Vol 21: #24 • Good Ideas Gone Bad • 6-8-2025 Tidbits of Coachella Valley by Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Good Ideas BAD Gone

By Janet Spencer

Poet Robert Burns probably said it best when he penned, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. There is indeed a law of unintended consequences which many well-intended individuals would have been wise to heed, but instead failed to think their brilliant ideas all the way through. This week Tidbits presents a few such classics.

POPPY PLOY

• The country of Afghanistan offers a great environment for growing poppies. Poppies are also used to produce heroin, a product of which the Afghan government did not approve. So in 2002 they decided to pay poppy farmers $700 per acre if they would just burn their crops.

• As it turns out, you can’t get paid $700 to burn a poppy field if you don’t first have poppy crops, so poppy fields suddenly and mysteriously began to spring up. Then many enterprising farmers decided to simply cut the flowering tops off the poppies and continue to sell them to the cartel as usual. They

Rupi Mann, MD / Laura Padron, NP

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT

(Answers on page 16)

• In 1996, Jeffrey Maier was a 12-year-old baseball fan, and his hometown team was the Yankees. On October 9, 1996, he was excited about attending Game #1 of the American League Championship Series. The Yankees were facing the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, and Jeffrey was seated in the front row of the right field stands. He had brought along his baseball glove, just in case.

• The Yankees were trailing the Orioles 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th inning. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter belted a deep fly ball toward the right field stands. Oriole right fielder Tony Tarasco was ready for it and stretched up his arm to make the grab.

• Just then, young Jeffrey Maier reached out several inches over the wall with his baseball glove, and deflected the ball into the stands, a split second before Tarasco could nab it.

• Had Tarasco caught the ball, it would have been an automatic out. Instead, right field umpire Rich Garcia ignored the interference and ruled it a home run, tying the game 4-4. The stadium instantly erupted in thundering cheers.

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male bees called?

2. TELEVISION: Which TV streaming network plans to host a new series based on the “Harry Potter” books?

3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many months have 31 days?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to appear on television?

5. MATH: What is the Roman numeral MMXXV in Arabic numbers?

6. MOVIES: What is the name of the spaceship in the movie “Alien”?

7. LITERATURE: “Nicholas Nickleby” is a novel written by which author?

8. AD SLOGANS: Which airline uses the slogan “Fly the Friendly Skies”?

9. ACRONYMS: What phrase does the real estate acronym DTI stand for?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What are the seeds of a pomegranate called? Answers

• In a collective and explosive outburst, the entire Orioles team immediately spilled out of the dugout, vehemently protesting the call, but their objections were denied.

• The Yankees won the game in 11th inning overtime, and went on to win the World Series that year.

• After viewing the replay, umpire Garcia admitted his mistake. Still, he insisted that given the ball’s trajectory and the position of Tarasco’s glove, Tarasco would not have caught it. Tarasco loudly disagreed.

• In New York, Jeffrey Maier was a hero; in Baltimore, he was a despised villain. The biased New York Daily News awarded him a seat behind the Yankee dugout during the World Series. An article in the Baltimore Sun called him “The most despised child in the history of Baltimore sports.”

• There is now a railing behind the outfield wall at Yankee Stadium to prevent eager fans like Maier from reaching over it. ***

• In soccer, players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands unless they are goalies. Players can only use their feet and head. This rule was broken, quite controversially, by Argentine player Diego Maradona.

• It was June 22, 1986, and the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against England was underway in Mexico City.

• Six minutes into the second half, Argentina’s Maradona punched the ball into the net using his fist. The referees missed this move, but the violation was clearly seen by English players

and fans who protested the goal immediately.

• However, both referees refused to hear the complaints. The goal was good. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Argentina, with Maradona also scoring the second goal. Argentina went on to win the World Cup.

• When Maradona was later asked if he scored the goal illegally by using his hand, he responded by saying the goal was made “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.” The goal subsequently became known as “the hand of God” goal.

ADVERTISING PROOF

• A sports photographer immortalized the moment in a photograph that clearly showed Maradona hitting the ball with his hand. This prompted sports writers to say, “What hand of God? It was the hand of Diego!”

• Maradona’s illegal goal was considered a cunning trick by Argentinians. In England, it was considered a shameful scandal.

• It became a pivotal moment in the history of the World Cup. In fact, the incident was instrumental in promoting the use of instant replay technology.

• In 2022, the shirt Maradona had been wearing when he made the goal was sold at auction for the equivalent of nearly $9 million, setting a price record for a piece of sports memorabilia.

then burned off the empty stems and happily collected their $700 per acre payment from the government.

GAS GUZZLERS

• During the national gas shortage in the mid1970s, the U.S. Government issued strict controls over gas mileage for cars. Small cars had very stringent fuel mileage requirements, and car makers were fined if they didn’t attain these standards.

• Trucks, however, had more leeway in their mileage requirements. So auto manufacturers drastically reduced their production of small, fuel-efficient cars, focusing instead on making vehicles that could be considered trucks, including SUVs, vans, and later, hybrids.

• The result, however was actually the defeat of the fuel economy goal altogether, and gas consumption was eventually even greater than before. Even today, the majority of all new vehicles sold are the larger gas-guzzling “light trucks” rather than the smaller fuel-efficient passenger cars.

SOFT DRINK SUICIDE

• What do you do when youʼre profiting millions by selling one of the most popular soft drinks on the planet? How about drastically changing the product formula and trying to force your solid customer base into consuming something nobody even asked for. That’s just what the brilliant marketing geniuses at Coca-Cola did back in 1985.

• The abrupt introduction of New Coke was the company’s attempt to tweak their time-honored

recipe by making an already sweet soda even sweeter and, of course, more irresistable. The result, however, was an explosive outcry by an outraged public demanding the return of their beloved Cokes. The negative press coverage that followed led to a public relations disaster.

• Coca-Cola executives quickly switched to damage control panic mode and scrambled to repair their huge marketing blunder. New Coke very suddenly disappeared and the company hurried to bring back the familiar old formula under the guise of “Classic Coke”

BANISHED BUNNIES

• In 1859, British settler Thomas Austin thought it would be a great idea to release a few dozen European rabbits into the wild on his property in Victoria, Australia with the goal of organizing hunting parties as a lively sport for his friends.

• Little did he realize that within the next several decades, the rabbit population growth would explode across the entire continent and become a major pest disaster, impacting agriculture, the environment, and biodiversity. The economic impact today is estimated to be over $200 million per year, primarily due to massive crop destruction and environmental degradation.

• The estimated rabbit population in Australia is now around 220 million, inhabiting 70% of Australia’s landmass, causing widespread damage and posing a threat to native species.

• The situation is now so serious that the Australian government has taken drastic steps to discourage bringing any rabbit into the country without strict and proper permits. For example, Queensland has imposed penalties potentially reaching $45,000 for even owning a pet rabbit. In other areas like Kangaroo Island, individuals have been fined for introducing rabbits, with potential penalties including a year in prison and/or a hefty $50,000 fine.

BIRD BANE

• The Texas Medical Center Campus in Houston has a large number of tall and stately oak trees on its grounds. While the trees created a pleasing, picturesque campus setting, they also attracted a large number of birds. However, the birds had become a nuisance since they were always pooping on the grounds, and often on people.

• In 2012, campus leaders decided the solution was to cover the mature oak trees with bird-proof netting, sending the birds elsewhere to roost.

• But in the process, a new issue soon arose when it was realized that the birds also eat bugs. With the birds gone, the bugs were now able to easily fly and crawl through the bird-proof netting unhindered, and multiplying rapidly.

• One type of bug that unexpectedly found its population exploding was a type of caterpillar that happens to be exceptionally poisonous, and

1. What fast-food chain launched a new upscale sandwich in 1996 that was a complete flop?

2. What product was introduced with great fanfare in 1957, but was rejected by American consumers?

In the 1940s and 50s in Quebec, many of the schools, orphanages and hospitals were run by the Catholic church. A Catholic premier announced that the government would reimburse the church $1.25 per day per child in the orphanages, and $2.75 per day for every patient in the psychiatric hospitals. Suddenly, the orphanages were emptied out, and all those kids were incarcerated in the psychiatric hospitals instead. Many of them lived with mislabeled diagnoses for the rest of their lives.

By Lucie Winborne

* According to legend, and the official story from Nathan’s, four immigrants held the first hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous stand on Coney Island on July 4, 1916, to prove who was the most patriotic.

* Koala bears have no sweat glands, so they cool themselves by licking their arms and stretching out as they rest in trees.

* Asbestos used to be a common sight on film sets. The carcinogenic mineral was a common substitute for snowflakes in film-making until shortly after World War II.

* No matter how hot your summer day feels, you won’t actually be able to cook an egg on a sidewalk. That’s because you’d need a temperature of at least 158 F, and the highest recorded only reached 131 F. Besides that, concrete isn’t a good heat conductor.

* When it comes to wine, and Sauvignon Blanc in particular, a cat pee-like aroma is often indicative of a high-quality vintage.

* Inazawa Grand Bowl bowling center in Japan is the world’s largest bowling alley, with 116 lanes.

* Mars’ dust storms, the planet’s defining weather feature, are the largest in the solar system and can last for months.

* Despite producing 95% of the world’s bourbon supply, Kentucky’s official drink is milk.

* A museum in Helsinki, Finland, has been infested with Loxosceles laeta, venomous recluse spiders, that originally came from South America. The spiders are extremely resistant to attempts to kill them, and no one knows who imported them.

***

Thought for the Day: “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” -- Mae Jemison

HANG FLYPAPER

CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

7 Ways to Get Rid of Flies in the House

Hanging sticky paper designed to attract and trap flies is an easy, passive option. Flypaper, also known as fly tape, is coated with an attractant to lure the flies in, and with a sticky surface substance to trap them when they land. It also works well to help get rid of gnats. It’s a very simple and effective method, but can become quite unattractive if not replaced often.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

Flies are a nearly unavoidable nuisance in most homes, especially during the warmer months of the year. Annoying for sure, but more than just pesky, houseflies (Musca domestica) can carry and transmit disease and cause illness.

by Mary Hunt

Consider these seven simple ways to banish these pests from the house and keep them out for good.

BLOCK THE ENTRANCES

If you have a busy household with people and pets coming and going, it’s a challenge to keep traffic flowing without allowing flies to come in with them. Get everyone into the habit of closing the door behind them. Keeping all points of entry closed is your best defense to keep flies from getting inside the house.

Make sure that all doors and windows have screens, and that all of those screens are in good repair. You can buy a screen repair kit at your local home and garden center to do these repairs yourself.

Caulk around windows to seal gaps and small crevices where flies could enter. Consider adding quick-closing magnetic screens to all doors, especially those with high traffic, and doors leading to a deck or patio.

If you have an attached garage, make sure the door is not left open for extended periods of time.

USE A VACUUM

You can suck flies straight out of the air by hovering a few inches behind with a regular vacuum on to pull them in. Use this method only with vacuum cleaners that have a bag, and dispose of it immediately after loading it up with pests so they can’t find their way back into your home. A few minutes hunting flies with a vacuum every day may quickly solve your fly problem.

REMOVE THE BAIT

Houseflies are in search of food. They’ll find the smallest crumbs and food debris, so make sure all food is covered and counters, cutting boards, sinks and floors are kept free of anything these pests would find tasty -- especially fruit. Wash dishes soon after meals rather than leaving them in the sink, and ensure that the door to the dishwasher is always closed tightly.

How to use fly tape, or flypaper, is easy. Hang the roll in areas where flies congregate but do not hang directly above food preparation areas or dining areas. Replace the rolls frequently.

MAKE A FLYTRAP

You can also make your own flytrap. All it takes is a plastic container, plastic wrap and fly bait (like fruit, vinegar or apple cider vinegar). Place the bait in the container, cover with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap to allow entrance. Set up the fly trap in a corner to attract and trap those pests. Once they fly in, they can’t get out. Bingo! Dispose of them when you’ve won the battle. If the DIY route isn’t your jam, shop around or search the internet for a flytrap to catch and kill flies. You’ll find a number of options.

INDOOR HERB GARDEN

Some houseplants, especially certain herbs, are worthy fly fighters. Houseflies hate the scent of mint, lavender and basil. Set on windowsills, they do a great job of repelling flies. Another option is to add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle full of water. Frequently spray or mist potential entry points, like door and window frames, frequently to keep flies away.

INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS

If the methods above fail to solve your fly problem, or are not options you wish to deal with, you may wish to resort to insecticides and repellents. Products containing permethrin are considered to be among the most effective and widely available for fly control. However, many sprays and foggers are designed for outdoor use, so if your problem is inside the home, take time to shop around for a safe and effective, non-toxic product.

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.”

SHARK ATTACK: 1916

• Long ago, sharks had a reputation as shy creatures who fled from trouble and avoided humans. This reputation was shattered by events off the New Jersey shore in 1916.

• In July, a heat wave swept the east coast, driving people to the beach to cool off.

• The first attack happened on July 1 at a resort on Long Beach Island. Charles Epting Vansant, 23, of Philadelphia, was vacationing with his family. Before dinner, Vansant decided to take a quick dip. Shortly after entering the water, Vansant began shouting; a shark was biting his legs. He was rescued by a lifeguard and a bystander, but ultimately died of severe blood loss in the the hotel lobby.

• Still, beaches remained open. Mariners reporting increased sightings of sharks in the water were ignored. The economy of the region depended on tourists; no need to frighten them off.

• That attitude changed on July 6, when there was

another attack at Spring Lake, 45 miles north of the first attack. Charles Bruder, age 27, was a bell boy at a local hotel. He decided to go for a dip in the sea. Two women who heard him yelling summoned a lifeguard. Bruder was pulled from the ocean into a lifeboat but also succumbed to his injuries.

• Shark-proof netting was then installed around swimming areas at popular beaches.

• The next three attacks happened 30 miles north of Spring Lake, at Matawan, several miles from the coast. On July 12, three boys were playing in Matawan Creek several miles inland. They spotted what they thought was a floating log. By the time a dorsal fin appeared, it was too late for little Lester Stillwell, age 11. A local businessman rushed to the rescue. Watson Stanley Fisher, age 24, was pulled under by the same shark. Both Stillwell and Fisher died of their injuries.

• Just 30 minutes later, 14-year-old Joseph Dunn was attacked half a mile away. His brother literally pulled him from the jaws of the shark. Dunn, the only victim to survive, spent two months in the hospital but recovered.

• Shark fever quickly spread. Beaches were closed. Bays were dynamited. Bounties were offered. The East Coast shark hunt has been described as “the largest scale animal hunt in history.”

• On July 14, a fisherman caught a 7.5-foot, 325-pound shark near the mouth of Matawan Creek. The aggressive creature nearly sunk his boat before it was fended off by repeated beating with an oar. No further shark attacks occurred afterwards.

• The nationwide publicity resulting from this episode changed public opinion. From this point forward, sharks were depicted as dangerous man-eaters.

• Experts theorize it was a bull shark rather than a great white shark. Bull sharks are commonly found inland. Great whites never leave the sea.

• But in 1974, writer Peter Benchley published a

novel entitled “Jaws,” a riveting story about a rogue great white shark that terrorizes a Long Island community. The book was based on the attacks of 1916. The novel was later adapted as the film “Jaws”, a 1975 movie thriller by Steven Spielberg.

• After 1916, it was another ten years before the next shark attack occurred off the coast of New Jersey. Since 1962, there have been four recorded shark attacks in New Jersey waters.

• In 2023, there were 36 shark bites recorded throughout the U.S., two of which were fatal. One of those attacks was in New Jersey, the first shark attack there in nearly a decade. The young girl survived.

• Still, the reputation sharks earned in 1916 persist, aided by sensationalists like Peter Benchley and Steven Spielberg. 

by Dana Jackson

Q: Has Hugh Jackman officially divorced his wife yet? Is he still dating Sutton Foster? -- K.D.

A: Despite separating two years ago, actor Hugh Jackman (“Deadpool & Wolverine”) and his wife of almost 30 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, only recently took the next step toward divorce, with Furness finally filing to end the marriage.

Jackman has been quietly dating actress Sutton Foster (“Younger”), but it’s not known for how long. The two starred in the revival of “Music Man” on Broadway in 2022. Depending on which gossip column you read, the consensus seems to be that Jackman and Foster are living together in the penthouse that was once home to Furness.

Q: I’ve never seen any other actor with more energy than Tom Cruise. Now that the newest “Mission: Impossible” film is out,

what does he have coming up next? Would he ever do a TV series? -- A.E.

A: “Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning” made an estimated $79 million at the box office during Memorial Day weekend, adding to Tom Cruise’s long list of blockbuster hits throughout his career. The 62-year-old movie star has no plans to stop anytime soon. Production on “Top Gun 3” is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. In addition, he has five films in production or preproduction currently, so I have no clue how he’s going to squeeze the follow-up to 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick” into his crazy schedule.

First up is the untitled Alejandro G. Inarritu Film with Jesse Plemons (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and John Goodman (“The Righteous Gemstones”). Then there are three films listed to be in preproduction: the World War II drama “Broadsword” with Henry Cavill (“The Witcher”); a remake of the 1977 Clint Eastwood film “The Gauntlet”; and the untitled Tom Cruise/SpaceX project, which will be filmed on the actual International Space Station.

Cruise has also recently expressed a strong desire to play Les Grossman again, the loudmouth, hairy studio executive he portrayed in the 2008 comedy film “Tropic Thunder.”

Cruise has yet to star in a series, however. He seems to be the last major Hollywood holdout who focuses exclusively on the big screen. Perhaps when he enters his seventh decade of life, he’ll slow down and compete for an Emmy Award. Perhaps the Les Grossman script could be turned into a limited Netflix series?

Q: Is it true that “Duck Dynasty” is coming back? Will it feature the same family members? -- D.S.

A: It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we saw the Robertson family of Louisiana on our TV screens. Their fans are mourning the recent loss of family patriarch Phil but will be thrilled to know that his legacy will live on in a new series on A&E this summer.

The new series will center around Phil’s son Willie, wife Korie, and their children and grandchildren. Phil’s brother, Si, is also expected to appear. A&E has such confidence that the show will be a hit that it’s already ordered two seasons’ worth of episodes. “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” will premiere on Sunday, June 1, on A&E. * * *

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

Hugh Jackman in “Deadpool & Wolverine”

Good Recipes from

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

This recipe from Woman’s Day gets to the heart of what makes pot pie so good: the creamy chicken filling. It’s so tasty, you can skip the puff pastry altogether and just serve it with some crusty bread on the side, if you prefer.

1/2 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Kosher salt and pepper

4 medium carrots

2 stalk celery

1 onion

1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 sheet frozen puff pastry

1 egg

1 cup frozen peas

3 tablespoon fresh dill sprigs

1. In a 5- to 6-qt slow cooker, whisk together the wine, flour, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

2. Add the carrots, celery, onion and

chicken, and toss to combine. Cook, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and easily pulls apart, 6 to 7 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

3. When the chicken has 30 minutes left to cook, heat oven to 400 F. Cut the puff pastry into 8 rectangles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with the egg and bake until puffed and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

4. Gently fold the peas and dill into the chicken and vegetables and cook, covered, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with additional dill if desired, and top with the puff pastry. Serves 4.

Easy Huevos Rancheros

1 medium ripe avocado

6 large eggs

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon margarine or butter

1 cup mild salsa

1 can 15 to 19 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (3 ounces)

8 corn tortillas, warmed

1. In cup, with fork, mash avocado. In bowl, with wire whisk, mix eggs and water.

2. In nonstick 10-inch skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Add egg mixture and cook 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until eggs just begin to set, stirring constantly with heatsafe spatula or wooden spoon.

3. Spoon salsa over eggs; top with beans and cheese. Cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese melts and

beans are heated through, but do not stir.

4. Serve egg mixture with tortillas and avocado.

 Each serving: About 505 calories, 26g total fat (9g saturated), 23g protein, 51g carbohydrate, 13g fiber, 338mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium.

HEADS

By John Allen

DIAMOND LIL

by Brett Koth

Donald Duck by Walt

NEXT WEEK IN

TIDBITS BRINGS YOU THE

Holidays & Observances This Week

6/8 Pentecost Sunday

6/9 Donald Duck's Birthday

6/10 Ballpoint Pen Day

6/11 National Get Outdoors Day

6/12 Red Rose Day

6/13 Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

6/14 National Flag Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

Some Promises Are Better Broken

The notion that a promise is a promise is born of the very worthy goals of building character and integrity in young people, infusing trust into personal and professional relationships, and generally encouraging people to hold up their end of a bargain. But as countless wedding vows and campaign rhetoric prove, a promise isn’t always so simple and is sometimes better broken.

Most legal contracts have a clause built in to cover circumstances of force majeure -- “superior or overwhelming power.” Legal meaning: an unanticipated and uncontrollable event that releases a person from a contractual obligation.

And while some will scream “but a promise is a promise” regardless, the vicissitudes of life make clear that at times the humane and compassionate thing to do is to release a person from their promise.

Or a dog, as the case may be.

Recently, a reader asked me to weigh in on a disagreement between she and her husband. Here’s the issue:

“My husband and I have a 10-year-old Labrador-Rottweiler mix. We love her to bits, but will most likely need to put her to sleep due to an extremely fast-spreading mammary cancer.

“She’s a bit shaky in the hind legs, it’s impossible for her to walk up stairs anymore or jump into the car, and sometimes she yelps in pain if we rub her on her back.

“Because of her inherently gentle nature, she has been a volunteer dog, making regular visits to a senior care facility.

“In light of her pain, which still shows even with the painkillers we are giving her, I want to stop doing the visits and call it her official retirement. I understand that no matter how gentle a girl she is, if she is hurt, even inadvertently, she could potentially snap at the offending hand.

Wuzzles

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles ©

Outwitting the Scammers

My phone number appears to have gotten on another list somewhere, and the ever-lurking scammer thieves are now coming out of the woodwork -- again.

I have my suspicions about where they could have found my number this time, but I can’t prove it, of course. All I can do is keep fending them off ... by not answering the phone if I don’t recognize the number or hanging up quickly if I’ve answered and realize it’s a scam.

After a period of time, it will wind down as they eventually decide they won’t have the satisfaction of anyone answering at my number, giving them the opportunity to engage me in some sort of dialog with them. By simply not answering I block their goal of getting me to to play into their scheme of tricking me into divulging my banking and other private information. Doing so would give them the keys to my finances, allowing them to drain my savings accounts directly into their pockets.

I try to stay off their radar by keeping to a minimum the number of places that have my information, but sometimes it’s just required that you provide a phone number. We have to weigh the value of what we’ll get -- perhaps it’s the grocery store loyalty card that requires a phone

number to sign up, or even for voter registration -- versus the potential abuse of our phone number when the scammers get hold of it.

I keep a spare email address for the same reason. If forced to give one out, and not really trusting what will be done with it, I give the “trash” address and once a month go through and delete what generally turns out to be 95% junk spam email.

Then there are the passwords for the things we need to do online. We’re advised to have “strong” passwords, but what does that really mean? It means using all the types of keys on the keyboard: upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers. Don’t go with something that’s too easy for a thief to figure out, like the name of your former high school, your birth date or your dog's name.

We can outwit the thieves who want our money and peace of mind. It just takes a little work and a healthy dose of common sense.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@ gmail.com.

“My husband, on the other hand, believes otherwise. He feels that as long as she is able to stand, and since we are right there with her, we should make her go, as “we made a commitment to volunteer and said we would do a full year’s term.” We have three more months to go.

“Is my husband insane? Am I being selfish and overprotective of our dog? Is either of us right? Or is there no right or wrong here?”

Let’s be clear: There is most definitely a right and wrong here.

Wrong: “Making her go” despite the fact that she is gravely ill and in pain. While it’s nice that the wife is considerate of the possibility of injury to one of the seniors at the care facility, it’d be nicer still if she would insist on equal consideration of the dog’s care and comfort in her final weeks.

The husband’s argument is akin to forcing a terminally ill patient with a chronic pain disease to complete a 10K simply because they had signed up. “Insane” isn’t quite the word. “Unconscionable” works, though. Or even “inhumane” or “ridiculously out of touch with the real issue.”

The right thing to do would be to give this wonderful dog the respect she has earned and allow her a comfortable and peaceful retirement -- both from the job and from the world. Any one of us would want the same for ourselves. And I’d bet every one of those seniors she’s brought so much joy to would insist on it.

Woof!

Cody’s Corner (from page 9) *

Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the 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 at www.unclematty.com.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Myths About Divorced Women and Social Security

I guess not all marriages are made in heaven! I say that because of the surprising number of questions I get from divorced women about Social Security. Or from divorced men asking questions about benefits potentially due to their ex-wives.

I’ve gone over this topic in more than a few past columns. But the frequency of questions I continually get about this issue tells me it’s time to review. This time, I will do it in the form of presenting the top 8 myths about divorced women and Social Security.

And as I usually do when it comes to these gender-specific topics, let me point out that divorced men are potentially due the same benefits as divorced women. But because 95% of the benefits currently paid to divorcees go to women, I am addressing them today. However, if you are a divorced man who made less money than your ex did, meaning she has a higher Social Security benefit than you, then simply reverse genders as you read the rest of this column.

Before I get to the myths, let me go over the basics. If you were married to a man for at least 10 years before getting divorced, and if you are not currently married, and if you are not due higher benefits on your own Social Security record, there is a good chance you are due Social Security benefits on your ex-husband’s record. You can get those benefits beginning at age 62 if your ex is still alive and as early as age 60 if your ex is deceased. However, those benefits might not be payable if you are under your full retirement age and working. There is an earning penalty that applies to all Social Security beneficiaries under FRA, whether they are getting benefits as a retiree or as a spouse or widow of a retiree. In a nutshell, the law says that if you are making over $23,400 per year, one dollar in benefits is held back for each two dollars you exceed that threshold. The threshold eases up a bit in the year you turn FRA and completely goes away once you reach that magic age. Those are the basics. Now here are the myths.

Myth 1: If I file for benefits as a divorced spouse, it will take benefits away from my ex. This isn’t true. Anything paid to you as a divorced spouse is just an add-on benefit that doesn’t take a nickel away from your ex’s Social Security checks.

Myth 2: My ex-husband has remarried, so that cuts off any potential benefits to me as the ex. Not true. Assuming you meet all the other eligibility requirements, you would still be eligible for divorced spouse benefits. But if you remarry, it’s a different story. As long as you are married to husband number two, you can’t get benefits from number one. But if your marriage to number two ends, you can go back and claim benefits from number one.

Myth 3: If I get benefits as a divorced spouse, it could reduce payments to my ex-husband’s current spouse.

Once again, not true. As pointed out above, any money paid to you as an ex-spouse is essentially just an add-on benefit. It doesn’t take anything away from your ex-husband, nor would it take anything away from his current spouse.

Myth 4: I must wait for my ex-husband to file for benefits before I can make a claim against his record.

You don’t have to wait. Your husband must be eligible for Social Security benefits (usually meaning he’s got to be at least 62 years old), but he does not have to be actually receiving Social Security benefits. (Note that the rules are different for a woman still married to her husband. She can’t file for spousal benefits until her husband files.)

Myth 5: My divorce decree includes a clause that nullifies my eligibility for benefits on my ex-husband’s Social Security account.

Frequently, a husband insists on adding a line or two to the divorce papers that essentially says this: “My wife cannot make a claim against my Social Security benefits.” The soon-to-be ex-wife (Answers on page 16)

signs the papers because, at the time, Social Security is the furthest thing from her mind. However, as she gets older, she thinks she made a big mistake. But she didn’t. That Social Security exclusion clause isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. It has no legal standing. Federal law always trumps anything a lawyer might scribble into a divorce decree.

Myth 6: I need permission from the ex before I can file for his Social Security.

No permission is necessary. If you meet the eligibility criteria for divorced spouse benefits, federal law says you are due those benefits. Your ex-husband has no say in the matter, and his permission isn’t necessary.

Myth 7: What I am due from my ex’s Social Security is based only on the earnings he made while we were married.

Any benefits paid to a wife (whether married or divorced) are always based on the husband’s entire work history.

Myth 8: If I can’t get anything from my ex while he is alive, I also can’t get anything when he dies. Many working women aren’t due anything from an ex-husband while he is alive because their own Social Security benefit exceeds the divorced spousal rate. But after the ex dies, the widow’s rate can be as high as 100%. So, if you didn’t qualify for spousal benefits from your living ex-husband, there is a pretty good chance you will get widow’s benefits once he passes away.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net

1. The book of Hezekiah is found in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither

2. From Daniel 5, who was holding a great feast when handwriting appeared on the wall? a) Hanun b) Nebuchadnezzar c) Belshazzar d) Darius

3. Where did Jesus cause a legion of demons to go out of two men into a herd of pigs? a) Antioch b) Gadarenes c) Bethlehem d) Damascus

4. Who used unfair labor practices in his brickmaking operation? a) Silas b) Joash c) Pharoah d) Ananias

5. What did Nebuchadnezzar dream of that reached into heaven? a) Fountain b) Ladder c) Statue d) Tree

6. Who fasted 40 days and nights after being fed by an angel? a) Hamar b) Elijah c) Felix d) Samuel

Doctor Uses Dictation Machine During Patient’s Medical Exam

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read that getting the chicken pox vaccine leads to a higher risk of shingles later in life compared to actually getting the chicken pox illness itself. Is this true? -- T.S.E.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

The Monsters Among

Us

ADVERTISING PROOF

ANSWER: This is completely false. Large studies have shown that vaccinated children have a 79% lower incidence of shingles compared to unvaccinated children. Put in another way from a separate study, the risk of developing shingles was 2.3 times higher among children who got chicken pox compared to those who got the vaccine.

Final Changes DUE:

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have recently begun seeing a new physician who dictates into a recorder during my entire exam. I find this very off-putting and distracting, and don’t know what to do. Here is an example:

MON., DEC. 9

Just when you think you’ve seen it all and that you’re basically shockproof, along comes something that makes you wonder how people can do the things they do.

12:00

NOON

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Office: 760-320-0997

Doctor: "What brings you in today?"

Me: "I have a sore throat."

Doctor speaks into to the recorder: "Patient presents a complaint of a sore throat today."

Doctor: "When did it start?"

Me: "Thursday."

Doctor speaks into to the recorder: "Patient states that it began Thursday."

This back and forth into the recorder continues for the entire visit. I don’t feel as if I can really have a discussion about a concern with him when he continues to interrupt me to dictate. I feel as if I am bothering him while he is working and hesitate if I want to add a detail or expound on what I said.

I understand physicians are under pressure to complete their charting, and their schedules are very full, but I also believe that building a rapport is important for the doctorpatient relationship. This is not possible when I am stopped every few sentences so he can dictate. I feel like I am talking to a robot. It seems like my visit is more about him and his convenience than about me and my personal needs.

Please

There is no head physician or practice manager to discuss this with. Do I bring it up directly with him or say nothing? Or should I just find a new physician? -- N.F.H.

Getting vaccinated as an adult over 50 for shingles, whether you had the vaccine or chicken pox, is the best way to prevent shingles, which is painful, can lead to severe complications, and can even increase the risk of stroke.

email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630

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.

J Arthur Law Firm 12th pg 4C 13x Dec. 15, 2024 Vol. 20 - No. 51

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630

valleybits@msn.com

Estate Planning Attorney

● Wills

● Trusts

Take the guy who collected years of VA benefits belonging to his uncle. As bad as that is, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The criminal was the caregiver for his uncle, who had severe physical disabilities and was often heartlessly locked in the garage without access to food or a bathroom.

The criminal pocketed the over $9,000 per month in disability compensation, as well as the Social Security the uncle received. Then, when the uncle died, the thief didn’t let anyone know, telling relatives the uncle went to live in a nursing home. That left him free to continue to collect the money and spend it on a lavish lifestyle, vacations, reptiles and, apparently, shotguns -- despite being a convicted felon who could not legally own guns.

● Power of Attorney

● Healthcare Directives and Living Wills

● New to California? Update your existing Estate Planning Documents!

MONDAY

“Don’t die without it!”

When the scheme fell apart, after relatives started hunting for the nursing home and their family member, police found the body of the uncle in a garbage can in the shed in the backyard. He’d been dead for probably five years.

Can you imagine? I can’t.

There are questions, of course.

ADVERTISING PROOF

Joshua Arthur, Esq. Attorney at Law  J. Arthur Law Firm

c/o Tom

How was a convicted felon given custodial rights over a disabled veteran, not only his care but his finances? Was the felon not investigated as a fiduciary to manage all that money, with requirements to send reports and answer questions about the veteran? Why was there no accountability in this egregious case?

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE:

777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 200 Palm Springs, CA Tel: (760) 201-3215

Where was the family who hadn’t seen or talked to their relative since 2018? Did they not visit or at least call on the phone? Didnʼt these strange circumstances raise at least some suspicions?

Email: josh@jarthurlaw.com Web: www.JArthurLaw.com

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

BW (PSA) Size varies depending on available space. HOLD for available run dates

 Licensed in California and Florida

760-320-0997

ANSWER: I would also feel frustrated if my doctor did this to me. It does make it seem like writing the note is more important than listening to the patient. Even the doctor who stays behind a computer screen to make notes may not seem present in the exam room, and I certainly have been guilty of this on occasion.

I will say that newer technology may help solve this problem. When I saw my own doctor last month, I noticed that he placed his phone down, but I didn’t pay any more attention until he showed me (after the visit) what the “AI scribe” wrote as a chart note without him doing anything. I was impressed with the quality and thoroughness of the note that was seemingly written without him having to change his usual questions. (I did agree to the use of this technology before the office visit.)

I have also had human scribes in the room when I’ve seen a doctor (dermatology in particular), and while it’s easier to connect with the doctor who is paying attention to me instead of their charting, having another human in the room does feel less private.

What your doctor does seems clunky and, in some ways, the worst of both worlds. It won’t be easy to bring it up with him directly, but this is the only alternative to finding a new doctor. Even if you do find a new doctor, your original doctor should know that his using a

machine is costing him patients.

American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 provides a van for free transportation for our veterans in the Coachella Valley to the VA Hospital in Loma Linda, California. The van operates with courteous volunteer drivers and is available Monday through Friday. The pick up locations are in Cathedral City and Palm Springs.

We request that you do not make a reservation if your medical appointment is after 12 Noon as the van must return to the desert at that time. You can ask your doctor to schedule you for an early morning appointment if you explain that your transportation must return by 12 Noon.

You must make your reservation in advance by calling the reservation dispatcher at: (760) 832-8712

Did the VA not check the veteran in person at least once? Were there no mandatory physical exams to verify that the disability level and benefits were still appropriate? No calls on the phone?

More than a few balls were dropped during this veteran’s life, by family, by neighbors, and certainly by the VA itself. I cannot believe no one checked on him.

* * *

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

-- by Jim Miller

Gravesite Care When You Can’t Get There

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Can you recommend any services that offer gravesite maintenence and care? I recently visited my parent’s cemetery gravesite over Memorial Day weekend and was horrified to find their headstones were overtaken by weeds and moss and badly in need of cleaning and care. I live quite a distance away in a different state and can’t get back very often. Who can I call on to help me with this?

-- Long-Distance Linda

Dear Linda,Depending on where your parents are buried, there are a hodgepodge of places you can turn to for gravesite grooming, decorating and special care when you can’t get there. Here’s what you should know.

Gravesite Care

It’s important to know that as a general rule, most cemeteries, like the one your parents are buried in, only provide basic grounds maintenance like mowing the grass and trash pickup. Special gravesite care and headstone cleaning is almost always up to the family. But for families who live a distance from their loved one’s burial site and can’t get back very often, there are a number of options available.

A good place to start is to contact the cemetery staff where your parents are buried to see if they offer any special gravesite cleaning services, or if they know of anyone who does. If not, try reaching out to some local funeral homes in the area to see if they can help or refer you.

If you don’t have any luck there, another option is to hire a gravesite care provider on your own. These are small or indi-

vidually run businesses that provide services like plot maintenance including grass trimming and weeding, headstone cleaning and restoration, flower and wreath deliveries and more. And so you know the work was completed or the flowers were delivered, many companies will take before and after pictures of the gravesite and e-mail or text them to you to assure that their work was performed.

There are literally hundreds of small businesses that provide gravesite care services in local communities or regions across the country. To find them, do a simple Google or Bing internet search, and type in something like “grave care services” or “cemetery headstone cleaning” plus your city or state. Or use an AI tool like Chat GPT or Gemini to do a search.

You can also seek help by contacting the local memorial society or funeral consumer alliance program near your parents' gravesites – see Funerals.org/find-anaffiliate for contact information. These are volunteer groups that offer a wide range of information on local funeral and cremation providers, cemeteries and more.

The cost for most gravesite care services can range anywhere from $50 to over $250 for headstone cleaning and memorial restoration (depending on the job size), $50 to $200 for flower and wreath deliveries, and $30 to $80 for plot grooming. Special discounts for multiple gravesite services and visits may also exist.

Considering the distance you would otherwise have to travel and the expense for gas, meals and lodging involved in such trips, the cost of hiring the maintenence work done for you locally may be a wise alterna tive to consider.

Floral Services

If you’re interested in decorating your

parent’s gravesite next Memorial Day with fresh cut flowers or live plants, another option is to call a local florist to see if they can provide direct delivery to their grave site.

Many florists will accommodate this request if you provide them the cemetery location and plot number, but you may not get a photo verifying the delivery.

Enjoy Tidbits

Friend!

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Price of Restoring Can Balloon

finding any background information on the Internet.

I would like any information you can furnish about this set, including its monetary value.

A: The mark you provided was used by the Carrollton Pottery Company, which was located in Carrollton, Ohio. The firm was founded in 1903 by E. L. Henderson and made semi-porcelain china. By 1929, it, along with seven other potteries, became part of the America China Corporation, which made a variety of dinnerware and used several different marks.

* On June 9, 1934, Donald Duck made his cinema debut in Disney’s “The Wise Little Hen,” along with his pal Peter Pig. The pair do their best to get out of helping Mrs. Hen plant corn by faking tummy troubles, but she teaches them a lesson (not to mention repentance) with the help of some castor oil.

Q: Enclosed is a photograph of a “hairpin” chair left to us by my mother-in-law. There are four of these small-scaled chairs, two of which need to be recaned. Before I invest any money in these chairs, I would like to know if their potential value would justify the hefty price of recaning. I doubt I would ever use them, but would consider restoring them if their resale value would justify the investment. I was told there is a very limited market for this type of antique in my area.

A: You have a set of Victorian balloon-back side chairs that was made around 1860 to 1870. Many are selling in good condition and with the caning intact from $175 to $300. Depending on the price of restoring the seats in your area and since they came to you at no cost, it might be profitable to have them recaned. ***

Q: I am sending you the mark I have drawn that is on a set of dishes that is a service for eight. The dishes are decorated with pink and red buds, flowers, green leaves and trimmed in gold. I have not been successful

Your set was made around 1920 and would probably be worth $175 to $225.

***

Q: In the 1940s, I was a teenager in high school. My girlfriend and I went to big-band concerts. When Frank Sinatra was there singing in 1943, I got his autograph. He wasn’t well-known then. I’m now 86 and still love the big-bands music. I would like to know if this autograph is worth anything today. I have tried to find information and have not been successful. Anything you can tell me will be appreciated.

A: Condition, authenticity, age and quality are important when valuing an autograph. Sinatra’s autographs are very collectible. Depending on the condition, yours would probably be worth $250 to $500.

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers.

* On June 10, 2015, Juan Felipe Herrera, a prize-winning author and the son of migrant farmworkers, whose mother recited poetry and taught him songs from the Mexican Revolution, became America’s first Latino poet laureate.

* On June 11, 1949, country singer Hank Williams Sr. delivered such an electrifying performance when he made his first Grand Ole Opry radio broadcast that he was called out for six encores and the audience had to be implored not to call for any more in order for the show to continue.

* On June 12, 1975, India’s prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was found guilty of electoral corruption in her 1971 campaign. Despite calls for her resignation, she refused to resign and later declared martial law after public demonstrations threatened to overturn her administration.

I heard that actor Mark was buying a New York hockey team and calling them the Ruffalo Sabres.

* On June 13, 2006, jurors began deliberations in the trial of Susan Polk for the 2002 murder of her husband, psychotherapist Felix Polk. The couple had raised three sons together and were in the middle of a contentious divorce at the time of his death. Two of the sons testified against their mother at the trial, which ended in her conviction and incarceration.

* On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Known eventually as the “Stars and Stripes,” it was based on the Grand Union flag, which was carried by the Continental Army in 1776.

* On June 15, 1667, French physician Jean-Baptiste Denis performed the first blood transfusion on a feverish boy, using lamb’s blood. The boy recovered, but two other patients died after the procedure, leading to centuries-long bans on it.

"Slip me

bucks and I'll make sure it doesn't get spread all over the clubhouse that you got skunked by a nine-year-old."

Victorian balloon-back side chairs made around 1860.

The Carrollton Pottery Company was founded in 1903.

fifty

college officials were shocked to find that their numbers had increased by over 7,000 percent.

• Harmful injuries began to increase as more people came in contact with these creepy crawlies, so school officials quickly decided to remove the netting and allow the birds to return, deciding itʼs better to cope with some pesky poop than to face liability lawsuits.

GOOGLE GLASSES

• Wearing a computer monitor on your face that records and transmits everything you look at might seem like a good idea…until you factor in little things like privacy and safety. Soon after being introduced in 2012, the glasses were banned from being worn in places like casinos and movie theaters, and behind the wheels of autos. In 2015 Google threw in the towel and hung-up their nerdy spy devices for good.

SHIP SHAPES

• In 1773 Britain began collecting taxes on ships according to how wide and how long the vessles were. Ship owners noted that no tax was levied on how tall or deep the boat was. So they began building boats that were short, narrow, deep and very tall. This meant they could still hold just as much cargo while avoiding having to pay the high tax fee. Problem solved.

• However, they soon found their clever ploy was far more costly than the tax. The now-narrow and top-heavy boats had the unfortunate side effect of destabilizing the ships, causing many to capsize at sea and sink, along with their entire loads of cargo. They quickly reverted back to standard ship design and reluctantly handed over the high tax.

COLGATE

IN THE KITCHEN?

• In the 1980s, the makers of Colgate toothpaste came up with a brainstorm to expand their product lines into the frozen dinners market with an entirely new line called “Colgate Kitchen Entrees.” What a marvelous idea! After all, both are products that people put into their mouths, right? What could possibly go wrong?

• It was, of course, a colossal failure. Despite the millions poured into marketing their revolutionary new product, they couldn’t convince consumers to associate their minty, refreshing toothpaste with hot food. Colgate Kitchen Entrees, particularly the infamous “Colgate Lasagna,” has since become a classic example of a monumental branding disaster. 

by Jason Jenkins

Many times a chip around the green requires so little speed and minimal carry that you’re tempted to putt it instead. Yet, there’s too much thick grass in the way, a sprinkler head in the line, or other conditions that prompt you to create a soft chipping shot. Paul Runyan, a sharp short game artist back in the 40’s and 50’s, used a unique chipping style that fit just these types of situations.

Besides Runyan’s bizarre weakening of each hand position, he made a significant adjustment that any golfer can imitate. Paul (and his imitators) would tip the chipping club quite more vertical than normal so that the club was resting on its toe. Then, by bending the arms and standing much closer to the ball, he could create a putting stroke with a chipping club. The club has a better chance of moving in a straighter path, helping to create a cleaner hit and more accurate shot. By using a putting style stroke and hitting the ball more toward the toe end of the club, the ball came off the club softer than normal chips. Tip the shaft up, make a putting stroke, and learn how softly these chips react around the green.