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TIDBITS ADMIRES

SAPPHIRES

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by Janet Spencer

They have been known to people since ancient times and have been used in crown jewels and exquisite jewelry creations in cultures all over the world. Ranked among the “big three” most valuable gemstones, sapphires are second only to rubies, more rare than emeralds, and hold more lasting value than diamonds. So go find your jewelerʼs loupe as we take a closer look at this rare stone and see why itʼs considered one of the worldʼs most precious gems!

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COLORATION

• Although usually thought of as blue, sapphires come in a rainbow of hues. Sapphires in any color but blue are known as “fancy sapphires” and are so called according to their color: yellow sapphire, pink sapphire, purple sapphire.

• Sapphires are comprised of aluminum and oxygen, which combine to form a mineral called corundum. Most corundum is cloudy with flaws, but rare glass-like pockets of pure gem-quality corundum are the source of sapphires.

Sapphires: Turn to page 3

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official name for sneezing is “sternutation,” from the Latin word meaning “to sneeze.”

• Doctors compare a good hearty sneeze to a computer reboot. The force of it gives a tremendous shake to everything in the nasal passages, dislodging mucus and cleaning off the nasal hairs.

• Sneezing is a cooperative effort between the throat, chest, diaphragm, and abdomen. It’s nearly impossible to sneeze with your eyes open, and it’s almost as difficult to refrain from leaning forward during a sneeze.

• A sneeze can travel up to 100 mph launching 40,000 droplets that contain 100,000 germs into the air. Large droplets can travel up to five feet, but smaller droplets can go as far as 30 feet. which is far enough to enter ventilation systems. Those germs can stay aloft for 45 minutes. Compare that to a single cough, which can launch a mere 3,000 germy droplets. This is why it's so important to cover your mouth before you do either.

• Sneezing is triggered by many different things:

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pollen, dust, animal dander, pollutants, dust mites, mold spores, smoke, perfumes, and of course, viruses. A typical city dweller inhales an estimated 20 billion foreign particles every day.

• About one-third of humans are able to trigger a sneeze by looking at a bright light, such as the Sun. This is called a photic sneeze reflex, from the Greek word for light. This does not mean that they constantly sneeze when they are out in the sunlight; it merely means that when they feel a sneeze coming on, they can get it over with by just glancing at the Sun. • Histamine is a chemical that sends signals through the body. Normally, histamine protects the body from invaders such as germs and parasites by sounding the alarm whenever an invader is present. These alarm chemicals cause the nasal passages to become engorged with mucus in order to flush the danger out.

• But sometimes histamine can respond to substances that are not actually dangerous, including allergens such as pollen. If someone is sneezing because of these false alarms sent out by histamine, an anti-allergen medication containing antihistamines will help calm the symptoms by suppressing the histamine response. However, if a person is sneezing because they have a cold, antihistamines won’t help at all.

• Holding a sneeze in can damage the nasal passages and cause small blood vessels in the eyes and nose to rupture. There are safe methods to stifle a sneeze. Try pinching your upper lip beneath your nose, or pinching the top of your nose between the eyebrows. Some people tickle the roof of their mouth with their tongue, or press their tongue hard against the top front teeth. Others kill a sneeze by pronouncing some odd word just when they feel it coming on, such as “pumpernickel” or “pickle.”

• Can you sneeze when you’re asleep? No, because when you are asleep, your nerves are also “asleep.” During REM sleep, all muscles are paralyzed. If someone doses you with sneezing powder while you’re sleeping, it will wake you up, and then you would sneeze. Simply put, if you’re snoozing, you’re not sneezing.

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When is Three King’s Day celebrated typically?

2. TELEVISION: In the drama series “Mad Men,” what product is presumed to be Don Draper’s last advertisement?

3. GEOGRAPHY: What is a chain or collection of islands called?

4. MOVIES: To which city is the McCallister family traveling in the holiday classic “Home Alone”?

5. LEGAL: What is a moot court?

6. LITERATURE: What is the name of the heroine in “The Scarlet Letter”?

7. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of nut is used in marzipan?

8. MUSIC: What is the gift on the 11th day in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”?

9. SCIENCE: How much of the Earth’s surface is covered with water?

10. HISTORY: What are the two Japanese cities that the United States hit with atomic bombs in WWII? Answers (Trivia Test answers page 16) 1. Jan. 6, the 12th day of Christmas.

2. Coca-Cola.

• It’s impossible to sneeze properly without making noise. When air exits the body at 100 mph, the force of the explosion generates a sound. In the U.S., the name of that noise is “achoo.” In France they say “atchoum.” Italians say “hapsu,” Japanese say “hakashhon” and the Swedish say “atjo.” But whatever the term, the results are the same. 

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of January 7, 2024

Sapphires (from page one) • Different mineral impurities cause the variations in sapphire colors. Blue is caused by titanium and iron; if there’s only iron, it’s purple; iron plus chromium results in orange; small amounts of chromium give us pink sapphires; and large amounts of chromium create red rubies. If there are no impurities at all, the sapphire is as clear as a diamond.

• The rarest color, and the most valuable sapphire, is a pinkish orange created by chromium and magnesium. This is called a padparadscha sapphire, named for an aquatic salmon-colored lotus blossom found in India. These rare gems are found only in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania.

• Ancient Greeks believed sapphires would enhance psychic powers; Buddhists thought sapphires would hasten spiritual enlightenment; in the 6th century, Catholic cardinals wore sapphire rings in order to promote chastity.

Sapphires were thought to ward off evil.

• Some cultures allowed only royalty to wear sapphires, which may be where the term “royal blue” originated.

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At 563 carats, the Star of India is the one of the largest blue star sapphires in the world. It was discovered 300 years ago, and has been in museums since it was faceted in 1905.

and rubies measure 9, making them the third hardest mineral in the world.

SAPPHIRES IN HISTORY • The Black Star of Queensland is a 733-carat THE GREAT JEWEL HEIST sapphire found by a 12-year-old boy in the 1930s in Australia. The family used it as a • At the time, it was the biggest jewel heist in doorstop for years before discovering its value. history. It happened in 1964, at New York's His father sold it for $18,000 in 1947 (about American Museum of Natural History in a quarter million in today’s dollars). Today it’s Manhattan. Three Florida men had carefully been carved into an oval about the size of an scoped out the building for several days before egg and is worth an estimated $88 million. returning that night with tools. Roger Clark stood guard while Allan Kuhn and Jack Murphy • One of the biggest sapphires ever found was jumped a fence, scrambled up a fire escape, uncovered in Madagascar in 1995. In its attached a rope to a pillar, and entered through original state, it weighed nearly 40 lbs (17.97 an unlocked bathroom window on the floor that kg) and was estimated at just under 90,000 housed the Hall of Gems and Minerals. carats in size.

• Dubbed the Millennium Sapphire, it was • They smashed open three glass display cases, gathering 24 priceless gems, including the Star deemed too precious to split into ordinary gem stones. Instead, world-famous artist Alessio Sapphires: Turn to page 15 Boschi was hired to turn the remarkable stone into something unique and extraordinary.

Boschi carved 134 different figures into the sapphire, each depicting a different person or event through history. When he was done, the gem had been whittled down to about 61,000 1. One of the most famous sapphires carats, weighing 27 pounds (12 kg). It’s about is the 12-carat blue engagethe size of a football. It’s now been designated ment ring Prince Charles gave to Lady Diana. Where a priceless national treasure of Madagascar.

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is it today?

2. Napoleon Bonaparte gave a sapphire engagement ring to Josephine. How much did it sell for in $2013?

(Answers page 16)

such things as optical lenses in telescopes and microscopes. They are used as the scratch-resistant, high-durability covers for Swiss and Rolex watches, and in electronic wafers, barcode scanners, and lasers.

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Fri., Aug. 11, 2023 Final DUE:  Spelling 2 Please review carefully. Double check:Changes  Phone Number(s)  Prices  Hours 12:0

• The most expensive sapphirePlease ever review sold carefully. at Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. auction fetched a price of just under $17.5 Contact yourvalleybits@msn.com Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corr Office:in760-320-0997 email: Fax: 760-320-1630 million at Christie’s Geneva, Switzerland, 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com in November of 2014. Named the Office: Blue Belle PRESENT THIS COUPON Fax: 760 of Asia, this 392-carat gem, currently the O.R.D. General Contractors centerpiece of a diamond-encrusted necklace, 1/12 pg., Full Color is the size of a biscuit.

October 22, 2023 • Volume 19: #43Property of • One particularly famous sapphire is called the Patton *OFFER ANY DoorVALID & GateFOR AdVenture Media, Inc. PURCHASE *offer valid at all Coachella Valley locations Star of India. This golf-ball size gem is noted c/o Debbie Patton Johns Palm Springs Palm Desert - Sun City for the star-like pattern embedded in it. The 1/12 pg 4C 13x Disc. star is actually caused by fibers of mineral Aug. 20, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 34 imperfections, aligned in a particular pattern Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com that reflects light in a star-like configuration.

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Corundum is a gem All Rights Reserved stone in the sapphire and ruby family, and is one of the hardest minerals, second only to diamond. Due to its durability and extreme hardness, corundum is used in many commercial applications, such as industrial bearings, drilling tips, emery boards, and even toothpaste.

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• Most other gemstones are based on some form of silicon, but sapphires, rubies, and emeralds ADVERTISING PROOF • The biggest sapphire ever found was dug up in are all based on corundum and are never found Lanka in 2021. Weighing in at 683 lbs (310 Mon., July 24, these 2023three5:00Srip.m.. where silicon is present.

This makes al Changes DUE: kg), it’s estimated to contain 1.5 million carats. gemstones the most sought-after jewels. carefully.

Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours The boulder-size gem is named “the Queen of • Because the sapphire's hardness make them so Asia” and is worth an estimated $100 million. your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. resistant to scratches, they are an excellent gem 60-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 that can be worn daily without worry.

Lab-grown white sapphires are widely used for • Minerals are measured on the Mohs hardness Mike Pendley Construction scale, named after the German mineralogist 16th pg, BW, 6x Friedrich Mohs, who invented it. Talc is the July 30, 2023 • Vol. 19 - No. 31 softest mineral measuring at 1; diamond is the hardest, measuring 10. A diamond-like crystal called moissanite comes in at 9.5. Sapphires

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Everyday CHEAPSKATE

®

By Lucie Winborne

by Mary Hunt

* The first 72 hours in jail pose the highest risk of death for an inmate, for any reason. * The cat in “The Godfather” was a stray that director Francis Ford Coppola found in the studio and handed to Marlon Brando before the shot. The animal took a shine to Brando and settled in his lap, purring so loudly that the crew was afraid the noise would drown out the dialogue! * Speaking of cats ... cheetahs communicate with house cat-like meows rather than roars like most big cats. * Benjamin Franklin sold chocolate in his print shop in Philadelphia. * Forget about whether pineapple belongs on a pizza -- how about snake? For a limited time snake will be on Pizza Hut’s menu in Hong Kong, as the restaurant partners with another eatery known for its snake stew. * A tool bag lost during a spacewalk orbits Earth and is visible to people on the ground. * Researchers at George Washington University found that the skin behind our ears and between our toes has a different set of microbes than those found on more frequently washed areas, so heed Mama’s advice and don’t forget to scrub there. * In 1873, billiards became the first sport to have a world championship. * Prior to the 17th century, common folk seated themselves on stools and benches, while chairs were designed for royalty and the rich. * Pogonophobia is the fear or dislike of beards. * For Scrabble’s 50th anniversary in 1988, a giant game utilizing six-foot tiles that required two large men to lift was played in Britain’s Wembley Stadium. *** Thought for the Day: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

-- Martin Luther King Jr.

From Closet Chaos to Calm in 4 Easy Steps

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Box No. 1: Keep Here comes the most important step in this whole process. The goal is to keep only those items you truly love, fit well and you wear (or will wear now that you have found them!).

Keep what you love and wear often. That means try it on! Stand in front of the mirror. Does it fit well, giving you that "spark ofPAGE joy"? 2Be honest FILLER with yourself. If it doesn't make the mark, out it 2Q08 - WEEK 19 goes.

MAY 4 - MAY 10 Put only items into this Keep Box that you have worn or used at least twice in the past year.

Be brutally honest. If it doesn't fit today, it's not likely to fit any time soon. Get rid of it. If in doubt, do not put it into this bin.

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Want to make your life easier? Clean out, clean up and get your clothes closet organized.

With an organized closet you® can see what you have, what fits and the clothes you love to wear.

And even better -- everything is easier to find!

by Mary Hunt Here are simple steps to find calm in all that chaos. By the way, these same principles for organizing a clothes closet apply to linen closets, utility closets and your food pantry. And the best part? You can do this without spending a dime, using items and tools you have already. The tools you need are boxes, a full-length mirror and a trash can.

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STEP NO. 1: EVERYTHING OUT That's right. Remove everything from the closet. All of it -- every last hanger, belt, shoe -everything. This lets you see exactly the space you have to work with. Prepare to be shocked by the pile of stuff that comes out of that closet.

STEP NO. 2: DEEP CLEAN Once you've cleared things out, clean the closet thoroughly from top to bottom. If the space still looks a bit dirty even after a deep clean, consider a fresh coat of white paint.

STEP NO. 3: SEGREGATE Most people -- me included -- hate this step because it means getting rid of everything you do not use or wear. But what choice do you have now that you've hauled it out? There's no way you could get all of this back into the closet, so buck up, and let's get this job done.

Label five boxes (bins, containers) that will allow you to separate everything you took out of the closet. As you determine each item's value, put it into that specific container:

PRESENTS Box No. NEWSFRONT™ 2: Maybe TRIVIA

This is one of the best ideas ever, from by && Sandy

by Kara Kara Kovalchik Kovalchik Sandy Wood Wood one of your fellow readers.

It's not easy say 1. Who had a #1 hit in 1961 with thetosardonic goodbye permanently. You are going to come “Mother-in-Law”? across items that you're just not sure. Putting them into2.the Maybe Box an easy way to According to theisproverb, what is “the transition. It's not so much procrastination as it is mother of invention”? empathy, or kindness. Trust me this works. The 3. What the real name African-you Maybe Box may was be the onefirst thing thatofkeeps American comedienne Mabley? motivated and in charge of this Moms process.

4. What film actor wanted to Throw Momma from the Train in 1987?

Vol. XX Issue No. 2

Box No. 3: Consign or Sell Clothes and other items that are not right for you (as evidenced by the fact that you never wear them) but still have a useful life for someone else, should go into this bin. These should be either new items with tags, or pieces that have been worn seldom. Note that you are looking for name brands.

What you consider ugly may be perfect for someone else. What no longer fits you will fit someone else. Take those items to a consignment store or schedule a yard sale.

Box No. 4: Donate Consider donating your good used items to the Salvation Army or another thrift store.

Box No. 5: Trash Clothes and shoes worn out, hopelessly stained, broken or in some other state of calamity go into this bin. Work quickly to ease the pain.

Empty this bin often to keep the process moving.

Once you've divided up everything you took from the closet, move Boxes 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the garage or another place to get them out of your way for now.

STEP NO. 4: THE FUN PART Divide and sort the Keep Box contents by season, type and so on. Launder items as needed. Fold and hang as appropriate, putting everything you love back into your beautifully clean closet.

Truth be told, these steps are not as easy for me as I might have led you to believe in the title of this column. But I have done them, so I know just how cleansing the results can be and the sense of peace that comes with a well-organized space. It's a routine I must repeat at least twice a year to keep it that way. * * * Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https:// www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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Week of January 7, 2024

SETBACK IN SEBRING

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• Investors gasped.  The hot water failed toreturn Please review carefully.

Double check: Phone Number(s) Spelling  Prices  Hours until the ice plant started up again some weeks later.

Article # 10

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately changes • Alas, the whole thing had been a with mistake.

The or corrections.

Office: 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com ice plant email: used quite a lot of water to cool downFax: 760-320-1630

its machinery. The run-off drained into the ground, seeped under the street, and found its way to precisely where the well had been sunk.

• Sebring, Florida is a mid-sized city smack inSUPER • It was then that Sebring's Property offamously failed and BOX, Inc. AdVenture Inc. resort industry the middle of the Sunshine State. The town c/o Marcus short-lived foray into Media, the health Goldsworthy was founded by entrepreneur and pottery1/16 pg came an abrupt halt. Instead, the town today 4Cto13x Disc. Rate manufacturer George Sebring in 1912. is most well-known for2the world-class Sebring January 7, 2024 Vol. 20 - No. Dr. Nicolas Campos International Raceway.  • In the summer of 1921, a crew was hired to drill 1/3 page, BW, 13x Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 a well in the middle of the industrial district, DEAR DR. CAMPOS: I have had sharp valleybits@msn.com CLIP AND SAVE 1-7-2024 Vol. 20 - No. 2 adjacent to the downtown district. The drill hit pain in my leg for months. I have been told water about 60 feet down All Rights Reserved it could be sciatica, but a physical therapist 1. and the drilling crew all celebrated. It was hot that day, and the sweaty told me it could come from tight muscles.

Can chiropractic fix this? – E.J. workers decided to cool off with some of the 2. water that was flowing out of the freshly drilled ADVERTISING PROOF Answer: Dear E.J. – Sharp pain traveling hole. Amazingly, however, the water coming up 3.

ADVERTISING PROOF down the leg could be the result of several conout of the hole was hot. HOT! After the shock Final Changes DUE: Mon.,10/4/21 5:00 p.m.. ditions, and that is why it is imperative you have Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m..  immediately.

Hours wore off, the owner of4.the drilling companyPlease saw review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling it Prices checked Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours dollar signs. Stumbling across hot water was noContact ADVERTISING PROOF ADVERTISING PROOF your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

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If the leg pain is electrical, or at the very failure - it opened a whole new opportunity!Final Changes DUE:email: valleybits@msn.com 5:00 Office: 760-320-0997 Fax: p.m..

760-320-1630

Several Sources for Sciatica Pain

Final Changes DUE: 12:00 NOON least burning, you might have sciatica. While Final Changes DUE:email: valleybits@msn.com 5:00 Office: 760-320-0997 Fax: p.m..

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310-982-3881 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

ADVERTISING PROOF 3:00 pm Final Changes DUE: MON., JAN. 1 5:00 p.m..

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

• Word spread. People flocked. City leaders gaped.

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

Phone Prices Prices Hours sciatica can come with or without low back pain, 6.

Please review carefully.Double Doublecheck: check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Everyone knew about the famous Hot Springs Direct delivery to your Coachella Valley location it is crucial for a doctor to establish the source, Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Contact Tidbitsrepresentative representative immediately or or corrections.

Contact immediatelywith withchanges changes corrections.

Resort in Arkansas that drew visitors from your allyourTidbits because the fix is dependent on the correct LDR Construction 7.

Office:760-320-0997 760-320-0997 email:Svcs. valleybits@msn.com Fax:760-320-1630 760-320-1630 Office: email: valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com Fax: diagnosis.

Office: 760-320-0997 email: Fax: 760-320-1630 over the country. What if Sebring, Florida could 1/16 pg. 4C 26x disc.

LDR Construction Svcs. rival them? The town 8.founders had just recently 1/16 pg. 4CWWW.SUPER-BOX.US 26x disc.

Sciatica might be from an irritated nerve launched an advertising campaign designed to March 18, 2018 Vol. 14 No. 12 root in the lumbar spine (low back), but it can 9. lure Northerners to the cool and refreshing waters also come from extremely tight muscles in the Property of of the lakes surrounding Sebring. What if they buttock region. One muscle called the piriformis Enjoy the Outdoors Enjoy the Outdoors AdVenture Media, Inc. is infamous for lying on top of the sciatic nerve. could add a mineral hot springs resort to their When the piriformis is tight, it can irritate the repertoire of attractions? It was a project that they nerve causing electrical, burning pain down the were certain would put Sebring on the map. email: valleybits@msn.com

ADVERTISING PROOF and foot. Both causes of sciatica are corFinal Changes DUE: 5:00 leg p.m..

• Week after week, the well continued to pump out rectable with chiropractic care.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com water at 40 gallons Please per minute at temperatures review carefully. Double check: E l i t e wPhone o o d /Number(s) Alu m a - W oSpelling od Elitewood/Aluma-Wood All Rights Reserved hovering around 118°F (48°C). Word began to Patio Covers

 Prices  Hours

Leg pain can also come from a misaligned pelvis, which is treatable with chiropractic as Contact your Tidbits representative changes spread, and city officials sent out press releases Lifetime Warrantyor corrections.

Custom Columns immediately & Styles Availablewith Vinyl/Wood Fencing · Composite Decks well. But many other conditions can cause leg Vinyl/Wood Fencing • Composite Decks that ran in newspapers around the country.

Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Pre -Summe r Spe cia l SPRING special! pain, some which are life threatening, so having WINTER special!

LDR Construction Services General Contractor CA Lic# 988835 $2499 $ 3499 General Contractor CA Lic #988835 a complete physical workup is of the utmost • Investors put their heads together and began to $ 4999 Licensed · Bonded · Insured Licensed Bonded Insured 10’ x 30’ 12’ x 20’ importance. Don’t wait a minute longer, get in to 760 413-4708 714 345-1652 10’ xPatio 30’Cover 760 413-4708 714 345-1652 design a world-class health resort. Meanwhile, Attached Attached Patio Cover Reliable Service · Free Estimates Attached Patio Cover - Lattice or Solid see a professional right away.

Reliable Service - Lattice or ldrp a t i o @ aFREE o l . cEstimates om ·Lattice or Solid Solid· tents went up all around the new spring to offer Includes: Includes: Includes: All Materials & Installation LDRpatio@aol.com *** An Authorized Dealer / Installer of AllMaterials Materials Installation All && Installation including Owner’s Ceiling fan lodging. A café sprang up to feed the steady (Additional Cost for City Permits) AnKoolfog Authorized Dealer/Installer (Additional Cost for City Permits) including Owner’s Ceiling fan Misting Systemsof Dear Dr. Campos: My neighbor says she Property of (Additional Cost for City Permits) Property of Systems Koolfog Misiting Building Custom Shade Structures in the Coachella Valley over 15 Years stream of visitors. Certainly that trickle of AdVenture Media, Inc. sees her chiropractor for wellness, not beBuilding Custom Shade Structures in AdVenture the Coachella ValleyInc. over 20 Years Media, tourists would become a steady stream as soon cause she is in pain. Can you explain what that means? – R.J. as the cold weather hit the northern climes and

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• The only problem was that the stream of hot water was located in the industrial district, next to the water plant, near the power plant, and right across the street from the local ice plant. It would be far better if the hot springs resort were located closer to the picturesque downtown district a short distance away.

• Three months passed, while investors schemed and drillers drilled and city officials plotted and planned.

• Then, disaster struck. The local ice plant suffered a malfunction. The entire plant was shut down while equipment was repaired. Alarmingly, Sebring’s famed hot water spring right across the street immediately ran cold.

•

•

•

FREE

Valley FREE Property of ofCoachella of Valley Property ofCoachella The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read AdVenture Media, Inc. The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 valleybits@msn.com AdVenture Media, Inc. Fax: Phone: 760.320.0997 Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com

winter-weary yankees flocked down to Florida.

• In September, a geologist was summoned to help the municipality locate a hot water spring in a better location. A new well was sunk in the desired location. The drill hit water at about 60 feet down. The entire town held its collective breath. Then, water spurted up – but it was cold water. COLD! Another well went down nearby. Cold AGAIN! The local newspaper tried to settle rattled nerves, printing an article confidently declaring that these failed attempts merely demonstrated that “hot water wells are not common even around Sebring, which just proves that they really have the genuine article.”

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The nerves that exit the spine at the subluxated level can become irritated (see question from E.J. above) causing pain and neurological dysfunction. The nervous system is everything with regard to how your body operates – it is the electrical wiring that powers the entire body.

When the nerves are compromised, so is whatever sits at the end of those nerves whether that be muscle, organ, or even the immune system.

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Answer: Dear R.J. – Many people see their chiropractors to keep themselves aligned and well-balanced. When the spinal joints become fixated or misaligned, chiropractors say those joints have become subluxated. Subluxated joints hamper the movement of the spine and so people become stiff and sore.

When people see their chiropractor for wellness, it is to make sure their nervous system is operating unimpeded. Add to that how good it feels to move properly, without pain or restriction, and it is no surprise that so many people use chiropractic for more than just pain relief. ***

Dr. Campos is a Cranial and Sports Chiropractic Doctor in Palm Desert. While he cannot answer every individual question via email, he will choose one or two each week to answer here. Readers may email questions to

OfficeCamposCranial@gmail.com Learn more at:

Dr NickCampos.com or call (760) 359-8838

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 6

by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: Is Fantasia Barrino, the same one

from "American Idol" years ago, in the new version of "The Color Purple"? I always wondered what happened to her. -- K.I.

Depositphotos

A: Unlike Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino hasn't had as famed of a career as those other three "American Idol" contestants, but her 15 minutes has gradually increased.

The wait is worth it, however, as she's finally showcasing her incredible voice in the new version of "The Color Purple," this time a musical, Fantasia Barrino just like the Broadway play, which released on the big screen this past Christmas.

Barrino played the role of Celie on Broadway as well and earned rave reviews for it. She's garnering critical acclaim for the new film version as well. Perhaps, like Hudson did in 2007 for "Dreamgirls," Barrino will win an Oscar this coming awards season.

Welby, M.D.," "The Invisible Man" and "Murder, She Wrote."

Twenty years ago, he landed the biggest role of his career as medical-examiner-turnedhistorian Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on the CBS hit series "NCIS." The show plans to honor him on Feb. 19 in the new season's second episode. Steven D. Binder and David North, co-showrunners of "NCIS," told TVLine.com that "the team will learn of Ducky's passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve."

TVLine.com also speculated on the possibility of former key characters returning for Ducky's farewell, such as Mark Harmon's Gibbs, Michael Weatherly's Tony or Cote de Pablo's Ziva. *** Q: Is it true that Wayne Brady has a reality show coming out soon? Will he still host "Let's Make a Deal"? -- A.I.

A: David McCallum died of natural causes at the age of 90 this past September. He had a very long career in Hollywood, having been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, including twice for his role in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." He went on to guest star in many classic shows like "Marcus

1. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

1. (PG-13) Split ................................

(PG-13) Jason Momoa, Patrick James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy Wilson Wonka 2. 2.

Rings ............................... (PG-13) (PG) Timothée Chalamet, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz,Gustave Alex Roe DieDog’s Purpose ..................(PG) 3. A 3. Migration Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth 4. (PG) Hidden Figures ....................(PG) Banks Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer But....................

You 5. 4.

LaAnyone La Land (PG-13) (R) Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone Salaar 6. 5.

Resident Evil: The Final (NR) Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran Chapter ......................................

(R) 6. The Iron Claw Milla Glen (R) Jovovich, Zac Efron, Iain Jeremy Allen White 7. 7.

Sing The.......................................(PG) Hunger Games: The Ballad animated of Songbirds & Snakes 8. (PG-13) Lion ................................

(PG-13) Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth Dev Nicole Kidman 8. Patel, The Boy and the Heron 9. The Space Between .. (PG-13) (PG-13) Soma Santoki, Us Masaki Suda Gary Oldman,Minus Asa Butterfield 9. Godzilla One Minami of Hamabe, 10.(PG-13) xXx: Return Xander Ryunosuke Kamiki Cage .................................... (PG-13) Poor Things Vin10.Diesel, Donnie Yen (R) Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 13, 2017

McCallum passed away. What is "NCIS" going to do with his character when it returns for the new season? -- G.N.

T.

time job he's held for the past 15 years.

However, his love of acting hasn't fizzled.

In between delivering cash and "zonks" weekdays on CBS, he's had recurring roles on the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," the daytime soap "The Bold and the Beautiful," and Showtime's "American Gigolo."

He's still great friends with his ex-wife and business partner, Mandie Taketa, and her romantic partner of 12 years, Jason Fordham. The three coparent their blended family of two children together. Brady sold a reality show concept to Hulu about their unconventional life together, but a title and official premiere date have yet to be announced.

* * *

A: Wayne Brady first wowed audiences with his improv skills on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" -- a skit comedy show on ABC. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for that show. In addition to acting, he's also a three-time Emmy-nominated game show host for "Let's Make a Deal," the day-

*** Q: I was sorr y to hear that actor David

E,

Vol. XX Issue No. 2

Week of January 7, 2024

Good Recipes from

Slow-Cooker Chunky Chili With Beans A classic dish with a few twists to enhance the flavor for a special taste treat.

4 slices hickory smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 jumbo onion (about 1 pound), coarsely chopped 1/4 cup chili powder 4 large garlic cloves, crushed with press 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 cup water Salt to taste 3 cans (15 to 19 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained Sour cream (optional)

3. Return 1 tablespoon bacon fat to skillet; reduce heat to medium. Add onion to skillet and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in chili powder, garlic, cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook 30 seconds to toast spices. Add tomatoes and water, stirring to scrape up browned bits from bottom of skillet.

Remove skillet from heat.

4. To meat in slow cooker, add onion mixture and beans; stir well to combine. Cover cooker and cook chili on low setting as manufacturer directs, 8 to 10 hours (or on high setting 4 to 5 hours) or until meat is fork-tender. Skim and discard any fat. Stir in bacon. Serve with sour cream if you like. Makes about 12 cups or 10 main-dish servings.

toms are crisp and topping is heated through.

Sprinkle with parsley and cut each into 4 wedges to serve.

Tip: The onions can be cooked up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated -- just warm them to room temperature before spooning over the goat cheese. * * *

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/reci finder4. (c) 2024 Hearst Communications, Inc.

 Each serving: About 400 calories, 13g total fat (4g saturated), 39g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 13g total fat (4g saturated), 10g fiber, 101mg cholesterol, 875mg sodium.

Grilled Pitas With Goat Cheese Always a winning combination, caramelized onions and goat cheese mingle with fresh herbs atop lightly grilled pita bread.

1. In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp, stirring occasionally. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to plate; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Pour bacon fat into cup and reserve.

2. Increase heat to medium-high; add pork and beef in 3 batches to skillet and cook until well-browned. With slotted spoon, remove meat to 5- to 6-quart slow-cooker pot as it browns.

Page 7

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

leaves

4 tablespoons olive oil 2 large onions 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 4 pitas, cut horizontally in half 7 ounces soft goat cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1. In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onions, Now, yousugar can and salt, and cook 15 minutes or until very®soft, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 20 minutes longer or until onions are PROMO -11-2013 golden brown, stirring frequently.

Read TidbitsLeaving Online!the Valley or unable to leave

2. In cup, stir remaining 2 tablespoons oil with tarragon and thyme. Brush cut sides of pitas with herb mixture; spread with goat cheese, then top with caramelized onions.

3. Place pitas, topping-side up, on grill over low heat, and cook 3 minutes or until bot-

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Vol. XX Issue No. 2

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Donald Duck

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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 January 7, 2024

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 9

NEXT WEEK in

Cody’s

TIDBITSTIDBITS RESEARCHES SOME ADMIRES

CITY NAMES

2.

1.

Corner

DETROIT

KALAMAZOO

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Dogs Chase, Fences Protect

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Print Your Answers Here:

1/7

I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore Day

1/8

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

1/9

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1/10

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1/11

Girl Hug Boy Day

1/12

National Hot Tea Day

You can't see me, but I'm shaking my head.

I'm just off a call with a woman who's having some trouble with her 3-year-old Labrador.

Her family resides on seven beautiful acres, and their dog chases birds and squirrels with the joyful zeal we would expect from a Lab. She wants him to respect the property boundaries.

Did I mention she refuses to put up a fence?

"Can't you just train him to stop chasing birds and squirrels?" she asked me.

"Impossible," I said.

"Why not," she demanded.

"What's his last name? … Retriever?"

She wasn't impressed. At that point she told me that her previous dog had the same habit of "ignoring" the property boundaries, and he eventually was run over and killed by a car.

It was my turn not to be impressed. A dog ignoring boundaries he doesn't know exist is understandable. A woman ignoring danger of which she's acutely aware is not.

I get that it costs a lot of money to securely fence seven acres of land. How about a dog run or some other fenced-in area within the property? She shot down that idea, saying a dog run is "cruel."

Cruel?

Cruel is willfully ignoring a dangerous situation and essentially going for two - for two dead dogs.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she said. On many things, I would agree with her, but not on this.

More than one million dogs are killed by cars on American roads every year, and most of them were chasing something -- a ball, a squirrel, a cat. A dog's drive to chase is natural, as natural as breathing. It's an instinct, and it's virtually impossible to train away instincts. It's like calling a dog trainer and asking him to train your dog to stop sniffing.

Part of responsible dog ownership is training. With commitment, perseverance and know-

11/13 Rubber Ducky Day

Wuzzles solution Page 16

"First the man takes a drink; Then the drink takes a drink; Then the drink takes the man."

-- Chinese Proverb

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� HARDNESS HARDNESS � IMPURITIES IMPURITIES � MINERALS MINERALS � PERFECTION �PERFECTION RARITY RARITY � RUBIES RUBIES � SAPPHIRES � SAPPHIRES VALUABLE

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SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

© King Features Synd., Inc.

Finding NursingStaying Home Staying aHealthy, Choosing a nursing home isn't easy, even Home

in the best of circumstances. Whether it's for you or a spouse, or for nowhealth. or for I’ve been lax your latelyparents, in termsfor of my later, there are things youbeen needattomusic knowconcerts and red I admit it. While I haven’t flags to beware of. among thousands of people or riding packed subway cars, I have been going to stores during Whenwhen you want accurate information, you the daytime the aisles are full.

This is eshave to consider the sources you use.

Ask friends pecially true during the holiday shopping season. and family for torecommendations warnings It’s time for me stop that -- again --orand start about local facilities.

Go online to the National Instaying home, again. stitute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov) and search for nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Respiratory syncytial virus (also known Print out several copies of their Medicare Nursing as RSV) is on the rise where I live, and likely Home Checklist and take one with you to each elsewhere. facility.

It was only a few months ago that Check the Medicare Compare toolthe (www.

CDC was advising pediatriciansfor to local keep facilities. the medicare.gov/care-compare) standard RSV shotLocator, they usually give children that Call the Eldercare at 1-800-677-1116 and it forU.S. the Administration babies that were vulneris runsave by the onmost Aging.

Look able because supplies were limited.

That for online news stories and reviews about does any fanot bode well for getting a handle on the spread cility you consider. of RSV. And it’s certainly not an illness vulnerable seniors experience.

Visits want to thetofacilities you are considering are an absolute must. Whether it's daytime appointments with a member of staff or sudden visits at night, what you see when catching things off guard can be revealing. Try to time at least one of

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Vol. XX

Issue No. 2

ADVERTISING PROO Cody’s Corner how, we can train our dogs toOCT. respond every MON., 1 time 1 Final Changes DUE: to commands like "sit" and "stay" and "here." That (from page 9)

your surprise visits at mealtime. Is the food appetizing? Will it encourage seniors to eat? Are there low-sodium options, as well as foods for lactose intolerant residents?

would help situations like this one, as as Please review carefully. Double check:  in Phone Number(s) long Spelling we're physically present and giving the dog our full

Try to talk to staff who actively work with attention.

Contact Tidbits representative immediately with changes the residents and askyour questions.

Ask about the But what about when we aren't around? o staff/resident ratio, the turnover rate and the level What about when we're off running errands or Office: of training given to 760-320-0997 staff. How did they do dur-email: washingvalleybits@msn.com dishes in the kitchen or running to an-Fax ing the Covid pandemic, as well as with other ill- swering a phone call or taking a quick shower? nesses? Does the facility look and smell clean? Is The other part of responsible dog ownerthere a doctor on staff or on 24-hour call?

ADVERTISING PROOF MON., Nov. 6 12: Final Changes DUE: ship is prevention.

This is the area of leashes and 5: Please review carefully.

Double check:the  dog Phone fences and securing in Number(s) the house.  Spelling  Bgreen, If at all possible, try to visit informally with Inc. The combination of training and preven-

as many residents as you can and as privately asyour Tidbits Contact representative immediately with changes or co c/o Melanie Property tionThomas is powerful.

It'llof keep our dogs safe and sound situiations allow. Ask their honest opinion of the Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 76 AdVenture Media, Inc.Absent real and thorunder most circumstances.

BW 26x comfort they experience, how well the BZ staff treats training, prevention becomes absolutely vital them, and whether they feel they are receiving an 8,ough October 2023 Vol. 19between - No. our 41 dogs and disaster.

-it's all that stands adequate amount of attention and care. Hearing Without either, we're just playing the odds. a common thread of complaints is a big red flag.

Woof!

Property of

Inc. AdVenture * * Media, * Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the Find out about cost (do they accept Medi-Bgreen, Inc. of 18 books about a behaviorist, a popular Fax:dogs, 760.320.1630 c/oco-author Melanie Ashe care?), social and recreation activities Phone: for resi- 760.320.0997 radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series dents, physical therapy and use of psychiatricBZ valleybits@msn.com BW 26x “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” Read all of Uncle Matty’s columns drugs. If anyone doesn't want to answer yourNov.at12, 2023Phone: Vol.760.320.0997 19and - No. 760.320.1630 www.creators.com, visit46 himFax: at www.unclematty.com.

questions, consider it another red flag.

valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved

COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

Don't wait until the last minute. This is not a decision to make quickly. Start now to get a handle on the facilities near you; you'll be many steps ahead when the need arises.

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* * * 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.

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Contact your TidbitsVisit representative immediately with changes or us at: PruneMaster.us

The Art of

DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

Difficult Houses Our homes sometimes fight us -- or rather, we fight our houses - in our quest to find the perfect decorative solutions. Walls with impossible angles, irregular beams that cross a room, dark spaces without any source of natural light, doors that occupy the best wall of the house and don’t permit you to hang a work of art, ceilings that are too high or too low, rooms too small or too narrow ...

The problems can be innumerable. No house is ever 100% perfect, but you know what?

Every quirky condition inside a home has an interior design solution.

When a room is very small, you can make it seem wider by placing the furniture diagonally, deceiving the senses. The smallest wall can be made to seem larger with elements such as mirrors, shelves, pictures, works of art or even books arranged linearly. In the case of an odd-shaped room, combining two colors on the walls will give the room a lot of play.

A longer wall in a light color will offer the sensation of going back in sight and visually expanding the room. The same applies if using a dark color such as chocolate, navy or dark gray.

When a room is extremely long, a good solution is to create two spaces: dining room and living room, bedroom and dressing room, kitchen and office. You get the idea? Differentiate the spaces visually and with their own color or decorative style, so long as there are elements to

ADVERTISING PROO Final Changes DUE:

Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: pull the areas together in some regard. Mirrored screens can be a great option, as are glass walls in spaces that lack sources of natural light.

When ceilings are very low, you can visuProperty of ally ‘’raise” them with high and vertical elements AdVenture Media, Inc. such as bookshelves, floor-to-ceiling Double curtains, check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling Please review carefully. floor lamps or a tall indoor plant. If the ceilings are too high, decorating the ceiling using predomiContact your Tidbits immediately with changes o nantly horizontal elements on the walls andrepresentative layerPhone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 ing elements such as ornate draperies will bring valleybits@msn.com Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax down the monumental scale to a more human All Rights Reserved scale. But if the ceilings are so high, why not take advantage of them? Add a mezzanine or hang a large chandelier, mobile or ceiling fan to visually enhance the large space.

Attic spaces or dormer rooms can be quite Property of challenging to decorate, with their multiple pitches AdVenture Media, Inc. and lower-than-usual ceilings. The challenge is to think outside the box -- or in this case, inside the small space -- for design solutions. Taking time to inhabit the space can reveal what works best in a particular scenario. The best thing with a difficult Phone: Fax: 760.320.1630 space is to take your time 760.320.0997 so you grasp the best unvalleybits@msn.com derstanding of the problem before you set out to All Rights Reserved furnish it.

For every problem you encounter with a home, there are many, many solutions. Magazines offer many sources of inspiration, but the solutions to your design dilemmas need to be personal. You just need to make sure the idea is perfect for you and those that live with you.

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

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

My artist friend suddenly announced he didn't have any cyan, azure, cobalt, navy, royal, or sapphire paints.

That was completely out of the blue!

Week of January 7, 2024

YOUR

SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Social Security Update for 2024 It has been my custom for most of the past 27 years to write a year-end column that summarizes the Social Security updates scheduled to take place the following year. I already discussed some of these updates in a column back in October when they were first announced, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat them here. (They all grow out of the annual cost-of-living adjustments that have been part of the program since 1973.)

But before I go on, I’ve got to address a related and totally misleading ad that pops up every day on my cellphone and iPad, and I’m sure it does on yours, too. The headline goes something like this: “Here are 6 major changes to Social Security coming in 2024 that you probably don’t know about.” If you open it up (and maybe get sucked in by all the other ads on the site), you will learn that those “major changes” are just the routine COLA adjustments that have been part of the program for over 50 years now. I’m sharing those routine adjustments with you today -- without all the hype.

Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized upcoming change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2024 due to the automated cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. As all of you are already aware, that increase will be 3.2%.

I always dread mentioning COLAs in this column because every single time I do, I am flooded with emails from readers complaining that the increase is not enough.

Yet here’s the rub: Many economists and social planners believe Social Security COLAs are too generous! (I’ve explained why in past columns, but don’t have the space to get into that argument today.) That’s why most discussions of long-range reform for Social Security include proposals to reduce cost of living increases.

OK, back to the 2024 Social Security COLA. Due to these increases, the average monthly retirement check will be $1,907 in 2024, a $59 increase from the 2023 level. The maximum Social Security check for a worker turning full retirement age (FRA) in 2024 will be $3,822, compared to $3,627 in 2023. And please note that $3,822 is the maximum for someone turning full retirement age in 2024.

That does not mean it is the maximum Social Security payment anyone can receive. There are millions of Social Security beneficiaries who get much more than that, primarily because they worked well past their FRA and/or delayed starting their benefits until age 70.

Here’s another important point about the COLA. Many readers have been asking me if they must file for Social Security benefits in 2023 in order to get the COLA that’s paid in January 2024.

The answer is no. The COLA will be built into the benefit computation formula. So even if you don’t file for Social Security until next year, or some subsequent year, you’ll still get the 3.2% increase.

Although this is a Social Security column, I must mention the upcoming increase in the Medicare Part B premium, which is deducted from Social Security checks for most people. In 2024, the basic Part B premium is projected to be $174.70.

That’s $9.80 more than the 2023 rate. And as has been the case for 20 years now, wealthy people will

Page 11

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

pay more than the basic premium.

I don’t want to get into the complicated issue of Medicare premiums other than to make this quick point. Even though they are linked in the minds of most senior citizens, Social Security and Medicare are entirely separate programs, administered by entirely separate federal agencies, and they have entirely separate rules and regulations regarding their benefit and payment structures.

For example, the Part B Medicare premium increase has nothing to do with the Social Security COLA. Instead, by law, it must be set at a level that covers 25% of the cost of running the program.

Taxpayers pick up the remaining 75%. (And again, wealthy people pay more than the 25% share.)

Another measuring stick called the “national wage index” is used to set increases to other provisions of the law that affect Social Security beneficiaries and taxpayers. Specifically, this includes increases in the amount of wages or selfemployment income subject to Social Security tax; the amount of income needed to earn a “quarter of coverage”; and the Social Security earnings penalty limits.

The Social Security taxable earnings base will go up from $160,200 in 2023 to $168,600 in 2024. In other words, people who earn more than $168,600 in 2024 will no longer have Social Security payroll taxes deducted from their paychecks once they hit that threshold. This has always been a very controversial provision of the law. (Bill Gates pays the same amount of Social Security tax as his plumber!) I think it’s a pretty good bet that any eventual Social Security reform package will include an increase in that wage base.

Most people need 40 Social Security work credits (sometimes called “quarters of coverage”)

to be eligible for monthly benefit checks from the system. In 2023, people who were working earned one credit for each $1,640 in Social Security taxable income. But no one earns more than four credits per year. In other words, once you made $6,560, your Social Security record was credited with the maximum four credits or quarters of coverage. In 2024, the one credit limit goes up to $1,730, meaning you will have to earn $6,920 this coming year before you get the maximum four credits assigned to your Social Security account.

People under their full retirement age who get Social Security retirement or survivor’s benefits but who are still working are subject to limits in the amount of money they can earn and still receive all their Social Security checks. That limit was $21,240 in 2023 and will be $22,320 in 2024. For every two dollars a person earns over those limits, one dollar is withheld from his or her monthly benefits.

There is a higher earnings threshold in the year a person turns full retirement age that applies from the beginning of the year until the month the person reaches FRA. (The income penalty goes away once a person reaches that magic age.) That threshold goes up from $56,520 in 2023 to $59,520 in 2024.

A couple other Social Security provisions are also impacted by inflationary increases. For example, people getting disability benefits who try to work can generally continue getting those benefits as long as they are not working at a “substantial” level. In 2023, the law defined substantial work as any job paying $1,470 or more per month. In 2024, that substantial earnings level increases to $1,550 monthly.

Finally, the Supplemental Security Income basic federal payment level for one person goes up from $914 in 2023 to $943 in 2024. SSI is a federal welfare program administered by the Social Security Administration, but it is not a Social Security benefit. It is paid for out of general revenues, not Social Security taxes.

MON., DEC. 11

* * *

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 12

Please review carefully.IfDouble check: Security Phone Number(s)  MarSpelling  you have a Social question, Tom genau has two books with all the answers. One is called 1. For possible new year's resolutions, Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-UnderProverbs 16:3 (KJV) says, "Commit thyOffice: 760-320-0997 stand Fact Sheetsemail: That Will Answer All Your QuestionsFax: valleybits@msn.com works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amabe _______." a) Pure b) Established zon.com or other book outlets, or you can send him an c) Resolved d) Directed email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. To find out Property about Tom Margenau and of to read past columns Jmore Arthur Law Firm AdVenture Media, Inc. 2. Likewise, Psalm 37:5 instructs us to, and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers 12th pg 4C 13x "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at Dec. 17, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 5` him, and he shall bring it to _______." www.creators.com.

a) Fruition b) Pass c) Life d) Light

3. Which book proclaims the first day of the new year is for resting and a memorial sounding the trumpet? a) Genesis b) Exodus c) Leviticus d) Numbers 4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20 are among the verses to focus on what in a new year? a) Moving forward b) Love c) Worship d) Praise 5. In which month of the religious calendar did the new year begin in the Bible? a) 3rd b) 5th c) 6th d) 7th

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com

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6. From James 1:5, what may one lack, and if they ask God it shall be given? a) Faith b) Freedom c) Wisdom d) Understanding

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Sharpen your understanding of scripture with Wilson Casey's latest book, "Test Your Bible Knowledge," now available in stores and online. review carefully.

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(Answers on page 16)

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Web: www.JArthurLaw.com Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or cor  Licensed in California and Florida For comments or more Bible Trivia go to Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760 www.TriviaGuy.com 2019 King King Features Features Synd., Synd., Inc. Inc. ©© 2024

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

M.D.

Blood Bank Turns Away Donor With High Iron Levels

time. But it’s more common in men with prostate trouble.

Exercise isn’t usually needed; just giving yourself a few minutes can often be enough to cause you to void again. I recommend voiding twice before bed if getting up at night is a problem. You may find that changing positions while urinating can be helpful to fully empty your bladder.

As far as salt goes, it makes your body hold on to water. While you could take a salt tablet, you might get thirsty at night. In addition, excess salt increases most people’s risk for heart attack and stroke, so I don’t recommend it.

Vol. XX

Issue No. 2

VETERANS  POST 

by Freddie Groves

Homeless Veterans Grants for 2024

The annual Point-in-Time Count takes place on a given night in January every year and attempts to estimate the number of homeless who

* * * are out on the streets. The most recent one, done Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, I was in January 2023, revealed that yes, there had been whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourrejected from donating plasma (not blood) an increase in the number of homeless veterans -GoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. because my iron that day was 57 mcmol/L, 7.4% over the previous January. (c) 2023 North America Synd., Inc. and the maximum allowable was 54 mcmol/L. To try to get ahead of the problem, especialAll Rights Reserved I was rescheduled to get retested in a few ly given the coming January 2024 count, the Departdays. The technician said to eat beans and ment of Veterans Affairs has announced millions to CLIP AND SAVE similar foods to lower my iron levels. be spent on grants to help homeless veterans.

I checked my own records and didn’t The Supportive Services for Veteran Famifind any results that fell below the cutoff. My lies (SSVF) grants will give out hundreds of milred blood cell count was 5.15; my white blood lions to organizations that help veterans and their cell count was 6.0; my hemoglobin level families find housing, find more stable housing or was 16.1 g/dL; and my hematocrit level was avoid loss of their home. The exact amount of the 48.5%, all within the healthy range. grants is yet unknown.

Which test results could they be referBut the Legal Services for Homeless Veterring to, and how do I lower my iron? -- S.L. ans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants 1-15-24 program will give over $26 million to groups and ANSWER: Blood banks typically screen organizations to help with the legal side of things: donors for anemia, which is frequently caused by court proceedings, defense related to homelessiron deficiency, but I’m confused as to why they ness in criminal cases and legal representation. are screening you with iron tests because that is VA efforts during 2023 saw progress in sevtypically not done. Moreover, they are telling you eral areas despite the increase in the number of that your iron is too high, which is the opposite of homeless veterans. During 2023, the VA awarded the iron-deficiency anemia that is usually looked over $1 billion in grants to groups and organizafor. tions for homeless veterans. Nearly 39,000 homeI recommend that you see your own phyless veterans found permanent housing, and over sician and get retested. If we take the blood bank 145,000 veterans and their families were helped to at their word, and your iron level is too high, that avoid foreclosure on their homes. The HUD-VASH raises the possibility of hereditary hemochromaprogram helped 13,000 veterans find affordable tosis (HH), which is caused by a defect of iron housing as well as support services. absorption. With this condition, your body abThose support services follow the Houssorbs as much iron as possible, even if it doesn’t ADVERTISING PROOF ing First model, which uses a plan with specific need any. This causes iron overload, which steps: Get the veteran into housing and then enFinal Changes DUE: MONDAY 5:00 p.m.. damages the heart, liver, bone marrow, they stay there by offering several types Pleaseadrenal review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling sure Prices  can Hours glands, skin and joints, just to name a few. of support.

That can include job training, education Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

HH is easy to treat once the diagnosis is help, health care and legal assistance. Studies have Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 made. However, making the diagnosis requires shown that veterans who are in the Housing First thinking about the possibility, and it’s uncommon program find housing much more quickly (in 35 American Veterans Post 66 enough that a lot of healthcare professionals days as opposed to 223 days). c/o Tom Hernandez 760-324-5670 don’t think about it right away.

For veterans who are either homeless or in BW (PSA) Size varies depending on available space.

Your doctor should test your iron and danger of becoming homeless, go online to www.

HOLD for available run dates iron-binding capacity, as well as your ferritin levva.gov/homeless or call 877-4AID-VET (877-424el, which tends to correlate with the total amount 3838) to get help. * ** of body iron stores.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personBut I don’t want to jump to conclusions, ally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columwhich is why your own doctor should test you to nreply2@gmail.com. see if you really do have excess iron. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: Like a lot of older men (I’m 74), I get up often at night to dribble American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 provides a van for free transportation for our veterans a little urine. I have found that if I go downin the Coachella Valley to the VA Hospital in Loma stairs, walk to the kitchen, then climb back Linda, California. The van operates with courteous volunteer drivers and is available Monday through upstairs, I can often urinate again as much as Friday. The pick up locations are in Cathedral City and Palm Springs.

I did the first time. Can you explain?

ADVERTISING PROOF We request that you do not make a reservation Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m..

Also, I’ve noticed that on nights that if your medical appointment is after 12 Noon as the Property of van must return to the desert at that time.

You can I have popcorn with salt, I get up less often.

Media, ask your doctor toAdVenture schedule you forInc. an early mornCould a person take a salt tablet before beding appointment if you explain that your transportation must return by 12 Noon. time to reproduce this effect? -- S.C.

Free Transportation for Veterans to the Loma Linda VA Hospital

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4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

ANSWER: Both men and women can have voiding problems due to bladder issues, but men can also have symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. I can’t tell which of these you might have because, for both, there are underlying reasons as to why you might be able to urinate again a few minutes after going the first

You must make your reservation in advance by FREE of Coachella Valley calling the reservation dispatcher at: The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2005

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Week of January 7, 2024

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

usernames and passwords.

Pets: If they have a pet, what are their instructions for the animal’s care?

-- by Jim Miller

Essential Topics You Need to Discuss with Your Aging Parents DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: My siblings and I don’t know much about our elderly parents' financial situation or their wishes if and when something happens to them.

They are both in their mid-eighties. What’s the best way to handle this and what all should we know? -- Eldest Daughter Dear Eldest: Many adult children don’t know much about their elderly parents' financial situation or end-of-life plans, but they need to. Getting up to speed on their finances, insurance policies, long-term care plans and other information is important.

Some day you might have to help them handle these affairs along with their health care, and execute their estate plan after they die. Without this information, your job becomes far more difficult and stressful. Here are some tips that can be of great help: HAVE THE CONVERSATION If you’re uncomfortable talking to your parents about this, use this column as a prompt or see TheConversationProject. org, which offers free guides that can help you kick-start these discussions.

It’s also a very good idea to get all your siblings involved too. This can help you head off any possible hard feelings, plus, with others involved, your parents will know everyone is concerned, and not only you.

When you talk with your parents, you’ll need to collect some information, find out where they keep key documents and how they want certain things handled when they die or if they become incapacitated.

Here’s a checklist of areas to focus on: PERSONAL INFORMATION Contacts: Make a list of names and phone numbers of your parent’s doctors, lawyer, accountant, broker, tax preparer, insurance agent, and so forth.

Medical information: Make a copy of their medical history and a list of medications they take.

Personal documents: Find out where they keep their Social Security card, marriage license, military discharge papers, etc., and how to access them.

Secured places: Make a list of places they keep under lock and key such as safe deposit boxes, safe combination, security alarms, etc.

Digital assets: Make a list of their digital assets – everything from social media accounts to online banking. It should include

End of life: What are their wishes for organ or body donation, and their funeral instructions? If they’ve made pre-arrangements with a funeral home, get a copy of the agreement.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS Will: Do they have an updated will or trust, and where is it located?

Power of attorney: Do they have a power of attorney document that names someone to handle their financial matters if they become incapacitated?

Advance directives: Do they have a living will and a medical power of attorney that spells out their wishes regarding their end-of-life medical treatment? If they don’t have these documents prepared, now’s the time to make them.

FINANCIAL RECORDS Financial accounts: Make a list of their bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, and any other financial assets they have.

Page 13

Company benefits: Make a list of any retirement plans, pensions or benefits from their former employers including the contact information of the benefits administrator.

Insurance: Make a list of the insurance policies they have (life, long-term care, home, auto, Medicare, etc.) including the policy numbers, agents and phone numbers.

Property: Make a list of the real estate, vehicles or other properties they own, rent or lease and where they keep the deeds, titles and loan or lease agreements.

Taxes: Find out where they keep copies of past year’s tax returns.

You’re probably not going to get all this figured out in one gathering, so it’s important to keep the conversation ongoing to ensure your parent’s wishes will be accurately executed. * * *

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Debts and liabilities: Make a list of any loans, leases or debts they have – mortgages owed, car loans, student loans, medical bills, credit card debts. Also, make a list of all credit and charge cards, including the card numbers and contact information.

Coachella Valley Business Owners

Page 14

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

would probably be worth $550 to $750. * * * Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on a washbowl and pitcher set that my aunt gave me. The set is decorated with pastel flowers against a white background. It is in perfect condition.

What can you tell me about the maker, age and value of my set?

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Cabinet Plate a Beehive of Activity Q: Could you please tell me the histor y of the porcelain plate that is seen in this photo? It is about 15 inches across and has no chips or cracks. The plate is decorated with a scene of three young girls running across a stream away from a male figure. Marked on the back are a beehive shape and the words “Fliehende Elfen.” Also signed on the front at the edge of the scene is the name “F. Kohl.”

We were given the plate by an aunt who lived in Pittsburgh and know nothing about it.

Any information you can provide would be helpful.

A: Edwin Bennett Pottery Company made your washbowl and pitcher set. Edwin Bennett founded his company in 1856 in Baltimore. It also produced majolica, Rockingham ware, yellow ware and American Belleek. They closed operations in 1936.

Your circa-1895 wash set would probably sell in the range of $200 to $275 in an antiques shop.

Edwin Bennett Pottery Company was located in Baltimore.

Q: I have a ser vice for 12 set of chi-

na that we received as an engagement gift in 1962. The set includes a soup tureen, a sugar bowl and a creamer, and a large ser ving platter. Each piece is marked with a crown and the words “Royal Princess -- PEM -- Fine China -- Bavaria -- Germany.” The dishes are white and decorated with a silver floral design.

What can you tell us about this set?

A: Even though, there is not any substan-

tial information on the background of Royal Princess China, sets appear for sale on the Internet.

Your circa-1962 set would probably be worth $600 to $1100.

* * *

This Royal Vienna porcelain charger was made around 1900.

A: You have a Royal Vienna charger plate.

It is also known as a cabinet plate, because it was usually placed in a china cabinet for display.

The beehive mark was first used by the Imperial Porcelain Factory in Vienna. After it closed in 1864, the beehive mark was used by several porcelain factories. Similar porcelain pieces were produced in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

“F. Kohl” is the name of the artist who created the classical scene that decorates your plate.

“Fliehende Elfen” are the German words for “Fleeing Fairies.” The young women/fairies are indeed fleeing a satyr across a stream.

Your charger was made around 1900 and

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.

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

Vol. XX

Issue No. 2

* On Jan. 8, 1310, near the beginning of the Little Ice Age, when average temperatures around the world dropped by as much as 3.6°F (particularly in Europe and North America), the Thames River in London froze so thickly that bonfires were lit on it. * On Jan. 9, 1768, British former cavalry Sergeant Major Philip Astley staged the first modern circus after discovering that if he galloped in a banked tight circle, centrifugal force would allow him to perform seemingly impossible acts on horseback.

He mounded up a ring with a solid surface and invited the public to watch him wave his sword in the air while riding standing up with one foot on his saddle and the other on his horse’s head. * On Jan. 10, 1845, poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning began the correspondence that would eventually lead to their secret courtship and marriage, which Elizabeth’s father disapproved of so strongly that he disowned her. The couple then fled England for Italy, where they would live for 15 years until Barrett’s death. * On Jan. 11, 1915, Jacob Ruppert and Colonel Tillinghast Huston purchased the New York Yankees for $450,000. Ruppert put up his share of the sale in cash, and within a decade had built Yankee Stadium, acquired baseball legend Babe Ruth, and won the first of the franchise’s World Series titles. * On Jan. 12, 1948, pacifist and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi began his final fast. Eighteen days later, he was assassinated by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse while on his way to address a prayer meeting. * On Jan. 13, 1976, American inventor Ray Kurzweil and the National Federation of the Blind debuted the Kurzweil Reading Machine, the first omnifont optical character recognition system, which converts print to speech. * On Jan. 14, 2004, the national flag of Georgia, also known as “the five-cross flag,” was returned to official use for the first time in five centuries. Originally a banner of the medieval Kingdom of Georgia, it became popular again in the late 20th and early 21st centuries during the country’s national revival.

Puzzle Solutions

GO FIGURE SOLUTION

Since owls are nocturnal and probably go hunting at night, I would call them bedtime preyers.

"No question about it. This is the longest course l've ever played."

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Week of January 7, 2024

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email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 15

Sapphires from page 3

Western Air Cooling and Heating of India, then stealthly climbed back out of the Golf Caddy - Prem. Position building with their bagged loot. Once on the Oct. 22, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 43

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street they nonchalantly hailed a cab to drop them a few blocks from their hotel.

When the theft was discovered the following day, the director admitted that security had we are not been lax. Windows had been left unlocked. comfortable Batteries in the burglar alarm system were until you dead. No security guard had been on duty. The are. gems had not been insured. Detectives found no fingerprints on the scene.

GET Detectives followed up on a possible tip.

READY NEW Three suspicious men renting hotel rooms near FOR the museum had been hosting wild and lavish WINTER! WINTER! parties. A search warrant turned up a map of Upon arrival at your the museum and books about gems. Just two home, our tecnicians ADVERTISING PROOF days after the robbery, the three burglars were use a time-tested, Changes DUE:exhaustive 5:00 p.m.. taken into custody. The men wereFinal charged Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Property of 24-point checklist! with first degree burglary and possession of AdVenture Media, Inc. Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. burglary tools, but no gems were Contact found.your Free WINTER Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 on bail, the men returned to Florida.

TUNE-UP FREE SPECIAL! Surveillance of the three led investigators to of Coachella Valley The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 a locker in a Miami bus terminal. Detectives valleybits@msn.com recovered the priceless Star of India and several All Rights Reserved other stolen gems, but not all. The men were sentenced to three years at New York’s Rikers Island Correctional Facility.

Soon after the sentencing, the Star of India went back on exhibit, now secured in a thick glass display that pivots out of sight into a black twoton safe every night. It remains there to this day.

Ten of the 24 most valuable gems were back FREE ESTIMATES Call us where they belonged; the others were never TODAY: 760-984-3151 recovered. Itʼs thought that the larger missing stones were sold and cut down to smaller, callwesternair.com Not valid with other promos or on previous purchases. Ask representative for details. Offer ends 11/30/23. Lic #1068351 untraceable gems.  4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

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Game Changers

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

by JasonFREE Jenkins

of Coachella Valley

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2005

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

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Tick Tock, Roll the Rock All Rights Reserved

Few people practice their tempo on the driving range, and even fewer may practice their tempo on the putting green. Yes, your putting stroke has a tempo, and it just may be the thing you need to focus on for better putting.

STAN SMITH’S TENNIS CLASS

Any smartphone today has a metronome app that can be download for free. Put your phone on the ground and turn up the volume. Start hitting some ten to fifteen footers on the green to get a feel for what’s normal to you before using the metronome.

Try 80 beats per minute with a dozen putts.

Your backstroke and impact should be the “beat” on the device. Back..through. Then drop down to 40 bpm with another dozen. Finally, hover around 60-70 bpm with the final twenty to thirty putts. Usually if you’re struggling with putting, your tempo might be out of this range. Having a ADVERTISING PROOF brisk, yet repeatable stroke tempo can help you simplify your mechanics.

Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m..

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

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

He Fax: was one ofone theofGolf Also on Office: 760-320-0997 760-320-1630 Golf Digest Top Teachers in California.

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

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

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Page 16

Issue No.

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENROLL

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure!

G O F I G U R E ! by LindaNewThistle Year's resolution: TRIVIA TEST

The idea of Go Figure is to Answers arrive at theAnswers figures given at the bottom and right-hand Jan. - 12th day of columns1.of the6 diagram byChristfolmas lowing the arithmetic signs in 2. Coca-Cola the order they are given (that Anto archipelago is, from3.left right and top to Paris, France bottom).4.Use only the numbers 5. A simulated court to give below the diagram to complete students a chance to its blanklaw squares and use each practice what they've learned of the nine numbers only once.

6. Hester Prynne 7. Almond DIFFICULTY: � 8. 11 pipers piping � Moderate Difficult 9. Almost �� 71 percent ��� GO FIGURE! 10. Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

© 2024 2022King Features Synd., Inc.

Answer peeking verboten!

Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU -Answer-

answers

1. Red, because red sapphires are called rubies 2. Sapphire 3. King Solomon 5. Greek ("blue stone") 6. Drowning BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

©©2006 King Features Syndicate, 2010King King Features Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2024 Features Synd., Inc. 2022

Quiz Bits

ANSWERS

1. (B) Established 2. (B) Pass 3. (C) Leviticus 4. (A) Moving forward 5. (D) 7th 6. (C) Wisdom

ANSWERS

1. It's worn by Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William.

2. Just under $1 million

WUZZLES Answers ®

Tidbits Tidbits®® Word Word Search Search