Vol. 19: #51 • Christmas Around the World • (12-17-2023) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

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TIDBITSOBSERVES OBSERVES TIDBITS

Christmas around the world

by Rick Dandes

The celebration of Christmas is a time of tradition observed world wide. It’s a special time of year that brings family and friends together for fellowship, goodwill and gift giving. It’s a time of parties, decorations and cheer, but most importantly, it honors the miraculous birth of Jesus. Tidbits takes you on a global journey this week to explore the various ways in which different cultures observe this history-changing event, which has had a profound effect on all mankind.

• In 1836, Alabama was the first U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. President Franklin Pierce decorated the first White House Christmas tree in 1856. And in 1907, Oklahoma was the last state to officially declare a legal holiday for the observance.

• The revolutionary new idea for using electric lights to decorate Christmas trees came from an American named Ralph E. Morris in 1895.

Strings of lights proved to be more colorful and, for obvious reasons, considerably safer than the previously used burning candles.

• The first Christmas card was created in England Christmas Worldwide: Turn to page 3

INSIDE: Celebrity Extra............................. Page 6 Good Houskeeping Recipes ........ Page 7 Comics & Puzzles........................

8-9 Pet Column..................................

9 Your Social Security....................

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PEOPLE WORTH REMEMBERING One in a series

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT 1. Who tried to steal Christmas from the “Whos of Whoville” in the 1966 cartoon story?

2. In the classic tale “A Christmas Carol,” who is Scrooge’s deceased business partner?

AMELIA EARHART

This week, Tidbits looks at the life of the most famous female aviator of all time.

• Amelia Earhart saw her first airplane at the Iowa 4. What Christmas-themed movie depicts a State Fair in Des Moines in 1907 when she was desperate man getting a second chance at life? ten. Although prompted by her father to take a ride, Amelia declared the biplane was “a thing of rusty wire and wood and not at all safe,” and 5. What is the total number of gifts received in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”? asked to return to the merry-go-round.

ADVERTISING (Answers on page 16) PROOF• During World War I, Amelia received training a Red Cross nurse’s aide and served at al Changes DUE: Mon., July 24, 2023 5:00as p.m..

Toronto’s Spadina Military Hospital. Besides carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours listening to stories from military pilots, she spent her free time watching pilots in training your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. at a local airfield, all of which sparked her 60-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 interest in flying. In December 1920, at age 23, she and her father attended an aerial show at a Mike Pendley Construction California airfield, where she had her very first 16th pg, BW, 6x airplane ride with a U.S. World War I pilot, a July 30, 2023 • Vol. 19 - No. 31 ten-minute flight for $10. It was ten minutes that changed her life.

• The next month, Amelia started flying lessons, a course of 12 hours of instruction for $500.

She took on several jobs to save up $1,000 for two complete sessions, as well as to purchase I do it ALL. o to her first plane, a yellow craft she named “The No job small.

Canary.” Shortly afterward, she became the 16th Since 2002 woman in the U.S. to receive a pilot’s license.

Curbless Shower Specialist • In October 1922, Earhart set her first record ADVERTISING PROOF Vanities5:00 • Countertops Final Changes DUE: p.m.. when became the first female to fly solo above Custom Showers • Tile Work 14,000 feet.

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• In 1927, Charles Lindbergh made history as the FREE of Coachella Valley first aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 For five years, the feat had not been matched. valleybits@msn.com Amelia Earhart left Newfoundland exactly five All Rights Reserved years after Lucky Lindy, and landed in an Irish 1. GEOGRAPHY: Which famous 3. What two people wrote the song, “Here Comes Santa Claus”?

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highway that stretches across the United States is sometimes known as the Will Rogers Highway?

2. MUSIC: Which country did the pop group ABBA come from?

3. TELEVISION: What article made Frosty the Snowman come to life in the popular TV special?

4. FOOD & DRINK: What is colcannon?

5. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Volcanoes National Park?

6. MOVIES: What is the name of the acapella group that Anna Kendrick joins on “Pitch Perfect”?

7. INVENTIONS: Who invented the Barbie doll in 1959?

8. MATH: How many tablespoons are in 1 cup?

9. LITERATURE: What is the title of the sequel to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which elected president is the only one to fail to gain his party’s nomination for a second term?

Answers (Trivia Test answers page 16) 1. Route 66.

2. Sweden.

3. A magic hat.

Vol. IXX Issue No. 51

cow field in 14 hours, 56 minutes, becoming the second person and first female to achieve the feat, making headlines around the world.

• In January 1935, Earhart became the first person to fly the 2,408 miles from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Oakland, California, and she did so all alone. Three months later, she flew solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City, another first, followed by a solitary flight from Mexico City to Newark less than a month later.

• Earhart then set her sights on circumnavigating the globe. On June 1, 1937, she and her navigator Fred Noonan set off in their twinengine Lockheed 10E Electra from Oakland, California, on an eastbound route. The pair flew to Miami, then to South America, across the Atlantic to Africa, then east to India and Southeast Asia. The route then took them to Indonesia, Australia, and Papau New Guinea.

• The final leg remaining was to be from Howland Island in New Guinea, across the Pacific to Honolulu, and then back to Oakland. They had then flown 22,000 miles, with 7,000 miles to go.

• However, on July 2, a month after they had taken off, they disappeared without a trace over the Pacific, never reaching Howland Island.

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched an extensive $4 million search for the plane, but no trace of any wreckage was ever found. On July 19, 1937, five days before Earhart’s 40th birthday, she and Noonan were declared lost at sea. Their baffling disappearance remains a mystery to this day with many theories abounding, but none with conclusive proof to back them.

• Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1968 and the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973. 

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of December 17, 2023

Christmas Worldwide (from page one)

in 1843. Hallmark introduced its first Christmas cards in 1915, five years after the greeting card company was founded. Today, the average American household will mail out 28 Christmas cards, and receive 28 in return. The U.S. sends approximately 1.8 billion Christmas cards through the mail each year.

• You’ll always find plum pudding on the Christmas menu in Great Britain. When preparing this seasonal dish, the British have a traditional practice of making a wish while stirring the ingredients in a clockwise direction.

At Christmas dinner, the pudding is served with little treasures hidden inside that bring their finders good luck. And in case you didn’t know, Britain was the first country to hang up mistletoe.

• In Italy, a dinner of several kinds of seafood, sometimes called the “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” is a popular Christmas Eve meal.

• A curious tradition takes place in Estonia on Christmas Eve, when large families gather for close togetherness - in the sauna.

• In Ethiopia, Christmas is called Genna, and is observed on January 7. People gather both in ancient churches carved from volcanic cinder rock, and in modern churches that contain three concentric circles, with the center circle being the holiest place. Exchanging gifts is only a small part of their Christmas celebration, and children usually receive only necessary items such as shoes, toothpaste and items of clothing.

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homes have an oil palm decorated with bells

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• Christians of most denominations in Hong Kong celebrate Christmas with hundreds of Chinaʼs state-run church services spoken in various Chinese dialects. There are also services held in English for the resident Europeans. They also send exquisitely decorated Christmas cards, and these cards often show the Holy Family in a Chinese setting. Santa Claus is known as Sing Daan Lou Yan (Christmas Old Man) in Cantonese or Sheng Dan Lo Ren in Mandarin.

• Scandinavia has a sweet Christmas tradition. A little gnome called Julenisse puts the presents under the Christmas tree at night. Before going to bed, the children place a bowl of porridge for him under the tree.

• Scandinavia is where we derive most of our Yule log traditions. The dark cold winters of their northern latitudes inspired traditions concerned with warmth and light. Yuletide, which means FREE “the turning of the sun” or the winter solstice, has Valley FREE Property of ofCoachella Property of ofCoachella Valley AdVenture Media, Inc. Fax: Phone: 760.320.0997 760.320.1630 SFax: 760.320.1630 been an important observance in Scandinavia for AdVenture Phone: 760.320.0997 ETInc. GMedia, valleybits@msn.com GE D NUGvalleybits@msn.com E hundreds of years.

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Why is Santa said to Phone:come 760.320.0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com down a Fax: chimney?

Though valleybits@msn.com the All idea can be traced back before Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved the famous 1823 poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” written for his own children by Clement C. Moore, most agree that his story popularized the notion of Santa’s arrival through the chimney. In it, Moore describes, “As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney he came with a bound!”

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which the Christmas scene is enacted and hymns • The Yule log was originally an entire tree trunk, by carefully chosen and brought into the house with and carols are sung. great ceremony. The butt end would be placed • In Caracas, Venezuela, itʼs customary for the into the hearth and ignited from the remnant of1. W streets to be blocked off around Christmas so the previous year’s log. The remaining length of that people can roller-skate to church. s the log protruded into the room and was regularly • In Bangladesh, Christian men in each village m turned while the fire in the hearth was constantly place full-sized banana trees in parallel rows stoked and kept flaming. The tree would be s along the paths to churches that are holding gradually fed into the fire a day at a time until Christmas services. The trees are then bent to it was fully consumed. The entire process was form an archway. Oil lanterns made of bamboo carefully timed to last the entire Yuletide season.2. W poles are tied on the arches, lighting the path to t Christmas Worldwide: Turn to page 15 the church entrance.

• In the Netherlands, the Dutch eagerly await December 6, when they celebrate St. Nicholas Day, the coming of Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas sails • The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa from Spain every winter, and Dutch children fill Claus, originally came from the Dutch version their shoes with hay and sugar for his horse on called Sint Nikolaas, or Sinterklaas. To the St. Nikolass eve and awake to find them filled delight of their children, the Dutch settlers in with gifts such as nuts, candy and toys. On St. New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun Nikolaas day, they celebrate with family getand lively tradition with them to America. Santa togethers and feasting, after which everyone ADVERTISING PROOF is known throughout the world by many names: ADVERTISING PROOF settles down to prepare for Christmas Day on Mon.,10/4/21 Father Christmas,DUE: Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Final Changes 5:00 p.m..

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1. In what year did the annual Toys for Tots drive first begin?

2. When and where was the first Salvation Army Christmas kettle placed to help the needy?

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Everyday CHEAPSKATE

®

by Mary Hunt

By Lucie Winborne

* Sweden has a ski-through McDonald’s. * The world’s most expensive perfume, Clive Christian No. 1 Passant Guardant, will set you back a cool $143,000 for a 30 ml bottle. Of course, it does come in a flask studded with 2,000 diamonds. * A 2018 psychology study found that millionaires who earned their wealth are moderately happier than those who inherited it. * George Washington moved his slaves in and out of Pennsylvania every six months to avoid their taking advantage of a law whereby slaves residing in the state for longer periods could claim their freedom. * One billion hours of video are watched on YouTube every day. * Bored with your limited supply of cuss words? Try learning Latin, which contains about 800 obscenities to English’s approximately 20 (depending on how we define the latter). * In 1924, half of the world’s cars were made by Ford. * Folks who have difficulty recalling someone else’s name shortly after they’ve met can blame it on the “next-in-line-effect,” or having too much anxiety about themselves and what they’ll say next to focus on the name of someone to whom they were just introduced. * A cyberchondriac is someone who scours the internet looking for details about their illnesses. * Actor Frankie Muniz, who starred as the titular character in the TV series “Malcolm in the Middle,” doesn’t recall his time on the show, due to multiple concussions and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks). * Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote “The Gambler” to pay off his gambling debts. *** Thought for the Day: “Don’t confuse your path with your destination. Just because it’s stormy now doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine later. Don’t lose faith.”

-- Trent Shelton (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tipping Points There's a beautiful recreation center in our community complete with a ginormous indoor swimming pool geared to kids and families. One of the cool water features in this pool is a contraption that sits way up high. Think of it as a kind of ® huge flower sculpture where the "petals" are big, brightly colored buckets.

by Mary Hunt A trickle of water is constantly pumping up through the center "stem," gradually filling the huge buckets, gallon by gallon. The buckets are attached in a way to be wobbly, appearing to be precarious and ready to blow any second now.

For what seems like forever, a bucket will just sit there, teetering as it fills with water.

Of course it's great fun for the kids who swarm in the water below because they know that at some point, just one more drop of water will be too much, making a bucket suddenly tip over, dumping torrents of its contents on them far below.

It's that moment between the bucket handling its contents and the next drip of water that pushes it over what author Malcolm Gladwell calls "The Tipping Point."

The tipping point is the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point. It's that moment when the possibility of sudden change is realized -- for good or for bad.

In business, the tipping point can be that moment when just one more person shared the video, causing a product to go viral.

Our older son Jeremy and his buddy Bruce experienced a tipping point the day in 2000 they released their homemade video sensation (on a $300 budget), "405 The Movie." To this day it holds the distinction as the first original viral video of the internet age -- five years before Youtube.

Overnight it became a media sensation. That year, film critic Roger Ebert referred to it as "the most famous short film in the history of the Internet." That tipping point drew a line in Jeremy's life separating before and after. It changed his life and launched his career and successful business.

Tipping points are not always the precursor of a super fun time in a big swimming pool or the point at which dreams come true. Tipping points can signal a downward spiral that culminates in more of a nightmare. I've personally experienced such a tipping point, the memory of which and the aftermath will live in my mind forever. I will never forget the day, the hour.

It didn't happen quickly. I worked on filling my "water bucket" with an ever so slow trickle of

Everyday CHEAPSKATE

Vol. IXX Issue No. 51

unpaid credit card debt for more than 12 years.

It wasn't a trouble-free time, but somehow, if the bucket began to wobble too much, I'd figure out how to stabilize it enough to allow the trickle a bit more time. I always thought that somehow, I'd figure out what to do about it. I'd convince myself that it wasn't that bad.

But then one day, one hour, one minute in time, the trickle landed one more drop than the bucket could hold. That was it. My tipping point.

With one huge, mighty dump, it hit and nearly destroyed me, my husband, our family -our lives. Emotionally, it knocked me out, sending me into a deep, dark pit of despair. I'd filled that "bucket" with more than $100,000 in unpaid credit card debt, a failed business and other untold personal unsecured debt. Our house mortgage was four months in arrears, scheduled for foreclosure.

My tipping point should not be confused with my turning point, which I experienced in September 1984. On that day, I finally got honest with myself and made a personal, secret promise that would go on to completely change my life. I promised to repay every penny of the debt I'd created -- no matter what it would require. I would also do anything that it took to do it. And I did.

Fast forward 13 years and I can tell you that we made it. We repaid every bit of the debt, and what a journey this has been -- and continues to be every single day of my life!

I am eternally grateful for that tipping point. It woke me up to the truth that little things can make a big difference. It pushed me to my turning point, and for that I am eternally grateful.

* * * Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services.

Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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Week of December 17, 2023

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Daniel Warn

As the production of electric vehicles continues to elbow its way into the auto industry, Tidbits looks into the history of the most well known manufacturer on the market, made by a company with a net worth of $800 billion.

• Although we associate the name of Elon Musk with Tesla, he was not one of the company’s founders.

In 2003, the company was incorporated by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, who named the company in tribute to SerbianAmerican engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla.

Tesla was responsible for designing an alternating current electricity supply system in 1888.

• Eberhard and Tarpenning were the inventors of the very first handheld e-reader, the Rocket eBook, which went into production in 1998.

Although named for Nikola Tesla, the acronym actually stands for Tera electron volt Energy Superconducting Linear Accelerator.

• The e-reader didn’t generate enough capital for the two engineers to continue with their venture, so in February 2004, just seven months after its founding, the pair had to seek outside investors.

• This is where Elon Musk stepped in, investing $6.5 million in the company ($10.8 million in today’s dollars), becoming the company’s largest shareholder. Musk had sold his interest in PayPal in 2002 for $100 million. As Tesla’s largest shareholder, he became the chairman of the board of directors, while Eberhard continued as CEO.

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1x Open Ratefor a new Tesla ranges from Average pricing • It wasn’t long before there was friction between BZ BW 17, 2023 toVol. 19 - No.before 51 taxes and any local $119,990 Eberhard and Musk. In 2007, Musk removed Dec. $42,990 Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 rebate incentives are included.  Eberhard from his position as CEO, calling valleybits@msn.com him “the worst person he’s ever worked with,” All Rights Reserved among other negative remarks, citing Eberhard CLIP AND SAVE as responsible for other operational issues. Musk POSITION WANTED stepped in as CEO. Eberhard responded with a 40 year old gentleman with degree from Nicaragua lawsuit, accusing Musk of libel and defamation, School of Nursing available for senior care in your a suit that later was settled between them. home. I can work afternoons, evenings and overnight

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from Palm Springs to La Quinta. Currently located in • The first Tesla automobile was released in 2008, Rancho Mirage.

DUE: 12:0 the completely electric Roadster, whichFinal could Changes Personal care, light housekeeping and errands. go from 0 to 60 mph in just under four seconds, Please review carefully.

Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling P Experienced, and very gentle and kind. $20 per hr.

Thank you. with a top speed of 125 mph. In 2009, the U.S. Larry Rocha Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or cor 760-832-2318 Government loaned the company $465 million dlwarn2006@yahoo.com Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760 needed for operating expenses.

• From the 2008 Roadster’s speed record, the 2020 Roadster stepped up to establish the world record for fastest electric car, that of 0 to 100 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of more than 250 mph.

• So where’s the nearest Tesla dealership? There isn’t one! Tesla is the only automaker selling cars directly to consumers without the need of going through a dealership. Instead, the company operates galleries and stores to market their vehicles. There has been much dispute about this practice, since automotive franchise policies were established decades ago to protect franchises that have pumped time, money, and labor into their dealerships.

• Tesla stores have no inventory, only personnel who inform the customer about the selling points of the cars. Several states follow the franchise laws and do not allow Tesla to sell cars directly, including Oklahoma, North Carolina, New Jersey, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Texas, citing Tesla with “unfair and deceptive trade practices.”

• How do you get a Tesla? A customer goes online, clicks the desired vehicle, selects options, and it is delivered to their door.

• A single charge on a Tesla with a standard battery enables a driver to travel about 250 miles. That can be boosted to 310 miles with a long-range battery series. A Tesla battery typically lasts eight years on the road. Unlike a gas engine, the Tesla can’t be jump-started. It requires a charge at a charging station, a drawback for some potential buyers.

• As of September 2023, there are more than 5,500 charging stations and 50,000 connectors available. The average time to add 200 miles to a Model S is about 15 minutes. The Model S Plaid requires 51 minutes to reach 95%.

• Ready to get onboard the electric circuit?

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by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: Whatever happened to the guy who

was pranked on the show “Jur y Duty”? He seems like such a nice person. I hope he’s doing well. -- D.D.

Depositphotos

A: “Supernatural,” starring Jared Padal-

1. Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé

1. (NR) SplitBeyoncé, ................................

Blue Ivy Carter(PG-13) James McAvoy, Taylor-Joy 2. The Hunger Anya Games: The Ballad 2. of Rings ...............................

(PG-13) Songbirds & Snakes Matilda Ingrid Lutz, (PG-13)Anna Rachel Zegler, TomAlex BlythRoe Minus One 3. 3.

A Godzilla Dog’s Purpose ..................(PG) (PG-13) Josh Gad,Minami DennisHamabe, Quaid Kamiki ....................(PG) 4. Ryunosuke Hidden Figures 4. Trolls Band Together Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer (PG) Anna Kendrick, Justin (PG-13) 5. La La Land ....................

Timberlake Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone Wish Evil: The Final 6. 5.Resident (PG) Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine Chapter ...................................... (R) 6. Napoleon Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen (R) Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby 7. 7.Sing .......................................(PG) Animal animated (NR) Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor 8. 8.Lion ................................ (PG-13) The Shift Dev Patel,Kristoffer Nicole Kidman (PG-13) Polaha, Neal 9. McDonough The Space Between Us .. (PG-13) Gary Oldman, 9. Silent NightAsa Butterfield (R) Joel Kinnaman, 10. xXx: Return of Catalina XanderSandino Moreno Cage .................................... (PG-13) 10.

Thanksgiving Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen

T.

(R) Patrick Dempsey, Ty Olsson

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

It turns out he had a 100% blockage in the artery nicknamed the widow-maker. He went on to thank his wife, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Providence Saint Joseph medical staff for saving his life. He didn’t mention whether he has to undergo any surgery, but at the time of his post, he said that he expected to be discharged home the next day.

Hopefully, we’ll be seeing a healthier Sheppard back on our screens soon. Post“Supernatural,” he was a regular on two series, “Walker: Independence” and “Doom Patrol,” but both have been canceled.

* * * Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

ecki and Jensen Ackles, ran from 2005-2020. Neither of the leading actors suffered a health emergency, but 59-year-old Mark Sheppard, who played Crowley on the show from 2009-2017, just had a miraculous recovery after his heart stopped. He recently posted on Instagram that he collapsed after suffering the first of six -- yes, six! -- heart attacks

A: Candice Bergen recently appeared on stage at “SNL” when Emma Stone was recognized for hosting the iconic NBC sketch comedy show for the fifth time. Bergen is listed as a five-timer host herself, with her last time hosting being 1990.

She was the first woman to host “SNL” back in 1975

E,

and was “brought back from the dead” four times.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 13, 2017

A: Ronald Gladden worked at Home Depot before he volunteered for jury duty that was being filmed for a documentary. (Or so it seemed.) Instead, he was surrounded by actors, including movie star James Marsden who played an egotistical version of himself.

When it was revealed that it was a prank, the good-natured Gladden took it in stride.

He went on a whirlwind of a press tour Ronald Gladden after “Jury Duty” ("Jury Duty") aired on Freevee.

Once the wonderful craziness died down, it was announced that he struck a development deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Producer Ronald Gladden is very likely to replace Home Depot on his resume from here on out. *** Q: I loved seeing Candice Bergen on “Saturday Night Live” recently. Is there any chance she’ll star in her own TV series again?

I miss “Murphy Brown.” -- J.W.

and was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar five years later for her role opposite Burt Reynolds in “Starting Over.”

She’s also been able to line her mantle with Emmy Awards, a total of five for her titular role on the CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown.” The show was a big hit for 10 seasons on CBS during its initial run.

It was brought back for a reboot in 2018, but only lasted one season due to lackluster ratings.

As for Bergen’s career following “Murphy Brown,” she’s been keeping busy, having recently starred in “Book Club: The Next Chapter,” an ensemble comedy film with Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton and Mary Steenburgen. *** Q: I read that one of the actors from the TV show “Supernatural” had a heart attack. Who was it, and did he sur vive? -- K.G.

Vol. IXX Issue No. 51

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Pr Week of December 17, 2023

Good Recipes from

Easy Christmas Stollen Ricotta cheese adds richness and moisture to this sweet bread, a traditional holiday treat everyone enjoys.

stick)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons butter or margarine (1

1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup candied lemon peel or coarsely chopped red candied cherries 1/2 cup dark seedless raisins 1/3 cup slivered blanched almonds, toasted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 large egg yolk 1. Heat oven to 325 F. Grease large cookie sheet. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With pastry blender or two knives used scissor-fashion, cut in 6 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. With spoon, stir in ricotta until mixture is moistened. Stir in candied lemon peel, raisins, almonds, vanilla, grated lemon peel, egg and egg yolk until well mixed.

3. Place stollen on prepared cookie

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garnish. Makes about 16 cups or 32 servings. sheet. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Transfer to wire  Each serving: About 125 calories, 5g rack. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and ADVERTISING carbohydrate, 7gPROOF total fat (4g satubrush over warm stollen. Cool completely. Makes protein, 11gCarl Moore Locksmithing Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. rated), 0g fiber, 98mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium.

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12 large eggs 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt Call me TODAY! 2 quarts whole milk 1 cup dark rum (optional) 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg plus additional for sprinkling 1 cup heavy or whipping cream 1. In heavy 4-quart saucepan, with wire whisk, beat eggs, sugar and salt until blended.

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Week of December 17, 2023

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 9

NEXT WEEK in

Cody’s

TIDBITS GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS ABOUT

MEASUREMENTS

2.

1.

Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

A Chance To Do Better

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

From a frustrated reader: “For the past few months, ʽMaggie,ʼ our two-and-a-half-year-old Shar Pei-Boxer mix, has been getting really aggressive toward my boyfriend, his mom, his two-year-old nephew and me.

“Lately, she’s been growling at our nephew when he tries to hug her and at our smaller puppy when he’s merely playing with a toy. Last night, she jumped on the bed and woke me. When I sat up, she started snarling at me. I took her downstairs to the cage, and she was fine until it came time to actually go into the cage. At that point, she snapped at the smaller dog and then turned toward me and snarled.

“Initially, I yelled at her, but then I tried to calm her down by saying in a soothing voice,ʽMaggie, it’s OK. Maggie, calm down.ʼ I reached in slowly to pet her, and she bit me and drew blood for the third or fourth time now. Until today, I blamed her for acting that way. But I realize now that it is our fault. The ʽpunishment aggressionʼ description covers basically everything we have done to discipline her.

“I never knew that my behavior could affect a dog so much. I grew up seeing my parents discipline our dogs that way. Now I have no idea what I can do for her since her aggression is our fault. Do you have any advice? I really, really want to try to fix the situation. But I just can’t keep her around if she is going to snap at our nephew.”

There’s a lot to learn from a letter like this.

The letter writer demonstrates the importance of leading by example. She learned from her parents the only methods they knew of disciplining a dog -- outdated, uninformed punishing tactics that involve yelling, bullying and possibly worse. Minute by minute, her nephew was learning the same.

Her story illustrates the value of personality testing and training. Getting a feel for a dog’s personality before making him your dog empowers you to select the best fit for you, your family and your lifestyle -- and enables you to judge his ability to relate to children, if necessary. Your dog’s personality also determines the necessary method of

12/17 Wright Brothers Day 12/18 National Twin Day 12/19 Holly Day

Print Your Answers Here:

12/20 Ugly Christmas Sweater Day 12/21 Winter Solstice 12-22 Forefathers Day 12/23 Egg Nog Day

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Tidbits® Word Search

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(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

● ●

www.WordSearchMaker.com



� BOXING CHRISTMAS DAY � CHRISTMAS EASTER � EASTERFATHERSDAY � FATHERSHANUKKAH DAY JULYFOURTH � HANUKKAH LABORDAY � LABOR DAY MEMORIALDAY � JULY FOURTH � MEMORIAL DAY BOXINGDAY

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(Word (Word Search Search solution solution page page 16) 16)

Mega Maze solution Page 14

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 10

and be very savvy about the typical scams that are aimed at seniors.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

© King Features Synd., Inc.

Getting Educated About Scams There is a growing movement online among the children of seniors to instruct us about scams we might come across. All sorts of advice is being handed out for them to pass along to us. It includes advice about how to approach us with these scam facts, instructing them to be “gentle,” making sure we’re not offended by being told we could become a victim of scammers.

The way around this -- should these types of discussions come to your house via well-meaning others -- is to be one step ahead

Issue No. 51

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

training and discipline. You don’t train or discipline a shy dog the same way you would a dominant dog.

In a banking scam, you know not to click Everything is different, right down to the tone of any email links or give any information over the your voice. phone. You hang up and call the bank directly to Many dog owners in similar situations ask if they called you. never own up to their role. Instead, they deny a problem exists or dance around it with a litany of In the charity scams, you’ll be asked to excuses. give money over the phone. Don’t do it. If you The writer of this letter has had a very imwant to give, send a check directly to the charity. portant breakthrough. She now understands the In the grandparent scam, a young-sounding extent that an owner’s behavior can affect a dog. caller will claim to be a grandchild in trouble and Anyone who reads this column regularly needs bail money. No, you simply hang up. knows what’s coming: A two-year-old child cannot live safely under the same roof with a dog like MagNo, the IRS will never call and insist you gie. The first new household rule should be that make a payment with gift cards.

Maggie has zero access to the nephew -- not even Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling supervised access, because it only takes a second In the romance scam where a fake online for something to go terribly wrong. love interest suddenlyyour needs cash, you won’t Contact Tidbits representative with changes All ofimmediately the adults involved in this situation o hand over a single dime. Period. have an equal and immediate obligation to Maggie Office: 760-320-0997 email: to do twovalleybits@msn.com things: enlist the services of a profession-Fax Go here to read about the various al trainer and find her a better home. She needs an scams: www.aarp.org. Put “Fraud Resource adults-only home with people who understand the Center” in the search box to get the details on importance of boundaries and consistent training the 70 scams listed. Know what you’re talking -- neither of which hasanything to do with  punishPlease review carefully.

Double check: Phone Number(s) Spelling  about when others come to you to “educate” you ment. The training they provide starting now will Contact your Tidbits representative with changes or co about scams and offer to help. c/o Melanie Thomas Property of immediately increase Maggie’s chances of finding such a home * * Office: 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Fax: 7 AdVentureemail: Media, Inc. exponentially.

BZ BW 26x Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personWith the writer’s realization comes a chance ally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them 8,to2023 19 benefit - No.of41 into her column whenever possible. Send emailOctober to columdo betterVol. -- to the everyone, including nreply2@gmail.com. the child, the puppy and, hopefully, Maggie. (c) KingFeaturesSyndicate Property of Woof!

ADVERTISING PROO Final Changes DUE: MON., OCT. 1

I can see where this could go. Amongst the advice about possible financial scams there could be “suggestions” that we perhaps turn the management of our money over to others. Or perhaps it would mean someone else should balance our checkbook each month to verify just where our money is going.

I don’t think so.

Vol. IXX

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: MON., Nov. 6 5: 12: Bgreen, Inc.

* * *Media, Inc. AdVenture

Bgreen, Inc. Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the

c/o Melanie Ashe Fax: 760.320.1630 Plug Into These Electrical Safety Hints Phone:BZ760.320.0997 valleybits@msn.com BW 26x Nov. 12, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 46 From the Experts All Rights Reserved

co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” Read all of Uncle Matty’s columns at www.creators.com, and visit him Fax: at www.unclematty.com.

Phone: 760.320.0997 760.320.1630 COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

Be safe during the holidays when decorating your home to celebrate the season ESFi offers these Twelve Holiday Safety Tips to keep your home protected from household electrical fires during the season of decoration:

valleybits@msn.com

ing asleep to the All Rights Reserved muffled crooning of Bing Crosby and ● Kills Plant Diseases!

Christmas choirs, ● Cleans, Lubricates Pruners! but overheated R electronics under ADVERTISING PROOF pillows and blanFinal Changes DUE: 1 kets are dangerous.

Pruner Tool Treatment Spray 8.Please Needreview a carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling Available at Ace & True Value Hardware perfect gift idea?

Contact your TidbitsVisit representative immediately with changes or us at: PruneMaster.us 1. Keep decorations at least three feet away How about a smoke alarm? Every home needs a Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: from heat sources -- especially those with an open working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside flame, like fireplaces and candles. And remember sleeping areas, and on every level, including the to blow out your candles when you leave the room basement. And remember to test your own to or go to sleep. make sure theyʼre working.

Property of 2. The best decorations are safe decora9. If youʼre using a space heater, switch AdVenture Media, Inc. tions, so when you are decorating, make sure not it Please Double off before review leaving thecarefully. room. It only takes sec- check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling to run cords under rugs or furniture, out of win- onds for a fire to start if a space heater tips over dows, or across walkways and sidewalks. or comes in contact with something combustible, Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes o 3. If you have a natural Christmas tree, like a blanket or curtains.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 FILLER PAGE 2 water it constantly to keep it fresh and safe. Real valleybits@msn.com 10.

Inspect your decorations and discard email: valleybits@msn.com Office: 760-320-0997 Fax trees can dry up and turn into kindling in no time any that are2Q08 damaged or worn - WEEK 19 out. Talk to your All Rights Reserved at all. Dispose of the tree soon after Christmas. aunt about that life-sized Elvis-dressed-as-Santa TRIVIA MAY 4 MAY 10 A I V I R T Dried-out trees are a dangerous fire hazard and statue thatʼs falling apart. Itʼs creepy, and itʼs got NEWSFRONT SREWSNA TNANSWERS ORFSWEN should not be left in the home or garage. to go.

4. Always turn off your decorations when 11. Keep batteries stored safely in their 1. Ernie eK-Doe oD-K einrE .1 you leave your home and when youʼre sleeping. packaging and out of reach of anything that might Property of Most deadly fires occur while people are inatten- try to eat them, like small children and pets. Biting 2. necessity tissecen .2 AdVenture Media, yInc. tive or out of the room. An ignited pine tree will into a battery is a bad idea. erupt suddenly and fully engulf an entire room in 3. Loretta atteroL .3 12. The best gift for your family is to upseconds. grade to arc-fault circuit interrupter breakers or 4. Danny 5. Be mindful of how you are using elec- outlets. It otiVDeVito eD ynnaD .4 is that Wood half of the electrical by Kovalchik

by Kara Karaestimated Kovalchik && Sandy Sandy Wood trical outlets. If youʼre using extension cords or fires that occur every year could be prevented by hadAll a #1upgrades hit in 1961 withbethecompleted sardonic by a 5. Candy renthLightner giL ydnaC .5 adapters that add receptacles, consider having1. Who AFCIs. should Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 a qualified electrician add more outlets to your “Mother-in-Law”? qualified electrician. valleybits@msn.com * * * home. Overburdened extension cords are a com- Visit esfi.org for a ton of information on keeping your 2.

According to the proverb, what is “the mon cause of home fires. home and workplace safe. The Electrical Safety Foundation In6. Only use electronics in dry areas. As mother All Rights Reserved ternationalof (ESFI) is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated invention”?

ALWAYS E E RF SYAFREE WLA exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the worktempting as it is, you just canʼt decorate your place. aquarium with icicle lights.

3. What was the real first name of African© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc. 7. Remember that phones and tablets American comedienne Moms Mabley? should stay on your nightstand. We all love fallALWAYS FUN N UF SYAW LA

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Week of December 17, 2023

YOUR

SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Will the Christmas Spirit Rub off on Disability Haters?

I was struck by something I heard the other day on a radio show. The host of the program was making the point that he thought people are just getting meaner and nastier. I see examples of that every week when I read emails from people who, for whatever reason, really despise the Social Security disability program. Their meanness and hatred permeate their emails as they describe people getting disability benefits as “deadbeats” and “fakers” and other terms I can’t print in this column.

I understand there are folks who have legitimate concerns about the program and how it is run. I’ve addressed those issues in many past columns. But today, I’m talking about people whose concern has been blinded by downright contempt.

All this made me think of a column I wrote a couple years ago about this phenomenon. I’m going to reprint it here today. I’m hoping now that we are in the holiday season, a combination of what I write here and maybe some Christmas spirit will open the hearts and minds of these hatemongers.

So here is that old column: I was heading into one of our local grocery stores the other day. I noticed a few people gathered around a car that was parked in one of the spots near the entrance reserved for people with disabilities. And I heard someone yelling. As I got closer to the car, I saw an old guy ranting and raving at the driver of the car, a woman maybe in her mid-40s. There was a younger man in the passenger seat. I can’t repeat the “colorful” language the guy was using. But here is a snippet of what I heard: “Why the (expletive) are you parking in a handicapped spot? You don’t have a sticker and there’s obviously nothing wrong with you!”

The woman got out of her car. And with a totally unexpected air of quiet dignity, she calmly told this man: “My son has end stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He has about three months to live. I would think that for the last 90 days of his life, he ought to be able to park a little closer to the front door of this grocery store.”

The jerk slumped away muttering something unintelligible. The small crowd of people were booing him and actually started clapping for the driver of the car. It really was an eye-opening moment.

I just wish I could show some of this same dignity when I respond to the frequent emailed rants I get from so many people about the Social Security disability program. I’m always puzzled why so many people simply assume that most folks getting disability benefits, just like people parking in a handicapped spot, are pulling a fast one on the rest of us.

Getting a handicapped sticker for your car is one thing. Getting Social Security disability benefits is an entirely different matter. Please, dear readers, believe me: As someone who worked with the disability program for many years, I know you have to be really severely disabled to qualify for benefits. Of course I’m not naive enough to think that out of the millions of Social Security disability beneficiaries, there aren’t a few bad apples in that big barrel who are getting benefits they don’t de-

Page 11

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

serve. But I assure you their numbers are few and bad decisions. But that’s got nothing to do with the fact that he has a disability that qualifies him far between.

The Social Security disability program is for monthly benefits. If there was a little old lady universally recognized as one of the most difficult who gambled away half of her Social Security reprograms to qualify for. You simply don’t get bene- tirement check every month, would you say that fits if you have a bad back or a bum knee. You must “proves the system is corrupt?” No. It just proves have a severe physical or mental impairment that there is a woman probably not making the smartest is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 decisions about how to spend her Social Security retirement money. And so too there are people who months -- or a condition that is terminal.

Having said that, I can tell you from expe- don’t spend their Social Security disability money rience that everyone seems to know someone (a very wisely.

But now that I’ve made those points, I can brother-in-law, a neighbor, that guy in the handicapped parking space) whom they believe is get- tell you this. I’ve been working with the Social Security program long enough (almost 50 years) to ting such benefits fraudulently.

For example, someone recently complained know that no matter how much preaching I do, to me that she knows a woman who is getting dis- some of you will just not believe me. You are just ability benefits who takes kickboxing lessons. absolutely convinced that people are cheating the Someone else saw a neighbor who is on disability system. Well, if that’s so, then let me put the burden cleaning his gutters. Another reader told me about on you. If you claim to know someone you think is a guy “with a fake disability” who was painting a getting Social Security disability benefits he or she house. Somehow, those little snippets of daily life is not due, I challenge you to do something. Turn proved to them that these folks were cheating the that person in. Call the Social Security fraud hotline at 800-269-0271. Or go online at www.socialsesystem.

Well, just because a woman is taking kick- curity.gov and click on “Report Fraud” under the boxing lessons and a guy is cleaning his gutters “Contact Us” link. Your report can be anonymous.

But I also know from experience most peoand another guy is doing some painting does not prove they are healthy and don’t deserve disability ple won’t do that. Why? My guess is they are really benefits. Maybe one has cancer, another has some not sure their accusations are right. Like the guy severe mental issues and the other has kidney dis- shouting at the poor woman outside the supermarease. I don’t know. And the point is, these accusers ket, they just close their minds and open their yaps don’t know either. You simply cannot make broad and let hate-speak spew out.

Well, that was the old column I wrote. assumptions about their eligibility for disability Once again, if you are one of these hatemongering benefits without knowing all the facts.

Someone else told me about a guy who tongue-flappers, I hope the holiday spirit rubs off MON., DEC. 11 was getting disability benefits who “gambles all his on you. And Merry Christmas!

Double check: **Phone Number(s)  Spelling 

* money away every month at a local Please casino.”review She carefully.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau went on to say: “This proves he’s a crook and the Contact your immediately with changes has Tidbits two booksrepresentative with all the answers.

One is called “Social Secu- or c system is corrupt.” rity -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: Well, no. It does not prove that. ItOffice: might760-320-0997 That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” prove the guy is a poor money manager who makes The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You

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can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past colProperty of Jumns Arthur Law Firm and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers AdVenture Media, Inc. and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at ww 12th pg 4C 13x creators.com.

Dec. 17, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 5` COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

1. The book of Magi is in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither 2. Where did the angel Gabriel appear to Mary saying, "Blessed art thou among women"? a) Nazareth b) Bethlehem c) Jericho d) Bathesda 3. With perhaps two different biblical answers, who was the father of Joseph? a) Jacob/Heli b) Gideon/Ishmael c) Solomon/Nahum d) Samuel/Issac 4. Which Old Testament prophet predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? a) Amos b) Obadiah c) Micah d) Isaiah

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5. How did Mary and Joseph travel on their journey to Bethlehem? a) Camel Tel: (760) 201-3215 b) Donkey c) On foot d) Bible not review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P Please Email: josh@jarthurlaw.com specific Web: www.JArthurLaw.com

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or cor  Licensed in California and Florida Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760

6. Where was Jesus located when the wise men (Magi) presented him with gifts? a) House b) Manger c) Temple d) Tent Sharpen your understanding of scripture with Wilson Casey's latest book, "Test Your Bible Knowledge," now available in stores and online.

(Answers on page 16) For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com 2019 King Features Synd., Inc. Inc. ©© 2023

PonderBits of When IProperty watched The Wizard of Oz AdVenture Media, Inc. as a kid I wondered how someone could talk if they had no brain.

Then I got Facebook.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax:and 760.320.1630 I ordered a chicken an egg from valleybits@msn.com

Amazon. I'll let you know.

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

M.D.

Ampullary Cancer Treatment Can Include Chemo Prior to Surgery DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband was diagnosed with ampullary cancer. He has a tumor the size of a marble. We are told this is an aggressive cancer. My concern is that they are giving him chemotherapy before the Whipple surgery. Is this standard practice?

-- P.T. ANSWER: The ampulla of Vater is an opening in the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), where the common bile duct releases bile and pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion. A cancer of the ampulla can originate from the pancreas, bile duct or duodenum, and these can all be aggressive cancers.

The standard approach in people with the possibility to be cured is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, otherwise known as the Whipple procedure. Although this is a complex surgery that used to have a high mortality rate, the risk of death from the procedure in specialized centers is now about 1%.

Most people are familiar with getting chemotherapy after surgery to help remove any cancer cells that remain, a technique called “adjuvant therapy.” However, giving chemotherapy before surgery (“neoadjuvant chemotherapy”) has increasingly been used in people with ampullary cancer. The idea is to shrink the tumor to make it easier for the surgeon to remove completely. Chemotherapy may also kill any cancer cells that have already spread.

The decision of when to use chemotherapy depends on the individual’s situation, so I can’t tell you which would be better in your husband’s case, as I lack both the details of his tumor and the expertise. I can confirm that giving chemotherapy prior to surgery is being used in regards to ampullary cancer. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 22. I had an electrocardiogram (EKG) last year, which indicated an incomplete right bundle branch block and early repolarization of the ventricles.

Are these two related to each other?

Are they serious to any extent, since I don’t have any symptoms? How can my heart rate be normal if the ventricles repolarize early?

-- B.A.N. ANSWER: Both early repolarization and an incomplete right bundle branch block are common findings in young people who are getting EKGs, usually as part of a school physical and often as an evaluation for athletes. Depolarization of the heart muscle is seen on the surface electrocardiogram and corresponds to the contraction of the ventricle (called the QRS waves).

The muscle cells must then “repolarize” -- that is, restore their electrical potential to get ready for the next contraction.

Early repolarization is a normal variant where the ventricle gets electrically ready for the next beat faster than average. In fact, one way to

be sure that the EKG finding really does signify early repolarization is to put the person on a treadmill to raise their heart rate. The early repolarization will then go away, since faster repolarization is appropriate for a quicker heartbeat.

About 15% of young athletes with early repolarization will also have an incomplete right bundle branch block, which represents slowing of the electrical impulses within the ventricles and a widening of the QRS complex.

Fortunately, these findings almost never represent serious disease in people without any symptoms.

* * * Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

Vol. IXX

Issue No. 51

VETERANS  POST 

by Freddie Groves

VA Help to Avoid Foreclosures Veterans with VA-backed mortgages who are in danger of facing foreclosure just got help from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA is asking mortgage servicers to do two things: -- Pause foreclosures through May 31, 2024, of VA-guaranteed loans, and - Extend the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024.

During the first step, veterans and the VA will work with those mortgage services to work out solutions.

For the second step, they are going to extend the COVID-19 Refund Modification program so veterans can obtain a zero-interest loan with deferred payments via the VA. Those loans will cover any missed payments and change the loan to come up with affordable payments during the extension period.

During this extension, the VA is going to launch the VA Servicing Purchase (VASP) program. In that program the VA will purchase from mortgage servicers any defaulted VA loans, change the loans and put them in a VA-owned portfolio.

The goal, of course, is to keep veterans in their homes.

Meanwhile, if you’re having trouble making mortgage payments, call 877-827-3702 to talk to a loan tech. There are a number of ways they can help you, including loan modification, repayment plans and getting more time to catch up on missed payments.

Or go to the VA Housing Assistance website (www.va.gov/housing-assistance). On that page, click on “Learn more about how to get help to avoid foreclosure.” Read the whole page. You’ll see information on being careful of offers to help you with your back payments (it might not be genuine), getting counseling help and the six ways you can avoid foreclosure.

Note the part about whether you would have to pay back your loan depending on when you closed on the loan (before or after Jan. 1, 1990).

At the bottom of that page note the advisory from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about how to spot a foreclosure scam. Getting caught up in one of those is the last thing you need while trying to deal with a potential foreclosure.

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of December 17, 2023

like Silver Bills (SilverBills.com), which charges a flat fee of $150 per month.

-- by Jim Miller

Tips on Caring for an Aging Parent DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Where can I turn to for caregiving assistance? I help take care of my 84-year-old father and work too, and it’s becoming too much for me to juggle both responsibilities. I need help. --Worn Out Dear Worn Out: Taking care of an aging parent over a period of time – especially when juggling work and other family obligations – can be exhausting. But help and resources are available. Here’s what you should know and the steps to take: Identify Your Needs To help you determine and prioritize the kinds of help you need, a good first step is to make a detailed list of everything you do as your dad’s caregiver, and the amount of time each task takes. Identify the times when you need help the most and which tasks others might be able to do for you.

Then list the types of care needed, such as simple companionship or doing active chores, like shopping or running errands. Once you determine this, here are some tips and places you can reach out to for help.

Care Helpers If you have siblings or other loved ones close by, start by asking them if they could come and help with specific tasks. And see if friends, neighbors or faith group members could help too.

You also need to check into local resources that may be available. Many communities offer a range of free or subsidized services that help seniors and caregivers with basic needs.

These can include home delivered meals, transportation, senior companion services and respite services, which offer short-term care so you can take an occasional break. Call your nearby Area Aging Agency (800-677-1116) for referrals to services.

There is also a bevy of online services you can use to help you save time on certain chores. For example, online grocery shopping and home deliveries, and online pharmacy medication refills and deliveries. You can also order meal-kits or pre-made meals online through numerous meal service delivery companies and arrange needed transportation with ride sharing services like Lyft or Uber.

Or, if you can afford it, you may want to consider hiring someone a few hours a week to help with things like cooking, housekeeping or even personal care. Costs can run anywhere from $12 up to $25 per hour. Care.com or CareLinx.com are two good websites to help you find someone, or you can work with a local home care agency.

Financial Aids If you’re handling your dad’s financial chores, make things easier by arranging for direct deposit for his income sources, and set up automatic payments for his utilities and other routine bills. You may also want to set up your dad’s online banking service, so you can pay bills and monitor his account anytime. Or, if you need help, consider hiring a bill paying service

Another excellent source is BenefitsCheckup.org for looking up financial assistance programs that may help your dad, particularly if he’s lower income.

Technology Solutions To help you keep tabs on your dad when you're away at work or if he lives alone, there are affordable technology devices that can help. For example, there are medical alert systems and smart speakers that help with communication and allow him to call for help if needed. Home video cameras with two-way speakers that allow you to monitor and talk to him when you’re away. Electronic pill boxes that can notify you if he has taken his medications. And to help you coordinate his care with other members of his care team there are websites like LotsAHelpingHands.com.

Page 13

org), which provides a state-by-state listing of caregiving programs and services; the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org/help-support/ caregiving) that provides information unique to the challenges of dementia caregivers; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Caregiver. va.gov), which offers caregiver support services to veterans and spouses. * * * Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Other Resources There are also a number of other organizations you can draw on for additional information like the Family Care Alliance (Caregiver.

CLIP AND SAVE

1-15-24

Coachella Valley Business Owners

Page 14

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Interesting Plate Piques Curiosity Q: I have enclosed a photo of a dinner

plate that was given to me by my aunt, and I am curious about it. She was ver y parsimonious. When she traveled, she would bring as a gift some soap from a hotel where she stayed or a few stones from a beach. When I married, she gave me this plate wrapped in newspaper.

It didn’t surprise me because I knew how economical she was. So I thanked her and just put it away. This was over 50 years ago.

The other day, I was looking at the plate and noticed the seal on the back, which shows a man holding a sign with the words “Woods -- Burslem -- England” and above them, the words “Colonial -- Enoch 1784 -- Ralph 1750.” The plate is decorated with a countr y scene of cows, a stream, barn, gate and trees.

It is purple with a beige background and in ver y good condition.

Can you tell me how much this plate might be worth? My aunt is deceased so I can’t ask her. I would be surprised if it is valuable, but it would be nice to know.

Woods and Sons Pottery is located in Burslem, Staffordshire, England.

A: The mark you describe was used by

Enoch and Ralph Woods around 1931. Woods and Sons Pottery was founded in 1865 in Burslem, Staffordshire, England. It was family-operated until around 2005. “Colonial” is the name of the pattern.

Puzzle GO FIGURE SOLUTION

When you always get the uncontrollable urge to climb mountains, I'd say your drawn to scale.

Vol. IXX

Issue No. 51

Your plate was decorated with a transfer has been in business since 1923.

Similar demitasse sets are selling in the print. Woods produced hotel china in this pattern.

It may have been a souvenir from a hotel where range of $145 to $195. your aunt stayed.

The value of your plate would probably be in the $40 to $65 range.

The Seltmann * * * factory is Q: I have enclosed a photo of the mark located in that is on a porcelain demitasse set that I Germany. have. My husband purchased it in 1954 while ser ving in the U.S. Army in Germany. The set consists of six cups, six saucers, six dessert * * * plates, a coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers pitcher. reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publiI would appreciate any information you cation will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers. can provide for me.

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE

Solutions

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

A: Your set was made by Christian Seltmann in Weiden, Erbendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It

To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

Week of December 17, 2023

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 15

Christmas Worldwide • For reasons that are unclear, it was once considered dangerous in Scandinavia to sleep alone on Christmas Eve. The extended family, master and servant alike, would huddle and sleep together this night on a freshly spread bed of straw.

• The Klausjagen Festival or Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated in Switzerland at dusk on December 6th in this time-honored run-up to Christmas, children dress up and visit homes with gifts. Ringing church bells calling people to midnight mass has become a tradition, and each village competes with the next for the “best” bell ringing. After the service, families gather to share homemade doughnut pasteries called ringli, and down them with hot chocolate.

• Christmas is an important event to the people of Malta and its sister Island of Gozo. Services are held in a Midnight Mass that features a nativity crib, called a ‘Presepju’, which is surrounded with figurines called ‘pastun’, representing Mary, Joseph, angels and shepherds.

• For many around the world, the Christmas season would just not be complete without viewing the 1946 Frank Capra movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart as the kindhearted but troubled and desperate George Bailey. The classic film captures the essence of the Christmas spirit, the priceless value of our lives, and the ways that we unkowingly effect so many lives of others around us.

• Originally considered a box office flop at the time of its release, the film has since come to be regarded as a classic and a staple of Christmas television around the world. It has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number one on their list of the most inspirational American films of all time. ‪

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Cross Over to Better Putting For years, any deviation from a conventional putting grip was thought to be a sign of a player having the yips or suffering from poor putting in the past. The cross handed, or left hand low, technique should really be considered a norm for any golfer who wants to putt better. If you need any proof, just look at recent Master’s champion Jordan Spieth’s putting statistics. Better yet, look at his putting performance on the world’s most difficult greens under pressure.

The left hand low set up creates two very helpful mechanics that ordinary putting techniques don’t employ. One, the left wrist becomes flat and can stay that way throughout the entire stroke. Two, the shoulders become more level to the horizon making it easier to swivel the shoulders more consistently.

Try using the left hand low technique on shorter range putts to create a feel for the process. Use a conventional grip on longer putts if it ADVERTISING PROOF helps your feel. Don’t let criticism keep you from Finalbeing Changes 5:00 p.m.. a betterDUE: putter!

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Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours JasonJenkins Jenkins was was aa 16-year 16-year member of the Jason the Jim Jim McLean McLeanGolf Golf Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changesTop or 100 corrections.

School teaching staff one Magazine’s School teaching staff.and He was was oneofofGOLF GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher Nominees 1999-2010.

He Fax: was one ofone theofGolf Also on Teacher Nominees 1999-2010 and has named been named the Office: 760-320-0997 760-320-1630 Golf Digest Top Teachers in California.

Jason teaches at GOLFTEC Digest Top Teachers in California in 2011.

CENTER Indio.at Contact him at jjenkins@golftec.com ContactinJason 760-485-2452 or devgolfinstr@gmail.com

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Page 16

Issue No. 51

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENROLL

1. GEOGRAPHY: Which famous highway that stretches across the United States is sometimes known as the Will Rogers Highway?

2. MUSIC: Which country did the pop group ABBA come from?

3. TELEVISION: What article made Frosty the Snowman come to life in the popular TV special?

4. FOOD & DRINK: What is colcannon?

5. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Volcanoes National Park?

6. MOVIES: What is the name of the acapella group that Anna Kendrick joins on “Pitch Perfect”?

7. INVENTIONS: Who invented the Barbie doll in 1959?

8. MATH: How many tablespoons are in 1 cup?

9. LITERATURE: What is the title of the sequel to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president is the only one to fail by Linda Thistle Gelected Fparty’s I Gnomination U R Efor!a Answer Peekers' names added toO gain his to Santa's Naughty list.

TRIVIA TEST second The idea ofterm?

Go Figure is to Answers arrive at theAnswers figures Answersgiven at Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU the bottom and right-hand Route columns1.of the66.diagram by fol-Answer2. Sweden. lowing the arithmetic signs in the order 3. Athey magic are hat. given (that is, from 4.left to right top to Mashed potatoesand and cabbage. bottom). Use only the numbers 5. Hawaii. below the diagram to complete Barden and Bellas.use each its blank6. The squares 7. Ruth Handler. only once. of the nine numbers 8. 16.

DIFFICULTY: � Glass Ele9. “Charlie and the Great vator.” � Moderate �� Difficult ��� GO FIGURE! 10. Franklin Pierce. ©©2006 King Features Syndicate, 2010King King Features Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2023 Features Synd., Inc. 2022 © ©2023 2022 2023King KingFeatures FeaturesSynd., Synd., Inc. Inc.

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure! answers ANSWERS

1. The Grinch 2. Jacob Marley 3. Gene Autry & Oakley Haldeman 4. “It’s a Wonderful Life” 5. 364 total (due to repeats) BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

1. (C) Neither 2. (A) Nazareth 3. (A) Jacob/Heli

(Matt. 1:16; Luke 3:23)

4. (C) Micah 5. (D) Bible not specific 6. (A) House (Matt. 2:11)

Quiz Bits ANSWERS

1. 1947 2. 1891, in San Francisco

WUZZLES Answers ®

Tidbits Tidbits®® Word Word Search Search