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TIDBITS® GOES TO WORK WITH
SERVICE ANIMALS by Patricia L. Cook This Tidbits examines “man’s best friend” and other animals that go the extra mile serving humans. • Many service animals serve only one person in their service lives. A dog may be trained to help a blind or deaf person and stay with that person for about 10 years, usually until the dog dies or becomes incapable of serving because of health problems. • Service dogs trained for police work serve many people by protecting the public from criminals who may seek to harm others with bombs, drugs or other evil actions. • Dogs trained to serve in the military are extremely well trained and reliable members who serve alongside their comrades. Much of the work done by animals for the military is classified. It is known that the U.S. military has used pigeons, horses and chickens as well as dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions and other marine mammals and, of course, dogs. These animals have all served honorably to reduce risk to humans. • According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there about 3,000 dogs have worked as sentries, detecting bombs and land mines and performing search, rescue and recovery. Many of those animals have been on tour in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years. turn the page for more!
Vol 1 Issue 11
paultkidwelljr@elmorecountytidbits.com
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‘Surprise Inside’ Easter Eggs Ready, set, think Easter! Put aside chores and to-do lists for an afternoon and make these colorfully decorated “surprise inside” Easter eggs with your family. You’ll need the simplest of supplies: real eggshell halves or plastic eggs that twist open in half, bright gift-wrap tissue paper, household white glue and your children’s creativity. Come Easter morning, friends and family will anticipate cracking open these dazzling eggs because there’s a special surprise inside each one! To get started, save your eggshells. When a recipe calls for eggs, carefully crack the eggs in half, empty the contents for the recipe and rinse out the matching eggshells with soap and water. Set them aside to dry thoroughly, making sure you keep the pairs together. Or, simply use inexpensive empty plastic eggs in a variety of sizes from discount and dollar stores. Place a small charm, toy, coins or a strip of paper with a saying, poem or kind thought inside one of the halves of each eggshell pair. For example, “For an egg-stra special friend whose sense of humor cracks me up!” Now it’s time to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Find the matching eggshell half and tape or glue the two pieces together. Don’t worry if there are gaps where small pieces of the shell may have broken. Brush white household glue one section at a time on the eggshell and place small squares of cut gift-wrap tissue paper on the glue. Overlap the tissue squares as you cover the entire egg, including the open gaps, if there are any. Paint a final coat of glue over the tissuecovered egg. Let dry. The glue will become invisible, revealing a colorful mosaic of tissue shapes. If an egg is designated for a particular person, glue on a small nametag. Arrange your brightly decorated eggs in an Easter basket and enjoy them as a table centerpiece this month. On Easter morning crack open the eggs to reveal the surprises! *** 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) 2012 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
Tidbits® of Elmore County SERVICE ANIMALS (continued): • Military dogs are trained in San Antonio, Texas, at the Military Working Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base. German shepherds, Dutch shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the most common breeds used. The military purchases some of its dogs from breeders, but most are from its own breeding program. • When the Navy SEALs stormed Osama bin Laden’s Pakistan compound on May 2, 2011, four of the first feet on the ground were those of Cairo, a well-trained Belgian Malinois. When President Obama had a private meeting with the SEAL team, the only one of the super-secret team whose name was revealed was Cairo, the war dog. • The lighter, more compact Belgian Malinois breed is considered the best for operations undertaken by SEAL teams, such as tandem parachute jumping and rappelling. Dogs like Cairo are trained to detect and identify both hostile and/or hiding humans and explosives. The dogs are about twice as fast as their most physically fit SEAL companions. • Like other members of the SEALs, Cairo was equipped with super-strong, flexible body armor and high-tech equipment that included “doggles.” Doggles are specially designed dog goggles equipped with night-vision and infrared capability that allow dogs to see body heat even through concrete walls. • The hi-tech dog gear comes from a mom-andpop business in Winnipeg, Manitoba. K9 Storm, Inc., has a worldwide reputation for designing and manufacturing what is probably the best body armor available for military and police dogs. Working dogs in 15 countries use their K9 Storm body armor. • Some amazing information released from the Pentagon in October 2010 revealed that after six years and $19 billion spent in developing the ultimate bomb-detector technology, dogs are still the most accurate! Detection using the most advanced equipment, like drones and aerial detectors, yielded a 50-percent success rate. When a dog was involved, that rate rose 30 percent. Now that’s some serious sniffing! • Some other highly trained dogs that help keep our nation safe are the detector dogs trained to safeguard American agriculture. The National Detector Dog Training Center (NDDTC) in Newnan, Georgia, trains dogs and officers as teams to prevent pests and agricultural diseases from coming into the United States through airports, postal facilities, cargo warehouses, international borders and seaports.
Smoked Ham with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Perfect for a buffet any time of year. We created this impressive glazed ham for winter entertaining, but it has become an Easter favorite as well. 1 (12-pound) smoked whole ham, fully cooked 3 pints strawberries 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 jar (10- to 12-ounce) orange marmalade Radish sprouts or watercress sprigs, for garnish 1. Remove skin and trim some fat from smoked whole ham, leaving about 1/4 inch fat. With knife, score fat covering on ham crosswise, just through to the meat, into 1-inch-wide strips. Place ham on rack in large roasting pan (about 17 by 11 1/2 inches). Insert meat thermometer into center of ham, being careful that pointed end does not touch bone. Bake ham in 325 F oven 3 to 3 1/2 hours until thermometer reaches
• One of the wonderful things about this program is that the NDDCT actually gets its dogs through animal shelters and animal rescues as well as through owner donations. It is important for dogs in this program to be comfortable and non-threatening when working around people in crowded places like airports. The NDDCT currently trains beagles and beagle mixes for airports and Labrador retrievers and Lab mixes for border patrol work and for warehouses and postal facilities. • Occasionally Jack Russell terriers are also used by the NDDCT, mainly to work in Guam finding brown tree snakes. (Ewww!) The snakes are “a dangerous threat to the ecology and economy of Guam.” Accidentally introduced to Guam in the 1940s or early 1950s, the snakes cause power outages and have eradicated most of Guam’s native forest birds. • The characteristics the NDDCT looks for in dogs that will serve in the “Agriculture Beagle Brigade” are age (1-3 years old); bold, curious and friendly personalities; and a love of food! If after some testing and training, a dog is not deemed appropriate for the work, it is put up for adoption. • O ther very important service animals are Assistance Dogs. There are three types: guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired, hearing dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing and service dogs for people with disabilities other than those related to vision or hearing. Guide dogs for the blind have been around and formally trained for over 70 years, while the other programs are newer. • A revised definition of “service animal” was recently passed in the United States, effective March 15, 2011: “Service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition.” This definition is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It provides federal protection for service animals to accompany their person into public places. Service animals are not pets; they are working dogs. (Miniature horses are permitted under specific conditions.) • Service dogs are highly trained to meet the needs of the people they serve. Any breed can be used as a service dog. They are trained to standards established by dog trainers, animal behaviorists, people with disabilities and veterinarians.
140 F (15 to 18 minutes per pound). If ham browns too quickly, cover with a foil tent. 2. About 30 minutes before ham is done, prepare strawberry sauce: Reserve 1 pint strawberries for garnish. Hull remaining strawberries. In 3-quart saucepan, mash strawberries. Stir in brown sugar, cornstarch, salt and orange marmalade; cook over medium heat until mixture thickens slightly and boils, stirring frequently. 3. To serve, place ham on warm large platter. Arrange radish sprouts and reserved whole strawberries around ham. Serve with sauce. Serves 24. „ Each serving: About 250 calories, 12g total fat, 60mg cholesterol, 1,770mg sodium, For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/. (c) 2012 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
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FAMOUS LANDMARKS OF THE WORLD:
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
One of the most enduring symbols of the United States and a treasured landmark in New York City is the Statue of Liberty. • “Lady Liberty,” as she is frequently called, was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in recognition of the friendship formed during the American Revolution. • The idea for a statue to be given to the United States was born at the home of Edouard de Laboulaye, near Versailles, France, in the summer of 1865. Laboulaye is considered the “Father of the Statue of Liberty.” Unfortunately, he died before its completion. • French sculptor, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design the sculpture with the plan for it to be presented in 1876 to celebrate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. Gustave Eiffel, France’s most respected engineer, who later designed the Eiffel Tower, was commissioned to help Bartholdi with the massive structure. • While the French were responsible for the Statue and for assembling it once it came to America, the pedestal was the responsibility of the Americans. Funding for both projects was difficult. Both countries allowed auctions, lotteries, entertainment events and more to be held to raise funds for the huge project. • When Joseph Pulitzer became the owner and editor of the New York World in 1883, he appealed to people all across the country to contribute funds and to not bring shame upon the nation by not providing for the generous gift from the French. His plea was heard; money poured in from people all across the country. • The Statue was completed in France in July 1884 and arrived in New York Harbor in June 1885. The pedestal construction was finished in April 1886. The Statue remained unassembled in crates for over a year waiting for the completion of the pedestal. The centennial gift was actually 10 years late! • The Statue was transported from France to the United States on the French frigate Isere. It was disassembled into 350 individual pieces and packed in 214 crates. Reportedly, rough seas almost brought a disastrous end to the Isere and its cargo. • It took four months to re-assemble the Statue on her pedestal. She was dedicated on October 28, 1886, in front of thousands of spectators. President Grover Cleveland proclaimed that “Liberty” would “magnify France beyond the seas.” Fireworks followed the dedication, and then New York City’s first “Ticker Tape” parade ensued. • The original torch was actually displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. Today, it is located in the museum at Fort Wood on Bedloe’s Island with the Statue. In 1984, it was replaced by a new, copper torch covered in 24k gold leaf that reflects sunlight in the day and is lit by 16 floodlights at night. • Much symbolism was built into the Statue. The crown has 25 windows symbolizing gemstones and heaven’s rays shining over the world. The seven rays on the crown represent the seven seas and continents. Chains and a broken shackle at the Statue’s feet represent freedom from oppression and servitude. Lady Liberty is holding a book that has July 4, 1776, inscribed on it, the date of American Independence.
Truex Off to Fast Start With Waltrip Team
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- At last, Martin Truex Jr.’s fortunes are rising at Michael Waltrip Racing. His third-place finish in the Food City 500 was his second top 10 of the season to date. Four races in, Truex ranks fourth in the Sprint Cup point standings. Truex, who is from Mayetta, N.J., won in June 2007 at Dover, Del., while driving a Chevy for Richard Childress Racing. In 2010, he moved to Waltrip’s Toyota team. Since that one Dover victory, 171 races have passed. After finishes of 22nd and 18th in points at MWR, it appears as if the 31-yearold has regained his form. Though the Bristol race was won on March 18 by a Dodge (Brad Keselowski), and a Ford (Matt Kenseth) finished second, the MWR Camrys of Truex, Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively. “We’ve just got a good organization right now, a good bunch of people,” Truex said. “We’ve got three race cars that seem to go to the race track and run really well each week. We’re able to feed off each other. All season our cars have been strong. “Across the board, it’s been a lot of hard work and dedication by the team. In the end, all the people doing their jobs the best they can is why things have been working out for us.” Twice, in 2004 and 2005, Truex won the championship of what is now the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bowyer is Truex’s lone full-time teammate. The team’s third Toyota, No. 55, is most often driven by veteran Mark Martin. Vickers made his first start in the car at Bristol. Waltrip, the team owner, will drive occasionally. Martin has historically been praised for his teamwork in previous stops at Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, among others. “Obviously, Mark is a great driver,” Truex said. “He’s got a lot of experience. I think one of the things he’s brought is confidence in the team. When he comes in there and says, ‘Man, I really like these race cars; I like what you guys are doing,’ it makes a pretty big impact. “He (Martin) can get in anything and go fast. When he says you’ve got good race cars, he gives your team a good direction to head in when they’re not great. He’s definitely brought a lot to the team.” *** (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
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To Your Good Health By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.
Understanding Breast Calcifications DEAR DR. DONOHUE: The receptionist at my doctor’s office called to give me the report on a mammogram I had taken. She said that it showed calcifications and that the doctor wanted it repeated in six months. Why? Are calcifications indications of cancer? If they are, I’d like to get this taken care of immediately. I am becoming a nervous wreck thinking about this. -- H.M. ANSWER: When tests don’t provide a definite answer, everyone suffers -- the patient, the doctor of the patient and the doctor who interpreted the test. Calcifications are the perfect example. They’re calcium specks. When the doctor interpreting the mammogram sees them, he or she bases their importance on their number, their shape, their size and the pattern they make. With those criteria, the doctor usually can say whether they indicate cancer. Noncancerous calcifications might result from a bump to the breast to which you paid little attention. Or a minor breast infection could have caused them. If the doctor feels that evidence points more in the direction of cancer, then he or she will ask for an immediate biopsy. If the doctor feels more certain that they are not cancer signs but is not completely certain about that call, a repeat examination at a later date is a reasonable position to take. Neither the interpreting doctor nor your personal doctor would ask for a delay if there was any chance that the inaction would harm your health.
Tidbits® of Elmore County The pamphlet on breast cancer gives the approach to diagnosing and treating it. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 1101W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My thighs are loaded with cellulite. What is it, and how can I get rid of it? -- M.T. ANSWER: Cellulite is beneath-the-skin fat that forms small puckers due to crisscrossing fibers similar to but not the same as scar-tissue fibers. The fiber-puckered fat gives the involved skin a lumpy-bumpy appearance. Laser treatments, radiofrequency wave treatments and ultrasound have been used for removing cellulite. These are cosmetic procedures and likely are not covered by insurance. Innumerable creams are advertised for cellulite reduction, but I can’t tell you if they work. I would be cautious about trying any that are costly. Weight loss makes cellulite less obvious. You are best served by consulting a dermatologist. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: For the past several days, my left eyelid has been twitching. There’s no pain. It does not affect my vision. Does it mean anything? -- T.P. ANSWER: Not usually. Eyelid twitches result from spasms of muscles controlling eyelid movement. It’s intermittent and lasts for a few days, at most. Fatigue, stress and caffeine have been implicated as causes. I have had such twitching, at times when I was neither tired nor stressed nor drinking caffeine. If the twitching is bothersome, soak a washcloth in warm water and apply it to the closed eyelid. If twitching lasts longer than a week or two, see the family doctor. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 North America Synd., Inc.
* It was American humorist Evan Esar who defined a zoo as “an excellent place to study the habits of human beings.” * The New York Times Best Seller list was first published on April 9, 1942. Since that time, only eight authors have managed to have books place No. 1 on both the fiction and nonfiction lists. Those who have accomplished that feat include Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, William Styron, Dr. Seuss and John Steinbeck. * If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, you might want to keep in mind the following law: It’s illegal in that city to curse a firefighter while he or she is engaged in official duties. * America’s first vending machines were found in New York City train stations; they dispensed gum. * The European sturgeon (also known as the beluga sturgeon) is the source of the highly coveted beluga caviar, which is the world’s most expensive, bringing up to $5,000 per pound. This sturgeon can live more than 100 years and is the largest freshwater fish in the world; the record holder, caught in 1827, was 24 feet long and weighed 3,460 pounds. * In a 1982 issue of the magazine American Film, a writer named Chuck Ross claimed that he retyped the screenplay to the 1942 film “Casablanca,” changing only the title and one of the character’s names, and submitted it to 217 agencies. Of the 85 who responded, only eight recognized it as “Casablanca,” though it seemed familiar to another 25. Three of the agencies thought it might be commercially viable, while one thought it should be turned into a novel. The Oscar-wining screenplay was rejected outright by 38 of the agencies. *** Thought for the Day: “The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one a criminal.” -- Erich Fromm (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
by Samantha Weaver * It was Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw who made the following sage observation: “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” * We’re all familiar with the act of CPR -- we often see a film or television character come to the rescue and save a life using the technique. And on TV, according to a recent study, CPR is shown as being successful 75 percent of the time. The reality is not quite so rosy, though. A study conducted in 2010 found that when CPR is used in real life, only about 8 percent of the patients were still alive after one month. Of those who did survive that long, 97 percent couldn’t live a normal life. * Do you suffer from astraphobia? If so, I hope you don’t live in Florida. Those who are afraid of lightning would be terrified in the Sunshine State, especially in Tampa, known as the lightning capital of the world. * Researchers in the United Kingdom have invented a robot that eats slugs and is powered by the gas from the decaying creatures. They have dubbed their creation the SlugBot. * For six generations, many members of the Fugate family of the Appalachian region of Kentucky have suffered from a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. The disorder seems to have no adverse health effects, but it’s not at all difficult to diagnose it at a glance: Sufferers have blue skin. Not just a slight tinge, either; various family members have been described as “blue as Lake Louise,” “the bluest woman I ever saw” and “almost purple.” *** Thought for the Day: “A stockbroker urged me to buy a stock that would triple its value every year. I told him, ‘At my age, I don’t even buy green bananas.”’ -- Claude Pepper (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
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delicious fiber and vitamin C. Save your peels and stash them in a net bag hanging from your rearview mirror for just a day or two. As they dry, they give off the best smell.
* “Technology can be really helpful, especially if you have very little storage area for papers. I had a trustworthy neighborhood teenager come over and help me scan in all my important documents. I have everything on CDs or flash drives, and have given copies to appropriate people. She showed me how to scan a copy of warranty receipts so that I can find the information I need quickly if I have an electronic item or appliance break down.” -- T.L. in Massachusetts * D.B. in Minnesota has this to share: When you are going fishing and only bringing a couple of lures, use an old, empty pill container. Holds well and you wonÕt get poked! * Oranges are wonderful treats and full of
Attic Vents Present a Pesky Problem By Samantha Mazzotta
Q: Recently, I found that sparrows had built a nest not just under the eaves of my house, but inside the crawlspace under the roof. I had pest control remove the nest, and now I plan to seal up any gaps or openings under the eaves or leading into the attic. How best do I go about this? -John C., Framingham, Mass. A: You don’t want to seal up every opening in the attic and crawlspace area, as many of the openings play an important role in maintaining the health of your home. The spaces between the exterior and interior living area of a house -- attics, crawlspaces, the gaps between the outside wall and the interior framing and drywall -- make up what’s known as a home’s “envelope.” Airflow into and out of this envelope is as important as the other components you’ll often find inside, such as insulation. Home plans provide for open vents spaced around the exterior of the house, which allow air to flow naturally into and out of the envelope. This constantly moving air keeps the space between your living area and the outside of the house from getting too hot or too cold, and more impor-
* Need to take pills daily? Set a reminder on your cellphone. Most have alarm functions, and it works! * This tip is from my babysitter. She gives small children two ‘get out of bed free’ tickets at bedtime. If they get out of bed, say, for one last drink of water, etc. (we parents know these are stalling tactics), they have to give her a ticket. If they still have a ticket unused when they fall asleep, she will leave a prize with their parents for the morning. -- M.J. in New Mexico * My friend and I found some great vintage spice bottles at a garage sale. We decided that since we got such a good deal, we would treat ourselves to a few new, interesting spices that were a little pricey -- and we went in half on them. -- E.D. in Illinois
tantly, keeps moisture from becoming a problem. Excess humidity within the envelope can, over time, cause some very expensive problems, including mold. Of course, you don’t want pests using these vents to move into your home, because they, too, can cause quite a bit of damage. To protect the crawlspace and the health of your home, find and note all of the openings and vents in the eaves and soffits, the crawlspace and attic, and the basement or lower crawlspace of your home. Note the condition of each: is a vent in place? Is there just an opening with no protective vent? Or does the opening look like a damaged area rather than an intentionally placed opening? Once you have that diagram, then you can purchase what you need to install proper vent covers that will enable airflow while discouraging pests, and repair any exterior damage before interior damage becomes a problem. Even with protective measures in place, you still will need to inspect the area at least twice a year, typically spring and fall, for evidence of animals or other pests trying to make your home their home. HOME TIP: What’s the difference between eaves and soffits? Eaves sit at the edge of a sloped roof; soffits are the flat underside of a roof’s overhang between the exterior wall and the eaves. Send your questions or tips to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
This week’s winner receives a $25.00 Gift Certificate from Smokin’ S Bar-B-Que 5826 US Hwy 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 - Ph. 334567-0605.
Register to win at www.elmorecountytidbits.com and click on “Tommy Tidbits”. Fill out the registration information and tell us how many times Tommy appears in ads in the paper for this week. From the correct entries, a winner will be selected. You must be 18 years of age to qualify. The gift certificates will range in value from $25 to $50 each week. Entries must be received at the website by midnight each Saturday evening or at PTK Corp, PO Box 264, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
Last Week’s Ads where
Tommy was hiding:
1. Alabama Construction Services, p 1 2. Nuevo Ranchito, p 1 3. DrugTest, p 4 4. Style Connection, p 5
Friendlier Annual Medicare Report Medicare is coming out with a new version of our annual report, the Medicare Summary Notice. Medicare spent 18 months asking questions of some of us who receive the reports, and then redesigned it with our suggestions in mind. It’s done a good job. The new report, part of the “Your Medicare Information: Clearer, Simpler, At Your Fingertips” initiative, will make it easier to understand all of our benefit and services information. It will be easier to determine if fraud has occurred, or if we need to file an appeal for a claim. New items on the reports will be: --Larger text fonts. --A notice about checking our information for potential fraud and details on how to do that, and a reminder to check the services listed and the amounts paid. --”Consumer-friendly descriptions” of medical procedures.
--A list of doctors we’ve seen, clearly listed, along with the dates. --Deductible status, with the amount of the Part B Deductible that has been met for the year. --Claims status, with information about whether all services were approved. If the answer is “no,” it tells what amount might be billed to us. --Preventive services that are available. For now, this new report is available only online, but starting in 2013 we’ll receive these reports quarterly by mail. To see a sample of the old versus new reports, go online to mymedicare.gov and click on “Making Medicare claims and benefits statement clearer, simpler.” In the article there is a link to a side-by-side comparison. (A hint: This shows up as a very small graphic in a .pdf file. Click the “plus” sign at the top of the screen to enlarge the picture.) Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Tidbits® of Elmore County
1. Which all-girl group released “Soldier Boy,” and when? 2. What group released what became known as The White Album? 3. “For Those About to Rock” was a hit for which group? Where are they from? 4. Rolling Stones business manager Allen Klein sued the band Verve for use of what 1965 Stones song? 5. What is the Neil Diamond song “Cracklin’ Rosie” about? 6. Where did the Motown group DeBarge get its name? Answers 1. The Shirelles, in 1962. Then in 1989, the song was used in the movie “Born on the Fourth of July.” 2. The Beatles. The 1968 album was completely white with the name of the group embossed on the cover. The double album contained 30 songs. 3. AC/DC, in 1982. The group is from Australia. 4. “The Last Time.” Verve had a license to use part of the song, but used more than was allowed. 5. Instead of being about a woman, it’s thought to be an homage to rose wine. The specific wine is a topic of debate among Diamond fans. 6. DeBarge is the last name of the band’s siblings. Its best-known album, “The Rhythm of the Night,” includes the 1985 hit “Who’s Holding Donna Now.” (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
1. Is the book of Iscariot in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. For how long did Jesus remain after His resurrection before He ascended into heaven? Instantaneously, 1 hour, 3 Days, 40 days 3. What color was the cloak that Jesus wore when He went to the cross? White, Purple, Black, Green 4. Where was Jesus crucified? Samaria, Colossae, Golgotha, Horeb 5. Which disciple doubted Jesus had risen? Peter, Andrew, Thomas, Thaddeus 6. For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Jesus? 10, 20, 30, 40
Fatter Paychecks? Many Are Clueless The payroll tax reduction has been extended under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Two percent of your deduction for Social Security (4.2 percent, down from 6.2 percent) has been picked up by the government again, and that amount will stay in your paycheck. If you’re self-employed, your portion of self-employment tax drops from 12.4 percent to 10.4 percent, to account for that 2 percent. Workers who earn $50,000 would have seen $1,000 in their paychecks over the year the reduction has been
in place. Divided by 24 (assuming twice-monthly pay periods) and that would have come to around $40 per paycheck. If your annual pay is $30,000, your savings from the reduction is $50 per month. Oddly enough, a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling showed that 66 percent of workers didn’t know their paychecks were larger, even though the extra amount had been in paychecks for a year. The poll shows what the rest of polled workers did with that money: --Saved most of it: 3 percent --Caught up on past-due bills: 8 percent --Increased retirement contributions: 4 percent --Bought something special: 1 percent --Paid off debt: 18 percent NFCC believes that the extension gives companies a chance to educate employees about using that money. For example, they believe that workers who aren’t distracted by financial concerns perform better and don’t receive collection calls at work. It’s believed that the government would like us to spend the “windfall” as a means of boosting the economy. However, you are the one who needs to decide how best to use that money.
First, be aware of the additional amount in your paycheck. If the reduction isn’t further extended next year, that amount could vanish from your income. Use a calculator online to learn just what extra amount is included in your check. Second, determine what gets you the most return for that money. For example, if you put the money in savings, you’ll likely earn less than 1 percent interest. If you use the money to pay off a credit card (adding the additional money to every month’s payment), you’ll save the interest you would have paid on the balance. David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.
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BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWERS: 1) Neither; 2) 40 Days; 3) Purple; 4) Golgotha; 5) Thomas; 6) 30
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1. Two -- the Chicago White Sox in 2005 and the Detroit Tigers in 2006. 2. Jerry Koosman was 21-10 in 1976 and 8-20 in 1977. 3. Western Michigan’s Brandon West (2006-09), with 7,764 yards. 4. Oscar Robertson (four times), Charlie Scott and Pete Maravich. 5. The Philadelphia Flyers, in 1974. 6. True. 7. Patrick Rafter (199798).
Call for Easter Reservations
Cousins
Insurance Agency 567-8493 234 Hill St.
Downtown Wetumpka
Life Home Car Business 1. Since 1998, how many A.L. Central teams have reached the World Series? 2. Name the last pitcher to win 20 or more games one season and lose 20 or more the next. 3. Who held the record for most all-purpose yards in a Division I college football career before Tulsa’s Damaris Johnson broke Call for Easter Reservations it in 2010? 4. Name three players before LeBron James in 2010 to record a triple-double of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists. 5. Following the NHL’s expansion before the 1967-68 season, which was the first expansion team to win a Stanley Cup? 6. True or false: 2011 marked the first time since NASCAR instituted a points system in 1975 that a driver came from behind to win a season title in the final race of the year. 7. Who was the last men’s tennis player before Roger Federer (2004-08) to win the U.S. Open singles title two consecutive years?
Joe Bennett, Vicki Mullino, Robin Ellison, Keith Nobles, Sherry Thorne and Ann Gantt