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Of Cheyenne
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A P R I L 12, 2017
T H E N E AT E S T PA P E R Y O U’L L E V E R R E A D
Published by Burchett Publishing, LLC
Issue 1122
For advertising call 632-7360 or 631-3036
Entertainment Guide on Page 6
Games and Puzzles Page 3
TIDBITS® VISITS LA BREA TAR PITS by Janet Spencer For thousands of years, crude oil bubbling to the surface trapped Ice Age animals in sticky goo, leading to a trove of fossils. Come along with Tidbits as we visit La Brea Tar Pits! A STICKY TRAP • For millions of years, the remains of marine plankton collected in the bottom of an ocean basin off the coast of what is now California. Over time, this deposit was transformed into crude oil. As the continent drifted and the California coast lifted, the oil crept through Turn to page 2 for more Tidbits!
cracks in the rocks, pooling on the surface in what is now downtown Los Angeles. • Beginning about 40,000 years ago, the sticky oil gathered in pools, where lighter compounds evaporated, leaving thick asphalt behind. Covered by water, leaves, and weeds, these tarry pits looked like normal ground. Animals would walk over the crusty top, then suddenly find themselves mired in the muck. Predators and scavengers trying to prey upon the victims would also get stuck. Their bones sank to the bottom and became fossilized. • The native tribes used the tar to seal baskets and boats. Spanish explorers made the first written record of the tar pits in 1769. The first permanent settlement was established in the late 1700s. The Spanish word for tar is “brea” and the area became known as Rancho La Brea. THE TAR PITS DEVELOPED
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Tomato Focaccia
The dough for this popular Italian bread is “dimpled” (indented) just before baking. The dimples catch some of the olive oil drizzled on at the end for added flavor.
• Eventually a man named George Hancock went into business drilling the oil and mining the asphalt at La Brea, which was used to pave roads, preserve railroad ties, and waterproof pipes. Animal bones were dug up often. However, it was believed the bones belonged either to ranch animals who had wandered away, or recently killed wildlife. • In 1875 a professor traveled to the tar pits and wrote about finding fossilized bones, though his report garnered little notice. It Turn to page 4 for more Tidbits!
1 package quick-rise yeast About 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon cornmeal 1 pound ripe plum tomatoes (about 5 medium), sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1. In large bowl, combine yeast, 1 1/2 cups flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. 2. In 1-quart saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil and 1 1/3 cups water over medium heat, until very warm (120 F to 130 F). 3. With mixer at low speed, beat liquid into dry ingredients just until blended. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl often with rubber spatula. Add 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes. With spoon, stir in 1 1/2 cups flour to make a soft dough. 4. On lightly floured surface, with floured hands, knead dough about 8 minutes, working in more flour (about 1/2 cup) while kneading. Cover dough and let rest 15 minutes. 5. Grease 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan; sprinkle with cornmeal. Press dough evenly into pan; cover and let rise in warm place (80 F to 85 F) until doubled, about 30 minutes. 6. Heat oven to 400 F. Press fingers into dough almost to bottom of pan, making indentations 1 inch apart. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange sliced tomatoes over top; sprinkle with chopped rosemary, pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. 7. Bake focaccia in top third of oven until top is lightly browned, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove to wire rack; drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cool slightly to serve warm. Makes 12 servings. * Each serving: About 225 calories, 7g total fat (1g saturated), 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 360mg sodium. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/. (c) 2017 Hearst Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved
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Published by Burchett Publishing Co. LLC Contact for advertising or distribution information 1102 Crescent Dr. Phone 307-632-7360 Cheyenne, WY 82007 307-631-3036 Fax 307-773-8654 burchettpubl.tidbits1@bresnan.net All the news you never knew you never needed to know
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was a geologist working for an oil company in 1901 who was the first to draw attention to the fact that the bones belonged to prehistoric animals, now long extinct. • In 1913 George Hancock granted the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County the exclusive rights to excavate the area. In the next two years, they dug up over 750,000 fossils. Hancock subsequently donated 24 acres to the county, stipulating that the fossils found there be preserved and displayed. The area is now called Hancock Park after him. • In the 1940s the first fossilized mammoth bones were pulled out of the pit, generating much excitement. A museum was constructed in the mid-1970s, named after philanthropist and founder George C. Page. • Over 3.5 million fossils have been uncovered so far. More than 650 different species have been identified ranging from mammoth and mastodon to the tooth of a baby mouse. Archeologists have found over 231 species of vertebrates, 159 species of plants, and 234 species of invertebrates. • The tar pits are not actually tar. They are really asphalt. Asphalt is what remains when crude oil is exposed to air, and the lighter elements such as kerosene and butane evaporate off, leaving the heavier residues
Thankful Thursdays - Every Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. - AMVETS Post 10, 3839 East Lincolnway - The party begins at 4:30 p.m., every Thursday night with a live auction starting at 6 p.m. 100 percent of proceeds raised during the auction and games go back to each respective charity. The event has raised over $850,000 for local charities thus far. Thankful Thursday also gives all patrons an opportunity to win cash just for showing up, including a jackpot of $500! The FUMC Sesquicentennial 5K Run/Fun Walk (3.1 miles) - April 29 - Check in at 7:15 a.m. - Get your running shoes ready! If you’re not a runner, that’s okay. Dust off your walking shoes and enjoy a morning walk with family, friends and the church community. Entry Fee: $25 pre-registration; $30 day of the race. A t-shirt commemorating the event will be given to each participant. Registration forms are available in the church office at 108 East 18th Street, at www.fumccheyenne.org, at www.raceentry.com/ race/fumc-sesquicentennial/2017 and at Foot of the Rockies. Our 5K Run/Fun Walk starts on the north side of the Dinneen Building, site of the Cheyenne City Hall in September 1869 where the first congregation was organized, and ends in the church parking lot, north of our Historical Sanctuary Building. Cheyenne Artwalk - Second Thursday of the Month - 5 to 8 p.m. - The Cheyenne Artwalk (formerly Art Design & Dine) features the work of local and regional artists at multiple venues around Cheyenne. Participating Cheyenne Artwalk venues include: Cheyenne Artists Guild, 1701 Morrie Ave. Clay Paper Scissors, 1513 Carey Ave. Creative Healing, 514 E. 19th St. Deselms Fine Art & Gallery, 303 E. 17th St. Flydragon Design Studio, 1822 E. 16th St. Indian Paintbrush Studio, 1610 Capitol Ave. Nagle Warren Mansion, 222 E. 17th St. If your organization has an event you would like to have published here, please contact us. Space is limited but we will make every effort to list special events. Please send your information no later than 14 days prior to the event. Email: burchettpubl.tidbits1@bresnan.net
PAW’S CORNER By Sam Mazzotta
Service Dogs Still Face Awareness Gap DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I recently saw a news story about a woman with a service dog who was kicked off of an airline flight. And my state is trying to “toughen up” laws about service dogs. I’m confused. Why aren’t service animals getting their due? -- Dane in Springfield, Massachusetts DEAR DANE: Despite a lot of publicity about service animals and other types of companion animals, there is still confusion in the general public and among businesses about these helpers, the roles they play, and whether they’re allowed into stores, restaurants or even airline flights. The recent airline incident demonstrates that there’s still a lack of knowledge about how service dogs and their owners should be accommodated. (The airline ultimately apologized to the passenger.) Part of the problem is not knowing or understanding how service or companion animals, such as therapy dogs, should be accommodated. Another part of the problem is that the regulation about service dogs in the
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ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is somewhat vague and doesn’t address other animals or specific types of services. Therapy and other types of companion pets are not mentioned in the ADA regulation. The bill being debated in Massachusetts takes aim at a third problem that has arisen: businesses that take advantage of the ADA’s vague wording to sell inadequately trained animals to people in need of service dogs or companion pets. Supporters of the bill say that poorly trained animals can undo years of work raising awareness of the need to allow service dogs and therapy pets to come into businesses with their owners. In short, there’s a need for clearer legislation and continued awareness-building about service, therapy and companion animals and the roles they play. Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
behind. Tar, on the other hand, is what’s left behind when woody materials such as coal or peat is distilled. FAST FACTS ABOUT LA BREA
DONNA’S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN By Donna Erickson
Connect Kids With Animals This Spring When my friend Brittany Hagan shot me a text asking if I wanted to tag along to 9-year-old Isabel’s first rehearsal at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. You see, “Izzie” is a black lab and also a cast member -- along with other therapy dogs, baby goats, a rabbit, hen, tortoise and a goldfish -- in the theater’s innovative and zany spring production, “Animal Dance.” Designed with the preschool set in mind, worldrenowned choreographer and performance artist Ann Carlson creatively dances and interacts onstage with the critters. “Animals are dancers,” says Ann. “A goat wags its tail, a dog rolls over.” And when they’re onstage together, the unexpected is the rule. Captivating moves and antics provide an improvisational production that entertains and lets young kids gain respect for animals while they discover the similarities they share. Patty Born Selly, assistant professor of education at Hamline University and consultant for “Animal Dance,” says children are naturally drawn to animals. Observing and interacting with them gives children an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and responsibility. Why not open up new possibilities for your kids to connect with animal friends? Here are some of Patty’s practical ideas: --Provide opportunities to care for household pets through brushing and feeding, putting out bird feeders or tending a garden that feeds butterflies and other insects. Clean the fish tank together, or get creative and arrange the “furniture” in a guinea pig cage. Kids will develop a sense of confidence in themselves when they participate. It feels good to help others! Taking care of pets also lets kids practice gentleness and self-regulation. You have to move slowly to feed a bunny without startling it.
• So far over 3 million fossils have been recovered from the pit. Based on the number of bones found, and the number of years the tar pits have been bubbling away, scientists estimate that if only one large animal had become trapped once every ten years, that would account for the number of bones found. • The dire wolf is the most common large mammal found in the pits, with over 3,000 individuals identified so far. Dire wolves were the size of a large timber wolf. Most were probably trapped when they tried to feed on other animals stuck in the muck. • Bones from over 2,000 saber tooth cats have been found, making them the second most common animal found. Saber tooth cats went extinct about 10,000 years ago. • In third place is the coyote. The oldest bones found in La Brea so far belonged to a coyote who died there approximately 44,000 years ago, according to carbon-14 dating. • About 15 mastodons have been found. • Camels evolved in North America before migrating to Asia, Africa, and South America, and the remains of a species called Camelops hesternus has been found in the pit. It looked very much like a camel but was actually more closely related to the llama. • A giant sloth called the Harlan’s ground sloth is the largest species of sloth found in the asphalt deposits. It weighed up to 1,500 lbs. (680 kg). • Many other species that still exist today have also been found there, ranging from horses and bison to rabbits, coyotes, and skunks. • Under normal circumstances, it’s difficult to find a really good fossil of birds because their bones are hollow and delicate. But birds that got trapped in the tar are well preserved, Turn to page 7 for more Tidbits!
--Talk about animals wherever you go. Invite your kids to tell you what the animals are doing and other details they find interesting. For preschoolers, a simple line of ants on a sidewalk can be an exciting discovery. Crouch down and observe together. What do they look like? Where are they going? Even if you don’t have answers, it’s the sharing that communicates to your child that you value his excitement. --Put on a play or your own family version of “Animal Dance” with a pet. Through dramatic play, children can “test out” the perspective of others. It’s also a playful way to learn about animals while they try on new ways of thinking and being in the world. Resources: www.childrenstheatre.org; “Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood” by Patty Born Selly (Redleaf Press). *** Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www. donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” (c) 2017 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
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Upcoming Events
• On April 27, 4977 B.C., the universe is created, according to German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler, considered a founder of modern science. Scientists in the 20th century showed that Kepler’s calculations were off by about 13.7 billion years. • On April 28, 1789, the HMS Bounty is seized in a mutiny led by Fletcher Christian, the master’s mate. Captain William Bligh and 18 of his loyal supporters were set adrift in a small, open boat. They reached Timor in the East Indies on June 14, after a voyage of about 3,600 miles. • On April 24, 1800, President John Adams approves $5,000 to establish the Library of Congress. The first library catalog, dated April 1802, listed 964 volumes and nine maps. • On April 30, 1939, the New York World’s Fair opens on 1,200 acres at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens. New technology exhibits included FM radio, robotics, fluorescent lighting and a crude fax machine. Sixty-three nations participated. • On April 25, 1947, President Harry Truman officially opens the two-lane White House bowling alley in the West Wing. President Dwight Eisenhower closed the alley in 1955 and turned it into a mimeograph room. • On April 26, 1986, the world’s worst nuclear accident to date occurs at the Chernobyl nuclear plant near Kiev in Ukraine. The full toll from the disaster is still being tallied, but experts believe that thousands of people died and as many as 70,000 suffered severe radiation poisoning. • On April 29, 1974, President Richard Nixon announces that he will release transcripts of 46 taped White House conversations in response to a Watergate trial subpoena, but not the actual tapes. Nixon cited executive privilege, which the Supreme Court rejected. On Aug. 8, 1974, Nixon avoided a Senate impeachment trial by becoming the first U.S. president to resign from office. (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
Royal Easter Carnival - April 13 - 6 to 8 p.m. Jumpin’ Jacks Family Fun Center, 611 Crook Ave Unit #9 - Admissionis $10 and includes food and carnival tickets. Additional tickets can also be purchased. It is a Easter carnival fit for a princess and a prince! Join us for a Royal Easter carnival and egg hunt. Food, games, egg hunt, inflatables and much more! Part of the proceeds to benefit The Arc of Laramie County
English High Tea at the Nagle Warren Mansion every Friday and Saturday, seating at 2 and 3 p.m. For reservations call 637-3333.
Fridays in the Asher: Kayla Marque - April 14 7 to 10 p.m. - The Asher Building - All ages admitted. Beer and wine spirits will be available for those 21+ with ID.
Cheyenne Ice & Events Center - Ice skating, laser tag and video games. Monday to Thursday - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday - Noon to 8 p.m. 1530 W. Lincolnway. Visit CheyenneCity.org or call 433-0024 for information.
Cheyenne – High Plains Audubon Society: “Something to Crow About” - April 18 - 7 p.m. Laramie County Library - Featuring restoration plans for Crow Creek in Cheyenne. Guest speaker Jeff Geyer is the water specialist for the Laramie County Conservation District. For more information: https://cheyenneaudubon. wordpress.com for more information or call Mark, 307-287-4953. Crow Creek has been impacted by transportation systems, irrigation and municipal diversions, grazing, and urbanization for over a century. Though the very reason for the location of Cheyenne, Crow Creek’s functionality as an aquatic system is something less than desirable. The Conservation District has already initiated steps to restore Crow Creek and a portion of its tributary, Dry Creek, by addressing these influences within Laramie County. Come see what the District’s visions are for perhaps this most underrated, yet most valuable resource in the southeastern Wyoming plains. STRIDE Culinary Cookoff - April 21 - 5 to 10 p.m. Cheyenne Ice and Events - Event starts at 5 p.m. with social hour and continues with a silent/live auction, tastings from cook teams throughout the community, 50/50 raffle, and NEW this year live entertainment until 10pm. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at either STRIDE building and over the phone 632-2991. If your organization has an event you would like to have published here, please contact us. Space is limited but we will make every effort to list special events. Please send your information no later than 14 days prior to the event. Email: burchettpubl.tidbits1@bresnan.net
Chess Laramie County Library - Wednesdays - 4:15 p.m. All skill levels - Call 634-3561 Godfather’s Pizza - Thursdays - 6:30 p.m. All skill levels - Call 634-5222
Cheyenne Activities
Live Music The Bunkhouse - Friday and Saturday - 7 to 10 p.m. The Crown Bar - Friday - 7 p.m. Midtown Tavern - Friday - 8 p.m. Outlaw Saloon - Nightly - 8 p.m. The Paramount Cafe - Saturday - 7 p.m. Sanford’s - Friday - 7 p.m.
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Municipal Pool and Spray Park - Daily - Hours vary between 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Visit CheyenneCity.org or call 637-6455 for information. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens - Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday - 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 637-6458.
Bingo Am. Legion Bingo AMVETS Grandma’s Pickle Parlor
635-7213 632-2999 637-3614
Movie Theaters Frontier Nine Lincoln Palace Capitol 12
634-9499 637-7469 638-SHOW
Country Western Dancing Redwood Lounge 635-9096 Outlaw Saloon 635-7552 Top 40 Music Crown Underground 778-9202 Governor’s Residence Tours - Free - 5001 Central Avenue Tuesday through Thursday - 9 a.m. to Noon. Call 777-7398. Visit the Famous Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum - Monday through Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 778-7290. Terry Bison Ranch - Daily tours to the bison herd and horseback rides. Sunday lunch train includes meal on old-fashioned dining car (reservations needed). Call for departure times: 634-4171. Cheyenne Depot Museum - A National Landmark with railroad history exhibits and gift shop. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 638-6338. Big Boy Steam Engine 4004 - Worlds largest steam locomotive. Located in Holliday Park. Wyoming State Museum - Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free exhibit of Wyoming history. Call 777-7022.
DJ Music Scooter’s Scoreboard - Friday - 9 p.m. Cadillac Ranch - Friday and Saturday - 9 p.m. Tuskers - Saturday - 8 p.m. The Crown Underground - Daily - 9 p.m.
giving researchers a trove of over 100,000 bird fossils of many different species. FACSINATING FOSSILS • Many nearly microscopic fossils have also been recovered from La Brea, including crustaceans, insects, seeds, leaves, and pollen. The 159 species of fossilized plants help scientists track the history of ice age climate change. • Interestingly, many of the saber tooth cat skeletons show evidence of healed injuries and diseases that would ordinarily have been fatal, suggesting that the animals were social creatures who depended upon each other for help when an individual was hurt or sick and needed time to recover. Saber tooth cats were more closely related to bobcats than to tigers. • Lions that were very closely related to modern African lions have also been found in the pits, but in far fewer numbers than other carnivores. Perhaps they weren’t very common, or maybe they were smarter than other animals and avoided being trapped.
• It was Founding Father and renowned polymath Benjamin Franklin who made the following sage observation: “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” • Those looking for a new, somewhat more relaxing line of work might want to consider becoming air farmers. Yes, that is an actual job title. Since 2015, the British company Aethaer has employed air farmers to “harvest” air in jars at locations all over the British Isles -- largely in rural areas, away from roads and their attendant pollution. This pure British air is then sold for $115 per bottle, mostly to consumers in China, where cities are plagued by unprecedented levels of pollution. • Everyone, it seems, has a patron saint -- even those oft-reviled professionals, dentists. Images of Saint Apollonia show her holding a molar in one hand and an enormous pair of pliers in the other. • If you’re both a lover of books and a travel junkie, then the Tolstoy Train is just the holiday for you. On this luxuriously appointed train -- complete with a library -- you can take a 14-hour overnight journey between Moscow and Helsinki, Finland, traveling through pine forests, rolling hills and quaint Russian villages.
• One of the most interesting items discovered is a nearly complete mammoth skeleton. The only pieces missing are a vertebra, a rear leg, and the top of its skull. The mammoth is fondly known as Zed. Because of the size of the teeth and the state of their wear, researchers know that Zed was a male, and he was perhaps 50 years old when he died. The story told by his bones tells of a hard life: several of his ribs were broken and then healed. He had arthritis in his joints. He suffered a strange growth on one of his jaws. Because his bones were mineralized and showed no sign of scavengers, it’s possible that he died in a streambed where he was covered with water before his remains became encased in asphalt. • The process is on-going. Asphalt still bubbles to the surface, continuing to trap bugs, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and the occasional stray pet. The tar pits are most dangerous during warm weather when the asphalt is stickiest.
• Pepsi-Cola was introduced originally in 1898 with the far less appetizing name “Brad’s Drink.” • Those who study such things say that when a woman’s husband dies, the length of her remaining life does not seem to be affected. When a man loses his wife, though, his lifespan decreases -- unless he marries again. *** Thought for the Day: “Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” -- Steve Prefontaine (c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
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