The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read
TIDBITS® LOOKS BACK AT 25 YEARS AGO
by Kathy Wolfe
Twenty-five years ago, many of us waited anxiously to see what would happen when the calendar turned from 1999 to 2000. This week, Tidbits glances back at what was happening 25 years ago – the inventions and the events that shaped our future.
• Can it really be 25 years since Y2K when folks were stocking up on food and water, firearms, and generators and emptying out their bank accounts in anticipation of a worldwide computer shutdown? The scare was based on potential computer errors related to calendar data formatting, since many programs founded on two-digit years could not distinguish between dates in 1900 and 2000. It was predicted that the cost of repairing global damage from the millennium bug could reach as much as $600 billion. As it turned out, very few major errors occurred due to the preventive measures taken by many programmers and I.T. experts. Y2K was also referred to as CDC –Century Date Change.
• IBM sold America’s first USB flash drive, branded as the ThumbDrive in 2000, a device that carried 8 megabytes (8 million bytes) for data storage, and quickly replaced floppy disks. Contrast flash drives today, which hold 4 terabytes, equal to 4 trillion bytes. turn the page for more!
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25 YEARS AGO (continued):
• Many of us just can’t fathom being without our e-readers, as sales of Kindle alone hover near the one million mark annually. In 2000, publishers Simon & Schuester took the risk of publishing the world’s first mass-market e-book, Stephen King’s novella “Riding the Bullet” for $2.50. Their gamble paid off with upwards of 400,000 downloads within the first 24 hours. Today, Amazon has more than 6 million digital books, and 7,500 new books are published globally every day.
• Groundbreaking gaming technology was launched in Japan in March, 2000 with the release of the PlayStation 2, followed up by its October, 2000 release in the United States. This impressive innovation included a DVD drive and the ability to connect to the internet. First-day sales of the PS2 exceeded $250 million, with one million units sold in the first weekend. In the U.S., over 680,000 PS2’s were sold during the first week, carrying a price tag of $300. It remains the best-selling video game console of all time, with global sales of more than 160 million units. The PS2 discontinued production in 2013.
• What started out as a new video game for arcades has ballooned into world championships among players. Big Buck Hunter debuted in December, 2000 as a hunting game that required players to shoot moving male bucks without shooting a female doe. There have been 10 additional versions of the game introduced since its inception.
• Photography was changed forever with the Sharp J-SH04, introduced in 2000 as the first camera cellphone to be commercially marketed worldwide. It was revolutionary as it allowed users to share photos over a cellular network. Massive changes have come to the camera phone, including ultrawide lens, complex light sensors, portrait and night modes, auto-focus, slow-motion video recording, and facial recognition.
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25 YEARS AGO (continued):
• Television viewers were glued to their sets on May 31, 2000 for the premiere of a new reality program, “Survivor.” Contestants’ physical and mental strength, along with endurance are challenged while existing in a remote location for 39 days. Since its inception, more than 20 different locations have been used. “Survivor” has been nominated for 63 Emmy Awards and has featured closed to 750 contestants over the course of the program. Season 48 premiered in February, 2025. The program’s first winner, Richard Hatch, captured the $1 million prize, but was later indicted for tax evasion for failing to report that income, along with several other sources of income. Hatch served 51 months in prison for the violation, followed up with another nine months in later years for not amending those errors.
• On the big screen, we saw Tom Hanks survive a plane crash and be stranded on a deserted island for four years with Wilson the volleyball as his only companion. Hanks gained 50 lbs. in 1998 in preparation for his portrayal of Fed-Ex executive Chuck Noland. Production was then suspended for a year while Hanks lost enough weight to represent a lean and emaciated version of the character. “Cast Away” became one of the year’s highest-grossing films.
• In 2000, actress Sandra Bullock went undercover as an FBI agent to locate terrorists in “Miss Congeniality” while Russell Crowe competed in grueling duels in second century Rome in the blockbuster “Gladiator.” The first “X-Men” movie, featuring Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman, opened in June of that year.
25 YEARS AGO (continued):
• If you turned on the radio 25 years ago, you might have heard 19-year-old Britney Spears singing “Oops…I Did It Again” or the Baha Men performing “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Despite the Baha Men receiving a Grammy, the song was the group’s first and only hit, and was listed as one of the worst songs of the decade by “Rolling Stone” magazine. Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” soared in popularity in 2000, as did “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC, and “Kryptonite” sung by 3 Doors Down.
• Cartoonist Charles Schulz created his last “Peanuts” comic strip in 2000, retiring in January of that year after 50 years of creating Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and Lucy. Just over a month later, on February 12, the 77-year-old Schulz died, and on February 13, his 17,897th strip was published in newspapers worldwide, along with a farewell message from Schulz featured next to the illustrations.
• The three-person crew of “Expedition I” blasted off in early November, 2000 to take up residence in the International Space Station. Aboard this first long-duration expedition were one American and two Russians. Their residency in the station lasted for 136 days, the beginning of uninterrupted human presence on the station. The first two modules of the space station were launched in late 1998. In March, 2025, two astronauts who had been stranded aboard the station were safely delivered home, and were quickly replaced by four others. The plan had been for the two, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, to go to space for eight days, but the two were stranded due to technical problems.
• Hillary Clinton made history in November, 2000 when she became the first former First Lady to be elected to public office in the United States when she won the U.S. Senate seat from New York.
It's Fourth of July on a Stick: Skewers Make Your Party a Breeze
The Fourth of July is the time to celebrate with fireworks, family and, of course, food. This year let's make the celebration even easier and more fun by taking everything on a stick. No plates? No problem! Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic or attending a block party, these skewers will keep everyone happily munching without the mess.
When it comes to holiday fare, I love a good kabob. Kabobs are the ultimate finger food; they're easy to eat while mingling or watching the fireworks. They're customizable, delicious and fun to make. You can go savory, sweet or a combination of both, and the best part? They require no plates! Just grab and go.
Here are some kabob ideas that will impress your guests and make cleanup a breeze.
Diva Tip: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using. The Appetizer Skewer. Let's start with something light, fresh and oh-soflavorful. Mini Caprese Skewers are as simple as they get just cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves, all threaded onto skewers. They offer a burst of tangy goodness with every bite. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle them with a little balsamic glaze before serving. These skewers are a perfect appetizer. They're vibrant, simple and a refreshing break from the heavier grilling options.
The Dessert Skewer. Want to add a little sweetness to your menu? These Firework Fruit Skewers will do the trick! Thread fresh strawberries, blueberries and banana slices onto skewers for a patriotic burst of red, white and blue. Brush the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. To take these skewers over the top, brush them with melted coconut oil and toss them on the grill for a minute or two to add a smoky, caramelized sweetness that's simply irresistible. Serve with ice cream or glazed doughnuts. (Trust me on this!)
Now, for the star of the show: the AllAmerican Chicken Sausage Skewers. These skewers are a true crowdpleaser, combining the savory goodness of chicken and apple sausage (or your favorite sausage) with the vibrant colors of red peppers, earthy mushrooms and sweet red onions. It's a simple but flavorful combination that also looks gorgeous on the platter and captures the spirit of the Fourth of July celebrating all things fresh, bold and fun.
ALL-AMERICAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE SKEWERS
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 20 minutes
4 chicken and apple sausages (or your favorite sausage variety)
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks
8 large mushrooms, halved or quartered
2 zucchini
Olive oil for brushing Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish, optional
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces. You want them to be bite-size for easy
11a to
skewer assembly. Thread the sausage pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell peppers, red onion and mushrooms. Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill, turning occasionally until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with a slight char (about 8-10 minutes).
Once done, remove from the grill and cool. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for added flavor and color, if desired. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
So, fire up the grill, grab your skewers and let the good times roll no plates, no problem!
***
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Skewers make Fourth of July celebrations simple, delicious and plate-free! PHOTO CREDIT: www.JasonCoblentz.com
SPORTS STORIES: CORNHOLE
World Cornhole Day is July 5, giving Tidbits the perfect opportunity to investigate this popular pastime!
• Cornhole is a simple game that has become all the rage in recent years. All it entails is throwing a bean bag into a hole in the opponent’s wooden platform or at least to land on their board. Sound easy? Maybe not as easy as it sounds.
• It’s believed the game has its origins in Germany in the 14th century,was popularized in the state of Kentucky in the 19th century, and gained modern recognition in Chicago and Cincinnati in the late 1970s. In 1883, Harvard grad Heyliger de Windt applied for a patent for his game of “Parlor Quoits,” which incorporated bean bags and a slanted board with a hole as the target. De Windt later sold the rights to his patent to a Massachusetts toy company that marketed the game under the name of Faba Baga, with the board having two different-sized holes worth different point values and one extralarge bag per round used to score double points. The game became immensely popular during the late 1800s.
• In 1974, “Popular Mechanics” magazine featured an article about a game called “beanbag bull’s-eye,” similar to the game of today. In the late 1970s , cornhole, or “bags” as it was called,” surged in popularity.
• By the early 2000s, cornhole was a popular choice for tailgating, beach parties, and social gatherings. It was time for some official rules. In 2005, the American Cornhole Organization was established, headquartered in Milford, Ohio, determining the regulations, organizing tournaments, and promoting the sport at the competitive level. Continued page #7)
CORNHOLE
(continued):
• Official cornhole boards are 2 x 4 feet (0.61 x 1.22 m), with a 6-inch (15 cm) diameter hole centered 9 inches (23 cm) from the top of the board that is slanted with the top edge 12 inches (30.5 cm) above the ground and the bottom edge 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) above the ground. The boards are placed 33 feet (10 m) apart. Each player or team has four bean bags of the same color. Many teams choose custom personalized fabric for the bags and decorate their boards with team logos or artwork.
• The rules call for double-seamed fabric bags measuring 6 x 6 inches (150 x 150 mm) weighing 15.5 to 16.5 ounces (440 to 470 g). While bags were once filed with corn kernels or dried beans, the American Cornhole Organization developed bags filled with plastic resin, enabling consistent weight and shape.
• In order to score points, bags must either fall through the hole or be on the surface of the board. Three points are scored if a bag goes into the hole. A bag remaining on the board after four throws scores one point (a “woody”). If a bag is partially on the board and partially on the ground, it’s called a “dirt bag” and scores nothing.
• How well do you know cornhole terms? “Airmail” occurs when the bag does not slide or bounce on the board but goes directly into the hole (also called a “swish”). A “back door” bag goes over the top of the opponent’s bag blocking the hole and lands in the hole. “Busting” happens when a player’s score goes back down to a predetermined number if their score exceeds 21. Scoring a “cornhole” is any bag that falls into the hole, worth three points. Some players refer to it as a “Drano.” And what’s “cornfusion?” It’s when players can’t agree on the scoring of a particular round.
Why vaccinate your pet?
DEAR PAW'S CORNER:
I don't see the point of vaccinating a pet, especially if they're kept inside for most of their lives. I've read that vaccines can cause more harm than good. It's not natural to vaccinate. A dog or cat's immune system should be able to handle most diseases. So why bother to vaccinate? Natural Pet Parent
DEAR NATURAL: You couldn't be more wrong. A pet's immune system is not an invulnerable shield against all attacks; it's a constantly adapting system that has to "learn" what microbes and viruses are threats and which are not. Unfortunately, some diseases cause serious illness or death before a pet's immune system can respond to them.
Part of what vaccines do is help a pet's immune system learn about specific threats without causing harm to your pet. Vaccines contain a safe, weakened or killed version of a pathogen; when injected, the immune system produces antibodies to specifically attack that pathogen and they remember that in the future.
A disease like rabies, which is always fatal, is best fought off by a vaccine, which helps your immune system mount a frontline defense if a pet is exposed to it. For example, if a vaccinated cat is attacked and bitten by a rabid fox or raccoon, a veterinarian will give the cat a booster shot and monitor the cat in quarantine for 30 to 60 days. An unvaccinated cat who is attacked by a rabid animal might be euthanized immediately, or quarantined for up to 4 months. Because there is no such thing as 100% prevention from exposure to various diseases, even your indoor pets need to have their core vaccinations.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
* "Check your mower to see if you are cutting your lawn to the optimum height. Generally, cutting grass to two and a half inches will allow it to retain more moisture, requiring less watering." O.F. in Alabama
* Want to make that summer at-home pedicure last? Don't skip the base coat or a UV topcoat. The base coat will allow the color to adhere evenly and better. Then the topcoat will protect the color from the sun while giving it a little extra shine.
* Did you know you can curl your hair with straws? Wind sections of damp hair around a plastic straw and secure the ends with a bobby pin. Allow to dry in the sun or use a hair dryer on low heat. Remove and spritz with hair spray.
* Remove all of the air from a plastic storage bag with a drinking straw. Slip the straw into the bag and close as much as possible. Then suck any air out through
the straw, and quickly pull out and close in a single motion. Your leftovers will stay fresh longer, and foods may stack better in the freezer.
* "Necklaces can be stored together without tangling if you thread each one through a straw. You can cut the straw to a shorter length for bracelets or choker-length necklaces. No knots!" I.A. in Arizona
* "If you need a long, straight line, never fear. Grab a ball of yarn or string, and cut what you need. Then rub the whole length over a piece of chalkboard chalk. With a partner, you can hold the string taut and snap it down, like a rubber band. It will leave a line of chalk behind!" L.S. in Minnesota
Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.