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Thursday, January 7, 2021

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Volume 67 | Number 19

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THE DESERT MOBILE HOME NEWS CELEBRATING THE DESERT COMMUNITIES FOR 65 YEARS

Encounter Mental Amusements Dezart Performs presents an online, live-streaming virtual journey through the mind with mentalist Vinny DePonto

ezart Performs wants to know what you’re thinking – and with Mental Amusements performed by internationally acclaimed Vinny DePonto, they will! Known to legions of fans from his Off-Broadway, pre-COVID performances, DePonto presents this online, live-streaming experience January 13 – 31, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm (PST) and Sundays at 4pm (PST). At-home viewers have the option to participate interactively in the show when they purchase a Front Row Experience ticket. Or, they can sit back, relax and watch the performance with a General Viewing Experience ticket. “Vinny’s’ virtual interactive show has been wowing people all over the world for the last few months,” said Dezart Performs

Founding Artistic Director Michael Shaw. “As soon as I saw it, I thought this was a unique and amazing journey that I wanted to share with our audience.” Designed exclusively for the virtual stage as an interactive livestreamed event, Mental Amusements uses a combination of psychological tricks, illusion, visual art, and immersive storytelling to astonish audiences with DePonto’s mind-boggling skills. The show runs approximately 60 minutes. Front Row Experience tickets, priced at $54 per household, put audiences right into the action, participating in the show and having their minds read. General Viewing Experience tickets, priced at $39 per household, allow viewers to watch, without being seen or heard. Tickets are available now at dezartperforms.org.

1. U.S. PRESIDENTS: The poem “O Captain! My Captain!” was written after the death of which president? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the weight of a U.S. quarter? 3. MOVIES: What was the name of the skyscraper in the drama “Die Hard”? 4. TELEVISION: What city was the setting for the sitcom “Mork and Mindy”? 5. SCIENCE: What is the study of knowledge, reality and existence called? 6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male blue crabs called?

Sit back, relax and watch the ‘Stay at home virtual family film fest’ The S.C.R.A.P Gallery is inviting the whole family to explore the world from the comfort of home. The film festival features a selected variety of features and short filmes, such as the animated tv special of The Lorax, The Sand

Castle, Littlebugs, Novo Amor Birthplace, Jack and the Beanstalk plus more. Families are welcomed to watch the films for free. To stream the films visit scrapgallery.org/virtual-film-festival

• In 2015, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield released the first ever album recorded entirely in space, titled “Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can.”

• The first hoop skirt was worn by Queen Juana of Portugal, in a bid to hide the fact she was pregnant.

• The oldest known customer service complaint was written on a clay cuneiform tablet in Mesopotamia 4,000 years ago. In it, a customer named Nanni complains that he was sold inferior copper ingots.

• Russia only classified beer as an alcoholic drink in 2011.

• A person with geomelophagia has the urge to eat raw potatoes.

• Greenland sharks don’t reach puberty until they are 150 years old.

In This Issue

Covid Hits Our Wallets...........................2 Health Benefits of Four Teas.................5 Classifieds............................................7 BNP Paribas Open Update....................8

7. GEOGRAPHY: What is the highest point in Japan? 8. FOOD & DRINK: The acai berry is native to which continent? 9. LITERATURE: Who wrote the “Winnie-the-Pooh” book series for children? 10. MEASUREMENTS: What is an angstrom?

Novo Amor - Birthplace

• In 1984, New Zealand Prime Minister Robert Muldoon got drunk and decided to spontaneously call a general election, which he lost. • Late in his life, Guglielmo Marconi believed no sound ever dies completely. He dreamed of building a device strong enough to pick up the actual words of Jesus at the “Sermon on the Mount.” • In the late 1800s in Corinne, Utah, you could buy legal divorce papers from a vending machine for $2.50. (c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

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January 7, 2021

WORD SEARCH COVID Hits Our Wallets

ANSWER TO WORD SEARCH ON PAGE 6

BOARD

FROSTBITE

SKATING

BUNDLED

FROSTY

SKIING

CHILLY

GUSTS

SLED

COAT

HOCKEY

SNOW

DOWNHILL

ICE

TUBE

DRIFT

MITTENS

WARMTH

FLUFFY

SCARF

WINTER

FLURRIES

SHOVEL

WONDERLAND

ANSWER ON PAGE 6

Staff Cindy Melland Publisher Kimberly Brucks Advertising Manager KBrucks@desertentertainer.com

Jose De La Cruz Senior Graphic Designer news@desertmobilehomenews.com

Serving 110 Mobile Manufactured Home and RV Parks in the Coachella, Morongo and Yucca Valley for 65 years. The Mobile Home News is a household tradition for the 55+ manufactured home park and RV Park population. Available at clubhouses and racks in manufactured home parks. Also available in many area businesses and senior centers. Businesses or private parties interested in advertising to the 55+ community please call 760-365-3315. Published Thursdays by Hi-Desert Publishing Company. News, photos or editorial submissions or story ideas should be sent to news@desertmobilehomenews.com All delivery issues should be directed to Ahkto Distribution at distribution@ahkto.com or call 760-459-4204

www.desertmobilehomenews.com desertmobilehomenews.com 760-365-3315

www.desertentertainer.com www.canadasouthmagazine.com

You can learn all kinds of things from surveys, and not all of them are good. A recent SimplyWise bi-monthly survey showed that 35% of seniors age 60 and older are willing to risk getting COVID in order to work. Of those who are over age 50, only 27% have put any money aside recently for retirement. Nearly half could not last one month off their savings. The number of people who plan to keep working after starting to collect Social Security benefits just keeps rising, up to 74% at the time of the survey. Due to finances, 17% of us are considering selling our homes. I scarcely know where to begin. Between seniors willing to risk getting COVID to keep working, seniors contemplating selling their homes and seniors not able to make it through even one month on savings -- it’s a dismal picture. My thoughts on how to cut back on expenses and save money during COVID seem inadequate, but here they are:

• Stop impulse online purchases that you make out of boredom. • Ask your auto insurance agent about discounts, since your driving is minimal now. • Double down on asking for senior discounts for everything. • Don’t buy any new clothes (or even a new winter coat) if you’re home all the time anyway. • Take your former entertainment budget (dinner and a movie out) and keep the cash. • If you’re signed up for video streaming services you rarely use, cut all but one. • Consider selling a second vehicle if it still has payments. • Make a ritual of studying the weekly grocery sales. None of these things alone will amount to much, but taken together they will keep more cash in your pocket. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc

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January 7, 2021

Hyper, Yelping Terrier Is Handful During Walks Dear Paw’s Corner: A have a wiry little terrier named “Chip” who is well-behaved inside. However, when it’s time for his daily walk, he begins barking nonstop by the door. When I take him outside on the leash, he keeps barking, and pulls hard on the leash. So much so that he almost hurts himself when the collar digs into his neck. Then he’ll yelp, as if I had hurt him. It’s embarrassing to walk with this hyper, yelping little dog. How can I get him to calm down? — Charity G., Albany, New York Dear Charity: An energetic dog can be frustrating to handle, but don’t

lose hope. You can work with Chip to improve his behavior. First, order Chip a properly sized halter online, and use this on walks. A halter will spread out the contact points across the stronger parts of his little body. This will prevent injury when Chip pulls against the leash. Halters also are much more comfortable; the uncomfortable collar may be stressing him out. I’d like you to look up a dog trainer in your area who specializes in small dogs, who can be little tornados on a good day. Many trainers are adapting their lessons to an online format, so you can meet with them at home over a conferencing app like Zoom or Google Meet. While you’re waiting for that first session, start working on reinforcing Chip’s basic behavioral training. Work with him at home on the commands “come,” “sit,” “stay” and “lie down.” During walks, work with him on “heel,” “sit” and “stay.” These training sessions also will help Chip work off some of that energy, and he’ll be thrilled with all the attention he’s getting, too. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc

COVID-19 Financial Aid Hotline now available for local businesses The City of Palm Springs would like to advise members of our local business community impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that assistance completing the application for federal PPP and the state’s Small Business Grant Relief Program is now available from the City’s new COVID-19 Financial Aid Hotline at (760) 323-8273 or via email at PSAdvisor@palmspringsca.gov. The hotline will operate seven

days a week and callers will receive a response within 24 hours, if not sooner. “The goal of this new hotline is to provide assistance to any business struggling to complete the application process during this difficult time,” said Jay Virata, the City’s director of Community & Economic Development. “We encourage anyone in need of help or advice to reach out and we will be ready and able to assist.

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CROSSWORD

ANSWER TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 6

ACROSS 1. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 5. 2014 Winter Olympics host 10. Soft fabric 12. Covered in flowers 14. Works at a college or university 16. Keeps us cool 18. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 19. Similar 20. Birthplace of Muhammad 22. They __ 23. Preamble to a book 25. Southern China people 26. Hair product 27. The woman

28. Partner to cheese 30. One point north of due east 31. Round Dutch cheese 33. Be in awe of 35. Christmas song 37. Emits coherent radiation 38. Something that is comparable to another 40. Monetary unit 41. The cutting part of a drill 42. Resinlike substance secreted by certain insects 44. Touch lightly 45. Toyota SUV 48. __ and Andy, TV show 50. Made less dangerous 52. Assets under management (abbr.)

53. Nostrils 55. Moved quickly 56. Thai isthmus 57. TV personality Roker 58. Honors anew 63. Rags 65. One who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain or others 66. Marketplaces 67. Dark brown or black

DOWN 1. Nowhere to be found (abbr.) 2. Not new 3. Brew 4. Stain with mud 5. Chief or leader 6. Luke Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 7. Type of sauce

8. Sharpens 9. Priestess loved by Zeus 10. Jean Henri __, French entomologist 11. Regulates supply of fuel 13. Disturbing and horrifying 15. Equal (prefix) 17. Hosts film festival 18. Tattered piece of clothing 21. Rich desserts 23. Unique motor (abbr.) 24. Disfigure 27. Chemical substance 29. Slang for famous person 32. Department of Labor 34. The A-team rode around in one 35. Beach cabin 36. Living things 39. Gun (slang) 40. Disconsolate 43. Stroke gently 44. Actress Richards 46. “Cletus Hogg” actor 47. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 49. Brazilian mountain range 51. Upset 54. One with supernatural insight 59. Insecticide 60. Taxi 61. “Much __ about nothing” 62. Cannister 64. Popular clothing retailer

SUDOKU

• J.P. in New Jersey advises that instead of using candles during a power outage -- it can be dangerous! — try a battery-operated lantern instead. You can even use solar garden lights in a vase. You’d be surprised how much they can light a room.

• “To trick yourself into saving money, round up purchases when you enter them into your checkbook register.” — S.W. in Arkansas • Got a neckache? Grab a pair of long socks, fill each with 2 cups of uncooked white rice and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Knot the sock tightly to seal. Microwave for up to 2 minutes, and test temperature before draping it over your shoulders to apply heat to sore muscles. It’s so nice, especially when you’re laying down.

• “If you’re storing clothes in a storage tote, put a sheet of fabric softener in as well. It can help repel bugs and keep the fabrics smelling fresh.” — M.W. in Iowa • “Spray nonwashable plush toys with dry shampoo to clean and freshen them. Rub vigorously with a terry cloth to remove any extra residue and fluff up!” — P.H. in Pennsylvania Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Aged whiskey Nick Drummond and Patrick Bakker had just purchased a 105-yearold house in the town of Ames, N.Y. And when they started do-ityourself repairs on their fixer-upper they made a cheerful discovery, says the Association of Mature American Citizens. As they began removing some rotted wooden skirting from the home’s mudroom out fell a bottle of booze. It was not just an ordinary bottle of whiskey; it was a hundred-year-old bottle of prohibition-era hootch. It prompted them to do a more thorough search that turned up a total of about 100 bottles, their labels declaring that it was the real thing:

blended scotch whiskey distilled in Scotland. It seems the original owner of the house was a “rumrunner.” Their plan is to put them up for auction, hopefully after they’ve had a sip or two. The Association of Mature American Citizens [www.amac.us] provides the Filler Files as a service on issues of concern to Americans over 50.

ANSWER TO SUDOKU ON PAGE6

Brain Teaser

I have no voice, yet I speak to you. I tell of all things in the world that people do.I have leaves, but I am not a tree.I have pages, but I am not a bride.I have a spine, but I am not a man.I have hinges, but I am not a door.I have told you all. I cannot tell you more.What am I? See Answer on page 6

// January 7, 2021

ANSWER ON PAGE 6

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January 7, 2021

The health benefits of four popular teas Smashed Avocado Toast With Egg • 1 ripe avocado • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • Kosher salt and pepper • 4 slices bread, toasted • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced • 1 bunch small multicolored radishes, thinly sliced • Chopped fresh chives and sesame seeds, for serving 1. In medium bowl, smash avocado with lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

2. Spread on toast and top with eggs and radishes and sprinkle with chives and sesame seeds. TIP: You could also add a fried or poached egg, or top it off with crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, or even a drizzle of pesto. (c) 2021 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

When in need of a beverage to warm them up, billions of people across the globe routinely look to tea. That choice has been made since ancient times, as various historians trace the habitual consumption of tea to ancient China. Anything that has survived since ancient times no doubt has some good qualities, and tea is no exception. According to Penn Medicine, various types of tea each provide their own unique health benefits, some of which may surprise even the most devoted tea drinkers. 1. White tea A 2010 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that antioxidant-rich white tea boasts anti-carcinogenic properties. Penn Medicine also notes that white tea is a significant source of fluoride, catechins and tannins, ingredients that can strengthen teeth, improve their resistance to acid and sugar and fight plaque. 2. Chamomile tea Many people like drinking this herbal tea before bedtime because they feel it helps them fall asleep, and one study published in Molecular Medicine Reports in 2010 notes that chamomile tea is widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. Chamomile tea also has been shown to improve heart health. A 2015 study of 64 patients with diabetes published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation

found that those who consumed chamomile tea with meals had improved triglyceride and “bad” cholesterol levels compared to patients who drank water. 3. Peppermint tea The Mount Sinai Health System notes that peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile. Made from dried leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint tea can help to soothe an upset stomach and help people overcome conditions like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. 4. Green tea Green tea is loaded with flavonoids, which Penn Medicine notes improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting. In addition, the National Cancer Institute notes that the polyphenols in green tea may protect people against the damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation. One study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association also associated green tea consumption with a reduced risk of stroke. Tea has been consumed for millenia. Though many people drink tea simply for its taste, those same people may drink even more after learning about the effects this beloved beverage can have on their overall health.

ANSWER ON PAGE 6

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WordSearch Answer

CryptoQuote Answer

January 7, 2021

Crossword Answer

When a cartoonist gives a character way too many details, one might call it overdrawn.

Stickelers Answer 1-d, 2-e, 3-b, 4-a, 5-c

Inspirational Quote “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”

Sudoku Answer

Elie Wiesel

Go Figure Answer

Trivia Answers 1. Abraham Lincoln 2. 0.2 ounces 3. Nakatomi Plaza 4. Boulder, Colorado 5. Philosophy 6. Jimmies

7. Mount Fuji 8. South America 9. A.A. Milne 10. One ten-billionth of a meter, used to measure very small distances

Hitori Answer

Brain Teaser Answer A book.

Has the VA Called About Solid Start? Have you been separated from the service for less than a year? Did you receive your phone calls from the Department of Veterans Affairs? They will try to contact you at the 90, 180 and 365-day point. The reason: Solid Start. Solid Start is a program to ensure that newly separated veterans know what their benefits are. Some that you might have questions about are housing assistance, health care, home loans, pension

and employment. (Be sure you’ve updated contact info on eBenefits so they know how to find you.) Solid Start is more than just benefits info. Many of us have a tough time when we make the switch to civilian life. With so many changes, some of us don’t do well with all the upheaval to our lives. But you’re not alone. We’ve all made that trek. If the stress is too much, the VA can help there, too. Even if you haven’t signed up yet for VA health care, if you’re struggling, walk into any VA medical center, day or night, or a Vet Center clinic during open hours. Just walk in. Meanwhile, be sure you’re signed up for VA health care. Start by calling (1-877-222-8387) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. To learn more about Solid Start, go online to www.benefits. va.gov/transition/solid-start.asp

and scroll around. Don’t miss the Find Resources button. You’ll see links to medical centers, PTSD programs, benefits, substance disorder programs, all of it. If you get a call from 1-800-8270611, that’s the Solid Start folks. That’s also their hotline should you need help. Call them if you haven’t heard anything in the first 90 days. Just a heads up: When these VA reps call you, they won’t be asking for any financial info. If someone does, they’re fakes and thieves, so hang up. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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// January 7, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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January 7, 2021

BNP Paribas Open 2021 Update The BNP Paribas Open will not be held March 8-21, 2021 as originally scheduled. The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event. Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalized.

This decision was made after thorough consultation with state and local health authorities and tournament owner Larry Ellison. For more information visit bnpparibasopen.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Is it safe to donate blood during the pandemic? Donating blood is a selfless act that saves lives. Blood donors may recognize the vital role they play in patient care, but many may wonder if it’s safe to donate blood during the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe for anyone who is well to donate blood. That even goes for people who are social distancing due to COVID-19. The CDC has recommended various safety measures to ensure the safety of donors and donation center volunteers and staff members. Such measures include spacing donor chairs at least six

feet apart and encouraging donors to make donation appointments ahead of time. Appointments can ensure donors are not spending more time at the donation center than is absolutely necessary, reducing the likelihood that they have contact with someone who may have COVID-19 but not know it. In addition, the Red Cross notes it has instituted additional safety protocols, such as laundering blankets used by donors after each use and requiring all donors and donation center staff to wear face coverings or masks during the donation process.

Poop pirates Porch pirates come out of the woodwork during the holidays. They search for packages left on doorsteps, hoping to find valuables inside. So, a resident in one particularly hard-hit neighborhood in Hamilton, Ontario. The victim came up with a way to get back at the brazen thief or thieves, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. He

filled a box with cat poop, dressed it up as a delivery and set it up on her front porch. It was stolen within 45 minutes and the whole thing was caught on his front door video camera. The Association of Mature American Citizens [www.amac.us] provides the Filler Files as a service on issues of concern to Americans over 50.

ANSWER ON PAGE 6