if your entire eye closes at once, but it actually closes like a zipper, starting from the inside and moving outward in order to spread the tears more evenly.
• The muscles that control the eyes are the fastestmoving muscles in the body and the most active muscles.
• Although the primary purpose for blinking is to lubricate the eyeballs and protect them from dust and other debris, we blink far more often than necessary for these functions alone. Blinking is also a physiological function.
• People tend to blink at predictable moments. We briefly close our eyes to gather our thoughts. Blinking seems to be our brain’s punctuation marks.
• When we are focused intently on something, blinking slows or even stops for a bit.
• If a person is listening to a speech, they blink when the speaker pauses between statements.
• A group of people all watching the same movie tend to blink around the same time when action briefly lags.
• In general, your blinking slows to just one-quarter of its usual speed while reading something interesting. You tend not to blink while reading a sentence, waiting for the period at the end of the sentence to blink. There may be a flurry of blinks when turning the page.
• You’ll blink an average of 6.9 times per minute when you first start reading an engrossing book, but increase to 11 times a minute four hours later as the eyes begin to grow tired.
• Say the alphabet out loud slowly and you’ll blink slowly; say it rapidly and you’ll blink rapidly. Work out a math problem silently in your head and you’ll blink slowly, but speak the steps to the math problem out loud and you’ll blink quickly. You’ll blink slowly while listening to a question and quickly when answering it.
• Studies show that when peaceful, easy listening background music is piped into grocery stores, the blink rate of shoppers slows down. However, regardless of what kind of music is playing, the blink rate increases significantly when approaching the check-out lane.
• While keeping the eyeball moist, 25% of tears evaporate into the atmosphere and 75% of tears eventually get flushed down the nasal passages, keeping them moist. We sniffle when we cry because our tear ducts are connected to the same nasal passage membrane.
• Babies just two days old seem to be able to recognize photos of their mothers. When newborn infants were given the choice of gazing at a picture of their mother or looking at a picture of another woman who looked similar to their mother, babies stared at pictures of their real mother 60% of the time while their blink rate slowed considerably.
• The only fish that can blink is a shark. Sharks, some reptiles, and birds blink using a nictitating membrane, which is a transparent inner eyelid. The word nicitating comes from the Latin “nictare” meaning “to blink.”
and wonderfully made"
Snow: (from page one)
measured just 0.39 inches (10 mm) from tip to tip. Most are much smaller than that.
• Although a single airborne ice crystal is very tiny, it clusters with others as it falls to form snowflakes. An ordinary snowflake may consist of dozens or even hundreds of crystals clumped together.
• The largest snowflakes ever documented fell on January 27, 1897, near Missoula, Montana. The flakes measured ten inches wide and eight inches deep - about the size of a fat dinner plate!
• Google commemorated the 125th anniversary of this remarkable snowfall event with a doodle depicting a giant cartoon snowflake crushing the landscape as it fell.
FLAKE SHAPES
• The individual shape of a snowflake is based on air temperature, humidity level, speed of descent, and direction of movement as the snowflake falls.
• Snowflakes are nearly always six-sided, though they can also have as few as three or as many as 12 sides. Their shapes fall into seven basic shapes: stars, needles, dendrites (“branched”), plates, columns, columns capped with plates, and irregular (damaged).
• Chemistry teacher Andy Brunning subsequently discovered that those seven basic shapes result in 35 different sub-variations of flake shapes. He found that needle-like crystals form at 28°F
(-2.2°C), while flat crystals form at temperatures of 23°F (-5.5°C).
• The declaration that no two snowflakes are alike arose from photographer Wilson Bentley, who in 1885 became the first person to photograph a snowflake (related story page 5). He subsequently photographed over 5,000 snowflakes throughout his lifetime, and never found any duplicates.
• However, Nancy Knight worked for the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, in 1988, studying highaltitude cirrus clouds. As a plane flew through the clouds during a snowstorm over Wisconsin, she collected snowflakes on chilled glass microscope slides covered with sticky oil. While observing them under a microscope, she actually found two snowflakes that were, for all intents and purposes, identical.
FLAKE FORMATION
• Snow is just one of several different forms of precipitation. Other types include rain, sleet, grauple (soft hail), and hail.
• The word “grauple” comes from the German word meaning grain or granule.
• Frost is not considered snow or precipitation because it’s formed from water already on the ground.
While the exact number is debated, there are more than 50 terms in the Inuit language used by Eskimos to give precise descriptions of different snow types and conditions. They include wet snow that can be used to ice the runners on a sleigh, to crystalline powder snow that looks like salt, and everything else inbetween.
storms annually in the U.S., each typically covering multiple states for several days.
• Snow falling through the air picks up nitrogen, a good fertilizer for plants, which is released to the soil when the snow melts. Snow insulates the roots of dormant plants and protects them from temperature swings, much like mulch.
• A well-known rule of thumb is that ten inches of snow equals one inch of rain. This turns out to be an inaccurate myth, as the water content of any snowfall varies significantly according to conditions. It may be as high as the 100-to1 ratio for light, fluffy, cold snow or as low as three-to-one for warmer, dense, wet snow.
1.
2. What does the word "igloo" mean in the Inuit language?
it.
• It’s been calculated that a typical snowflake takes about one hour to fall to the ground, descending between 1 and 4 mph depending on conditions.
• Key West, Florida is the only place in the continental U.S. where it has never snowed. The lowest temperature ever recorded there was 41°F (5°C) on January 12, 1981.
• Which state is the snowiest? Surprise! It’s Vermont, followed by Maine, New Hampshire, and Colorado. Alaska comes in 5th. Not surprisingly, Hawaii and Florida are at the bottom of the list.
SNOW STORMS
• A blizzard is different from a snowstorm, just as a hurricane is different from a tropical storm. For a storm to be classified as a blizzard, winds must be at least 35 mph, with snowfall heavy enough to drop visibility to a quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
• A “ground blizzard” is when it’s not snowing, yet strong winds blowing loose snow lowers visibility. A “snow squall” is a short-lived localized snowstorm.
• There are an average of 105 snow-producing
The Ski-Doo snowmobile, first released in 1959, was originally supposed to be called the "Ski-Dog." However, there was a typo is the first batch of brochures, and the company decide to roll with
By Lucie Winborne
* Spiked and studded dog collars derive from the days of the ancient Greeks, who would give their sheepdogs sharply spiked collars to protect their necks from attacks by wolf packs as the dogs watched over shepherds' flocks in open meadows at night.
* A theory suggests that the entire internet, based on the mass of moving electrons, weighs about as much as a strawberry.
* The “Ding” bowl, purchased for $3 at a New York garage sale, turned out to be a 1,000-year-old Chinese bowl from the Northern Song Dynasty. It later sold at auction for $2.2 million.
* Big League Chew bubblegum created its biggest-ever pouch for Shaquille O’Neal, at an impressive 24 inches by 18 inches, more than 15 times the size of a regular pouch,
* The square dance is the official state dance (or folk dance) of 24 states.
* Ancient Roman artisans created a glass chalice known as the Lycurgus Cup with nanoparticles of gold and silver so the type of liquid it contained would determine its appearance. On display, the cup appears jade-green when lit from the front, but blood-red when lit from behind.
* Nepal’s Kusunda language has no words for yes or no, or for directions such as left or right.
* Modern Olympics founder Baron Coubertin tried to create an Olympic event combining a 14-km race with a written essay to demonstrate prowess in mind and body. It never made it to the starting block.
* Contrary to popular belief, the bottom figures on a totem pole usually hold the most significance, as their placement keeps them closer to viewers.
***
Thought for the Day: “The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.”
-- Stephen R. Covey
by Mary Hunt
by Mary Hunt
How to Win the Balance Transfer Game
by Mary Hunt
There’s nothing enjoyable about credit card debt. An outstanding balance of $5,000 at 29.99% interest means you’re paying about $1,500 a year just in interest. Imagine if that $1,500 could instead go toward repaying the balance. You’d pay it off much faster instead of stretching it out over years. And years.
If you’re carrying credit card debt, strategically using a balance transfer could help you escape the burden. However, there are risks to be aware of -- pitfalls that could worsen your situation if not handled strategically.
To succeed with a balance transfer, you need financial discipline and maturity. If you’re ready to commit, follow this strategy:
STEP 1: Find the right balance transfer credit card
Look for a card offering at least 15 months of 0% interest, no annual fee, and minimal or no balance transfer fees. A free website like IndexCreditCards.com can help you compare options.
STEP 2: Read the fine print
Carefully review the terms and conditions before applying. Make sure you fully understand the introductory rate, balance transfer fees and any other important details.
STEP 3: Create a repayment plan
After transferring your balance, divide the total amount owed by the number of months in the 0% introductory period. This calculation gives you the monthly payment required to eliminate the balance within the promotional timeframe. Commit to this amount.
STEP 4: Avoid using the new card
The new account should be dedicated solely to paying off the transferred balance. Don’t make new purchases with it. Don’t carry that card with you “just in case of emergency.” As long as you have the card available, you will experience emergencies. Count on it.
STEP 5: Close the original account
Once the balance is transferred, close the original account. This step prevents you from falling into the trap of using the old account and accumulating new debt on an old account. While closing an account may temporarily lower your credit score, paying off the new account quickly will help recover those points.
BE AWARE OF COMMON PITFALLS
The Switcheroo: Some credit card issuers
reserve the right to offer you a different account if you don’t qualify for the one you applied for. This substitute account may lack 0% interest or carry high transfer fees. If this happens, you are not obligated to accept the alternative. Do this: Run, don’t walk away, and stop all communication.
Double Trouble: If you don’t close the original account after transferring the balance, you may be tempted to use it again. Don’t assume you will suddenly have acquired a new level of personal discipline.
Transfer Fees: Many balance transfer cards charge a fee of $5 or 3% of the transferred amount, whichever is higher. While cards with no transfer fees exist, they’re harder to find, so be prepared to search.
STAY DISCIPLINED TO WIN THE GAME
A balance transfer can be a powerful tool to eliminate credit card debt, but it requires focus, determination and a solid strategy. Stick to your plan, avoid new debt, and you’ll be on your way to winning the balance transfer game.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate. com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
Is there any truth to the old saying, “No two snowflakes are alike”? Wilson A. Bentley, a farmer and amateur meteorologist, sought to answer that question, dedicating himself to observing and recording the shapes of snowflakes for 50 years.
• Bentley was born in 1865 and raised on a farm in Vermont where he lived his entire life.
• On his 15th birthday, Bentley’s mother gave him the use of an old microscope. It was snowing that day, and out of curiosity the boy succeeded in capturing a snowflake and getting a brief glimpse of it with the instrument before it melted. He was amazed to see that it had a design with six symetrical sides. This surprising experience was the beginning of a fascination that lasted the rest of his life.
• When he was 17, Bentley asked his parents to buy him a better microscope and a camera. His father argued that “fussing with snowflakes” was a waste of time. Finally, he gave in.
• Bentley built a wooden frame to hold the new
equipment and then spent two years figuring out how to take a clear picture of a snowflake under a microscope. On January 15, 1885, he did it, creating the world’s first photomicrograph.
• Every winter for the rest of his life, Bentley photographed and studied snowflakes in an unheated room in the back of the house.
• The process was difficult and cold. Outdoors, he collected snowflakes on a wooden tray that was painted black. Once inside, while still wearing big mittens to keep his hands warm, he used a straw plucked from a broom to pick up the snowflake and carefully place it on a microscope slide. Sometimes he nudged the snowflake into place with a feather. Then, being careful not to breathe on the flake, he quickly examined and photographed it.
• Whenever it snowed, Bentley caught flakes, sometimes working all night. He found that most snowflakes had six sides, but others looked like triangles, spools of thread, circles, or columns—but no two were alike.
• Taking photomicrographs was only half of a long process. In those days, glass plates were used to take photographs. Bentley developed the plates in a darkroom under some stairs and then carried them to a nearby stream to wash them. Often, he did this at night.
• In warm months, Bentley presented outdoor slide shows about snowflakes to family and friends. He shined a kerosene lamp through a projector that held his glass plates. The lamplight cast the snowflake images onto a bedsheet hung on a broomstick to serve as a screen.
• “The mysteries of the universe are about to reveal themselves,” he would say. “Look and marvel!”
• Bentley shared his snowflakes with anyone who was interested. He sold prints of his photomicrographs for 5 cents each. He wrote reports for interested scientists and articles for magazines such as “National Geographic.”
• Occasionally, he felt discouraged that few people seemed to care about his work. Still, he never stopped. At age 65, he photographed his 5,000th snowflake.
• Slowly, interest in his work began to develop. Reporters sometimes appeared at his door. People began to call him “the Snowflake Man” and “Professor Bentley.” Jewelry makers copied the snowflake designs for rings and pendants.
• In 1920, Bentley was elected as one of the first members of the American Meteorological Society, which later awarded him its first research grant in 1924.
• Bentley’s proudest moment came in 1931 upon the publication of his book “Snow Crystals,” which contained 2,453 of his photographs.
• A few weeks later, on December 7, he wrote in his weather notebook: “Cold north wind afternoon. Snow flying.” This was to be his last entry. He became ill and died of pneumonia on December 23 at age 66.
• Wilson A. Bently was memorialized in the naming of a science center in his memory at Vermont State University. His lifelong farm home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
by Dana Jackson
Q: What ever happened to Jussie Smollett since he was let out of jail after he was convicted for lying about being a victim of assault? Does he have any career left in Hollywood after this? -- U.L.
A: Actor Jussie Smollett was a regular on the hit Fox series “Empire” when he claimed to be the victim of a violent political hate crime by angry MAGA supporters. When court evidence proved it was a made-up lie, he eventually admitted that he had staged the whole incident with his “attackers,” whom he had paid to participate in the hoax He was subsequently found guilty of 5 felony counts, including falsifying police reports, and costing the Chicago Police Department more than $120,000 to conduct the investigation.
He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but only served six days before being released in 2023. The Illinois Supreme Court also recently ruled that he will not have to return to jail to finish his sentence, which was a possibility at one point.
As for his career in front of the camera, this appears to be over for now. He did direct, co-write and star in a movie called “The Lost Holliday” this year with Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Jabari Redd (“The Chi”). But he has no other projects on the horizon.
Q: When is “The Traitors” coming
back, and who will be competing this time besides Tom Sandoval? -- S.E.
A: Season three of the American version of the whodunit reality show “The Traitors” returns to Peacock on Jan. 9, 2025.
Set in an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands, celebrity contestants compete to be the last one standing for a six-figure cash prize. With ratings of over 2.5 million viewers, they’re also competing for more fame than they ever achieved prior to the show.
The upcoming season has already been filmed, and episodes will be released weekly instead of all at once, which increases the suspense for viewers at home.
The third season’s cast includes Tom Sandoval from “Vanderpump Rules”; Robyn Dixon, Dorinda Medley, Dolores Catania and Chanel Ayan all from “The Real Housewives” of various cities; “Big Brother” stars Danielle Reyes and Britney Haynes; “Survivor” alums Boston Rob Mariano, Carolyn Wiger, Jeremy Collins, and Tony Vlachos; Chrishell Stause (“Selling Sunset”); and British Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
The delightful, quippy host Alan Cumming and his fantastic wardrobe will return. His rescue dog, Lala, who appeared onscreen last season, has been given a promotion to “co-host,” and the two will likely be wearing matching outfits once again.
Q: Is country music singer Alana Springsteen related to Bruce Springsteen at all? I’ve heard both “yes” and “no.” -- A.E.
A: No, the two singers aren’t related, but it’s a question she is often asked. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter moved to Nashville, Tennessee, at age 14 and released her debut album “Twenty Something” last year. She says she had thought about changing her last name at one point because she didn’t want people to think she was taking advantage of the Springsteen name, but she decided to stay true to herself and keep her surname.
As for Bruce, he has three grown children with wife and bandmate Patti Scialfa, but none has
followed in their parents’ rockstar footsteps.
CLIP AND SAVE
Good Recipes from or until bottoms of cookies are lightly browned.
Christmas Fruit Drops
The perfect holiday sweets for an oldfashioned swap with friends.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 cups toasted rice cereal
1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup red candied cherries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup green candied cherries, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease large cookie sheet.
2. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in vanilla, then eggs, 1 at a time. At low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl. With spoon, stir in cereal, walnuts, cherries and 1 cup chocolate chips.
3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, 1 inch apart, onto cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 11 minutes or until golden. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips in small microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave on Medium (50 percent power) about 2 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring once. Stir until smooth.
5. Place cookies on waxed paper; drizzle with melted chocolate. When chocolate is set, store cookies, with waxed paper between layers, in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week, or in freezer up to 3 months. Makes 6 dozen cookies.
Each serving: 100 calories, 6g total fat (2g saturated), 17mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 12g total carbohydrate, 1g protein.
Greek Christmas Cookies
1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk
2 cups blanched almonds, ground
About 1 cup red candied cherries, each cut in half
3. With wide spatula, transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough and cherries. Makes about 6 dozen cookies. * * *
Enjoy a magical holiday season with more than 100 favorite recipes in the Good Housekeeping A Very Merry Christmas Cookbook (Hearst Books)
* * *
For hundreds of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/. (c) 2018 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat butter with confectioners’ sugar until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and creamy. At low speed, beat in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt and egg yolk. Knead in almonds.
Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.
2. Roll dough into 1-inch balls (dough will be crumbly). Place balls, 2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. Gently press a cherry half on top of each ball. Bake 15 minutes,
YOUNG ADULT SAFETY
Officer Empowers Young Adults to Navigate Modern-Day Dangers
Young adults face an unprecedented range of threats today, from cyber dangers to physical violence. To help them navigate these risks, Dale Bendler, a former U.S. Marine and CIA officer, offers practical safety strategies grounded in decades of experience in some of the world’s most dangerous environments.
As a father of three, Bendler’s mission is personal: to equip teenagers and young adults with tools to stay safe in a complex world.
Key areas of focus in Bendler’s training include:
Cybersecurity
Bendler educates participants on risks like mobile phone theft, cyberbullying, sextortion, and unsafe online dating practices. He also addresses emerging threats, including AI-driven scams.
Active Shooter Scenarios
vides tips on spotting signs of unrest and staying safe in chaotic situations.
Transportation Safety
Whether using rideshare services or public transportation, Bendler advises on avoiding carjackings, road rage, and staged accidents.
Stalking
If someone suspects they are being followed, Bendler offers strategies to stay safe and respond effectively.
“I may never know if I’ve saved someone’s life,” Bendler says. “Maybe they avoided the wrong rideshare or left a party because of a bad feeling. Knowing I’ve made a difference is enough.”
The Stay Safe Digital Academy
After a distinguished 37-year career with the CIA, including 20 years overseas in high-risk environments, Bendler now chairs the Stay Safe Digital Academy, a veteran-owned organization in Miami.
The academy offers in-person training and an online course, YOUNG ADULT SAFETY, designed to help young people and their families avoid trouble both online and in the real world. The course focuses on proactive strategies to enhance safety awareness and empower individuals to respond confidently to challenges.
About Dale Bendler
With active shooter incidents rising, particularly on college campuses, Bendler teaches the Run, Hide, Fight protocol to help young adults make life-saving decisions during emergencies.
Physical Assaults
While avoidance is key, Bendler prepares participants to protect themselves and escape dangerous situations safely if necessary.
Drink Spiking
Bendler highlights the dangers of drink spiking, especially with fentanyl-laced substances, teaching young adults how to recognize and avoid these risks.
Demonstrations and Crowds
Protests can escalate quickly. Bendler pro-
Bendler holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MA from the Naval War College. His military background includes graduating from elite programs such as Ranger and Airborne Schools. Throughout his CIA career, he earned numerous awards and held leadership roles.
Course Information
The one-hour YOUNG ADULT SAFETY course is available at StaySafeDigitalAcademy.com for $89, with a $10 discount using the coupon code TIDBITS.” Parents and grandparents can purchase the course for teens, college-bound students, or young adults living on their own. Recipients will receive immediate access to start learning and taking steps to protect themselves.
Don’t delay, give the gift of safety and peace of mind this holiday season, and empower the young adults in your
to face
dangers with confidence.
By John Allen
DIAMOND LIL
by Brett Koth
Donald
NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS INVESTIGATES
12/8 Toilet Paper Appreciation Day
12/9 National Anti-corruption Day
12/10 Dewey Decimal System Day
12/11 UNICEF Birthday
12/12 Poinsettia Day
12/13 Gingerbread House Day
12/14 U.S. Park Police Day
Dog Talk with Uncle Matty
By Matthew Margolis
10,000 Reasons Not To Leave Your Dog in the Car
A dognapped chorkie, a $10,000 reward and a promise not to prosecute. All of this led me to wonder: Chorkie?
A chorkie is a dash of Chihuahua and a dollop of Yorkshire terrier -- in other words, a mutt, a mongrel, a mixed breed.
One evening in Concord, Calif., Debby Brown and her boyfriend stepped into a local eatery for some takeout, leaving Lexi the chorkie in Brown’s locked car with the air conditioner running. Moments later they returned to find a broken car window and a missing dog.
Brown and her boyfriend posted fliers around town and notices online offering a $10,000 cash reward for the safe return of Lexi, no questions asked. After several false alarms, Brown received a text message on Sunday that included a photo of Lexi. She told CBS News that she “knew it was Lexi the moment she got the text.”
The rest of the story reads as though Benji had guest-starred in an episode of “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” Brown’s boyfriend agreed to meet the senders of the text message in a Petco parking lot early Monday morning. Concerned for her safety, he told Brown to stay home. At Petco, the boyfriend swapped the cash for the dog, and mum’s been the word ever since from both he and Brown. After all, a promise is a promise.
As bizarre as this story is, it serves at least one purpose: as an anecdote for why it’s not a good idea to leave your dog alone in the car.
Most people know that it’s never wise to leave small children alone in a car. Even with the windows cracked, they could suffer heatstroke, which can cause permanent brain damage or death. And with the windows closed and the air conditioner cranked, the kiddies will be comfy and cool as they toy with the gears and monkey around
The government has a comprehensive website full of information on how to prepare for emergencies, power outages, hurricanes, fires, floods -- nearly everything you can imagine. Should a disaster occur, we’ll be better off if we plan in advance.
On www.ready.gov, the section on supplies to keep on hand is a good place to start. Click on “Build A Kit” for a list of suggested emergency items to keep on hand. The list of items they suggest you keep is extensive, so pick and chose the ones that pertain to you.
Here is a list of things I’ve put in my emergency stash, since I live in an area with alltoo-frequent power outages.
Cash -- Even if I can get to an ATM, if there’s a power outage that goes on for several days, the ATM won’t work.
Phone charger/backup battery -- The one
The Art of DESIGN
by Joseph Publillones
Flower Power
There are certain immaterial things that you inherit from your parents or grandparents, whether we like to admit it or not. I admit that my disdain for the smell of certain cut flowers is due to my Mother. She used to liken the fragrance of certain flowers to a funeral parlor, and thus resisted decorating with flowers.
I get it; I have the same associations with certain scents. Yet there are other flowers whose perfume can make me swoon like Gardenias, Night-blooming Jasmines, Tuberoses and the intoxicating Casablanca Lilies.
Certainly there is nothing more visually impactful than a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers. They are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, which is why they are placed to greet guests in hotel lobbies, on fancy dinner tables, presented or sent for a romantic sweep, given to say I’m sorry or even bedside to cheer one up when someone is ill. I love to be surrounded by them and I try to encourage my clients to add some flower power to their decor.
I have from a big-box store cost approximately $25 and will fully charge my cellphone three or four times. It has 10,000 mAh capacity, with 20W delivery, and can charge two devices at the same time.
Food -- I mark the top of cans and boxes with the expiration date and rotate supplies so nothing expires.
Pet supplies -- Include food and any medication your pet might be on.
First aid kit -- Bandages, tape, scissors, tourniquet, gauze, iodine, aspirin
Jugs of water -- You need 1 gallon per person per day.
Manual can opener
Paper plates and plastic utensils
Flashlight and extra batteries -- Consider getting a few small camp lights from a big-box store. Don’t use candles.
Prescription meds -- Stay ahead with necessary medicines, if you can. Chances are you can’t get a refill on your 90-day prescription, for example, until 10 days or so before you’re due to run out. Still, go ahead and head to the pharmacy as soon as you can to make sure you have it.
Be sure to check the weather news every day so you can see what’s coming.
* * *
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.
symbolism to flowers. Here are just a few: Red is meant to convey power or love. Yellow speaks of happiness and friendship.
Orange means heartfelt sincerity. White is representative of innocence, purity and elegance.
Pink is often associated with youth, innocence and delicate.
Purple used to be a royal color and now symbolizes accomplishment or admiration.
Blue is a sign of peace and calm.
Green carries the sentiment of optimism and good fortune.
The style of your floral arrangement can add definition to the style of your room. Classic arrangements can be round as in a typical bouquet, or can be shaped in a triangular arrangement. The selection of your flowers can also help define the style of your decor.
Flowers are that finishing touch in the decor of a room. However, your arrangements can either be used as background with a small-subdued monochromatic arrangement, or meant to take center stage with a large over-the-top blast of color. Flowers in decorating can pick up the predominant color of a room found on walls, drapes or upholstery, or can make their own statement with a contrasting and unexpected color.
Traditions passed down from one generation to another have given certain meanings and
For example, a grouping of sunflowers, daisies and blackeyed Susans in a Mason jar or Victorian porcelain can evoke a type of informal or rustic decor the same that a neat and tight bunch of white roses, all clipped to the same height placed in a clear crystal cylinder seems hip and contemporary.
For those with allergies, or that simply do not like the scent of a fragrant floral arrangement, the recommended flowering plant of choice for most designers are orchids. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and last a couple of months, much longer than cut floral arrangements. Orchids look great in any design whether on their own in a single color, or as a cluster in different shades.
Add some flower power to your interior design, and you’ll always feel good to come home. * * * 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)
on the gas pedal, possibly setting the car in motion and causing a serious accident. If that’s not bad enough, they could be snatched from the car in a matter of minutes, just like Lexi. In fact, all of these nightmare scenarios could just as easily play out with your dog as with your child.
It strikes me as questionable that a woman who would offer such a generous ransom for the safe return of her dog wouldn’t take minimal care to exercise one of at least three safe, viable options to locking her dog in a running car:
-- leave the treasured pet safely at home
-- pack the pooch into her bag and tote her into the restaurant, as so many owners of small designer dogs are wont to do
-- enlist the brief dog-sitting services of her boyfriend while she runs in to pick up the food, or vice versa.
I’m no detective, but as it stands, the facts of this case don’t hold a lot of water. Then again, neither does forking over thousands of dollars for a “designer dog” that is, in fact, no better or worse than any free mutt you’ll find in a shelter. You just can’t weigh a good dog in dollars.
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.
Estate Planning Attorney
YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
by Tom Margenau
Social Security: A Global View
I have always been amazed by the number of people who think Social Security is unique to the United States. Or if not truly unique, they figure that maybe a couple of those “socialist” countries such as Sweden and Denmark might have social insurance programs in place, but surely not too many other places. As someone once said to me following a speech I had given: “You know that Social Security is just one of the social experiments forced on this country by FDR and it’s doomed to failure just like so many of his other New Deal programs.”
This guy obviously was not a history major. But he mimicked views held by so many people: that Social Security is some kind of income redistribution experiment that the United States is testing. And if by some miracle it works here, maybe other nations around the world might follow suit.
Actually, just the opposite is true. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens. And many of those countries had Social Security laws on their books long before the U.S. jumped on the social insurance bandwagon in the 1930s.
In fact, here is a list of the countries that had Social Security programs before the United States: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.
I have in front of me a book called “Social Security Programs Throughout the World” that is produced by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It provides thumbnail sketches of the history, funding and benefits of each country’s social insurance system. There are currently about 190 countries around the globe. And 177 of them, or 93%, have Social Security programs.
I always point this out to young people who fret about the future of our Social Security system. I tell them that Social Security isn’t an American experiment in socialism that will someday run its course. Instead, Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon. It is a system of rules and laws in place everywhere from Albania to Zimbabwe. It is the method that civilized people across the globe use to provide some means of financial assistance to their elderly and disabled citizens, and to the widows, widowers and children of workers who die.
It’s that last point that is very interesting. Most Social Security programs around the world are funded similarly to our system (with taxes paid by employees and employers) and they offer benefits remarkably similar to our own -- to retirees, to disabled people and to survivors. I’m going to use the rest of this column to highlight the similarities and differences between just a random selection of those 177 programs described in my book.
Benefits: Full retirement age going up to 67 by 2027; disability at any age if 100% disabled; survivors benefits to children under age 18 and to widow(er)s at 60 or at any age if caring for minor children.
GERMANY
First Social Security laws: 1889
Funding: Workers pay 9.8% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 19.6%.
Benefits: Full retirement at 67; disability benefits at any age for full or partial disabilities; survivors benefits to children until age 18 and possibly up to age 27; widow(er)s benefits for two years following death or for a longer period of time if caring for minor children.
ARGENTINA
First Social Security laws: 1904
Funding: Workers pay 11% of wages; employers pay up to 17%; self-employed pay set monthly fees based on the kind of business.
Benefits: Retirement benefits for men at 65 and for women at 60; or as early as 50 if doing “hazardous work”; disability at any age with a loss of 66% of working capacity; survivors benefits to a spouse at any age and to children under age 18.
KIRIBATI
First Social Security laws: 1976
Funding: Workers pay 5% of earnings and employers pay a matching 5%.
Benefits: Retirement benefits at 50, but payable at 45 with evidence of intention to retire permanently, or payable at any age if emigrating permanently. Disability benefits paid if physically or mentally incapable of working. Survivors benefits paid if the insured had not withdrawn funds previously.
NIGER
First Social Security laws: 1967
Funding: Worker pays 5.25% of wages
1. The book of Levi is found in the a) Old testament b) New testament c) Neither
2. From Proverbs 29, what happens when the wicked have authority? a) People mourn b) Heaven weeps c) The people flee d) Families suffer
3. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall...? a) Obtain mercy b) Inherit the earth c) See God d) Suffer not
4. In what book of the Bible do we find the Good Samaritan parable? a) Matthew b) Mark c) Luke d) John
5. From Numbers 22,what animal did God allow to speak? a) Lamb b) Camel c) Ram d) Donkey
6. From 2 Chronicles, what gift did Solomon ask for? a) Wealth b) Wisdom c) Long life d) Honor
THE
UNITED STATES
First Social Security laws: 1935
Funding: Workers pay 6.2% of wages matched by employers. Self-employed pay 12.4%.
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
matched by employer.
Benefits: Retirement at 60 or age 58 for government employees or age 55 if “prematurely aged”; disability benefits with a loss of 66% of working capacity; survivors benefits to children under 14 and to widow(er)s if caring for a dependent child.
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.
Cardiologist Doesn’t Recommend Over-theCounter Sleep Aids
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 81-year-old man in reasonably good health. When I had trouble falling asleep, I would take a swig of Zzzquil, which worked perfectly every time. However, since then, my cardiologist told me to stop taking such products, so I turned to 5-mg tablets of melatonin in the evening to help induce drowsiness. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t.
One night, after I had three beers, I also took two gelcaps of Gas-X to alleviate the bloated feeling just before bed. It was about an hour or so after the melatonin, and I quickly dozed off to sleep. Since then, I noticed that if I awaken in the night and take another Gas-X, I shortly doze off again and have remarkable, complex dreams. Is this self-protocol of mine medically unsound in any way? -- W.G.
ANSWER: There’s a lot going on here. First off, I completely agree with your cardiologist that the sleep aid you were taking, like most over-the-counter sleep aids, contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that sedates some people. The problem with this medicine is that the quality of sleep isn’t good for many people. It also increases the risk of falls in older people and the risk of motor vehicle accidents in people who drive. It’s not a good choice for older adults.
Melatonin is safer and has fewer side effect, one of them being vivid dreams. However, 5 mg is a big dose. I usually recommend 0.5-1 mg in my older patients. Gas-X (simethicone) isn’t absorbed into the body and shouldn’t cause vivid dreams.
A search found no reports of abnormal dreams with simethicone, so it was almost certainly the melatonin that caused the dreams. Maybe Gas-X allowed you to sleep while the melatonin was still around enough to give you vivid dreams.
In addition, three beers on a regular basis are more than what is considered healthy for anyone, and a man in his 80s will be affected by three beers much more than a younger man of the same size.
my lungs. I started Eliquis. The doctor said I had a problem with factor V, but I don’t have my blood results. Do I need to stay on this blood thinner? I know it has severe side effects. -- M.T.
ANSWER: Factor V is a protein that is critical in making clots, and an abnormality in this protein can make a person bleed (although this is very rare).
What’s more common is a condition called factor V Leiden (FVL), which makes the body resistant to the activated protein C, a natural anticoagulant. (Anticoagulants decrease blood-clotting and are sometimes referred to as “blood thinners.”) So, the net effect of FVL is that it makes blood clots a little more likely. Many people have FVL, but most will not develop a blood clot.
However, you apparently developed blood clots in both arms that caused the clots to move to the lungs, which are called pulmonary emboli. Determining the duration of therapy takes clinical judgment. Because you had clots in your arms rather than your legs, had a pulmonary embolus, and have FVL, some experts would treat you for the rest of your lifetime. I wouldn’t say that Eliquis has severe side effects. Because it reduces blood-clotting, there is a chance of bleeding. For most people with a low to average risk of bleeding, the likelihood is on the order of 1% to 2% per year. If the risk of a life-threatening clot is higher than the risk of bleeding, then continued anticoagulation is preferred.
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 (c) 2024 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
VETERANS POST
by Freddie Groves
Get Easier Access to Military Installations
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have made some changes that will make it easier for veterans and their caregivers to get into various installations.
Whether it’s for medical appointments, shopping or any other reason, the changes will allow both veteran and caregiver to be electronically verified.
Ideally you’ll have a VA health card (the VHIC). If not, you can enroll for access by using a REAL ID driver’s license or an identification card if you don’t drive. Beginning November 2024, those without a VHIC (or an eligible caregiver) won’t be required to present a service connected disability letter, Form H623A (the VA Health Eligibility Center form) or a caregiver patronage letter to enroll for access.
by Freddie Groves
Whether you need access to the commissary, movie theater, post exchange or anywhere else, you’ll need to set up your enrollment at the visitor center the first time you go to an installation.
Specifically the steps are as follows:
You’ll present ID.
You’ll have a criminal and terrorism check done.
Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes
DEAR DR. ROACH: Seven years ago, I went to the emergency room and was told I had blood clots in my arms that traveled to
is
system of
tissue manipulation and education in new movement patterns that guides the
toward anatomical order of increased balance and length, centering it around its vertical axis. Rolfed persons generally experience a marked increase in Flexibility by:
A: The physical manipulation of fascia, freeing layers of muscles that have become stuck to one another, and lengthening the myelin sheathing-enclosed muscle, which often become shortened with misuse and trauma.
B: By aligning the body in its most structurally sound arrangement, Rolfing® allows each muscle to do its designated job and not be forced to overwork to compensate for a body dragged down by gravity. Still the only Rolfer in the Coachella Valley.
Your purpose for going to the installation will be verified. For example, if you have a medical appointment, be prepared to show proof of that appointment.
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll only need to show your original identification at the gate, whether it was a REAL ID or VHIC.
You’ll be signed up for one to three years. If, however, your ID or VHIC expires and you get a new one, you’ll need to start over and enroll again.
For non-medical use (exchange, commissary, theater, etc.), it gets sticky. Those places aren’t set up to electronically verify eligibility for a caregiver without a VHIC. You’ll need to continue to provide official documentation.
If you need more information, call the Veterans Benefits Administration National Call Center at 800-827-1000. Military OneSource (800342-9647. www.militaryonesource.mil can also offer help on all types of veterans issues.
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
How to Talk to Your Doctors – and Get Them to Listen
DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: How can I get my doctors to listen to me better? I just turned 79, and over the past few years I'm feeling that the older I get my ailments are being more and more dismissed by my doctors. Do you have any advice for those of us seniors who feel like we're now just second class patients? I'm sure I can’t be the only one who feels this way. -- Frustrated
Dear Frustrated: Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors is nothing new. Many older patients feel like their doctors are dismissing their concerns, which can be frustrating and lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care. If you believe your doctor isn’t listening to you, here are some tips offered by the National Institute on Aging that may help.
Prepare for your appointment:
Before your exam, make a written prioritized list of any questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor, or print any online health research you’ve gathered, and bring it to your appointment so you won’t forget anything. If you’re in for a diagnostic visit, you should prepare a detailed description of your symptoms, noting when they began and what makes them worse.
Be honest and upfront:
Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s important to be honest and upfront with your doctor. You may feel uncomfortable talking about memory loss or bowel issues, but these are all important to your health. It’s better to be thorough and share detailed information than to be quiet or
shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters.
Ask specific questions:
If you and your doctor aren’t communicating well, ask specific questions that require a more detailed response. For example: What might have caused the problem I’m dealing with? What’s the specific name of my diagnosis? Is the problem serious? Will it heal completely or require ongoing management? What future symptoms might suggest you need emergency care or a follow-up visit? When and how will you receive your test results? If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask: "Can you explain that in simpler terms?" Or: "Can you give me more details about that?"
Take someone with you:
Bring along a family member or friend to your appointment. Your companion can help you ask questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered. They can listen to what the doctor is telling you and give you support.
Be persistent:
If your doctor isn’t addressing your questions, repeat them or rephrase them. If you still don’t get anywhere, follow up with one of these statements: “I’m worried that we aren’t communicating well. Here’s why I feel that way.” Or: “I need to talk with you about X, but I'm feeling like I can’t. Can we talk about this?”
After your appointment, if you’re uncertain about any instructions or have other questions, call or email your health care provider. Don’t wait until your next visit to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, or anything else that might affect your health.
For more tips, the National Institute on Aging offers a free booklet called “Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older Adults” that can help you prepare for an appointment and become a better and more informed patient. To order free copy or see it online, visit order.nia.nih.gov/publication/ talking-with-your-doctor-a-guide-for-older-adults
Consider moving on:
If you feel you’re not making any progress with your doctor and the problem persists, it’s probably time to start looking for a new provider. Depending how dissatisfied you are with your care, you could also notify your doctor’s medical group and your insurance company or leave feedback on their online profile. If you’re dealing with a serious issue – like a doctor who prescribes the wrong medication or fails to provide test results in a timely manner – it might be appropriate to file a complaint with the state medical board.
contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a
ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE
by Anne McCollam Creators News Service
Cabinet Plate a Beehive of Activity
Q: Could you please tell me the history of the porcelain plate that is seen in this photo? It is about 15 inches across and has no chips or cracks. The plate is decorated with a scene of three young girls running across a stream away from a male figure. Marked on the back are a beehive shape and the words “Fliehende Elfen.” Also signed on the front at the edge of the scene is the name “F. Kohl.”
We were given the plate by an aunt who lived in Pittsburgh and know nothing about it.
Any information you can provide would be helpful.
A: You have a Royal Vienna charger plate. It is also known as a cabinet plate, because it was usually placed in a china cabinet for display.
The beehive mark was first used by the Imperial Porcelain Factory in Vienna. After it closed in 1864, the beehive mark was used by several porcelain factories. Similar porcelain pieces were produced in the 19th and early 20th centuries. “F.
Puzzle Solutions
When you populate an empty meadow with lots of male sheep, I'd consider that ram-ification.
(Go Figure puzzle will resume next week)
Kohl” is the name of the artist who created the classical scene that decorates your plate. “Fliehende Elfen” are the German words for “Fleeing Fairies.” The young women/fairies are indeed fleeing a satyr across a stream.
Your charger was made around 1900 and would probably be worth $600 to $800.
Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on a washbowl and pitcher set that my aunt gave me. The set is decorated with pastel flowers against a white background. It is in perfect condition.
What can you tell me about the maker, age and value of my set?
A: Edwin Bennett Pottery Company made your washbowl and pitcher set. Edwin Bennett founded his company in 1856 in Baltimore. It also produced majolica, Rockingham ware, yellow ware and American Belleek. They closed operations in 1936.
Your circa-1895 wash set would probably sell in the range of $175 to $225 in an antiques shop.
Q: Can you tell me where I can buy a 1962 Mr. Ed hand puppet? I do not know how to navigate the Internet and would like to find one that is mint in the box. I have been looking forever and hope you can help me.
A: The hand puppets of the talking horse Mr. Ed had soft vinyl heads and cloth bodies. They had a pull-string to activate the voice. The cardboard box included instructions. A recent one, mint in box, was expected sell at auction for $250 to $450. Many public libraries offer assistance with the Internet.
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 Dec. 9, 1990, Lech Walesa, founder of the Solidarity trade union, won a landslide election victory, becoming the first directly elected Polish leader.
* On Dec. 10, 1690, a failed attack on Quebec and subsequent near-mutiny forced the Massachusetts Bay Colony to issue the first paper currency in the Western Hemisphere’s history. It was initially unpopular for anything except paying taxes and was phased out, but reappeared in Massachusetts just a few years later.
* On Dec. 11, 1946, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted to establish the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), an organization designed to help provide relief and support to children living in countries that had been devastated by World War II.
* On Dec. 12, 1970, “Tears of a Clown,” penned by William “Smokey” Robinson, became the first No. 1 hit for Robinson and his band the Miracles after more than a decade of hits that had failed to reach that coveted position. Bob Dylan would later call Robinson America’s “greatest living poet” in recognition of his skill as a composer and lyricist.
* On Dec. 13, 2000, seven convicts (the “Texas Seven”) overpowered civilian employees and prison guards in the maintenance shop where they worked at a maximum-security prison in South Texas and made off with clothing, guns and a pickup truck, triggering a six-week manhunt. The men left a note saying, “You haven’t heard the last of us yet,” which proved true the following year when six of them were recaptured (one committed suicide).
* On Dec. 14, 1982, actor Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, was convicted of murdering Judge John Wood outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, as he bent down to look at a flat tire on his car. Wood was the first federal judge assassinated in the 20th century, and the FBI’s three-year investigation into his murder was one of the most extensive since John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
* On Dec. 15, 1974, the Oakland A’s Jim “Catfish” Hunter was ruled a free agent by arbitrator Peter Seitz, becoming the first free agent in modern baseball history, after the team’s owner, Charles O. Finley, failed to live up to the terms of his star pitcher’s contract.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
"They ran out of carts so I borrowed this."
Edwin Bennett Pottery Company was located in Baltimore.
This Royal Vienna porcelain charger was made around 1900.
Snow: from page 3
• Fresh snow is an excellent insulator. Ten inches of fluffy fresh snow may be 75% water and 93% air. The insulation value is approximately equal to a six-inch layer of R-18 fiberglass insulation. This is why many animals burrow deep into the snow during winter to hibernate.
• Snow can change how things sound outside. Fluffy, new snow can muffle sounds. Snow that melts and then freezes again to a hard surface can amplify, making everything sound louder.
• An avalanche cannot be triggered by noise. Gunshots, singing, yodeling and supersonic booms will have no effect. The only trigger is a shift in the weight of the snow load, either by more snow falling or melting, a shift in the wind, explosives, or the added weight of a skier or snowmobiler.
SNOW RECORDS
• Syracuse, New York, is regularly on the list of “snowiest cities in the U.S.,” along with the nearby towns of Buffalo and Rochester, New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania. All these areas suffer from “lake effect snow” coming off Lake Erie, which often dumps upwards of 100 inches (2.54 m) or more of snow throughout the region each season.
• Worldwide, the most snow to ever fall in 24 hours occurred in Capracotta, Italy on March 5, 2015, when 100.8 inches (2.56 m) of snow fell in a single day.
• The most snow in the U.S. in 24 hours fell in Silver Lake, Colorado in 1921 when 75.8 inches (1.9 m) of snow came down.
• The most recorded snow to ever fall in one year fell in Mount Rainier, Washington when 102 feet (31 m) of snow fell in 1971.
• On March 30, 1992, after a particularly harsh and snowy winter, the Syracuse Common Council officially “outlawed further snowfall until December 24, 1992”. Alas, it dumped several more inches on the town just two days later.
by Jason Jenkins
Hitting those sky high, short distance drives can be infuriating to the majority of golfers. Most golfers assume they’ve just teed the ball too high, but there are some more critical issues to attend if you struggle with this crisis.
The majority of “pop ups’ occur when the club is approaching on too descending of an angle of attack. The steepness of the approach causes the ball to hit the higher part of the club, thus creating the high, weak trajectory. Many golfers shift their upper bodies and heads toward the ball in the downswing creating a steeper angle of attack.
In order to improve the swing’s process, picture the bottom of the swing’s arc a few inches behind the ball. Focus on that space of the ground while making swings, which should keep your head and eyes behind the ball by impact.
