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• Lego produces more tiny tires annually than most major car manufacturers— averaging over 300 million per year.

Classic

TTRRIIVVIIA ON AN NE WS FR RO EW SF NTT

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

Games & Toys One in a series

• The two countries that banned Hula Hoops were Japan and Russia, feeling they represented the immoral side of the U.S.

RANDOM

• Rubik’s Cube has over 43 quintillion possible combinations, yet only one correct solution.

TOY FACTS

• Nerf balls and Twister were invented by the same guy.

• Silly Putty was developed during World War II during critical rubber shortages, but was better suited as a toy.

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Vol. XXII Issue No. 34

• The Slinky was invented in 1945 by marine engineer Richard James, who saw a torsion spring tumble from his desk to his chair to the floor, and realized its potential as a toy. • Mr. Potato Head gave up smoking in 1987 and no longer comes with a plastic tobacco pipe. • The dimensions of Lego blocks are so precise that a Lego block created in 1960 will still lock into place on a block made today. • Since Lego mini-people were introduced in 1978, more than four billion have been made. • Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. • After Barbie, the second most popular doll of the 1950s and 1960s was Chatty Cathy, who could say 11 phrases. • G.I. Joe’s full name is Government Issue Joe. All of the original 12-inch figures have a scar on their right cheek and a backwards thumbnail on their left thumb due to a production glitch at the factory. • The original G.I. Joe had 21 moving parts.

• Stretch Armstrong is filled with condensed corn syrup. • The first Paddington Bear was made in 1972 by Shirley and Eddie Clarkson for their son Jeremy. Jeremy Clarkson grew up to host “Robot Wars” and “Top Gear.” • Frank Lloyd Wright’s son John Lloyd Wright invented Lincoln Logs. • The oldest toys in the world were dolls found in a grave with the skeleton of a child buried in Siberia around 2500 B.C. • “Jenga” is Swahili meaning “to build.” • The Hungry Hungry Hippos are named Happy, Henry, Harry and Homer. • The Rock ’em Sock ’em robots are named Red Rocker and Blue Bomber. • Koosh balls are named for the sound they make when they hit your hand. • The Hacky Sack was designed by a guy who needed to exercise his knee after an injury. • Since its introduction in 1979, sales of the toddler-powered pedal car called the Cozy Coupe have topped over 10 million, making them more popular than the Ford Mustang. • When Etch A Sketch was given 45 seconds of screen time in “Toy Story 2,” sales rose by 20%.

• The signature of Cabbage Patch Kid creator Xavier Roberts is printed on the butt of every • The National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, ADVERTISING PROOF New York, includes an empty box.  Cabbage Patch Kid. WED., MAR. 22

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Route 66 (from page one) first multi-state U.S. highway to have a hard

surface from beginning to end. It was a huge attraction for motorists, who could now drive long east and west distances without the worry of nasty potholes or getting mired axel-deep in mud! • Because the route passed through hundreds of small towns along the way, it created a marked increase in the number of “mom and pop” stores, service stations, roadside cafés, drive-ins, and “motor hotels,” that we know

• In the 1950s, Route 66 itself became a vacation destination with a wide variety of roadside attractions. Teepee-shaped motels, trading posts, and tourist-trap gift shops catered to those visiting caves, canyons, mountains, and deserts. The highway ran through Arizona’s Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and passed near the Grand Canyon. During the 1940s, the Wigwam Village chain of motels sprang up along the highway. With individual cabins built in the shape of teepees, there were seven original locations. Two of the three remaining motels are located on Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona, and Rialto, California.

today as motels. America’s first drive-through restaurant, Red’s Giant Hamburg, opened • Full-service gas stations popped up along the length of the route. One major company even took its along the road in Springfield, Missouri. The name from the highway. Cozy Dog Drive Inn, In 1927, the Phillips still in operation today Company’s newlyin Springfield, Illinois, developed high-octane offered some of the gasoline was tested route’s first fast food along U.S. Highway 66 and the introduction of in Oklahoma. As the the corn dog. At the automobile reached its end of the road the first top speed, it was noted McDonald’s hamburger that the number was stand opened in 1945 66 mph (106 km/hr), a in San Bernardino, Route 66 crosses eight states and three time zones. breakneck speed for that offering 10¢ bar-b-que era. The new fuel was named Phillips 66, and the burgers and all-you-can-drink orange juice for a company’s shield logo was designed to resemble nickle. It’s now a museum and an official Route the Route 66 road sign. 66 Historic Site.

huge hit that year for singer Nat King Cole.

• When Troup had trouble coming up with lyrics for the tune, he simply filled it with names of towns along the way, starting with the Missouri cities of St. Louis and Joplin, then on to Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Texas, Gallup, New Mexico, the Arizona communities of Winona and Kingman, and California cities Barstow and San Bernardino. by Of the eight states that Route 66 passed through, the 11-mile nick across a corner of Kansas is the 1. W only state not mentioned in the song.

• Interest in Route 66 was revitalized in 2006 when Pixar released the animated film Cars, which chronicled the decline of the fictional community of Radiator Springs after the oncebooming town was bypassed by the interstate. The idea for Cars was hatched after Pixar’s2. creative director took a cross-country road trip Route 66: Turn to page 15

• During the massive dust bowl storms of the • Near Amarillo, Texas, travelers can visit Cadillac Ranch, a row of 10 Cadillac automobiles buried 1930s in the Midwest, when millions of tons nose deep into the ground with their tailfins of topsoil were blown away, over 200,000 reaching to the sky. The half-buried cars, with people migrated to California using Route 66 model years ranging from 1949 to 1963, are the as their corridor in search of climate relief and brainstorm of a Texas patron of the arts. It’s the a better life. Author John Steinbeck wrote of only place in Texas where it is legal to spray the migration in his 1939 book, The Grapes of graffiti on an object for public PROOF viewing. Wrath, dubbing the highway the “Mother Road” ADVERTISING Mon. 7/27/26 and the road of flight for “refugees from dust • Final Changes p.m.. Restored to itsDUE: original grandeur, the 5:00 world’s Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours and shrinking land.” largest ketchup bottle proudly stands near Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Collinsville, Illinois, formerly along Fax: Route 66. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 Built in 1949, this unique 170-ft.-tall structure is actually a water tower painted to look like a Brooks Rich & Tangy Ketchup bottle, and could hold 640,000 14-oz. bottles of ketchup if actually filled. The Brooks Company left the area in the 1970s. page, Color, 26x Discount •1/12th In 1946, whileFull songwriter Bobby Troup Rate was on a August 9, 2026 • Vol. 22: #33 long cross-country trip from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, he was inspired with the idea of writing a song about the journey. The result was “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” a song that became a

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A famous national museum, which is nowhere near Route 66, has an exhibit that includes an actual section of Route 66 pavement. Entitled “America On the Move,” the piece of the Thurs., Apr. 30 Mother Road is at $60/person the Smithsonian’s National Museum in Washington D.C.

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1. What percent of Route 66 is still driveable today? 2. Which state is home to Quapaw and Vinita? Answers page 16

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Everyday CHEAPSKATE

by Mary Hunt

By Lucie Winborne

* The Statue of Liberty’s thumbnail is more than a foot long.

5 Reasons to Give Kids an Allowance

Everyday At the foundation of your children’s financial intelligence should be this undeniable truth: CHEAPSKATE It is not the amount of money you have but what by Mary Hunt you do with it that matters. This is true for a child managing a $5-aweek allowance or a corporate executive with a $5,000-a-week salary. For the better part of my life, I didn’t know * Fred and Wilma Flintstone were this truth. On the contrary, I believed that more the first married couple to be portrayed money was the answer. I was convinced that if as sharing a bed on television. we would just make more money, win the lottery * The Rainbow Group, a governor receive some unexpected inheritance, all of ment-funded organization in Amsterour money problems would vanish.But the more dam, hires alcoholics to clean litter we made, the worse our problems became. from city streets and includes beer as Because I didn’t know how to manage part of their payment. what we had, more would have never been enough. We didn’t save. We didn’t give. We * NASA defines an astronaut as didn’t plan. And we had no idea where all the someone who has flown 50 miles money went. above sea level. Unless your children learn simple, wise money management techniques, more money * A rare condition known as “explodwill never be enough. ing head syndrome” can cause people The simplest way to get started building to hear loud bangs, crashes or exfinancial intelligence into your kids’ minds and plosive noises while drifting to sleep. hearts is by putting them on an allowance and Researchers believe the phenomenon then requiring them to suffer or enjoy the conseis generally harmless, if alarming. quences of their financial decisions. Please* The review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  five Spelling  Pricesto put  Hours Here are good reasons kids on sun and moon appear to be an allowance program: the same size because the moon is 400 times smaller but also 400 times Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. closer. 1. It teaches kids about real life. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 Nothing beatsFax: an allowance for a hands* Some scorpions rub their legs toon course in values. Having their own money gether to “sing” like crickets. However, teaches them about responsibility, consequencwhile crickets aim to attract mates, es, saving and charity. scorpions make the sound to warn away predators or rivals. 2. It helps distinguish needs from wants. * During an attempt to use electrocution to kill the turkey meant for his Christmas dinner party, Benjamin Franklin accidentally shocked himself so badly that all of the blood temporarily drained out of one of his hands.

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ADVERTISING PROOF or those AdVenture Media, Inc. peace sign earrings? Having their own pg H 4-C 13xbaseball was in a 1744 publicaword money forces about what to spend MON., MAY 18kids to think12:00 Final Changes DUE: NOON tion “A Little Pretty Pocket-Book,” by on. It doesn’t take long forthem to realize that y 24,Please 2026children’s Vol. 22publisher -carefully. No. 22John review Double check:  Phoneit Number(s) Spelling Prices  Hours Newberry. when it’s gone, it’s gone!

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demonstrate that you trust them. And they soon learn that to keep the money coming, they need to become trustworthy. 5. It promotes self-confidence. Managing money has a magical effect on a child’s self-esteem. Teaching kids how to give some of their allowance to charity, save some for a long-term goal and spend some now gives them the tools of self-reliance. START YOUNG There are no set rules for when to start an allowance program. However, I suggest waiting until kids are old enough to understand the concept of taking care of things and making choices, which is usually around age 6. HOW MUCH? Though many families use age to determine the amount ($10 for a 10-year-old is one example), think about how much money your child needs. Turning over money that you would be spending on them anyway is a good way to start thinking about this. HOW OFTEN? Whether it’s weekly or monthly, kids do better when you stick to a schedule. Younger kids tend to manage their money more effectively when they get it weekly, since out of sight often means out of mind. For older kids, consider a monthly schedule so they can learn about budgeting. WORK FOR PAY? Think about your goals when it comes to the allowance-for-chores quandary. If your main goal is to teach your kids to manage money, give them a basic allowance with financial chores attached, such as paying for their own collectibles. If you also want to teach kids the value of working for pay, pay them for extra chores on a job-by-job basis. BACK OFF The purpose of an allowance is to teach kids to self-govern money. Encourage kids to save a given percentage and set aside a percentage for charity (they’ll learn the value of giving back). Then give them the freedom to decide how to spend the rest. PHYSICAL BANK Want to get your children’s allowance program off to a great start? Make sure they have some kind of physical bank, box or jar that will help them divide and manage their money. Consider the Moonjar classic moneybox. This clever savings bank is actually three banks in one to teach children to save, spend and share their allowance. If you want to know more, I’d encourage you to read my book “Raising Financially Confident Kids.” It tells the story of what my kids learned from receiving an allowance, details our plan and is as relevant and practical today as it was when we first came up with it years ago. * * * Mary invites you to visit her at Every-

dayCheapskate.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.” COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

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Week of August 16, 2026

ROLLING OUT THE

RED CARPET • Steve Olive was born and raised in California. He worked as a bodyguard for various rock groups for a number of years, and hated the job. He needed a different career. • Then one day he got a call from his brotherin-law, who was in the business of setting up tents for big events – big tents. He told Steve that there was a need for someone who could supply flooring for such tents, and would he be interested in a partnership? Steve jumped at the chance, and eventually turned the opportunity into what became a successful service company he named Event Carpet Pros.

demic Champions”

• They started with Astroturf in 1992 and expanded from there. Today, the firm specializes in striking carpets, for major events—most notably, rolling out the red carpet for the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Olive sealed that deal in 1997 and has been responsible for providing that big red rug ever since. • Event Carpet Pros also provides the carpets for events such as the Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys, major sporting events, and movie premieres. There was the hot pink carpet for the world premiere of “Barbie” and the green-andblack ectoplasm drip carpet for “Ghostbusters”.

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creating the carpet art, a corollary company called Signature Systems Group takes care of the planning, logistics, and installation of the Oscars’ carpet on site before the big night.

Page 5

• Is this the biggest carpet the company has ever made? No, that honor goes to a Super Bowl assignment which called for about 650,000 square feet of themed carpet.

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• So what happens to that famous red carpet after Tidbits 1/16 Ad 7530.qxp_LifeStream Tidbits 1/16 Ad 8/4/17 the Oscars are handed out and all the hullabaloo LifeStream TWO VALLEY LOCATIONS TWO LIFE-SAVING VALLEY LOCATIONS is over? The bulk of the carpet is reclaimed by RANCHO MIRAGE LA blood QUINTA LifeStream today! the Carpet Pros breakdown crews, who clear Donate Share yourwith good health and 42-300 Bob Hope Dr. DONOR CENTER the area outside the Dolby Theatre, rolling up saveLAlives QUINTA CENTER inDONOR the (near community. Hobby Lobby) 79-215 Corporate Ctr. Dr. 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive, La Quinta thousands of square yards of fabric layered Donate blood with LifeStream today! 760-797-8496 760-777-8844 LA QUINTA DONOR CENTER with glitter, debris, and feathers. The material is 760.777.8844 79-215 Quinta (Call forLa hours) (CallCorporate for hours) Centre Drive, processed via the California Carpet Stewardship 760.777.8844 Program (CARE). Regional facilities break Property of FREE AdVenture Media, Inc. down the components to manufacture brandnew industrial and commercial products.

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• The Academy Awards didn’t always sport a 50,000 square foot royal red carpet. Actors used to just walk right into the theater. But the red carpet treatment, begun in 1961, has become a flashy part of the show. Therefore, the carpet must be exactly right.

2026-2027

Chapel Christian School features one of the ’s most challenging educational systems, ng Accelerated Reader, ACSI math, art, and usic programs at the Elementary level.

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Drywall • Vanities • Cabinets • Ceiling Fans • The rug has always been a proprietary shade of Flooring • Laminate • Tile • Showers • Stucco red, with the exception of 2023. That year, it Concrete • Pet Doors • Appliance Installs • MORE! FREE % was champagne, created to evoke a sandy beach Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 “Our repeat 10 valleybits@msn.com customers make our Lifestream SENIOR Bloodbank at sunset. This turned out to be disastrous, as the DISCOUNT All Rights Reserved business thrive!” ADVERTISING PROOF color showed every muddy stain tracked in on1/16 pgFREE CALL d Johnson, icharp.m.. 760.DUE: 347.9485 -R5:00 TODAY: Final Changes Estimates -ownera rainy, muddy California evening. Attendants UltimateHomeRepair.net Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Bonded & Insured, not a licensed GC Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. on standby were unable to keep up with the Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 mess. Moreover, celebrities wearing cream- LifeStream Tidbits 1/16 Ad 7530.qxp_LifeStream Tidbits 1/16 Ad 8/4/17 CRITICAL colored gowns blended right in with the carpet. It reverted to red the following year, and will likely remain red forever.

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• This involves a crew of about 20 people working • When youUltimate watch theHome Academy Awards, be sure ADVERTISING PROOF Repairs overtime on the days before the ceremony. It to notice the carpet and appreciate work that Business Card, 4c, 26x Discountthe Rate Final Changes DUE: requires 900 man-hours to properly install, goes into a royal touch#27 for such5:00 a June creating 30, 2019 such • Volume 15: Issue Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Pric using massive amounts of double-sided tape. monumental event.  Each seam is ironed flat, while a crew member Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corre PROFESSIONAL  Reliable  Expert is on standby with the vacuum cleaner. Security Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-3 personnel are in place to holler, “Stay off the Handyman Services Repa and carpet!” Everything is covered with protective home repair Hom20iringesyeaforDesers!overrt plastic until just before the show starts. Plumbing • Carpentry • Electrical • Painting Property of

• They also do weddings, corporate events, and golf tournaments. In a typical year, the firm will complete around 30,000 projects. Carpets are re-used as much as possible, sometimes as carpet padding or wall insulation, occasionally for other events.

• Thirty rolls of 12-foot-wide (3.7 m) 900 feet (274 m) long carpet will be freighted in on two flatbed trucks from the factory in Dalton, Georgia, “the carpet capital of the world.”

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That Builds Strong & Courageous Leaders. • DC High School features numerous AP classes, and offers dual enrollment with College of the Desert.

DCCS is a K-12 WASC Accredited Private Christian • DCHS competes under the School. guidelines of the California ADVERTISING PROOFInterscholastic Federation (CIF) Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. in eight competing

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Q: I was rewatching the movie “O

Brother, Where Art Thou?” and noticed that there are similarities to “The Odyssey.” Was this intentional? Also, what ever happened to actor Tim Blake Nelson? -- W.P. by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: What ever happened to Barbara Walters? I read that she passed away a few years ago, but I don’t remember hearing anything about it. -- L.J. A: Legendary broadcast journalist and

Depositphotos

celebrity interviewer Barbara Walters died in 2022 at the age of 93. She had retired from “The View,” the syndicated talk show she cocreated, in 2014. According to her former co-host Lisa Ling, Walters told her that they made her quit as a host, but she remained an executive producer up until her death. If you have a subscription to Broadcast journalist Hulu or Disney+, Barbara Walters you can watch (1929-2022) the documentary “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything,” which features some wonderful archival footage of Walters in her prime. In addition to her highly rated annual Oscarnight special, she interviewed many of the world’s most notorious leaders, including Fidel Castro, the last Shah of Iran, and Margaret Thatcher. ***

Vol. XXII Issue No. 34

Q: I’ve seen that the main cast mem-

bers of “Ted Lasso” will be back for its new season, but which characters won’t be returning? -- N.N.

A: Most of the beloved cast of Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” will be returning for its fourth season -- that is, Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt. However, Phil Dunster, who played Jamie Tartt, won’t be back, nor will Nick Mohammed (Nate Shelley) or Sarah Niles (Dr. Sharon Fieldstone). Since Ted will now be coaching a women’s soccer team, pretty much all of his former team members are out, including Cristo Fernandez’s Dani and Toheeb Jimoh’s Sam. Fernandez is actually living out his lifelong dream of being a real professional footballer with the El Paso Locomotive FC. * * *

A: Yes, way before the most recent adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic poem “The Odyssey” was released by director Christopher Nolan, the Coen Brothers put their own spin on it. Their fantastic film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” was set in Mississippi during the 1930s and starred George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson as three escaped prisoners. On their journey, the three men encounter several figures who were inspired by characters from “The Odyssey.” Both films, as well as the classic poem, have similar characters. In the Coen Brothers’ version, Clooney plays Ulysses, who’s trying to get home Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExto his wife, Penny. (Odysseus from “The Odyssey” tra@gmail.com. has a wife named Penelope.) Ulysses meets a blind prophet at the railroad. (This corresponds to the (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. blind seer Tiresias, who tells Odysseus a mysterious prophecy.) John Goodman plays “Big Dan” Teague, a one-eyed man with an eye patch (similar to the giant cyclops, Polyphemus). Lastly, there are the three Sirens who lure in Clooney et al., with their song that’s much like the Sirens’ song in “The Odyssey.” As for the wonderfully talented Tim Blake Nelson, he’s carved out quite a career as a character actor -- most notably on HBO’s “Watchmen,” which earned him a Critic’s Choice Award nominaMON., tion. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Next up for him is another HBO series -“Task” -- where he’ll star alongside Mark Ruffalo Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c and Mahershala Ali for its second season. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 7 ***

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1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG-13) Tom Holland, Zendaya 2. The Odyssey (R) Matt Damon, Tom Holland 3. Toy Story 5 (PG) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen 4. Minions & Monsters (PG) Pierre Coffin, Trey Parker 5. Moana (PG) Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Laga’aia 6. Hadestown: The Musical (NR) Reeve Carney, André De Shields 7. The Invite (R) Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde 8. Evil Dead Burn (R) Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright 9. I Want Your Sex (R) Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman 10. Young Washington (PG-13) William Franklyn-Miller, Mary-Louise Parker © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Week of August 16, 2026

Good Recipes from Veggie Kebabs Balsamic vinaigrette adds zip to an assortment of colorful vegetables. 3 small (about 6 ounces each) zucchini, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks 3 small (about 6 ounces each) yellow summer squash, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks 6 plum tomatoes, about 1 1/4 pounds, each cut lengthwise in half 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette dressing 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons olive oil 3/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 1. Onto 6 long metal skewers, alternately thread zucchini chunks, yellow-squash chunks and tomato halves, leaving about 1/8 inch space between each vegetable piece to allow even cooking. (Threading zucchini and squash through skin side gives vegetables more stability on skewers.) 2. In cup, combine brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons olive

Page 7

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oil. Brush kebabs with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. 3. Place kebabs on grill over medium heat; cook 15 to 20 minutes, until vegetables are browned and tender. Turn kebabs occasionally and brush vegetables with some vinaigrette during last 3 minutes of cooking. 4. To serve, arrange kebabs on large platter; drizzle with any remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle with basil.  Each serving: About 120 calories, 7g total fat (1g saturated), 190mg sodium, 13g total carbohydrate, 3g protein.

1. Combine Old Bay, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; rub all over salmon fillets and place, skin side down, on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Broil on high 5 to 6 minutes or until just cooked. 2. Toss cabbage, cilantro, green onions, balsamic vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve salmon on top of slaw. Serves 4.

Spiced Salmon With Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Slaw Coleslaw works as an effortless weeknight-friendly side. Pair it with broiled salmon for a hearty dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes.

each) sliced

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning 1 tablespoon brown sugar Kosher salt 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 5 ounces 1/2 small head red cabbage, very thinly 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

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Vol. XXII Issue No. 34

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 8

(Solution on page 16)

Donald Duck

by Walt Disney

Crossword Answers on page 16

NEST HEADS

By John Allen

Tidbits® of Coachella Valley Published and distributed weekly by AdVenture Media, Inc. P.O. Box 4308 Palm Springs, CA 92263-4308 Phone: 760-320-0997 Fax: 760-320-1630 Email: valleybits@msn.com www.TidbitsPalmSprings.com All rights reserved. Publisher: Erik D. Long Editor: David L. Long Distribution By:

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Week of August 16, 2026

Page 9

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

NEXT WEEK in

Corner

TIDBITS SAYS

Cody’s

LET'S

DANCE!

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Lucky Dog Honks for Help

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Holidays & Observances This Week Print Your Answers Here:

8/16

National Roller Coaster Day

8/17

National Thrift Shop Day

8/18

National Fajita Day

8/19

"Black Cow" Root Beer Float Day

8/20

National Radio Day

8/21

Respect Senior Citizens Day

8/22

Help A Stranger Day

Earlier this week, Donna Gardner of Allentown, Pa., went out to run some errands and decided to bring her 11-year-old chocolate Lab, Max, along for the ride. When she arrived back home, she collected her bags, locked up her car and went inside to tackle the demands of a busy household. About an hour later, Gardner began hearing the persistent sound of a honking car horn. She went outside to check but saw nothing out of the ordinary, so she resumed her business inside. The beeping, however, continued. When she eventually peered out the window to take another look, she saw Max sitting in the driver’s seat of her car. Everything Gardner did from that point on was exactly right: She cooled down an extremely overheated Max with wet rags, gave him some water and rushed him to the vet. The vet told local media that Max was weak upon arrival but should make a full recovery. Gardner, the vet and everyone else are calling the incident a miracle. And there’s no doubt Max is one lucky Lab. But we don’t have to rely on miracles, luck or exceptionally intuitive canines to prevent our dogs from starring in the more prevalent version of this story, which doesn’t wrap with a happy ending. With summer comes heat: Sidewalks can make a barefoot boy dance a jig. Drop an egg into a bowl of water that’s been sitting in the sun for hours, give it five minutes and -- voila! -- breakfast is served. Slipping into your car suddenly makes you feel for anything preceded by “oven roasted.” All of these examples affect your dog. Hot sidewalks are hard on his paws. Scalding water is undrinkable. And even a couple of minutes in a hot car can be enough to induce heat stroke or death. Yes, that’s how lucky Max was. To avoid a precarious reliance on Lady Luck, make the following steadfast summer practices: Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors should have access to shade and clean, cool water at all times. And in particularly hot regions or on

Wuzzles solution Page 16

“Bravery is being the only one who knows youʼre afraid.” --Col. David Hackworth

Tidbits® Word Search

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

“Scenes on 66” M

M M

N W T

W D

S N

W H

W O

G G

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www.WordSearchMaker.com



CROSSCOUNTRY CROSS COUNTRY CURVESCURVES DRIVEINS DRIVE-INS FLATTIRE FLAT TIRE FUNTRAVEL FUN TRAVEL GETYOURKICKS GET YOUR KICKS HARDSURFACE HARD SURFACE HILLYTERRAIN HILLY TERRAIN

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

●



HISTORICSITES

HISTORIC SITES MAINSTREET USA MOTHERROAD MOTHER ROAD MOTORCOURTS MOTOR COURTS ROADTRIP ROAD TRIP SCENERY SCENERY SMALLTOWNS SMALL TOWNS WINDING ROAD WINDING ROAD

MAINSTREETUSA

(Word Search solution page 16)

Mega Maze solution Page 14

Page 10

SENIOR NEWS LINE by Matilda Charles

Part D Drug Plan Costs Going Up Many of us avoid talking about politics, but now and then an issue comes along that needs to grab everyone's attention. The one we need to be concerned about now is the Medicare Part D subsidy that will expire at the end of the year and won’t be offered in 2027. It started as the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration and was intended for those with stand-alone Part D drug plans. The money, $3.6 billion this year alone, was given to the drug companies to protect consumers from price spikes in the premiums. It helped 25 million beneficiaries. And now it’s going away. What does it mean for us? Likely it means higher monthly premiums for our Part D drug plans. The pundits who talk about these things think that our monthly drug plan premiums will only go up $10 per month. Others say it will be $20 per month, or maybe even lower

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

than we’re paying now. At this point they’re only guessing.

Vol. XXII

Issue No. 34

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

especially hot days, dogs should be kept inside, at least during the sun’s peak hours. Between now and the end of the year During the summer months, walk your dog we need to learn how to study the various drug early in the morning and later in the evening or at plans. Become familiar with the Medicare drug night to avoid scorched paw pads and to make it the plan comparison tool at medicare.gov/planpleasant experience it should be for both of you. compare. Even though it’s tempting to think your dog wants to be with you at all times, what he really And, as much as I hate to even contemwants is to be comfortable. So leave him at home plate it, we need to figure out how to shave even -- preferably inside -- if bringing him along means more from our monthly expenditures. One place he has to spend any time at all alone in the car. to start is with the cost of our drugs. Cracking the windows, parking in a shady spot and leaving the car running with the air conditioning Look for lower costs for your prescriptions cranked are not valid exceptions to this rule. A dog at WellRx (wellrx.com), GoodRx (goodrx.com), should never be left alone in a car on a hot day. MON., SingleCare (singlecare.com) and Community Gardner, clearly a loving and devoted dog Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Pric Cares (communitycaresrx.com). Learn how to owner who had just made a mistake, told reportnavigate Trump’s drug website (trumprx.gov), ers she’s learned a lesson and hopes Max’s Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes MON., NOV. story 3 or corre although they don’t have all drugs listed yet. will be a lesson to others. Wisdom, so often gleaned Office: 760-320-0997 760-3 Please review carefully. email: Double valleybits@msn.com check:  Phone Number(s) Fax:  Spelling from tragedy, is just as useful when unearthed from Talk to the pharmacist where you get Contact your your fortune. Tidbits representative immediately with changes o good prescriptions. Many pharmacies use a generic Woof! Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax plan to save customers money -- and the savings * * * Property“Uncle of Dog trainer Matthew Matty” Margolis is the can be significant. AdVenture Media, Inc.

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With a little preparation, we can be ready for whatever we'll be facing in January.

GeorgeofKouri co-author 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series c/o NewAmerica Funding “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” ReadProperty all of Uncle Matty’s columns of 12th pg B&W 26x at www.creators.com, and visit him atMedia, www.unclematty.com. AdVenture Inc. HOLD for run dates

Phone: -760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 George Kouri NewAmericaFunding * * * valleybits@msn.com Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally 1/16 pg 4C 26x Rate answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her colRights21 Reserved November 9, 2025All Vol. - No. 46 umn whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

Isn’t it it time time to your Isn’t to put put your Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com REVERSE mortgage in in REVERSE mortgage Isn't time put your All Rights Reserved anditive Live alittle? little? and ato

mortgage in REVERSE

Go Ahead -- Faint! Who could forget Aunt Pittypat fainting when recently widowed Scarlett O’Hara accepts a dance with Rhett Butler, or when Scarlett faints in Rhett’s arms after she attacks him, and he chuckles, seeing right through her ploy to get him back? The tight Victorian corsets of high fashion during the 1800s were the catalyst for the development of the fainting couches we see in mostly traditional decor. Fainting couches were mainly a feminine piece of furniture: upholstered with a high back on one side and an arm to serve as support when getting up. Most dressing parlors and bedrooms were outfitted with a fainting couch. In some instances, a small room with one or more fainting couches near the public parlors of a house was deemed the fainting room. Here, women could sit and catch their breath from the constricting effects of their corsets and the layers upon layers of their heavy dresses. Another more provocative reason for the appearance of fainting couches has to do with female hysteria. The turn-of-the-century medical community had the notion of a disorder that affected women and that benefited from pelvic massages to relieve themselves of “anxiety.” The fainting couch and these fainting rooms were private sanctuaries where prolonged treatments could be administered. Much has evolved since then, and designers from the 1920s and onward have tried their hands at designing similar types of seating under the name chaise lounge. Renowned architects such as Le Corbusier and Mies van

Let me show you how easily you can: der Rohe have designed streamlined chairs with and live a little? extended leg support for relaxing and sleeping. ● Cash in on your home’s equity Coachella Valley homeowners for 20+ Our attitude toward these types of furnishings ●Helping Eliminate your monthly mortgage payment years. Ask me how a Reverse Mortgage can has relaxed quite a bit. As a decorative piece of ● work Stay for in your you. home and enjoy financial freedom! furniture, the chaise lounge has stepped out from Helping ValleyME homeowners for 20+ years. CALL TODAY! behind closed doors as a sculptural bit of seatI'll separate the Facts from Fiction! CALL ME TODAY! ing, even in the most luxurious living rooms. I’llGeorge separateKouri the Facts from Fiction! And let us not overlook the famous, or Reverse Mortgage Consultant George Kouri NMLS# 248717 infamous, psychiatrist’s couch. The psychiatrist’s Reverse Mortgage Consultant NMLS#248717 couch is a take on the fainting couch and also the 760-275-5905 chaise longue. The idea behind the psychiatrist’s 760-275-5905 couch is based on the Freudian psychoanalytical Please review carefully. George.kouri@nafinc.com Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  George.Kouri@nafinc.com naf.com/GeorgeKouri theory that a completely relaxed patient will open naf.com/GeorgeKouri Please review Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P Contactcarefully. your Equal Tidbits representative immediately changes Housing Opportunity. Borrower is responsible for paying taxes,with insurance, and other or co up and make free associations of thought and property expenses. Borrower must occupy home as their principal residence. A new loan will Office: your 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com 76 require a newrepresentative credit check,email: appraisal, title search, initial mortgage insurance closingFax: divulge their most intimate desires. Of course, Contact Tidbits immediately with premium, changes or cor costs and fees. Consult your tax advisor. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any because of pop cultureOffice: and our kind. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to borrower and property qualiﬁcations. Not all 760-320-0997 email: Fax: 760 applicants will qualify. Rates and termsvalleybits@msn.com are subject to change without notice. All mortgage loan love of the movies, the psychiaproducts are subject to credit and property approval. 2025 New American Funding, LLC. NMLS #6606. nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Corporate oﬃce 14511 Myford Rd., Ste 100, Tustin, CA 92780. trist’s couch came to induce www.newamericanfunding.com. Phone: (800) 450-2010. NMLS ID #6606.10/2025 Property of the opposite: fear, anxiety and AdVenture Media, Inc. distrust. The iconic psychiatrist’s Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. couch today has almost completely disappeared from offices in favor of less intimidating Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com chairs and loveseats that promote face-to-face Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 conversation. All Rights Reserved valleybits@msn.com Today’s designers and consumers have All Rights Reserved found a renewed love affair with the fainting couch and chaise longue. There is an indisputable sexiness to chaise longues when placed in a bedroom. Some antiques and other new upholstered chaise “lounges” are placed in bedrooms and family rooms as a place to sit and read a book or relax with a cocktail or drink at the end of a long workday. My best advice is to invest in a fainting couch, or the more contemporary chaise lounge for your stress relief. Whatever your style, relaxation is the ultimate luxury and will be popular forever. * * *

ADVERTISING PROOF PROOF FinalADVERTISING Changes DUE: 12: Final Changes DUE: 12:0

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Week of August 16, 2026

Page 11

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

appointed his power of attorney. But the Social Security people say this isn’t good enough. That makes no sense.

YOUR

SOCIAL SECURITY by Tom Margenau

There Is a Reason for the Rules People often complain to me about Social Security rules that they think are unnecessary. But there is almost always a good reason for the rules. I’ve saved up some emails from readers that explain what I am talking about.

Q: I am 62 years old and not work-

ing -- although I did work for about 30 years. My 61-year-old husband just died. We were married for 35 years. I tried to file for widow’s benefits online and learned I can’t do it that way. I have to make an appointment. This makes no sense. It looked like claims for all other Social Security benefits can be filed online. Why not widow’s benefits?

A: It used to be easier to file for widow’s

benefits, including online applications. But then a government watchdog agency did a study and learned that many widows were losing out on benefits they were due because the online process didn’t sufficiently explain their options. In your case, for example, you could file for reduced widow’s benefits now, and then at age 67, switch to full retirement benefits. Or you could wait until 70 and get a 28% delayed retirement bonus added to your monthly retirement checks. Another option you would have is to file for reduced retirement benefits now, and switch to full widow’s benefits when you reach full retirement age. So during an in-person interview, the Social Security rep would explain these options to you. Which option you pick depends on the money amounts involved. There are exceptions to the in-person interview requirement. For example, if you are over your full retirement age and were getting spousal benefits on your husband’s record before he died, you will be simply converted to widow’s benefits once you notify the Social Security Administration of the death.

Q: My 91-year-old mother recently moved in with us. I tried to change her address in the SSA’s records, but they won’t let me. Why not? A: It has to do with privacy laws. Those

laws say you can’t have access to someone else’s Social Security records -- even your own mother’s. I know you are just trying to help her. But the law is very strict about this. If your mother is mentally incapable of handling her own Social Security affairs, then you can file to be what the SSA calls her “representative payee.” Once you have that designation, you can handle all of your mom’s Social Security matters, including filing a change of address. However, if your mom is still mentally competent, then you are just going to have to figure out some way for her to contact the SSA to change her address.

Q: I’m tr ying to help my aging father

with his Social Security affairs. I have been

Why?

A: I’ll start out with the same point I made

in the prior answer. Your date of birth is the most crucial element to your Social Security claim. And my explanation. As I pointed out in the answer to the issue of which records can be used to prove the prior question, it all comes down to those pri- your date of birth has been studied over and over vacy laws. Only your dad can have access to his again by the SSA. And every study I’ve ever seen Social Security records -- unless he is judged to be comes down to this fact: the oldest record of your mentally incompetent. And if he is, then you have birth is the best record of your birth. So obviously a record made around the day of your birth (a birth to file to be his “representative payee.” The reason that power of attorney status certificate) is going to be at the top of the list. Of course, there are a few cases where a doesn’t work is that you can get that designation for a variety of reasons. For example, your dad may birth certificate for a person was simply never rebe totally mentally capable, but he just needs your corded, or was destroyed in a fire, or for whatever help dealing with various legal obligations. That reason is just not available. In those cases, the SSA ADVERTISING PROOF and other reasons are why “power of attorney” is still falls back on that “the oldest record is the best MON.,they MAY 25use a re-5:00 record” maxim. For example, might not good enough for Social Security matters. Final Changes DUE: ligious record of birth -- if the person was Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  baptized Spelling  Pr Q: I’m getting ready to file for Social at an early age. Or early school or government Contactmy your Tidbits immediately withinchanges or corre censusrepresentative records also can be used. But your case, Security. I’ve been told I need to provide email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: certificate exists, you are going to 760birth certificate. Why? I’ve got a Office: driver’s760-320-0997 li- since your birth cense and militar y discharge papers and have to try to get it. * * * passport and other government documents, If you have a Social Security question, Tom Marall of which show my date of birth. If it’s good enough for other government agencies, in- genau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact cluding other federal agencies, why isn’t it Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social good enough for Social Security? Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100

A: Well, it will make sense when you hear

Blinds Etc.

Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@ A: It’s because those other agencies are Bus.comcast.net. Card, Spot $98 perand week ToColor, find out26x morediscount about Tom•Margenau to usually only marginally interested in your date May of read 31, past 2026 Vol.and 22see- features No. 23from other Creators Syndicolumns birth, but the Social Security Administration is cate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webkeenly interested. Why? Because your date of birth site at www.creators.com.

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: Mon., June 29 12:0

is a key factor -- actually it is the most important factor -- in determining your eligibilityContact for, and your the Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corr amount of, your Social Security benefits. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760 Because it is so vital, it is crucial that the Since 1981 SSA have access to your birth certificate. For even Serving the Desert Community 45 Years ADVERTISING PROOF more on this issue, check out the answer to the FinalBlinds Changes DUE:● Shutters ● Carpet 5:00 p.m ● Shades next question. Please review carefully. Double Property check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  of

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Q: I am about to file for Social Secu- Office: email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-16 c/o 760-320-0997 Curtis Lopez-Galloway Call Cathy rity. I was born in England but have lived in BZ 1C 13x FREE In-Home 760-340-4743 the U.S. since childhood. Although not imposJuly 5, 2026 Vol. 22 - No.Text: 28 760-851-7198 Consultation Phone: 760.320.0997Property Fax: of 760.320.1630 sible, it will be difficult for me to get my birth valleybits@msn.com AdVenture Media, Inc. AUG. 3 MON., certificate. I have lots of other records that have my birth date on them, including even carefully. DoubleAllcheck: Rights  Reserved Please review Phone Number(s)  Spelling  old school records. But the Social Security FREE of Coachella Valley Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c people want me to get my birth certificate. The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

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Property of J ArthurDouble Law Firm Please review carefully. check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  AdVenture Media, Inc.

12th pg 4C 13x

Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c 1. The book of Joseph is found in the Contact your Aug. 9, 2026 Vol. 22 - No. 33 a) Old Testament b) New TestamentOffice: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 7 c) Neither

2. By Roman reckoning, what time of day did Jesus meet the Samarian woman at the well? a) Daybreak b) Noon c) Afternoon d) Night

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3. On the island of Patmos, to whom was the book of Revelation given? a) Matthew b) Mark c) Luke d) John 4. Who hid 100 prophets in two caves and supplied them food and water? a) Hosea b) Obadiah c) Elisha d) Elijah 5. On what day did God create the heavens? a) Third b) Fourth c) Fifth d) Sixth

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● Wills ● Trusts ● Power of Attorney All Rights Reserved ● Healthcare Phone: Directives 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 and Livingvalleybits@msn.com Wills ● New to California? All Rights Reserved Update your existing Estate Planning Documents! “Don’t die without it!” Published by: AdVenture Media

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6. The Semites were descended from Shem, the son of whom? a) Noah b) Moses c) Abraham d) Jacob (Answers on page 16)

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Web: JArthurLaw.com

 Licensed in California and Florida "Test Your Bible or Knowledge," bookgo with For comments more Bible aTrivia to 1,206 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or co multiple-choice questions by Wilson Casey is www.TriviaGuy.com available in stores and online. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 76 © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

M.D.

Leg Cramps, Digit Spasms Can Occur Due to Lactose Intolerance DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 74-year-old woman who’s quite healthy (I am active and don’t take any medications), but I have a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Recently, I experienced bad-smelling gas, leg cramps, and finger and toe spasms. I quit eating milk products, and my symptoms almost immediately disappeared. My question is: Do food intolerances increase with age? Also, can leg cramps and digit spasms be attributed to a food intolerance? -- H.W. ANSWER: The most likely diagnosis is lactose intolerance. This is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which is used to split milk sugar into its constituent simple sugars. This condition is rare in childhood and does increase with age. I’ve seen people with lactose deficiencies who complain about abdominal cramps, but digit spasms and leg cramps aren’t usually described with this deficiency. I’ve seen these symptoms in people with severe celiac disease due to low calcium levels. Since your symptoms disappeared when stopping milk products, it seems clear that these are, indeed, symptoms of a lactase deficiency, but they’re unusual enough that they aren’t well-described. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband has had neck pain for over two years. He has been treated with ablation of the neck nerves but hasn’t experienced any significant lessening of the pain. He’s been on oxycodone for at least a year. Nothing seems to be working on lessening his pain on a continuous basis. What’s your opinion on fentanyl patches? He’s 88 and very weak, but he doesn’t have any major physical problems. -- D.S. ANSWER: Fentanyl is a very potent synthetic opiate, and the patch allows continuous absorption through the skin. It’s useful for people who need strong opiates, such as those with cancer. Unfortunately, opiates aren’t always a good choice for muscular or skeletal pain, which is likely the cause of your husband’s neck pain. If oxycodone isn’t working well, fentanyl probably won’t either. The body can quickly get used to high doses of any opiate. Without knowing a lot more about his neck pain, I can’t make any definitive recommendations. Pain management experts will often try other types of injections (such as epidural steroids), along with different types of medications. Medicines that work on the nerve pain cells (such as gabapentin or duloxetine) can be of benefit in many people. A pain management expert is an essential consultant for your husband. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I have slowed gastric motility and would like to draw your attention to a potentially dangerous reply that you gave in a recent column. There was an 85-year-old with a sluggish gut who asked about fiber supplements. You said that it was good to take fiber supplements for diarrhea and constipation, as well as cholesterol reduction. This is usually

sound advice; however, in people with gastric motility issues, fiber supplements can be dangerous. For people with slowed gastric emptying, fiber can increase the risk of bezoars, which can be life-threatening. A person with slowed gastric motility is supposed to limit their fiber intake to no more than 2-3 grams per meal to prevent solid masses from forming in the gut. This may be what they were referring to when they said they heard that fiber supplements mess up your gut. -- A.Y. ANSWER: I appreciate your writing. You’re right that in the case of gastroparesis, too much fiber can lead to a bezoar -- a nondigestible stone-like mass that can block the gut. People with diagnosed transit problems of the gut should seek specific advice about treatment from their gastroenterologist prior to using fiber supplementation. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: What are the benefits of washing your hands? -- W.L.A. ANSWER: Not getting sick is the main one. Regular handwashing reduces respiratory illnesses (colds, flu and pneumonia) by about 20%. Handwashing reduces foodborne gastrointestinal illnesses by about 30%. You also reduce the likelihood of passing on germs to others. People are the most contagious right before symptoms start for most respiratory diseases. Health care professionals wash their hands (or use hand sanitizer) before and after every patient. It only takes 20 seconds for it to be effective. It is a routine procedure that is followed by every health care worker. * * *

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. (c) 2026 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Vol. XXII Issue No. 34

VETERANS  POST  by Freddie Groves

The VA OIG Catches More Scammers Once again, the VA Office of Inspector General has nailed fraudsters who are determined to steal benefits and cash from the VA. A pair of scammers, one of them incarcerated, cooked up a scheme to defraud seriously ill veterans. Specifically, the jailbird would call VA medical centers and impersonate VA employees to get info on veterans, including names and phone numbers. Then, with his scammer pal, they would call a veteran to get banking and credit card info for the alleged purpose of depositing Covid stimulus checks. Armed with that info, the jailbird was able to pull funds into his commissary and phone accounts. The pair was nailed on 26 counts of fraud and had harmed 60 veterans. They managed to pull the scam on over 30 VA medical clinics. The fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges each carry potential prison terms of up to 20 years, with aggravated identity theft adding another two years. Then there was the non-veteran who applied for benefits and claimed he had both the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. While there is no central location with a list of all those who’ve received a Purple Heart for VA employees to check, once an application is made for benefits, the facts would show up on a DD-214. This scam is getting that fraudster four years in prison. Then there was the Department of Homeland Security employee who faked an application to get a VA-backed mortgage. This was a veteran who should have known better. The fake documents said he had a 100% disability rating and received monthly disability benefits. Both lies. There was no disability rating and no monthly benefit. Not knowing the docs were faked, the lender issued a mortgage for $478,000 with the VA giving loan guarantee backing. This scheme is good for 30 years in prison. I hate to think of the money that would be lost and the number of veterans defrauded if we didn’t have the VA OIG to investigate these things. * * *

Freddie Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

Week of August 16, 2026

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 13

Page 14

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

cially useful after a stroke, when your father may need rehabilitation or specialized care at home.

-- by Jim Miller

A Caregiver’s Guide to Medicare DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I’m taking care of my elderly father who recently had a stroke and have a lot of questions about how Medicare works and what it covers. He’s enrolled in original Medicare. Can you provide any information to help me? -- Caregiver Connie Dear Connie: Taking care of a parent after a stroke is hard enough without having to figure out Medicare too. The good news is that understanding the program can make life a lot easier. Knowing what’s covered – and what isn't – can help you plan ahead, avoid costly surprises and make sure your father gets the care he needs. Here’s a practical guide to get you started. Medicare basics One of the best places to start is the official “Medicare & You” handbook. It explains benefits and services in plain language. Medicare mails an updated copy every fall, but you can also view it online at medicare.gov/medicareand-you. For questions, call Medicare at 800-6334227 to speak with a representative. They can clarify coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, home health care, and more. Your state’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is another great resource. SHIP counselors provide free, oneon-one counseling to help you understand your coverage, identify cost-saving programs, and answer questions about Medicare. Find a counselor near you at shiphelp.org or 877-839-2675. Caregivers should also create a secure Medicare account at medicare.gov/account/ login. Once your father’s account is set up, you can review his coverage, track claims, check the status of medical services and prescriptions, and see which preventive benefits he’s eligible for. It’s an easy way to stay organized and keep all of your father’s Medicare information in one place. Choosing providers Medicare also lets you compare providers online at medicare.gov/care-compare. You can search for doctors, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, hospice providers, and medical equipment suppliers in your area. This is espe-

Puzzle Solutions

When a particular coniferous tree felt a freaky prickly sensation, that was pine-tingling.

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Covered services Original Medicare covers many services your father may need, including hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests, and outpatient treatments. It also covers home health care if your father is homebound, under a doctor’s care, and needs part-time skilled nursing or rehabilitation therapy, such as physical, occupational or speech therapy. Medicare also covers medically necessary durable medical equipment and supplies prescribed by a doctor, including oxygen, wheelchairs, walkers and catheters. Short-term skilled nursing care in a facility may also be covered for up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay.

Vol. XXII

Issue No. 34

sources, check programs that help reduce Medicare costs. Extra Help assists with prescription drug expenses, and Medicare Savings Programs can help pay premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Visit medicare.gov/basics/costs/help or call 800-633-4227 to learn more or check eligibility. Taking time to understand Medicare can make caregiving a little less stressful. It helps you stay on top of appointments, treatments and equipment needs, while giving you greater confidence that your father is receiving the care and benefits he’s entitled to. * * * Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Prescription medications are generally covered through a separate Medicare Part D plan, which helps pay for many outpatient drugs your father may need. Hospice care is covered for patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a doctor. It includes nursing care, medications for comfort and short-term respite care to give caregivers a break. However, Medicare generally doesn’t pay for long-term custodial care at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. That means it generally won’t cover ongoing help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom or supervision for someone with dementia. Routine dental care, dentures, eye exams for glasses and hearing aids are also not covered. Cost help If your father has limited income and re-

* On Aug. 17, 1579, Francois, Duke of Alencon and Anjou, visited Queen Elizabeth I of England with the design of winning her hand in marriage -- the only suitor to court her in person. He was 23 and Elizabeth 45. Though they became quite close, the queen’s subjects heartily disapproved of the idea of a French king, and two years later Elizabeth declined the proposal with what appears to have been genuine regret. She remained single for the rest of her life. * On Aug. 18, 1826, Scottish explorer Alexander Gordon Laing made his way across the Sahara and became the first European to reach the fabled trading city of Timbuktu. Merely weeks after leaving it, he was murdered in his sleep by his own Arab escorts. * On Aug. 19, 1914, Elmer Rice’s courtroom drama “On Trial” debuted at New York City’s Candler Theatre. It ran for 365 performances and became famous for pioneering the use of the cinematic “flashback” and reverse chronology on stage. * On Aug. 20, 1957, the U.S. Air Force’s ultra-high balloon flight Project Manhigh broke the existing altitude record by reaching 101,516 feet over Minnesota and South Dakota with physician and scientist David G. Simons in an aluminum capsule suspended from a helium balloon. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the achievement. * On Aug. 21, 1980, the animal-rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was incorporated in a basement office in Takoma Park, Maryland. * On Aug. 22, 1992, FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi, while aiming at a fleeing suspect, shot and killed Vicki Weaver during an 11-day siege at her home at Ruby Ridge, Idaho. Weaver was unarmed and holding her infant daughter behind the door of her cabin. Horiuchi was initially charged with manslaughter but the charges were dismissed. * On Aug. 23, 2018, Harry D. Weed of Canastota, New York, was granted a U.S. patent for an unusual “grip-tread” made of chains wrapped around automobile tires to prevent slipping on slick roads, an early version of modern tire chain. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of August 16, 2026

Page 15

Route 66 (from page 3) with his family. He based many of the film’s sites on real-life locations he encountered, including the general store in Hackberry, Arizona, and Erick, Oklahoma’s Sand Hills Curiosity Shop. The movie’s bridges resemble several along Route 66 in Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. The film calls its iconic teepee-shaped motor court the Cozy Cone Motel. • The 1939 AAA travel directory lists the Wagon Wheel Cabins in Cuba, Missouri, as one of the finest motor courts in the state. Constructed in 1934 of Ozark stone, each cabin had its own private tub or shower bath with rates of $2.50 per night for two persons. It’s still in operation today. Cuba also opened Carr’s Phillips 66 service station in 1932 to accommodate the increase of travelers along the route. • Route 66 began its slow decline in 1953, when Oklahoma opened the Turner Turnpike between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, bypassing 100 miles of Route 66 and all of the towns along that stretch of the road. The loss of customer traffic forced most merchants to shutter their doors. • In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway Act, calling for a modern four-lane highway system free of any crosstraffic intersections. Service stations and commercial businesses were also prohibited at the highway access sites. Within a few short years, as more freeways were added and small towns were bypassed, businesses quickly began to fail from the lack of vital customer traffic. In 1965, the Highway Beautification Act also placed restrictions on freeway road signs that urged travelers to exit the freeway in order to access Route 66. • In 1985 Route 66 was officially decommissioned and removed from the official U.S. Highway system and taken off road maps printed after that time. Today, the disjointed road prevents motorists from driving the original Route 66 for more than several miles at a time. Parts of the original road are now the “business loop” in many cities, while other sections are now state and local roads, with some portions completely abandoned. Several stretches have been preserved, with a few having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking an era of a time gone by. 

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Game Changers by Jason Jenkins

Captain Hook

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

Sometimes you just have to create a hooking (curving right to left) shot to get yourself back into play. For example, when your ball is on the left side of the hole and you’re blocked by a row of trees, you’ll need this recovery shot to salvage a decent score. Step One: Pre-close the face a quarter turn, and then take your normal grip. You’ll need the face to be closed in order to help create the side spin. Step Two: Rehearse arm swings that intentionally “cross-over” in the early follow through. You can’t hold on tightly with excessive grip pressure when you want to create the hook shot. Step Three: Aim the shot significantly away from the tree line in order to start the ball out into ADVERTISING PROOF open space. Many Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. amateurs Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours don’t give Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. themOffice: 760-320-0997 Fax: 760-320-1630 selves enough room in their Property of alignAdVenture Media, Inc. ment due FREE to fear of not producing the right amount of curve. 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 It helps to practice this shot on the range so you Rights Reservedcan be expected on can see how much All curvature repetitive efforts. Try to keep the club alignments consistent on these sweeping hooks. Understand that hooks will fly lower and roll more upon landing, so adjust your yardage accordingly.

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JasonJenkins Jenkinswas wasaa 16-year 16-year member member of the Jason the Jim Jim McLean McLeanGolf Golf School School teaching teaching staff staff.and He was was one one of of GOLF GOLFMagazine’s Magazine’sTop Top100 100 Teacher He was one ofone theofGolf Teacher Nominees Nominees 1999-2010. 1999-2010 and has named been named the 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

Vol. XXII

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 16

Issue No. 34

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SERVICE,

w York, NY

311 EXT. 257

1. U.S. STATES: Which two states do not observe Daylight Saving Time? 2. ANATOMY: How many valves does the human heart have? 3. MATH: What comes after a trillion? 4. GEOGRAPHY: What is the longest river in Europe? 5. TELEVISION: What is the name of the hospital in the sitcom “Scrubs”? 6. HISTORY: Which empire did Genghis Khan rule? 7. LITERATURE: Which children’s book features a character called Augustus Gloop? 8. ART: Who painted the famous work titled “Guernica”? 9. MOVIES: In which film does Sidney Poitier’s character say, “They call Mr. Tibbs”? by Linda Thistle G meO F I G UWhat RE Answer peekers: 10. ASTRONOMY: is the! The Puzzle Nazi is watching! TRIVIA TEST smallest our solar system? The idea of planet Go inFigure is to arrive at theAnswers figures Answers Answersgiven at Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU the bottom and right-hand and Hawaii. by folcolumns1.ofArizona the diagram -Answer2. Four. lowing the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that 3. Quadrillion. is, from 4.left right Theto Volga River.and top to bottom). Use only the numbers 5. Sacred Heart Hospital. below the diagram to complete The Mongoland Empire. its blank6. squares use each 7. “Charlie and theonly Chocolate Factoof the nine numbers once. ry.” DIFFICULTY: 8. Pablo Picasso. � 9. “In the Heat of the Night.” � Moderate �� Difficult 10. Mercury. �� GO FIGURE! ©©2006 King Features Syndicate, 2010King King Features Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2026 Features Synd., Inc. © 2026 ©2022 2026King KingFeatures FeaturesSynd., Synd., Inc. Inc.

2022

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure! answers

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BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

1. (C) Neither 2. (B) Noon 3. (D) John 4. (B) Obadiah 5. (B) Fourth day 6. (A) Noah

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Vol. 22: #34 • Route 66 • (8-16-2026) Tidbits of Coachella Valley