Vol 20 - No 52 • Bread (12-22-2024) Tidbits of Coachella Valley by Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Janet Spencer

Before the first loaf of bread could be baked, people had to master the tasks of sowing, harvesting, threshing, winnowing, milling, and baking. This all began thousands of years ago, when people first began growing crops and domesticating animals. Follow along as we learn more about how this food staple was developed and refined over the millennia to become a regular portion of the daily diets that we consume today.

BREAD'S BEGINNINGS

• When agriculture was in its infancy, millet and barley were the first grains commonly grown. The first unleavened breads were cooked on flat rocks that were heated over a fire. Seeds were milled by pouring the grain on a smooth rock surface and grinding it by hand with a primitave crusher made of stone. It was a laborious task for a worker to produce enough unlevened flour to moisten with water for baking into an edible flat cake.

• Around 100 B.C., an ancient Roman engineer named Vitruvius designed the first vertical water-

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

(Answers on page 16)

1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the northernmost capital city in the world?

2. U.S. STATES: Which state is the driest?

3. MOVIES: In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” what is the name of the angel who saves George Bailey?

4. LITERATURE: Which American novelist also wrote under the pen name Edgar Box?

5. SCIENCE: What is the process called in which plants lose water through their leaves?

6. HISTORY: What was the name of the international group that was supposed to keep the peace after World War I?

7. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom featured a holiday episode titled “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas”?

8. ASTRONOMY: What is it called when a group of stars forms a pattern?

9. MUSIC: What is the top-selling holiday song of all time?

10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many years are in a millennium? Answers

(Trivia Test answers page 16)

your body

• Polio is short for “poliomyelitis” which is Greek meaning “grey inflamed marrow” because the disease caused grey matter in the spinal cord to became inflamed, causing paralysis.

• Polio first appeared in the U.S. in the 1890s. By 1916 there were 27,000 cases, rising to 40,000 by 1940 and 58,000 in 1952. The disease affected primarily children under five, often leaving them paralyzed for life.

• Polio is mainly spread through contaminated water. Chlorinated swimming pools didn’t come on the scene until 1946, so a single dirty diaper could infect everyone in a public pool. Swimming holes, ponds, and lakes were equally at risk. Another risk factor was preparing food after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper. Kissing could also spread it.

• Outbreaks most often occurred in summer and autumn in temperate climates, but all year long in tropical areas.

• Once ingested, the microbe multiplied in the gut before moving into the nervous system, where it destroyed nerve cells that regulate muscle control.

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt came down with polio when he was 39 years old, and was left paraplegic.

• When Roosevelt became president in 1933, it proved to the American populace that victims of polio could still lead useful and happy lives. Roosevelt gave his support to various poliorelated charities, but the most effective was the March of Dimes, established in 1938.

who was fresh off his victory of developing a flu vaccine that would prevent another pandemic similar to the devastating outbreak that swept through the world in 1918.

• Salk’s flu vaccine, first released in 1938, formed the basis of every flu vaccine since then. The vaccine is modified every flu season because flu strains mutate quickly.

• Salk began his research on a polio vaccine in 1947, and was the first to find an effective vaccine, releasing it in 1953. At the same time, medical researcher Albert Sabin was also recruited to work on the project. and was later credited with developing the oral polio vaccine.

• In 1954, a total of 325,000 Americans gathered nationwide to administer the first tests of the vaccine. It was the biggest body of volunteers ever assembled during peacetime. The tests proved to be effective, and schools immediately began administering the vaccine to kids starting in 1955.

• While Jonas Salk could have made a financial windfall by selling his patent rights, he instead donated the patent for the good of the country, asking no remuneration for his work. In turn, the pharmaceutical companies who produced the vaccine also did so on a non-profit basis.

• By 1961, Albert Sabinʼs continuing work had developed a new, improved form of vaccine. Whereas Salk’s version required regular booster shots with a needle in the arm, Sabin’s vaccine was a one-and-done version that was dripped into a sugar cube and taken orally. Between the efforts of the two, polio was effectively eliminated from the face of the earth.

• Salk died in 1993 at the age of 80 while working on a vaccine for AIDS. Sabin also died in 1993, at the age of 86. Both researchers had lived long enough to see the Polio disease eradicated.

ADVERTISING PROOF

• In 2023, there were only 12 cases of polio reported worldwide. Six were in Afghanistan and six were in Pakistan. None were reported elsewhere in the world. 

12:00

• It’s estimated that two-thirds of Americans donated to this cause, with 7 million people stepping up to do volunteer work for the organization. More people worked and donated to the March of Dimes than any other single cause, either before or since.

• At the time, there was no cure for polio, and treatment with the “iron lung” device only aided the patientʼs breathing. Research money raised by the March of Dimes went towards finding a vaccine that would prevent polio.

• To this end, the organization hired Jonas Salk,

Reykjavik, Iceland.

Nevada, with an average of 10 inches of rain a year.

Clarence Odbody.

1/6

Bread: (from page one)

wheel, powered by a rapid stream, which turned a horizontal millstone. This design remained unchanged for the next two thousand years.

• Barley was found to be inferior for making bread because it’s hard to separate the grain from the husks. Wheat soon overtook barley as the most popular grain for bread. White bread made of refined wheat was easier to chew and more pleasing to look at, making it more expensive. People with bad teeth preferred it. Barley bread and rye bread were for paupers, while white bread was a status symbol.

• Bakers in London eventually formed guilds and split themselves into bakers of white bread and bakers of brown bread.

MILLING ADVANCEMENTS

• As flour-producing operations became more widespread, there were soon some 6,000 waterpowered mills throughout England. The River Lee, which flows into the Thames, had over 50 of these mills in operation.

• In areas that were flat, or that had few rivers, horses and oxen were used to turn the grinders. Windmills were also constructed in areas including eastern England and the Netherlands. The windmills were used not only for grinding grain but also crushing seeds to extract their oil, and for drawing water. By the year 1300 England and Holland had about 4,000 such windmills.

• When James Watt invented the steam engine in 1769, the term “horsepower” was coined to denote how many horses were needed to equal the power of a single engine. Over 140 steampowered mills were built in England between 1779 and 1821, thus making more than 10,000 windmills -- and a whole lot of horses -- obsolete.

• Wheat became a more prominent crop as the

population of the U.S. began to move west with the homestead era. Between 1860 and 1900, about 400 million acres of cultivated agricultural land was added to the U.S. Consider that the entire area of England is just under 60 million acres.

• Illinois became the top wheat-producing state between 1859 and 1879. Then Montana took over, but North Dakota claimed the title in 1909 and has held it ever since. Kansas is in 2nd place, Montana is in 3rd place. Illinois, which now grows more corn and soybeans than wheat, is now in 10th place.

• The advent of the railroad made it easy to ship crops cross-country, while newly invented steam ships hauled wheat from the U.S. to England, returning to the U.S. with loads of immigrant passengers.

BAKING INNOVATIONS

• Until the 1870s, bread was baked in ovens heated by coal, wood, or peat. Loaves were shoved in with long wooden paddles. Then Jacob Perkins invented the use of steam heat for homes and businesses, followed by a man named Loftus Perkins, who modified that system and invented the steam-heated oven in 1865.

• In 1866, A.J. Weighost designed the steam tube draw-plate oven, which allowed the entire metal bottom of the oven to be rolled out. This method enabled dozens of loaves to be baked at the same time, greatly increasing the amount of bread production. The draw-plate oven design could be sized for use on either an individual or industrial scale. They were built onto horse-drawn wagons to feed troops on the battlefield, and every ship in the naval fleet soon had one.

• The next great innovation came in 1878 when Henry Simon installed the world’s first roller mill in England. This method used gigantic revolving cylinders to crush the wheat, while leaving the desireable wheat germ intact. His first model turned out three sacks of flour per hour, a vast improvement over stone mills. Within 20 years, Simon’s biggest machines were turning out over 100 sacks per hour.

• In 1901 in Manchester, England, the first fully automated bakery opened. Wheat went in one end, moved through a system of conveyor belts through a long oven in an assembly line, and

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

A baker was required to put his mark on the top of the loaf to identify where it came from, so that a bad loaf could be traced to its maker. To avoid being accused of short-changing a customer, any time a baker sold a dozen loaves, he would add a 13th loaf to ensure the order was was on the safe side rather than be underweight. This became known as a "baker's dozen."

fully baked bread loaves rolled out the other end. A similar factory-style bakery built in 1907 in Quebec, Canada, turned out 3,300 loaves its very first day, and doubled production every year for the next seven years.

• By now these massive automated bakeries were powered by gas. Electricity wasn’t commonly used until the 1920s.

• Next there were experiments with improving the

1. What country produces the most wheat?

2. These rolls are only made at Easter because they bear a

By Lucie Winborne

* You’re more likely to have weirder, scarier and sexier dreams when sleeping on your stomach.

* The cymothoa exigua, a parasite that severs the blood vessels of a fish’s tongue and becomes a new functional tongue, is the only known parasite capable of replacing an entire organ.

* Are you a java junkie? Scientists found specific genes that are more caffeine-loving than others, so addiction to it could possibly be genetic. In other words, you can go ahead and blame your parents for your addiction to ordering the lattes at Starbucks.

* “Family Feud” host Richard Dawson met his second wife, Gretchen Johnson, when she was a contestant on the show in 1981. And yes, he did kiss her.

* After four years of planning and two months of working nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., a team of hackers at MIT turned their Earth and Planetary Sciences Department building into a giant, multicolored, playable Tetris game.

* It is considered unlucky to clean your house on the Chinese New Year. You risk sweeping away the good luck of the coming year.

* “Gigi” author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette could only write after she had plucked fleas off her dog.

* If you pour cold water into a person’s ear, their eyes will move in the direction of the opposite ear. If you pour warm water into their ear, their eyes will move toward that ear. Used to test for brain damage, this process is medically called “caloric stimulation.”

* Some areas in Scotland and Japan switched to blue street lights at night and saw a decrease in crime and suicide rates.

***

Thought for the Day: “It's not what's under the tree that matters -- but who's around it.”

Charlie Brown (Peanuts)

by Mary Hunt

7 Fabulous Last-Minute Gift Ideas

by Mary Hunt

Need a last-minute gift for an office party, a beloved friend, neighbor, coworker or anyone else on your gift list, and for any occasion? Here are seven great ideas that won’t take much time and certainly won’t break the bank.

GIVE AN EXPERIENCE

Think about fun activities you could do with different people on your list: dinner for a friend, reading night and snacks with the grandkids, and movie night with the grandparents, complete with snacks. How about tickets to a local zoo, a day trip on Amtrak? Write a description of the experience your recipient will receive, noting the day, time and all the details.

GIVE A TREASURE

Consider passing on an heirloom or family treasure to the next generation as a gift. Write a paragraph or two explaining the history or significance of the heirloom to go along with the gift. You will be preserving family history but not spending a dime. But here is the tricky part: Unless a person has expressed a particular love or desire for said heirloom and special treasure, do not assume your gesture will be appreciated.

THE GIFT OF COMPASSION

If you want your gift to say how much you care, then find a way to show you care about what matters most to your recipient. Idea: Honor your recipient by gifting a third-world family with a flock of geese, a goat or a couple of chickens to help that family become self-reliant through WorldVision (donate.worldvision.org/giftcatalog). In just minutes you can place your order online and print the gift card describing what you gave in your recipient’s name.

GIVE WHAT YOU DO BEST

Often the most meaningful gifts are those that cost no money at all. A gift from the heart is a gift of time and talent. Do you cook, clean, babysit, garden, sew, drive or shop? Create a gift certificate and make what you do the gift that you give. Pro Tip: Follow up within a few days to set the exact time your certificate will be redeemed. Your recipient may be too embarrassed to remind you to make good on your gift.

PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

Use your computer to make a supply of “borrowed-from” or address labels, notepaper, thank-you notes or stationery. You can use Microsoft Word to make your own custom stationery! Most computers come loaded with some kind of print shop software that will do nearly

all the work for you. Office supply stores sell the plain stock printable supplies to use in your printer.

Tie your finished products with a festive ribbon and place in an attractive tin for that oneof-a-kind gift. Add a colorful pen and envelopes.

FAMILY PHOTOS

Reproduce old family photos using your scanner or photocopier. Even if the photos are black and white, duplicate them on a color printer for the highest-quality results. You’ll be amazed by how original they will appear when framed. Pro Tip: With your gift of an heirloom photo, include as much information as you know -- the who, where and when!

FOLDABLES

Some people say giving money as a gift is tacky. I disagree, provided you put a modicum of care into how you package or present it. Money is a great gift. Money always fits and it’s never the wrong color.

Apparently, I’m not alone in thinking that money is OK. Sales of Hallmark greeting cards designed to hold cash have increased by nearly 200% in the past few years. Banks will trade wrinkled, dirty old money for newly printed, crisp bills for no fee. If you’re clever you’ll figure out how to fold those bills into fun origami shapes (go online and search “origami money” for instructions). Tuck them into tiny ring boxes or other appropriately sized containers. You can always personalize cold cash with a warm note. A few Xs and Os -- the universal symbols of kisses and hugs -- will make the gift even more valuable.

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

• During the Revolutionary War, when soldiers said, “lock, stock, and barrel” they were referring to an entire gun.

• Hounds are used to hunt raccoons and chase them up a tree. It’s a very stupid hound indeed who goes around “barking up the wrong tree.”

• In the 1600s when craftsmen finished making a pitcher, they filled it with water to detect any leaks. Nowadays we speak of a questionable idea that doesn’t hold water.

• In sports, the beginning line of a race was scratched into the dirt and thus became known as “scratch.” When you make something from scratch, you are starting at the very beginning.

• Likewise when you “toe the mark,” you have your foot against the scratch mark and are ready to start the race.

• Is your house as clean as a whistle? A whistle must be clean and dry inside before it can produce a clear tone.

• Some Indian tribes had a ritual where, when peace was declared between two tribes, they would ceremoniously and symbolicaly “bury the hatchet.”

• The two ventricles of the human heart resemble the two valves of a mollusk known as a cockle; thus, something pleasing “warms the cockles of our hearts.”

• When rivers were the highways, each spring, townfolk would have to go out and break the ice on the water so that boats could easily pass. Today “breaking the ice” makes it easy for conversation to flow.

• In cock fights, a rooster which has an artificial spur attached to its heel to fight with is said to be “well-heeled.” When people armed themselves before entering a dangerous place, they were also said to be well-heeled. Now, perhaps because money can make many threats disappear, any wealthy person is considered well-heeled.

• Witches on secret errands for the devil would depart from their homes on a broomstick after dark so they wouldn’t be detected. This gave us the expression “fly-by-night.”

• When we clear our throats politely, it is called a “hem,” as in, “ahem.” When we clear our throats rather more vigorously with a choking effort, it’s called a “haw.” When we are at a loss to say something and only manage to clear our throats politely and vigorously, we are hemming and hawing.

• Punch and Judy were a popular puppet duet that came into being in the 1600s. Punch was a cheerful, extroverted, and self-satisfied type of puppet while his wife was a shrew. That’s why today you might be “pleased as Punch.”

• In Shakespeare’s time, the word “cap” was used as a synonym for head because it was worn on the head. Someone who was described as being “madcap” was obviously daft in the head.

• There’s an old English expression that warns of “selling the bearskin before the bear is caught” indicating the risky practice of selling an item that isn’t really owned yet, hoping the price will fall so it can then be bought back at a lower price for a greater profit. This is the origin of the Wall Street expression “bear market.” It’s thought that the “bull market” originated with optimstic investors eager to charge bullishly ahead to buy stock while the price was low and the forecast looked favorable for an upswing.

• “Suits me to a T” means to fit exactly, like the

T-square perfectly fits the flat surface of a board or block.

• In some parts of England, “dander” meant anger, so “to get your dander up” was literally to become angry.

• Special holidays were originally marked on the calendars using red ink, for what are now called “red letter days.”

***

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is it true that former “Bachelorette” Jenn Tran is dating her partner from “Dancing with the Stars”? I hope so; they were so cute together. -- K.S.

A: While Jenn Tran and dance pro Sasha Farber haven’t confirmed that they’re a couple, it certainly appears so. If anything, they’re great friends who recently attended the premiere of the movie “Wicked” together, as well as a Taylor Swift concert in Vancouver, Canada.

Jenn Tran (“The Bachelorette” and “Dancing with the Stars”)

They both deserve some happiness. Tran had her heart broken when her fiance from “The Bachelorette” ended their engagement right before she was cast on “DWTS,” while Farber’s marriage to fellow dance pro Emma Slater was dissolved in 2023.

Q: Whatever happened to actor Denis Leary? I loved his firefighter drama series but haven’t seen him in anything since. -- L.W.

A: Denis Leary’s best known work “Res-

cue Me,” which he co-created with Peter Tolan and starred in as troubled 9/11 first responder Tommy Gavin, ended in 2011. Since this time, he’s kept busy with many other projects both in front of and behind the camera -- and also behind the mic voicing Diego the saber-tooth tiger in the animated “Ice Age” movies.

His next series on FX was “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll,” in which he played an aging rock singer who recruits his daughter for his new band. After this, he starred in the short-lived Fox sitcom “The Moodys,” which followed a dysfunctional family, before landing a stint as a detective on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” He followed it with a role on the gritty family crime drama “Animal Kingdom.”

Leary started his career as a stand-up comedian before landing his breakout role in the comedy film “The Ref” in 1994. He’s returning to his comedic roots early next year in a new comedy series on Fox, opposite Catherine Tate (“The Office”) and Danny Pudi (“Community”). It sounds like he’s perfectly cast as a “loud-mouth Army colonel” who is sent to a base in the Netherlands “with no real purpose.”

“Going Dutch” premieres on Jan. 2, 2025, as part of a comedy block with Joel McHale’s sitcom “Animal Control.”

Q: Who is the man with the gray hair in the new Charles Schwab commercials who gets angry every time the company is mentioned? He looks so familiar. -- D.D.

A: Salvator Xuereb plays “Carl the Broker” in a series of commercials that are currently airing for the financial services company Charles Schwab. He’s a character actor who has gueststarred in numerous television series, most recently as a smarmy doctor in “9-1-1,” a CIA officer in “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and Mr. Stewart in “Teen Wolf.”

He’s also appeared in movies like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” but his TV credits far exceed his movie credits. Perhaps you recognize him as part of the cast from the series “Pensacola: Wings of Gold,” in which he played a demolitions expert nicknamed Buddha.

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

TRIVIANEWSFRONT

1.Whohada#1hitin1961withthesardonic “Mother-in-Law”?

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the motherofinvention”?

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfrican-

King Features News Syndicate

Red Cabbage and Apples

We’ve simplified Red Cabbage and Apples, a Christmas dinner staple, for a more delectable holiday recipe.

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

1 medium red onion, cut in half and thinly sliced

1 medium (about 1 3/4 pounds) head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1. In deep nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Add onion; cook 5 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in cabbage, apples, water, sugar, vinegar, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook 10 minutes or just until cabbage and apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Uncover; cook 5 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates.

 Each serving: 55 calories, 2g total fat, 130mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 1g protein.

Easy Christmas Stollen

Ricotta cheese adds richness and moisture to this sweet bread.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter or margarine (1 stick)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup candied lemon peel or coarsely chopped red candied cherries

1/2 cup dark seedless raisins

1/3 cup slivered blanched almonds, toasted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 large egg yolk

When it was his turn to visit with Santa, the mother of 5-year-old Kris said, "Now remember honey, tell him that your name is the same as his."

As Kris made himself comfortable on Santa's lap he said, "Santa, did you know that my name is the same as yours?"

"Ho Ho Ho! said Santa. Now isn't that nice? So tell me, what would you like for Christmas, Clarence?"

1. Heat oven to 325 F. Grease large cookie sheet. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in 6 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. With spoon, stir in ricotta until mixture is moistened. Stir in candied lemon peel, raisins, almonds, vanilla, grated lemon peel, egg and egg yolk until well mixed.

Good Recipes from sheet. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Transfer to wire rack. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and brush over warm stollen. Cool completely. Makes 12 servings.

 Each serving: About 298 calories, 14g total fat (7g saturated), 7g protein, 38g carbohydrate, 67mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium.

2. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; gently knead dough 2 or 3 times to mix. With floured rolling pin, roll dough into 10-inchby-8-inch oval. Fold oval lengthwise almost in half, so that edges do not quite meet.

3. Place stollen on prepared cookie

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Fate, and Faith Kelev, the Christmas Dog

Follow Mason Caldwell’s journey from the battlefields back to his family, as he seeks physical and spiritual healing after the ravages of war.

In a world of trials and challenges, this story delves into the enduring power of honor, loyalty, and faith, offering an inspiring exploration of courage and the strength of the human spirit.

Gospel of Matthew with

A stray dog, Kelev, wanders the streets of Bethlehem and discovers the manger where Jesus is born. Through unexpected encounters, he finds love, purpose, and a home in this heartwarming

Ordered to torture Christ, Roman soldier Marcel is haunted by his actions. His journey of guilt, grace, and redemption unfolds in this transformative story of how faith can change even the hardest hearts.

Experience Matthew’s gospel like never before as early believers share insights, explore Christ’s teachings, and navigate faith through engaging and relatable conversations.

By John Allen

DIAMOND LIL

by Brett Koth

Donald Duck by Walt

NEXT WEEK IN TIDBITS PONDERS SOME NEW

YEARS

RESOLUTIONS

12/22 Forefathers Day

12/23 Family Roots Day

12/24 Egg Nog Day / Christmas Eve

12/25 Christmas Day / Chanukah

12/26 Boxing Day (Canada)

12/27 National Fruitcake Day

12/28 Endangered Species Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

Party Animal

For some, New Year’s Eve is a quiet affair: a night in with a little nosh, some cuddling on the couch and a sip of something sparkling at the magic hour. For everyone else, New Year’s Eve is a party -- a big one.

The question, party people, is: Should your dog get an invite?

If your dog survived Christmas without an emergency trip to the vet or a gastrointestinal crisis, congratulations. You obviously took care to keep him away from the buffet and out of the garbage. But for all the festivities of Christmas, New Year’s Eve is the ultimate celebration for many. The music is loud, the hours are late. The party is on.

If you are not hosting, leave your dog at home. Even the most social of dogs would rather be home in familiar surroundings than in a strange place full of strange people behaving strangely.

But what if the partyʼs at your place?

Home might not be so sweet for your dog if you are hosting that big New Year’s Eve bash. If your dog is shy or skittish or very young or very old, consider asking a friend, relative or neighbor to let your dog sleep over that night. He doesn’t need the stress.

If you’re hosting and you’re convinced that your dog is game for the party of the year, take care to consider his needs in planning your blowout.

--Is he microchipped, and is the chip connected to your current contact information? Party people coming and going through front doors and back gates could get sloppy, and stressed dogs run. That’s what they do. Make sure your dog, should he become lost, can easily be returned to you. Current tags and a microchip are key.

--Does your dog have access to a quiet, peaceful retreat within your home? If your dog typically sleeps in your bedroom, and that room going to be a coatroom for the night, then set him up in another room, a room that won’t be available to revelers. Put his bed or blanket, his favorite toys and a water bowl in this temporary space, and introduce

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

(Begins at Sunset)

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Changes to Social Security ogin

If you use the My Social Security account online, you’ll need to make several changes or you’ll be locked out. If you haven’t updated your account since Sept. 18, 2021, using the new method, the login for checking your Social Security account is no more and your username won’t work. You’ll now need to create a new account using one of their credential service providers at Login.gov

Having access to your Social Security information can have several benefits, whether you currently receive benefits or not. You can now get an estimate of future benefits, check on the status of your application or get a replacement card. You can confirm your earnings or get an SSA-1099 tax form. You can update your information such as address and either set up or change your direct deposit.

Security is one big reason they’ve made this change. You’ll be using federal authenti-

The Art of DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

If These Walls Could Talk

What if your walls could talk? What would they say about you? Would they be a dead giveaway of the last time you decorated your home? There are all sorts of ways to update a home or give a much-needed makeover. Sometimes we live with wall color or wall technique that immediately reveal when a room was last designed, because it was a marked trend during a specific period of time. If a wall finish is not quite right, you can move the furniture around and around, but the room will never feel right. Walls are what envelope you and support any interior design choices you make. This is why it is important to consider all the possibilities before you start.

cation standards that provide safe and secure online access.

To get started on creating your new My Social Security account, go online to www.ssa. gov/myaccount. Scroll down to click the link to a 3-minute YouTube video that gives you step-bystep instructions.

Beware: Below the video are links to several other videos, but only click on ones listed as the U.S. Social Security Administration.) Also take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions for more good information.

During the process of creating your account, you’ll need to receive a call or text that will give you a special code to verify your identity. If you run into problems and can’t access an activation code, you might need to receive your activation code by mail. Call for assistance at 800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. When the machine answers, say, “Help desk.”

Each time you sign into your account, you’ll be sent a one-time code for security as part of two-factor authentication.

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.

see wainscoting used from about three-quarters of the height of the room, specifically in institutional interiors such as churches and gymnasiums for their acoustic attributes.

Painting is the most fundamental complement to a wall, whether applied simply with a roller to a full wall or with specialized techniques. Paint can be used to highlight an architectural feature or can be used to delineate an area with color blocking or accent walls. Faux finishes have always been in vogue, but the type of finish can either make or break your interiors. It’s easy to change the look of your rooms with faux finish techniques.

Moldings date back to Roman times. Moldings were often painted in residential architecture to build in architectural character where there was none. Today, simply installing crown molding, a chair-rail and a substantial baseboard can change the entire character of a plain room to one of opulence.

Wood paneling is yet another form of embellishing and warming a room up. When done in conjunction with bookcases, it can transform a room into a library; when painted in white or a pastel color, it can evoke a beach house. Wainscoting is also a popular to enhance plain drywall into something that looks like a custom job. This paneling is done on the bottom half of a wall, and capped by a chair-rail molding. It is helpful in scaling down rooms with large volumes.

In some traditional interiors you may even

In addition, wall coverings or wallpaper is yet another treatment to give the walls character and to help shape the interior style of any project. There is a wide variety of wall covering based on historical documents, florals, stripes, trellises, faux bois, geometric patterns, murals and contemporary designs based on paint techniques. There are also textural wallpapers, which represent cork, wood, fabrics and grass cloth and beaded wall coverings worthy of the most exquisite ball gowns.

Technology is making way into wall coverings with illuminated fibers, which can give your walls a lightshow.

Finally, the latest advancements in walls are stone veneers. These veneers are laser cut and so thin that you can wrap almost any surface, curved or complex geometry to give the impression that they are made of solid stone. The benefit of these veneers as opposed to using slab materials is that they are malleable to any shape, translucent and ultra-light.

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

him to his new setup beforehand.

--Exercise your dog the day of the party. A good, solid workout will tire your dog and help him to feel relaxed and content even amid the chaos.

--Keep candles out of tail’s reach.

--Keep party snacks, especially sweets, out of snout’s reach.

--And don’t let anyone get your dog drunk. It’s not as fun as the frat boys say, and you might end up spending more time tending to your sick dog than to your guests.

Remember, you’re the party animal. He’s the actual animal -- and probably the only member of your circle who’s hoping not to get an invite.

Happy New Year!

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.

6

Security. Can you clarify this for me?

Security ever be repaid?

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Questions and 6 Answers

My columns are usually focused on one theme or topic. But every once in a while, I like to just dig into my email inbox and pull out random questions. Here are six for today.

Q: I was married to my ex for 23 years. Of course, I worked all of those years. But I also worked and paid into Social Security for about 10 years before we were married. Since we divorced five years ago, I have continued to work and pay Social Security taxes. I expect my ex-wife to claim benefits on my record. Will that benefit be based on just the 23 years we were married? Or will it be based on my entire earnings history?

A: IF your ex will be due any benefits on your record, they will be based on your entire earnings history. But you’ll notice that’s a big IF. She wouldn’t get anything on your account if she has remarried or if she has worked and her own benefit is higher than the smaller spousal rate she’d be due from you.

Q: Since I was 65, I have been on Medicare and have been paying my Part B premiums quarterly based on bills I get from Social Security. But I will be turning 67 soon and plan to apply for my Social Security then. From that point on, my Part B premium will be deducted from my Social Security checks. I am wondering what to do in this transition period. Should I pay my next quarterly bill? Or should I just let the premiums come out of my checks?

A: Millions of people each year go through what you will be going through. There is always some overlap in this transition period, but after a few months, it all gets reconciled. To be safe, it would be best if you just pay the premiums you are billed for. If they also deduct premiums from your Social Security check for the same month (or months), they will reimburse you. But as I said, it always takes a couple months to work out and for you to get reimbursed.

Q: When my father died several years ago, my mother got the $255 one-time death benefit (in addition to ongoing monthly widow’s benefits). However, when my mom recently died, we inquired about the $255 death payment and were told we were not due anything. Can you explain why not?

A: The law says that the miserly one-time death benefit can only be paid to a spouse (or to minor children). Assuming you and your siblings are grownups and assuming your mom hadn’t remarried after your father died, then there was no husband eligible for the $255 payment.

Q: I will be turning 62 in June 2025 and plan to file for Social Security at that point. I will be working full time until the end of May and will probably make about $40,000 until then. But after that, my earnings will be nil. I heard there is a $22,000 earnings limit. I assume that begins in June, after I go on Social

A: You don’t have it quite right. First of all, the earnings limit will be $23,400 in 2025. And second, that limit applies to the whole year, not just to the months after you apply for Social Security. But there is a special “first year of retirement rule” that, in a nutshell, says that even if your earnings exceed the annual limit, you can get a Social Security check for any month you’re not working.

Those rules are way too complicated to explain in this column. So I suggest you go to Amazon or other booksellers and spend 15 bucks and get my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” One of the chapters in the book explains the earnings penalty rules and the special rules for the first year of retirement. It will answer all your questions.

Q: For a variety of reasons, I am planning to take my Social Security when I turn 62 next year. My wife, who has been a homemaker all of the 50 years we have been married, is older than me. She is 67. When I file for benefits, will she get half of my age 62 benefit? Even though I’m younger, I expect to die before she does. So what will her widow’s benefits be?

A: When you retire, even though you will get a reduced retirement benefit, your wife’s spousal benefit will be 50% of your full retirement age rate. That’s the good news. The bad news is that part of the reduction you took by filing for early benefits will carry over to her eventual widow’s benefits. Assuming you do file at age 62, you will be getting an amount equal to 70% of your full retirement age benefit rate. But a widow is guaranteed at least 82.5% of your FRA benefit. In other words, when you die, she’ll get your benefit rate with an extra 12.5% added on.

Q: Will the money stolen from Social

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

2. Which Old Testament prophet said the most about the birth of Christ? a) Isaiah b) Daniel c) Ezekiel d) Jeremiah

3. From Matthew 1:18, when Mary became pregnant, she and Joseph were... a) Married b) Engaged c) Acquaintences d) Strangers

4. In Luke 2:8-11, how did the shepherds learn of Christ's birth? a) Magi b) Saw a star c) Angels appeared d) All experienced the same dream

5. Where did the wise men go first when they arrived in the Holy Land? a) Hebron b) Jerusalem c) Nazareth d) Bethlehem

6. What does the Bible record as to when Jesus was born? a) Late September b) Late December c) March 20 d) Bible does not say

(Answers on page 16)

comments or more

Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com

A: It’s an urban myth that money has been stolen from Social Security’s trust funds. Every nickel ever collected in Social Security taxes has been invested in U.S. treasury notes. And those notes have always been redeemed to pay Social Security benefits while earning the prevailing rates of interest. But explaining the financing of Social Security is WAY more than I can do in today’s column. Once again, I suggest you check out “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.”

* * *

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easyto-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

Semaglutide Assists With Weight Gain Caused by Antipsychotics

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was wondering whether Ozempic might be prescribed for somebody who gained weight due to antipsychotics or drugs for depression. I read some years ago that the weight gain associated with antipsychotics had something to do with blood sugar levels (or some other metabolic reason). -- K.

ANSWER: You are quite right that many medications, including some antipsychotic and antidepressant medicines, are commonly associated with weight gain. There are many mechanisms at work here, but the blood sugar increase is probably secondary to the weight gain, rather than the other way around. Some medicines are worse than others, so a wise prescriber chooses the least-harmful option when possible. But sometimes the only medication that works for a mental health issue does cause weight gain.

For decades, psychiatrists and others have prescribed metformin to help with weight gain due to medications. It’s certainly better than nothing, but you are right that semaglutide (Ozempic when prescribed for diagnosed diabetes and Wegovy when prescribed for weight loss) will be more effective. A 2023 study showed that semaglutide was effective for people who gained weight due to psychiatric drugs and did not respond to metformin.

Getting insurance companies to cover these expensive medications is often the biggest barrier. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: You recently wrote about colitis, aka inflammation of the colon. Could you please explain how to treat and prevent it? -- M.C.

ANSWER: “Colitis” does mean inflammation of the colon, but it isn’t just one disease. It’s a finding that is associated with many diseases, so treatment depends on the exact cause. Colitis can be due to infection. Diseases like diverticulitis and gastroenteritis are inflammatory due to the presence of a pathogen. A pathogen is an unhealthy germ in the colon that leads to symptoms such as fever and diarrhea. Often these infections do not need antibiotics, just support until the body gets rid of the infection itself. Other infections are more serious, like Clostridioides difficile (“C. diff”), which is lifethreatening and requires powerful treatment.

Microscopic colitis diseases are unusual

and possibly autoimmune. They are sometimes triggered by medications and treated with antiinflammatory medicines such as budesonide.

The underlying cause of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) still isn’t well-understood. Although anti-inflammatory medicines like steroids still form part of the treatment for IBD, current treatment uses biological agents to target molecules that form part of the disease response -- without the long-term toxicity of steroids.

There are many other causes of colitis. Treatment is highly variable, and prevention isn’t always possible. Still, a healthy diet with a large variety of foods, especially plants, will help keep your colon in the best shape to ward off infections. It’s much easier to get an infection after antibiotics, for example, since the healthy bacteria are largely killed off.

I do not recommend probiotics in healthy people. Your microbiome -- the “suite” of bacteria, viruses and other microbes that live in your gut -- respond better to a good diet than a large number of limited bacteria. There is almost no evidence of benefit when it comes to probiotics in healthy people.

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.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Mistakes in PACT Act Claims

It seems that when there are new rules and regulations to be followed, the Department of Veterans Affairs often needs time to get caught up and understand new procedures. The Office of Inspector General for the VA investigated whether veterans were given the correct benefits after the PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxin exposure.

The news isn’t good. What the OIG found was that service-connected claims were improperly handled before they were denied.

Processing staff made several errors as they handled the claims. They asked for medical opinions to see if there were service connections even though the PACT Act clearly designated certain illnesses as service connected. Staff asked for exams that weren’t warranted, which delayed the processing of claims. Staff also made their decisions after examinations resulted in inconsistent results.

by Freddie Groves

OIG investigators found that two veterans were denied $56,700 in claims after their service connections were denied. The OIG discovered that there was $1.4 million in costs (for a sixmonth period) for exams and medical opinions that weren’t necessary and 870 potential benefitsrelated errors. It seems that staff didn’t understand that presumptives don’t need a medical opinion after it’s already been established that a veteran was in a certain location at a certain time. Mistakenly denying conditions covered under the PACT Act wasn’t the only Act-related snarl. Under the PACT Act, survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or from service-related illness who’d had their expanded toxic exposure claims denied were allowed to refile and receive retroactive benefits. Survivors due benefits under Dependency and Indemnity Compensation didn’t receive the correct payments when they refiled.

The OIG investigated two groups of claims over a six-month period: those that were refiled and denied a second time and those that were refiled and approved. Processing staff didn’t have a clear understanding of how to do the math, it seems, resulting in $33 million of underpayments to survivors.

If you’re filing under the PACT Act, keep an eye on what’s going on -- and ask a lot of questions.

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

Be Wary of Winter Heart Attacks

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I’ve heard that people with heart problems need to be extra careful during the winter months because heart attacks are much more common during cold seasons. I live in a state that usually has cold winters, and that concerns me. What can you tell me about this? -- Alan with A-Fib

Dear Alan: Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but many don’t know that it’s also the prime season for heart attacks too, especially if you already have a heart condition or have suffered a previous heart attack. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you protect yourself:

In the U.S., the risk of having a heart attack during the winter months is twice as high as it is during the summertime. Why? There are a number of factors, and they’re not all linked to cold weather. Even people who live in warm climates have an increased risk. Here are some facts you need to pay extra attention to this winter regardless of where you live.

Cold temperatures:

When a person gets cold, the body responds by constricting the blood vessels to help the body maintain heat. This causes blood pressure to go up and makes the heart work harder. Cold temperatures can also increase levels of certain proteins that can thicken the blood and increase the risk for blood clots. So, stay warm this winter and when you do have to go outside, make sure you bundle up in layers with gloves and a hat, and place a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up the air before you breathe it in.

Snow shoveling:

Studies have shown that heart attack rates jump dramatically in the first few days after a major snowstorm, usually a result of snow shoveling. Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity that raises blood pressure and stresses

the heart. Combine those factors with cold temperatures and the risks for heart attack surges. If your sidewalk or driveway needs shoveling this winter, hire a neighborhood kid to do it for you, or use a snow blower. Or, if you must shovel, push rather than lift the snow as much as possible, stay warm, and take frequent breaks.

Strenuous exercising:

Every January 1st, millions of people join gyms or start exercise programs as part of their New Year’s resolution to boost their cardio rate and get themselves in better shape. While these intentions may be a good goal, many well-intended seniors will overexert themselves far too soon. If you’re starting a new exercise program this winter, take the precaution of talking to your doctor about what types and how much exercise may be appropriate for you.

Winter weight gain:

People tend to eat and drink more and gain more weight during the holiday season and during the winter months. All of these factors add stress to the heart and are very risky for someone with any form of heart disease. So, keep a watchful eye on your weight and diet this winter and avoid binging on fatty foods and alcohol.

Shorter days:

Less daylight in the winter months can be a very real factor causing many people to develop “seasonal affective disorder” or "SAD". It is a proven wintertime depression condition that causes stress on the heart. Studies have focused on heart attack patients and found they usually have lower levels of vitamin D (which comes from sunlight) than people with healthy hearts. In order to boost your vitamin D this winter, consider taking a supplement that contains between 1,000 and 2,000 international units (IU) per day.

Flu season:

Studies also show that people who get flu shots will have a lower heart attack risk. It’s known that the inflammatory reaction set off by a flu infection can increase blood clotting which can lead to heart attacks in vulnerable people. If you haven’t already done so this year, get a flu shot for protection. And, if you’ve never been

show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. vaccinated for RSV or pneumococcal pneumonia, you should consider getting these vaccines as well. It's far better to be safe than sorry.

Enjoy Tidbits with a Friend!

Porcelain figures were produced by several Germany porcelain factories. As demand grew for O’Neill’s Kewpies, myriad images were made that included paper dolls, banks, soaps, prints, celluloid and composition dolls, post cards, and salt and pepper shakers.

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Whimsical Winged Kewpie Captures Hearts

Q: I have been reading your column for years and have a question for you. Enclosed is a photo of a porcelain Kewpie doll that was given to me in 1950 by my greatgreat-aunt. She told me she got it in the 1920s.

Marked on its back is the name “Rose O’Neill” and it is in perfect condition. It is approximately 7 inches tall, has yellow hair, blue wings, rosy cheeks and toes. I have treasured my Kewpie all this time and want to give it to my granddaughter. Anything you can tell me about it will be appreciated.

A: Rose O’Neill created the Kewpie image in 1912 as illustrations for the Ladies’ Home Journal. She was an artist, illustrator, author and sculptor. She quickly realized the commercial value of her popular imp.

Puzzle Solutions

It appears as though this staged satire has already commenced. I guess I'm late to the parody.

(Go Figure puzzle will resume next week)

Your doll’s rosy cheeks, toes, eyes glancing askance to the side, starfish hands and little blue wings are typical of the lovable scamp. Some dolls had movable limbs. Kewpie even had a companion, Doodle Dog. Kewpies continue to be made today. Your circa 1920 Kewpie would probably be worth $175 to $250. ***

Q: This mark is on the back of an oval porcelain platter I have. About 70 years ago, it was left at my parent’s home after a party, no one ever came back to claim it.

It is decorated with sprigs of pink flowers against a white background and trimmed in gold. The overall measurements are 12 inches by 9 inches. I have never used it, and it is in excellent condition.

I was curious to know if you can tell me whether it has any value.

A: Theodore Haviland used the mark you provided. His porcelain factory was established in 1925 in Limoges, France and is still in business. Your platter was made around 1930 and has a value of $75 to $100.

* * *

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers.

* On Dec. 23, 1982, Chaminade University of Honolulu, a school with only 900 students, beat the top-ranked University of Virginia by a mere five points in one of the most stunning upsets in American basketball history. As ESPN’s Chris Berman remarked, “We can’t tell you what happened, but the No. 1 team in college basketball has lost to -- we don’t even know who they are!”

* On Dec. 24, 1851, a fire at the Lbrary of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroyed approximately two-thirds of its 55,000 volumes, including most of Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.

* On Dec. 25, 1962, the film adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” opened in Los Angeles. It was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, and the American Film Institute rated lead character Atticus Finch as the greatest movie hero of the 20th century.

* On Dec. 26, 1820, Moses Austin, a merchant turned mine owner, met with Spanish authorities in San Antonio to ask permission for 300 Anglo-American families to settle in Texas, in the hope of recovering from bankruptcy via the establishment of a new colony. His request was approved, but he died before he could carry it out, so the task was completed by his son, with more than 20,000 arrivals eventually succeeding in making Texas an independent state.

* On Dec. 27, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered his secretary of war to seize properties belonging to the Montgomery Ward company after it refused to comply with a labor agreement, announcing that the government would “not tolerate any interference with war production in this critical hour.”

* On Dec. 28, 1908, the worst earthquake in recorded European history struck the Straits of Messina in southern Italy, leveling the cities of Messina and Reggio di Calabria and ultimately causing the deaths of an estimated 100,000 people.

* On Dec. 29, 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four of King Henry II’s knights, apparently on his orders. Four years later, Henry was forced to do penance at Becket’s tomb, and his efforts to end the separation between church and state came to an end.

"Okay, here's the play. Janskowzki, I'll pass to you down the sideline next to that cameraman with the yellow hat, and you flatten him as hard as you can. He's the jerk who held the live shot on me picking my nose in front of 20 million viewers!"

Theodore Haviland China was founded in Limoges, France, in 1925.

Bread: from page 3

seed stock and creating new, improved wheat hybrids. In this way, Mexico’s wheat harvest was six times greater in 1963 than it had been in 1944. India’s wheat production doubled, making it one of the biggest wheat producers in the world. In Britain, yields rose from 2.27 tons per 100 acres in 1935, to 7.71 tons per 100 acres in 1984

• Bread slicing became the norm in 1923, with the invention of automated slicers where numerous blades cut in opposite directions to avoid crushing the loaf. In 1923, bread wrappers were added, generally made out of waxed paper which was heat sealed.

• By 1930, about 80% of bread sold in the U.S. was sliced and wrapped. Today, about three fourths of bread produced is sold pre-sliced, and virtually 100% is sold wrapped.

• By now bread was whiter, cheaper, and unadulterated. However, when Sylvester Graham (now remembered for the Graham cracker) began advocating whole-grain products, brown bread came into fashion and white bread began to fall out of favor.

• The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s was instrumental in changing public opinion regarding the value of whole-grain brown bread. Studies revealed that the wheat germ, which was the part of the grain that was being polished off and thrown away, contained the most vitamins. Whole meal flour, which is rich in fiber, iron, protein, fatty acids, and vitamins, soon came into favor.

• Between 2000 and 2004, sales of premium crusty specialty whole-grain brown breads increased by 46% while sales of white bread declined.

• Though consumption of bread held steady at the rate of one pound per person per day throughout the 1800s, it fell to about four ounces per day by the year 2000, primarily because other foods –fruits, vegetables, and meats – became readily available and easily affordable. 

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Soft Arms

Many golfers have a false belief that the lead arm must be straight or locked throughout the golf swing. In an attempt to keep the lead arm rigid, excessive tension in the hands and shoulders usually results. Some of the world’s best players have a bent lead arm in the backswing such as major champions Angel Cabrera, Darren Clarke, and Geoff Ogilvy. By allowing the lead arm to be “softer”, you’ll be able to create a freer swinging motion and more clubhead speed.

Hale Irwin used a simple drill with his feet together, partial swings, and an attempt to keep the arms soft as a staple in his practice routine.

By keeping the feet together, it promotes more of an arm and hand swing with little concern for body weight shift. Try hitting balls with this set-up and be sure to:

1. Tee the ball up slightly like a par 3 tee shot. Makes it easier to have contact success.