SENIOR BEACON APRIL 2023

The three Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star, and Amaranth Chapters of Pueblo County are recognizing 14 “Outstanding Junior Achievement Awards” recipients. One boy and one girl were chosen to represent each of the seven public high schools in the Pueblo County area.

The program will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 126 Broadway, Pueblo, CO 81004. (Rear parking off Evans.)

Pueblo Lodge #17 will host the event, with W.M. Jerry Campbell presiding and serving as master of ceremonies.

The theme for this year’s program will be “People Who Change the World” with guest speaker: Mr. Jason Falsetto, student success coach and instructor for Advanced Academic Achievement at Pueblo Community College and the newly elected president of the Roselawn 1891 Company.

Recipients of the 2023, “Outstanding Junior Achievement Awards” are:

Centennial High:

Kylee Farrer, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Farrer

Evan Woodka-Kelly, son of Ms. Courtney Woodka Central High:

Grace Venn, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Venn

Joshua Sanchez, son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sanchez

East High:

Mickey Root, daughter of Mrs. Trisha Coulson & Mr. Daren Root

William Rivera, son of Ms. Georgia Rivera

South High:

Trista Crittenden, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Crittenden

Lane

Ryan Lane, son of Mr. & Mrs. Scott

Pueblo County High:

Katelynn Neal, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jason Neal

Santino Torri, son of Mr. Mario

Torri & Ms. Angela Torri

Pueblo West High:

Aleah Cruz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cruz

Philip Rasmussen, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ace Spriggs

Rye High:

Stephanie Bak, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kelly Bak

Brendan Gray, son of Mr. & Mrs. Preston Gray

PUEBLO, Colo. (2023) – Thirsty yet?

Pueblo’s favorite festival, Brew at the Zoo, is back for 2023. Craft beverages, live music, local gourmet street eats surrounded by some of the rarest animals on the planet. Proceeds from every ticket sold helps the Pueblo Zoo care for exotic and endangered animals locally and globally. Stroll through the event and find yourself inches from an African lion…or trying your hand at a feat of strength with an oak barrel. Brew at the Zoo will feature Colorado breweries and distilleries, live music, unique games, and local food trucks.

“Brew at the Zoo helps us highlight some of what's great in Colorado like local brews and spirits and the Pueblo Zoo! It also helps us demonstrate that zoos are not just for kids. There is so much for adults to enjoy and learn at the zoo. Hosting a festive event like Brew helps remind people of that while they are enjoying a

3 Actions to Take with Your Investments: Revisited

RONALD S. PHILLIPS

Author of two books, teacher & trusted columnist

a weak economy, we’re back to the markets actually dropping occasionally. The big question, though, is what will investors do and what will you do during these times?

ARE WE FAIR-WEATHER INVESTORS?

The markets have halted their nearnine year “super bull” run. Yet stocks, before Russia-Ukraine, started experiencing volatility and weakness and even (gasp) down days. Before the last year no amount of what’s normally bad news could derail this ride! It was extraordinary. Now, especially with international problems, domestic inflation, rising rates, and

The record-breaking returns started about a decade ago. We’ve made lots and lots of money. Why did we make big gobs of dough? In my opinion, there’s an unwritten understanding between investors and the markets. The market welcomes us on its rollercoaster ride and we agree to fasten-up and hang on tight until the ride stops. This ride is ownership in the capitalist system of profits and growth.

The last nine years the rollercoaster was an absolute kiddie ride with barely a move down. Even the bear market (remember those?) was barely a month long. A bear market! We’ve been riding steadily up and it’s easy to get comfortable and forget our agreement with the market: stay on the ride.

Or we can buy bonds and get decent returns and income. But how would we feel getting five percent for the year and someone’s stock is up 43 percent? Most folks wouldn’t have been happy with all bonds during this great market. We would have heard and seen our family and friends making buckets full of money. That’s out, too.

So being in the equity markets is important and, arguably, very essential,

even for retirees.

STAY IN THE MARKETS FOREVER?

The short answer is “yes.” In some way, most investors should be in the markets. Even more so now that we have rampant inflation. Stocks and real estate have historically been great at keeping up with inflation. But there are many ways to play this ride.

During a bull market growth leads the way. Things like tech, smaller companies, emerging markets and technologies, and more aggressive sectors tend to do well and even really well, often outperforming the market in general.

As things get tough different stock areas and different countries can take the lead.

IS THERE ANYTHING TO DO OR CHANGE?

The short answer is “yes.” There’re many things to change:

1.It’s smart to sell gains that you’ve experienced up until now. We don’t want to let the rollercoaster take away our money. If you’re sitting on profits, you might want to sell the gains and even keep the underlying investment for possible future growth.

2.For your stock exposure consider shifting a good chunk from growth to value. Things like consumer staples (think groceries and utilities), high-dividend stocks or funds, undervalued areas and sectors. This takes some research and thinking but it’s a known cycle. Growth switches with value as the leader in returns. Growth has had a long run and maybe value is up next. At least you should get higher income, which can offset volatility and downturns.

In general, we should all seek higher-then-average income from our investments. This can provide needed income, create a larger cash position over time for your portfolio, and help manage risk.

3. The third course is “safety soup.” Yes, a corny name, but maybe useful. I’ve “seen the light”…of very boring government bonds. In the past I barely recommended this asset class. But now I see the worth of U.S. Treasuries to potentially hold value in downturns. It’s not a guarantee that T-bonds and bills will go up when stock markets go down but it happens A LOT of the time.

With Fed rates still rising pay close attention to your bond maturities. This will need to be adjusted as the Fed rate moves or stops. Ask an expert if you’re not sure.

In the depths of the 2009 bear market, when the S&P 500 dropped almost in half (!) some of these Treasury funds were not just holding value but were up 30, 40 percent or more. In the recent 2020 bear market, and the past few months, these and similarly conservative investments held strong and even went up.

The “safety soup” part is just my mixture of various bonds. Maybe it’s some inflation bonds, short- and long-range T-bonds, and a few other ingredients. But this mix is now anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of client portfolios.

Again, no guarantees but these changes and pivots could help you smooth out the rollercoaster ride.

This article is for illustrative purposes only. Ron is not recommending any investment security for you but just trying to educate the community. INVESTMENTS CAN AND DO DROP IN VALUE; THEY HAVE NO BANK OR OTHER GUARANTEE. He is licensed and regulated by the great State of Colorado.

Ron Phillips is The Investment INCOME Advisor, a Pueblo, CO native, and an independent business owner. Order a free copy of his book Investing To Win by leaving a message at (719) 2203005. Visit RetireIQ. com or email RonPhillipsAdvisor@ gmail.com

“T

he roofing crew arrived promptly at 7 AM, got a quick tour of the rabbit herd in the garage, and went right to work. They're a hard-working bunch who completed the job in one day. The roof looks great! Thanks Daniel and Delany and the guys!” --Doug C., Pueblo

FROM THE CAVE

JAMES R. GRASSO Former Chief Cook & Bottle Washer

still in his or her mother's womb and the child or young person, or the adult and the elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he sees an impression of his own image and likeness (Gn 1:26) in each one."

Pope Francis spoke to a general audience on Oct. 10, 2018, at a Wednesday general audience, "Is it right to take a human life to solve a problem? It's like hiring a hitman."

The loss of a life from abortion, it's the saddest indictment of the human race. Snuffing out a totally innocent life. It's gruesome, this abortion procedure. What was printed above leaves much to ponder for everyone.

offensive to the other side but don't give a wit as to how it affects the people who actually lived through the "card" and vote for them.

St. Pope John Paul II "nailed it" when he wrote in his wonderful encyclical Evangelium Vitae, "We are confronted by an even larger reality, which can be described as a veritable structure of sin. This reality is characterized by the emergence of a culture which denies solidarity and in many cases takes the form of a veritable 'culture of death.' This culture is actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and political currents which encourage an idea of society excessively concerned with efficiency."

How about Pope Benedict who said in a 2006 address, "God's love does not differentiate between the newly conceived infant

I read about how Governor Josh Shapiro (D. Pa) signed an executive order that abolished degree requirements for most jobs in state government. He follows two Republican governors Spencer Cox of Iowa and Larry Hogan from Maryland, who made similar moves in their states last year. Requiring a four-year college degree excludes nearly two-thirds of American adults, rarely for any good reason. Meritocracy is not the same as having credentials. Thanks National Review.

Here's one for your perusal. In 2021, Democrats across the country were livid over a proposed voting law in Georgia that Joe Biden described as "Jim Crow 2.0" and "Jim Crow on steroids." Then in January of 2023 a University of Georgia poll found that exactly zero percent of black Georgia voters described their voting experience in 2022 as "poor." Both white and black Georgia voters (96%) described their experience as "good" or "excellent." Using Jim Crow in our time is ridiculous. Blacks, whites, purples and greens really should be offended by its usage just to stir up political rhetoric especially with a Joe Biden, who lived a good part of his life accepting that horrid Jim Crow era never leading the charge to abolish it for several decades of his political life. Politicians love to use "cards" which are

Getting older story: Here's one for the annals of history. Since my mid-40s, some 30 years ago (Yikes), I've had to use "cheaters" eyeglasses for reading purposes. That lasted some 20 years which were greeted by 1.00 power cheaters and gradually moved to 2.75s! This coincided with the obligatory floaters that seemed to become cataracts, which led to surgery (easiest of my life). Oh, before the surgery, I spent a few years buying more and more powerful eyeglasses and frames as my eyesight deteriorated. The problem with cataract surgery is that you have to choose which kind of sight you want to have: the ability to see distance or the ability to, well, read. I took the ability to see distance because I like to drive and see scenery and maybe an off-leash dog while I'm walking or the occasional mountain lion or bear roaming the prairie/ foothills in which we live. So, about 6 or 7 years ago I was back to buying cheaters.

Okay, stay with me now because I like to roam. I call myself "crow" because like the bird I get distracted easily by shiny, or new things or ideas. It forces me to do quite a bit of extra walking which I hear is good for me. For instance, I'll get up from the t.v. or dining table to go to my room to get a bottle of water. In the 25 feet I have to traverse to get to my room I tell myself water, then when I get to the threshold of said room my mind goes blank and I come out with 2 or 3 things BUT not the bottle of water! This happens as many as three times before I get so angry with myself that I finally get that bottle of water. It happens constantly.

Now, wrapping up the two trends of thought, I'm outside moving hoses around getting ready for spring grass duty (yep, I use water for grass..... without moisture going into the air how do we get rain?...... plus I like

the color green, with blue sky). So, I have the cheaters perched on my head as I'm moving the hose into place when lo and behold a limb from our beautiful locust tree that attracts all sorts of birds, especially owls who occasionally like to dine on Asian doves who are pretty but too noisy and prolific. See, crow!?

Anyway this limb grabs my perched glasses off my head and they flop on the ground which needs to be raked because of leaves and other dead vegetation that would have been dispatched by now if we didn't have to deal with some 25,000 tumbleweeds (no exaggeration). I finish placing the sprinkler and then search for the glasses. Did I tell you about my penchant for misplacing things, some actually go into the vortex? The crow strikes again! Maybe I'll write about that next month.

After searching for several minutes and not finding the glasses which I need to finish this rant, I get a rake and try to find them by spreading the detritus about to free them from their captivity. Still can't find those dang glasses. So, desperate, I fetch my wife to use her superpower which is finding my lost stuff about 90% of the time! Sure enough, she walks out, I show her the general area and she finds them within 5 seconds. I knew that would happen. Should have called for her immediately. Wish I had a superpower.

I guess you can call me James Crow, not to be confused with the above mentioned Jim Crow.

Don't forget my offer to you. Contact me at SRbeacon@gmail.com to receive your free, no strings attached sure-fire way to make heaven Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet pamphlet spoken by Christ Himself to a young nun from Poland. It will change your life. Just prayers, nothing more. See for yourself.

Godspeed to you and yours. Happy Spring.

S R D A MEALS ON WHEELS MENU April-2023

Please remember SRDA in your planned giving. Your legacy lives on, our mission continues at Meals on Wheels.

* In order to prevent waste, we are on a Reservation System.

* Please call the day before or the morning of, before 9:00 A.M, to CANCEL your Meal

* IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Numbers in parentheses next to each meal item indicate the number of carbohydrates in grams for that item.

* YOU MUST BE HOME TO RECEIVE YOUR MEAL!!!

Consumers attending the congregate meal sites shall be advised and informed to keep a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water in case of inclement weather or other emergency that causes a temporary suspension of services. If feasible and determined by the Area Agency on Aging in their area plan, emergency meal packages may be provided.

its aspects,

the secret of great creative people.

-Leo Burnett

‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

“THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO. . . A WORM?”

You know that old saying, you learn something new every day? Well, have I got a story for you! Okay, so maybe you know this already. I didn’t, so please humor me. Until a couple of weeks ago, I knew nothing about a tola’ath, towla, crimson worm or scarlet grub or the scientific name, 'coccus ilicis.' I

have surely read Psalm 22 a gazillion times and never questioned why Jesus would refer to Himself as a worm. Clearly Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm, prophesying Christ’s crucifixion. Some call it the Psalm of Sobs. This Psalm was written one thousand years before the birth of Christ. Jesus told us in John 14:29 why we are given prophecy. “I am telling you what is going to happen (prophecy), so when it does happen, you will remember I told you and believe that I AM.” (My paraphrase.)

When we consider the magnitude and magnificence of God’s creation how can one not be stricken with awe. I have a friend who was an atheist until one day when he was eating an orange and began to examine its construction. As he pulled apart each section and studied the tiny pods inside, it occurred to him that an orange couldn’t have just happened. There had to be a Creator to make the orange. He was transformed by examining an orange. “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number - living things both large and small” (Psalm 104:24-25).

God’s creativity is beyond human understanding. Which brings me to the tola’ath, the Crimson worm or Scarlet grub and Psalm 22: Again, written 1,000 years

before Christ’s birth, the Psalmist wrote the entire Psalm prophetically, however, for now, let’s look at verses 6 and 7. “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” Nearly every mention of a worm in the Bible is speaking of a rimmah which means maggot. This was not the worm the prophecy speaks of here, but the tola’ath, the Crimson worm or Scarlet grub. The tola’ath, a very special worm, is more of an insect than a worm. The male tola’ath has wings and flies, while the female looks more like a grub and cannot fly.

The amazing symbolism here is a beautiful illustration of the sacrifice Jesus would make for mankind and God has woven the message into nature, specifically here, in the life death of the tola’ath worm. When the female is ready to produce her young, she fastens herself to a tree or branch. She prefers a particular type of oak tree found mostly in Israel. Her body is fastened so tightly to the tree, she can never get loose. Jesus died on a wooden cross to which He had voluntarily nailed Himself. Love would not let Him off the cross. “And when they came to the place called Skull, they crucified Him there” (Luke 23:33).

The mother crimson worm only has babies once in her life. After she attaches herself to the tree, she forms a steel hard shell around her body. She is so permanently stuck to the wood, she cannot be removed without tearing her body apart, which would kill her. She lays her eggs under her body inside the protective shell. When the larva hatch they are white and they stay under the shell where they are protected. The mother provides their food, her own body. The baby worms feed on the living body of the mother worm. When they can take care of themselves, the mother worm dies. As she dies, she curls into a heart-like shape and oozes a scarlet red dye that colors the babies and stains the wood she is attached to.

The babies are scarlet red for the rest of their lives.

“Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:53-59 NKJV).

After three days, the scarlet shell loses its red color and turns into a white waxy substance that falls to the ground like snow. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NLT).

Some theologians believe that Jesus quoted all of Psalm 22 from the cross. There are no records that I can find but it certainly seems likely. The likeness of Jesus giving up His life on a tree in order to wash His “offspring” with His crimson blood, that their sins be white as snow, is quite like the Crimson worm giving her life for her young and covering them with crimson at her death. As recorded in Matthew and Mark, Jesus cried out from the cross, the first verse of Psalm 22. “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

There is so much to learn from the Scarlet worm, the tola’ath, and the Psalm 22 prophecy, perhaps one of the strangest of the Messianic prophecies. What an incredible message and beautiful time to be reminded of what Jesus paid for His beloved children.

As you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this month, remember the tola’ath and her sacrifice. Her sacrifice is an act of nature. Our Lord’s sacrifice, a gift of love. Have you received that gift? “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

© 2023 Jan McLaughlin. Jan can be contacted at (719) 649-2937 or (719) 275-6971

And by e-mail at JansMail@Reagan. com. Also visit PrayerForPrisoners.org

WHAT A WEDDING!

BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

(However, J-Lo does sing a little in the closing credits.).

Action wins out here. Almost every scene includes shooting, fighting, running, etc. At the same time, J-Lo and Josh’s characters are funny while arguing about the wedding and trying to decide if they belong together.

And who is responsible for the pirates? Could it be the bride’s ex? Critic law forbids me to tell.

The jungle-like setting works fine here and helps us believe in the film’s story. Plus, some of the stunts are quite exciting.

Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) from a script by Mark Hammer (Two Night Stand), Shotgun Wedding manages to ring a bell on comic and romantic mo-

IAM DEDICATING this review

to my dear husband, Larry Tucker, who passed away in January. He was a longtime Jennifer Lopez fan, and I wish he could have seen SHOTGUN WEDDING. Both of us knew J-Lo could play tough (remember “Enough”), but this offering shows her doubling down in that area. Darcy Rivera is not the popular star of “Marry Me,” which both of us loved last year. I can’t help wondering how long J-Lo’s movie wedding theme is going to last.

Also starring Josh Duhamel as Tom Fowler, the would-be groom, Shotgun Wedding involves a wedding party and “interesting characters played by Cheech Marin, Lenny Kravitz and Jennifer Coolidge, who steals the show in her flowery glory. Imagine the surprise when the entire group is captured by pirates!

J-Lo not at her best but fun

in action film. Glad that it’s done. “Shotgun Wedding” finds her angry at groom’s big plans that you will see.

Her wedding dress is just too much. White and fluffy and do not touch

It’s ruined slowly in scene by scene

I wanted to shriek at the screen.

Destination wedding? Oh yes!

A great one if you’d like to guess.

The Philippines was chosen here

But pirates capture them. Oh, dear!

J-Lo’s character yells a lot. She has to for that’s in the plot.

But why not even one great song?

I do not think that would be wrong.

ments while concentrating on its exciting action sequences.

Of course, it’s not the best wedding movie of all time. That place is already taken by Four Weddings and a Funeral. Or The Wedding Singer. Or Bridesmaids. Or The Wedding Crashers. Or ??????

I better close with some words of wisdom, so here’s what Benjamin Franklin

said about marriage.

“Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.”

(Retrieved 12/12/2104 from http://blogs.chieftain.com/social/kiplinger - pueblo- cheapest- place- to-live/848/)

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(Released by Amazon Prime and rated “R” by MPAA.)

ContinuingInto AnotherCentury ofService

For, Montgomery & Steward Funeral 100 Years Directors has had a reputation for excellence. Our focus has always been thoughtful, caring, professional, personalized service to families.

Moving into the next century, Gerry and Dian Montgomery, pledge their commitment and long tradition of providing care and compassion for the community they have always called home.

Continuing to set the bar high, we promise to go above and beyond for each family we serve –not because it's a business but because it's our way of life.

We invite you to call or visit us today.

100 Years Serviceof 100 Years Service

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

SPECIAL TO THE SENIOR BEACON FROM THE EDITORS OF ANDREWS MCMEEL

Creme de la Weird

Already this year, representatives of a fictional country called the United States of Kailasa have participated in two meetings at the United Nations, Oddity Central reported. Founded by Indian fugitive and "supreme pontiff of Hinduism" Nithyananda Paramashivam, the virtual nation claims to be a sovereign state for Hindus who have been "persecuted for over a decade." In January, Kailasa suggested it had been officially recognized by the United States of America through a sister-city agreement with Newark, New Jersey, but U.S. authorities later rescinded the arrangement. A U.N. representative explained the country's access by saying the meetings are open to the public.

Awesome!

How's your bracket holding up? If it's busted, here's some other basketball news that might cheer you up. Sporting goods company Wilson is reinventing the basketball, Oddity Central reported on March 13, with a new prototype that doesn't require inflation. The Wilson Airless Prototype uses a "research-grade" polymer material to achieve the necessary bounce; the surface is a lattice design that keeps the traditional binding pattern so players can grip the seams of the ball more easily. There are still kinks to work out, including how to manage small objects that can get inside the ball.

Florida

A flamboyant woman named Ashley Cream went before the Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board on March 2 with a pressing concern: She suggested that March 10 should be designated Sugar Daddy and Mommy Appreciation Day. WFLA-TV reported that Cream, accompanied by an elderly man in a wheelchair, started her appeal by telling board members they were "looking absolutely fabulous, a little bit serious." She went on to say that sugar daddies and mommies are "responsible for college educations, cars, homes, rents, jets, Birkin (bags) and the occasional body enhancement" -- though she claimed to be "all natural" as she gestured toward her chest. Councilman Arnold Sevell replied that her idea is "a city council issue," and she and her companion left the meeting.

Least Competent Criminals

Nothing went right for a carjacker in East Memphis, Tennessee, on March 10, WREG-TV reported. An unnamed 22-year-old victim pulled into his own driveway that night, only to have a man yank the driver's door open and point a gun at him. He asked for the victim's wallet and keys to the 2006 Honda Element, then tried to back out of the driveway, but as he did so, he rolled down the window. That's when the victim noticed the thief's gun didn't have a barrel, so he reached in and punched the carjacker in the face, causing the car to clip the side of the house and run into a pole. The carjacker jumped out and ran away; police were able to gather prints from the car and a recovered phone, but no arrests have been made.

As authorities in Gainesville, Georgia, searched the home of 75-year-old Alan Neil Thur on March 14 after receiving a tip that Thur had child pornography on his computer, Thur sat at his computer ... "viewing five images of child pornography," Hall County Sheriff's deputies wrote in a report. WSB-TV reported that Thur was charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and booked into the county jail.

Oh, Canada

Fans of our favorite rude gesture, rejoice! Flipping the bird is a protected, "God-given" right in Canada, NPR

reported, after Judge Dennis Galiatsatos ruled on Feb. 24 that "offending someone is not a crime." The decision stemmed from a court case between two un-neighborly neighbors in a Montreal suburb. "The complainants are free to clutch their pearls in the face of such an insult," Galiatsatos said. "However, the police department and the 911 dispatching service have more important priorities to address."

Suspicions Confirmed

On March 20, police officers were called to a home in Mill Creek, Washington, on a report of items stolen from the house, Fox13-TV reported. As they investigated, they discovered someone was living in the home's upstairs loft -- with a bed, drug paraphernalia and half-eaten food. The oblivious homeowners did say they had noticed the smell of cigarette smoke. Police suggested the homeowners wait until the person returned, and it didn't take long: On March 21, they arrested Daniel Tomoiaga, 24. In his possession, they found the stolen items, along with meth and fentanyl. No word on how long he'd been staying at the home.

The Tech Revolution

Artificial intelligence has infiltrated television news in China, Oddity Central reported. Ren Xiaorong, a virtual news anchor, was introduced on

March 12 to viewers of People's Daily. "For 365 days, 24 hours, I will be reporting the news for the whole year, round the clock, without rest," (Redundant) Ren told viewers. "Whether at news sites or back in the studio, you will always see me." She has absorbed the talents of "thousands of news anchors" and will continue to evolve based on feedback. Ren can answer many questions, but her answers are all within the parameters of the Chinese Communist Party's rhetoric.

Clothing Optional

In the early 2000s, Joseph DeRuvo Jr. of Norwalk, Connecticut, had developed painful bunions on his feet, and his doctor suggested surgery to remove them, The New York Times reported. While awaiting his operation, he started going barefoot, and he soon realized his feet felt much better. "The tactile feedback just kind of makes everything else going on feel a little bit smoother," he said. Now 59 years old, DeRuvo has been barefoot for two decades, and he says navigating weather and terrain is easier than navigating people. He is sometimes asked to leave a business and on occasion, he fights back. "If I'm feeling feisty," he said. His wife added, "We get thrown out of a lot of places." But his shoelessness contributes to a mindful life: "I pay attention to every single step I take," DeRuvo said.

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Internet Scams, How to Avoid Them

Online scammers have gotten so sneaky lately that it’s not just your elderly grandparents at risk—boomers, millennials and even Gen Z-ers can get taken advantage of if they’re not careful. That’s because these shady weirdos keep switching up their scamming tactics based on current events and our constantly changing digital culture.

But the good news is, if you keep your guard up and follow these tips, you’ll be way more likely to spot the scam and hold on to your hard-earned money. Here are five of the biggest internet scams to be aware of right now.

CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS

Crypto continues to be a trendy thing for the people who enjoy the thrill (and anxiety) of losing money at any given moment. And much like gambling, it can be addictive—a fact that scammers take advantage of. Cryptocurrency scams can happen in all kinds of ways. Scammers might set up fake websites that look like popular crypto sites in an attempt to get innocent people to send them money. They might also prey on people’s fears of missing out on an investment with massive returns by creating a fake early investment opportunity and pitching it to people online.

ROMANCE SCAMS

Nothing can make you broke like the fluttery feelings of love—and with the growing popularity of online dating, this

kind of scam is becoming more and more common. Someone creates a fake dating profile, reels in an unsuspecting victim, steals their heart with witty banter, and asks them to send money or buy them stuff due to some weird circumstance. This sucks because the poor scammee (that’s what I’m calling someone who was scammed—just go with it) loses out on cash and a chance at true love.

ONLINE PURCHASE SCAMS

If you buy something online and it

This month’s Senior Safety Page is Proudly Sponsored byAMERICAN VEIN! Give them a call right away! And thank themfor sponsoring this valuable addition to the Senior Beacon!!

phrase Dog Dad Life, but in password form that could be D0gDadL1fe!

Also, if you ever get notified about a data breach, that means your password could’ve been leaked and you should change it immediately to be safe. While you’re at it, set up two-factor authentication on every possible password—this

hackers to get your personal info.

TRUST YOUR GUT

One of the biggest reasons it’s important to protect yourself against scams is because scammers can take this one step further by trying to steal your whole identity and use it for their own personal (and financial) gain.

GLEN VOLLMECKE

Author: "Intermission a Place in Time."

iImagine: The notorious conception of the faerie culture.

Continuing our quest into the unbelievable faerie philosophies, we expand on initial imaginings and enthusiastic universal theories, all related to views chronicled over the centuries by mankind. Originating from France, during the Tudor period, and later popularized by Shakespeare, a replacement terminology for the Old English ‘elf’ as ‘fay’ or faerie is recognized. Unquestionably some humans believe faes live, love and exist in emerald green lavish gardens. Cozy glades with rippling ponds, seem the obvious home for such blissful beings. ‘Ever after’ story endings are also associated with them. Instead, they represent magical ‘Power.’ Dependent on humans, these alien individuals exhibit ethics and values far detached from us. Ceaselessly attracted to all creativity, drama and emotion, their world projects darkness, humor mischief and trouble. Laughter and love exist on their terms alone. Resentment manifests suddenly, so humans must tread carefully, when entering their private domain. Enchanting rewards can be transformed to imminent danger. Yet despite the looming dangerous possibilities, the faes remain a valuable, and treasured asset for

mankind. Myths and legends occur frequently via man’s research and inner opinions, occasional experiences and human speculation. Norse mythology clearly the most elaborate visuals in history explain it this way: Maggots emerging from a giant’s corpse were rapidly transformed into the Light Elves, and Dark Elves. Benign and content the Light Elves differed from their Dark counterparts which resided underground in obscurity. Iceland’s version differs completely: While washing her children by the river, once hearing God’s voice a woman hid the unwashed in various locations. God soon declared those hidden were now elves and faeries, they would be known as the Huldre Folk of Scandinavia. Outwardly stunning they were hollow inside, just a faux front and a deception of their origin. Other countries know them as fallen angels, or the heathen dead, constantly living in twilight regions. Devonshire in Great Britain, (home to many of my own family members,) considers pixies are souls of unbaptized children. Faeries are ancient predating Christianity by several millennia, existing in various forms through countries worldwide. Where is this illusive ‘faerie-land?’ The Welsh suggested North of their splendid slate mountains, and also within Pembrokshire. Sailors spotted an island off the coast and were assured it had enchanted potential. Never to be outdone regarding folklore, Ireland’s phantom Isle Hy Breasail lay to the west. For Britons the Isle of Man remains a rich source of faerie folk knowledge. Avalon famously remembered due to King Arthur. As

described by the XVth. century poet Lygate, King Arthur was ‘King y-crowned in faerie and although mortally wounded was transported by four faerie queens. Presently, lying close to his heroic knights he rests in a faerie hill. Sleeping deeply Arthur readies to wake and within an hour shall rule again his land. With out warning occasionally the fae reveals itself as bright and glittery. This mirage can vanish just as quickly. Rural solitary elves abide in forests by adopting a specific tree. Other types of faeries are under the ocean. Brownies live domestically as house spirits. While solitary and independent are the Leprechauns. Governed by kings and queens, meanwhile the faerie hills remain a hub of activity. The Gaelic word for faeries is Sidhe (Shee.) This refers to people of the hills. Legend abounds relating to gold hidden in the knolls. Also, many burial sites are evident close by. Wilshire in Great Britain, is a shire which houses King Sil of the faeries. Magnificent in his golden armour, he sits astride his horse while governing his faerie hill. The Hill of the Goblins near Mold (G.B.) remains haunted. During an 1883 excavation the crew unearthed a skeleton wearing a solid gold corslet. Incredible mind-boggling stuff this! It’s food for thought, so keep an open mind and enjoy a follow up on our incredible neighbours ‘the faeries.’

Thought for the day: Life is full and overflowing with new ideas, and activity. However, time to empty out the old to accommodate the new.

◀ FROM BREW PAGE 1

fantastic afternoon,” says Executive Director, Abbie Krause. “People will need to act fast, as we expect to sell out, like we did in 2022.”

Vendors are still joining in the fun. As of today, guests can look forward to tastings from the following brewers: 4 Noses, 3 Hundred Distillery, 1350 Distilling, Apple Valley Cider Co, Bird Dog Whiskey, Blackhat Distillery, Breckenridge Distillery, Bristol Brewing Co., Brues Alehouse Brewing Company, Crystal Springs Brewing Co., Goat Patch Brewing Co., Golden Moon Distillery, High Trestle Brewing Co., Mountain Merman Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Company, Reservoir Brewing, South Park Brewing, Shamrock Brewing Co, and Walter’s Beer.

The rain or shine event will take place April 29th, from 2:00pm-6:00pm. Early Bird pricing - $35 for member & $40 for non-member - available thru March 19. Regular General Admission - $45 for members & $50 for non-members. Tickets available at PuebloZoo.org/ brew. Must be 21 and over to purchase and attend, no kids or dogs. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The Pueblo Zoo is a not-for-profit organization

Benign and content the Light Elves differed from their Dark counterparts which resided underground in obscurity. Iceland’s version differs completely...

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RESCUING TREASURES OF DARKNESS

Broken Promises - Renewed Hope - New Beginnings

AUTHOR

We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing--Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed.

Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution

Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-833-307-1759 or visit: http:// DorranceInfo.com/snrbcn #0923

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Mountain View Cemetery. Good location close to street. $1000 EMAIL: bgddy1@aol.com

HOME CARE: Quality care, dependable, trustworthy, lovingly companionship. Belmont or Northside.Call Connie: 719-214-0321 or leave message #0423

You will find spell binding testimonies of prisoners’ lives and behind- bars encounters with the living Christ. own faith by reading these amazing stories of prisoners’ by the touch of Christ through caring volunteers. Find out how you can make an eternal difference incarcerated man or woman across the country or on Jan McLaughlin’s book will touch your heart and to reach out to the lost and broken men and women. you to pray for them. Perhaps He is inviting you to help Treasures of Darkness!

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-877-650-3380 #0723

Proceeds help fund Prayer For Prisoners Int’l, a ministry based on the power of prayer which was founded by Jan. McLaughlin

$10.00 plus shipping 719-275-6971 or Jansmail@reagan.com

Or by mail: PFPI - P.O. Box 1574 - Cañon C ity, CO Checks payable to PFPI or Prayer For Prisoners International

LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

A Great Gift for any Occasion

LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

A Great Gift for any Occasion

You will laugh and cry as you walk with Jan through memories that point to an incredible God who orders our steps and uses even the worst situations to His glory and our good. An easy read which also makes a delightful devotional.

You will laugh and cry as you walk with Jan through memories that point to an incredible God who orders steps and uses even the worst situations to His glory good. An easy read which also makes a delightful devotional.

Reviews: A Delightful and Inspirational Read

Reviews: "A Delightful and Inspirational Read"

"The reader will find author Jan McLaughlin’s book an inspirational and thoroughly delightful reading experience. Her wit and love of life permeates the entire 400plus pages. Reading will not be tedious in the least. I think what I most enjoyed was the author’s ability to take ordinary, and sometimes harrowing, experiences and draw a spiritual lesson that the reader can apply in his or her own life.

The reader will find author Jan McLaughlin’s book inspirational and thoroughly delightful reading experience. Her wit and love of life permeates the entire 400-plus pages. Reading will not be tedious in the least. I think I most enjoyed was the author’s ability to take ordinary, sometimes harrowing, experiences and draw a spiritual lesson that the reader can apply in his or her own life.

The chapters are short and keep the reader’s interest

The chapters are short and keep the reader’s interest. The author is humble and not adverse to admitting her own foibles. As a result, this reviewer can relate as one less-than-perfect reader to a less-than-perfect author.

A 4-word recommendation: It’s a happy read!" Dr. Raymond White, Pueblo, CO

$10.00 Plus shipping.

719-275-6971 or Jan@prayerforprisoners.org

The author is humble and not adverse to admitting foibles. As a result, this reviewer can relate as one than-perfect reader to a less- than-perfect author. A 4- word recommendation: It’s a happy read! Dr. Raymond White, Pueblo, CO $10.00 Plus shipping.

719-275-6971 or Jan@prayerforprisoners.org

Or you can order by mail: Checks payable to Jan McLaughlin P.O. Box 855 - Cañon City, CO 81215-0855

Or you can order by mail: Checks payable to Jan McLaughlin P.O. Box 855 - Cañon City, CO 81215

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THEME: COLORS

ACROSS

1. Partner of pains

6. "Raiders of the Lost ____"

9. Opposite of flows

13. Flesh of fish

14. Grazing area

15. Soft palate hanger

16. Boatload

17. Wood-shaping tool

18. Old episode

19. *Alice of "Color Purple" fame

21. *Fruit and color

23. Long reef dweller 24. Sound of pain

25. Math class total

28. Excessively abundant 30. *"Royal" color

35. Arrival times, acr.

40. White House "sub"

41. Spritelike

43. Cupid's counterpart

44. Serengeti grazer

46. *Feeling blue

47. Hokkaido native

48. *Color wheel inventor

50. Walk with a hitch

52. "Malcolm X" (1992) movie director

53. Stare open-mouthed

55. Napoleon of "Animal Farm," e.g.

57. *Between blue and violet

60. *____phobia, intense fear of colors

63. Opposite of cathode

64. North American country

66. Run ____ of the law

68. Geography class book

69. Local area network

70. It's firma

71. Has divine power

72. Banned insecticide, acr.

73. German surrealist Max DOWN

1. "General Hospital" network

2. Crop of a bird

3. Zeus' sister and wife

4. Two under par on a golf hole

5. Meat-cooking contraption

6. Winglike

7. *Predominant color of Mars

8. Type of membranophone

9. Like never-losing Steven

10. Town

11. *Primary color

12. ___ Juan, Puerto Rico

15. 7th planet from the sun

20. Chosen few

22. Nicki Minaj's genre

24. Not womenfolk

25. *Number of colors in a rainbow

26. Of service

27. Colorful parrot

29. *The LumiËre

ANN COULTER Columnist, author and lawyer

OPINION-EDITORIAL

of bossing other people around — are quietly admitting the truth.

Contrary to hysterical warnings in 2020 that “people you know” will die from COVID and “it’s definitely not just the flu,” I still don’t know anyone who knows anyone who died from COVID. For most people, it was “just the flu.”

15 DAYS TO FLATTEN THE TRUTH

THE

“NATURAL IMMUNITY.” It made news this week when The Lancet, a once-respected medical journal, finally admitted that there’s such a thing as “natural immunity” with COVID. (Is it too much to hope that, in another three years, The Lancet will cease referring to women as “bodies with vaginas”?)

Several months into “15 days to flatten the curve,” actual experts, like the Great Barrington Declaration scientists, began screaming from the rooftops about natural immunity. They argued — correctly, as it turns out — that we should protect the vulnerable while allowing those not at risk to go about their lives, get COVID and acquire immunity.

Millions upon millions of wrecked lives later (including 170,000 excess non-COVID deaths), the people who lied to us for their own selfish motives — getting on TV, high ratings for their panic porn, the joys

How could the truth about natural immunity be suppressed for so long? At least there weren’t repeated studies during our COVID hell proving the strength and durability of immunity from a prior COVID infection.

Oh, except these:

May 2021: Washington University School of Medicine study finds “robust” antibodies still present at least 11 months after infection.

June 2021: Cleveland Clinic study finds no benefit from vaccination to those with natural immunity.

July 2021: Emory University Vaccine Center study finds “durable and broad immune memory after SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

August 2021: Israel study finds natural immunity “confers longer lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalization” than two shots of the vaccine.

But medical journals, the mainstream media and “public health authorities” dismissed the notion that a prior COVID infection served any useful purpose. Those who mentioned it were treated like flat-earthers.

Days after the Great Barrington Declaration was released, the man chosen by President Donald Trump to lead the country’s response to COVID, Anthony Fauci, and Trump’s director of the National Institutes of Health, Francis Collins, colluded to ensure there would be a “quick and devastating published takedown” of the declaration.

As we now know, Twitter dutifully shadow-banned at least one of the signatories, Jay Bhattacharya.

Governors who followed the science — as opposed to Anthony THE SCIENCE Fauci — and opened their states were ripped in deranged headlines.

“God Save the Florida Governor From His Stupidity” —The New Republic

The final score on age-adjusted COVID deaths by state proves that the shutdowns accomplished absolutely nothing. Florida, for example, did way better than New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. — all top 10 “most aggressive” lockdown states. New Jersey did a lot worse than Wyoming, Kansas and Missouri, three of the least locked-down states. Whatever the explanation for the death rates — ethnicity, wealth, education, population density — it’s clearly not about how masked and locked-down a state was.

The Lancet’s long-delayed admission sent me to Nexis to review the important medical advice I’d been getting from MSNBC’s TV doctors.

— “The 11th Hour With Brian Williams,” June 7, 2020

Dr. Murtaza Akhter, clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine: “Natural immunity is fine for a little bit. But that is not the way to protect yourself. The way to protect yourself from COVID is by being vaccinated and by just not getting it.”

— “All In With Chris Hayes,” Oct. 18, 2021

Dr. Sra Madad, an infectious disease epidemiologist and senior director of the Special Pathogens Program at New York Health and Hospitals system: “With natural infection … it’s like playing a game of Russian roulette. … You know, through natural infection, you’re risking a whole lot, not just yourself, but you know, for the community.”

— “Andrea Mitchell Reports,” Oct. 27, 2021

Dr. Vin Gupta, NBC News medical contributor (in one of hundreds of appearances on MSNBC, I’m sure to the delight of his overworked colleagues): “People relying on natural protection, those anti-

All views expressed in these pages are that of the author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the Senior Beacon, Beacon News Group, et al. Further, by reading this paper you agree to a Hold Harmless Agreement pertaining to the publisher (Evergrowth Media, LLC), it's principals, and all writers.

bodies are just not where they need to be to prevent an infection.”

— “The 11th Hour With Brian Williams,” Nov. 18, 2021

Gupta: “Natural immunity is 20% as effective at keeping you out of the hospital, in preventing serious illness. … It’s not nearly as effective as vaccine-induced immunity.”

— “The ReidOut With Joy Reid,” Jan. 10, 2022

Dr. Kavita Patel, MSNBC medical contributor: “Here’s the problem with natural immunity. It doesn’t last at the same levels forever.”

You couldn’t get the truth about a worldwide pandemic that led to catastrophic responses from public health authorities, but at least MSNBC’s doctors were “diverse”!

COPYRIGHT 2023 ANN COULTER

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Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinions of the writers and not necessarily that of the publisher. Senior Beacon is locally owned and operated. Founded in February of 1982.

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LANCET FINALLY ADMITTED THAT THERE’S SUCH A THING AS