Vol. 19: #29 • Unusual Birds • (7-9-2023) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Kathy Wolfe

The National Geographic Society estimates there are over 50 billion birds on Earth, outnumbering the global human population by more than six to one. This week, Tidbits focuses on a few of the lesser known creatures of the avian variety, and gives you some of the unusual facts about them.

KAKAPO PARROT

• New Zealand’s kakapo parrot, found four small islands off the coast of New is seriously endangered, with only 248 known birds to exist. The kakapo is the heaviest of all the parrot species, reaching 6.6 pounds for males, with a length of 25 inches. They have beautiful yellow-green plumage and large blue feet.

• Kakapos, also known as owl parrots, are nocturnal birds with a face and eyes that resemble owls. Yet they are flightless, only using their wings for balance as they jump among branches in the trees. The kakapo might be the world’s longest-living bird, with reported lifespans of up to 100 years.

MADAGASCAR POCHARD

• The world’s rarest duck is the Madagascar Pochard, a diving duck that was believed to be

(Answers on page 16)

While you're probably not familiar with the name Frank Wills, you’re likely quite aware of the blockbuster news story that exploded as a result of a discovery he made while working as a security guard in the early 70s -- a discovery that forever changed America's political history

• The early life of Frank Wills wasn’t an easy one. Raised by a single mother in South Carolina, Frank dropped out of high school at 17. When the opportunity came along to be part of the Federal War on Poverty employment training program known as the Job Corps, Frank joined up and was sent to the men’s center in Battle Creek, Michigan. It was a good move for Frank, as he was trained as an assembly line operator, enabling him to get a job in 1968 at the nearby Ford Motor Plant.

• In 1971, the 23-year-old Wills moved to Washington, D.C., and landed a position as a private security guard at the city’s Watergate Complex earning $80 a week.

• In June 1972, as he conducted his midnight patrol of the Watergate Office Building, he noticed a strip of duct tape on the door lock of the Democratic National Committee headquarters office. The tape was stretched over the latch, preventing the door from locking completely. Puzzled over why anyone would want to place it there, Wills removed the tape and continued on his routine rounds.

• On his second patrol of the darkened building thirty minutes later, he again walked past the same door and noticed the tape he had removed earlier had now been replaced with another strip. He knew instantly that someone else had to be in the building in order to do this. Armed only with a can of mace, Wills raced down to the lobby telephone to alert D.C.’s Second Precinct Police Department of what he had discovered, then he quietly waited.

Gonzalez, Eugenio Martinez, James McCord, and Frank Sturgis. When they were questioned at the police station, it was quickly learned that they all had close ties to President Richard Nixon’s re-election campaign.

• And so began the major investigation into what became known as the Watergate Scandal, which rocked Washington and ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation.

• And what happened to Frank Wills? Initially hailed as a hero, he became the focus of media attention. Although some reports said that he received a hefty pay raise, Wills denied it, and quit his job because there was no future in it.

• Seeing the opportunity to benefit from his role in the discovery, Wills hired a publicity agent, who helped him land a role playing himself in the 1976 film “All The President’s Men.” The Oscar-winning movie was based on the work of Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the two Washington Post journalists who investigated and wrote a series on the Watergate scandal.

• Wills did the talk show circuit for a short time. A 1973 album by Harry Nilsson was dedicated to Frank Wills for his role in discovering the DNC burglars. A 1975 song called “The Ballad of Frank Wills” told the story of the break-in and Nixon’s resignation from Wills’ perspective. The civil rights organization NAACP gifted Wills with a truck and he received an award from the Democratic National Committee.

• Once the uproar of Watergate eventually died down, Wills’ life took a downturn. He had trouble finding anything but minimum wage jobs. He was arrested twice for shoplifting. He moved in with his mother, who had suffered a stroke, and they lived at poverty level on her $450 per month Social Security checks. After her death, Wills lived in dire poverty until his death at age 52.

• It was a sad ending to the life of a man who had been praised by the DNC for his “unique role in the history of the nation.” □

1. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of nut is used in a satay?

2. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who is the first president to have a telephone in the White House?

3. MOVIES: Which actress won an Oscar for her role in “Mary Poppins”?

4. ASTRONOMY: How many planets in our solar system have rings?

5. LITERATURE: The novels “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” are set in which U.S. state?

6. TELEVISION: How many seasons of “Star Trek” were produced for television?

7. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the highest mountain in Greece?

8. SCIENCE: Which plant produces the world’s hottest pepper?

9. ANATOMY: Which hormone regulates blood sugar?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a piebald?

• When the police arrived, Wills led them to the area of the offices, and they began searching them one by one. Wills later said, “When we turned the lights on, one person, then two persons, then three persons came out, and on down the line,” until five men had slowly emerged and were promptly arrested.

• Those arrested were Bernard Barker, Virgilio

1. Peanut.

2. Rutherford B. Hayes.

3. Julie Andrews.

Week of July 16, 2023

Unusual Birds (from page one)

extinct for over a decade. Then in 2006, after being declared extinct, a group of 20 Pochards was rediscovered feeding on an isolated volcanic lake in a remote area of northern Madagascar. A massive rescue and conservation effort was begun, and in 2018, 21 birds were released into the wild for the first time. Today, the estimated population is about 90 birds.

THE KAGU

• The kagu can only be found on the islands of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. While its feathers are pearl-gray, its legs and beak are bright orange, and its eyes are a brilliant red. It’s about the size of a chicken, but has quite large wings, unusual since they are flightless. But the wings aren’t useless, as the kagu flaps one wing on the ground while hopping in a circle, feigning injury to divert the attention of predators away from its nesting offspring. When the adult kagu needs to escape danger, it simply uses its long legs to speedily run away to safety.

• Kagu parents are monogamous and raise just one chick a year, with both parents feeding the chick until it’s 14 weeks old. The parents don’t get an empty nest for quite awhile – the baby stays close by in their territory and remains in

close proximity for up to six years.

GOLDEN PHEASANT

• Unlike the kagu, the baby Golden Pheasant is independent in just two weeks. This pheasant is native to central and southern China, and folks there believe it’s a sign of good luck and fortune to spot one. It’s also known as the rainbow pheasant for obvious reasons. The tuft of feathers on the crown of the male’s head is golden-yellow with a bit of red at the tip. The chest is bright scarlet, while wing feathers are blue and red, with bright green feathers on their back. Its cape is an array of black and orange that covers all of the face, except for the bright yellow orbital skin around its eye. Its wattles are also bright yellow. Its throat, neck, chin, and underparts are a rusty tan. These 41-inch-long pheasants can fly, but they’re not very good at it, spending most of their time on the ground and hidden in thick foliage.

THE PEREGRINE FALCON

• The Peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, capable of flying at speeds up to 240 miles per hour! The fastest land animal, the cheetah, doesn’t even come close at 61 mph. Even at top diving speed, the Peregrine can catch other birds, such as seagulls and pigeons, in midair, dropping into a steep rapid dive, gripping their prey with long black talons. They also feed on mice, rabbits, squirrels, fish, and snakes. Their vision is eight times better than that of humans, able to focus on their prey at a distance of 1.85 miles.

• Peregrines aren’t rare, with an estimated world population of 140,000, and found on every continent except Antarctica. They live everywhere from the cold tundra to the desert, even atop the tall bridges and skyscrapers of metropolitan cities. Strangely enough, the female Peregrine is larger than the male. The bird’s average lifespan in the wild is 18 years.

• Roman author and naturalist Pliny the Elder was responsible for naming the peregrine falcon, writing about it in his book “Natural History,” around 77 AD. The name was derived from the Latin word for “wanderer.” Pliny the Elder died in Pompei while trying to rescue friends from the tragic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

THE MACAW

• Most of those people who choose a parrot for a pet opt for a macaw, usually the blue and yellow or blue and red variety. These are the

talkers with an uncanny ability for mimicking mechanical sounds, barking dogs, and human speech. They are able to learn many different words, short phrases, and some even sing

Unusual Birds: Turn to page 15

2.What ������ ��������

QUIZ BITS

1. What is the name of the toucan mascot on the Fruit Loops cereal box?

2. What subject does an oologist study?

(Answers page 16)

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

Seven U.S. states have the red cardinal as their official state bird -- Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, West Vir-ginia, and North Carolina. Cardinals are members of the finch family. Only the male has the familiar bright red plumage. The female is fawn-colored with red accents. They are singing birds, with at least 24 differerent songs or calls.

SOLAR PANEL DOCTORS

1.VERNALEQUINOX

2.CROCUS

By Lucie Winborne

* Because snow is composed of ice, it can be classified as a mineral.

* In 2018, the U.S. Navy equipped its submarines with Xbox360 controllers, as the control sticks for periscopes are not only expensive but challenging to master. But the change wasn’t just designed to save cash: Since many periscope operators have used Xbox controllers, the skill was easily transferred.

* Movie trailers were originally shown after the movie, hence their name.

* A lion’s roar can be as loud as 114 decibels, which is roughly 25 times louder than a gas-powered lawnmower, due to the shape of its vocal cords. The roar can also be heard up to 5 miles away.

* Because there is no true black color, all “black” pigments and dyes really only look black. They’re made up of a combination of other pigments in specific combinations to reflect the least amount of light possible.

* Starfish digest food outside their bodies.

* Before designer Louis Vuitton’s death, he and his son Georges developed a revolutionary new lock system to better protect their customers’ luggage. Several years later, after patenting the system, Georges publicly challenged illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini to break out of a Vuitton trunk. While Houdini declined, it served as a positive ad for the new feature.

* William Hung, famous for his rendition of “She Bangs” on “American Idol,” is a 73rdgeneration descendant of Confucius.

* The Vatican had music that was forbidden to be copied and was only played twice per year. It remained secret for nearly 150 years until a 14-year-old Mozart heard it and transcribed it from memory.

* Though most think it’s Italian, pepperoni is an American invention.

Thought for the Day: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” --

Anne Lamott

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

Families on Vacation

When I was a kid, family travel meant four kids crammed in the back seat of a sedan poking and elbowing one another while counting the miles between rest stops.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

of ThemeParkInsider.com

Leah, a blogger at TheBudgetMouse. com is wild for Disney World. “I’m a veteran Disney World visitor and have been on Disney vacations with my family over 30 times!” Check out Leah’s tips and sign up for her very informative and money-saving emails.

GAS UP THE CAR

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

by Mary Hunt

Things have changed dramatically since then. But even with onboard DVDs, spacious minivans, air travel, cruises and theme parks, family vacations can be either delightful or disastrous. It all depends on the care you devote to research and planning.

TIME AND MONEY

When it comes to family vacations, quality is more important than quantity. Instead of trying to stretch your available cash over the time you can be away, first consider the money you have to spend. Divide the money by a reasonable daily budget to determine how many days you can be gone.

INVOLVE THE KIDS

Talk about how much you have to spend, then show the kids what it costs to eat in a restaurant, spend the night in a hotel or buy tickets for an amusement park.

Reader Dawn R. from California allowed her teenage daughter to plan their vacation with the money they had to spend over and above the cost of overnight accommodations. “Our spendthrift daughter became Ms. Frugality because she wanted to parasail,” she recalls. “She had us fix meals in our room, and watched the expenses like a hawk. And we parasailed.” Dawn says it was the best vacation ever. “As a bonus we went home with cash in our pockets and the priceless accomplishment of teaching our child the value of money.”

ENVELOPE METHOD

There’s nothing like a good visual to keep a vacation based in reality. Large colorful envelopes are ideal -- one for each day to hold that day’s allotted cash.

THEME PARK STRATEGY

Got your plans set on a visit to an amusement park? You can find deals and discounts on the internet, says Robert Niles, editor and founder

Road trips are an American tradition and a wonderful way to see the country. Before you take off visit www.GasBuddy.com or www.GasPriceWatch.com for insider tips on where to find the cheapest gasoline price. These sites are updated daily by local volunteers in every locale across the U.S., who watch for the cheapest prices.

CAMPING

If you’re careful, camping can be nearly as affordable as staying at home provided you have the equipment or can borrow it. Visit the National Park Service website (NPS.gov) to search affordable destinations within the National Park Service. Many campgrounds now require reservations (rec.gov), so don’t wait until the last minute. Recreation Use fee prices vary by location and activity.

LIVING HISTORY MUSEUMS

There are at least 2,000 living history museums around the country where the past seems as real as the present. Start with a virtual visit where you can “tour” many of these wonderful attractions online. Go to ALHFAM.org, the site of The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (historyisfun.com), Henry Ford Museum (hfmgv.org) and Conner Prairie (connerprairie. org) are just a few of the living history museums that make learning fun for visitors of any age.

STAY-AT-HOME ADVENTURES

A little short on cash? No problem. Clever parents can turn a tent in the backyard into an amazing camping experience. Change all the rules for your stay-at-home vacation. Sleep in, unplug the phone, stay up really late. During the day, visit the tourist attractions right in your own town. Check your city’s website or search using your city/region plus the word “tourism.”

GROUP TRAVEL

Vacationing with another family can cut the costs on rentals, food and transportation. This is an especially good choice for single-parent families who agree to pool their energy and resources. Just make sure you discuss expectations and budgets ahead of time. Tip: All-inclusive resorts are a good choice for group travel because it’s a fixed cost and you know exactly what it is before you set out.

To this day, my favorite childhood memories revolve around family vacations. Just being together made all the poking and elbowing that went on in the back seat worth it. All these years later, I’m more convinced than ever: There’s just nothing quite so enjoyable and memorable as a family vacation!

* * *

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.” COPYRIGHT

THE OSTRICH

• The ostrich is the world’s largest bird, with a documented weight of 346 pounds, although the average is around 230 pounds. These flightless birds stand nearly seven feet tall, but have been known to reach a height of nine feet. Beautiful long eyelashes protect their eyes, eyes which happen to be larger than their brain!

• The female ostrich lays about 70 eggs per year, very large eggs that average about six inches long, five inches wide, and weigh about three pounds. Although the ostrich egg is the largest of any bird, it’s the smallest egg relative to the size of the mother. A kiwi egg is 20 percent of the mother’s weight, but the ostrich egg is only two percent of her weight. It would require 24 chicken eggs to make an omelet the equivalent of one ostrich egg. The ostrich has just two toes on each foot, but that unusual design helps them run swiftly at speeds of more than 40 mph, with

each stride reaching up to 15 feet in length!

THE CASSOWARY

• You’ll definitely want to avoid the cassowary, another large bird native to Australia and New Guinea rainforests. With three-toed feet and four-inch-long dagger-like claws, the cassowary is considered the most formidable and dangerous bird on earth. It’s also the second heaviest in the world, second only to its cousin, the ostrich. Cassowarys can reach weights up to190 pounds, and they are extremely agile. Just one kick can slice open a predator, and they have been known to attack and kill humans.

• The cassowary is a flightless bird, but can run at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour through forested areas, and can suddenly jump straight up to heights of nearly seven feet and land on its prey. If that’s not enough reason to keep your distance, it’s also a great swimmer!

• Cassowarys are jet black for the most part, but their face, neck, and wattles are brightly colored, red, gold, blue, purple, or white, depending on the species. The females are larger than the males and are more brilliant in their colors. And it’s the male’s job to sit on the nest to incubate their eggs, for periods as long as 60 days.

CALIFORNIA CONDOR

• The largest flying bird in North America is the California condor, with a wingspan of up to ten feet tip to tip. In the early 1980s, the population of condors fell to just 22 birds, and in 1987 they were declared extinct in the wild.

• Due to extensive conservation endeavors, there are now about 275 condors in the wild in California, Utah, Arizona, and Baja California. Another 160 live in captivity.

• This vulture species has black plumage, with a bit of white on the underside of the wings. It’s their bald head that draws the attention. The head’s skin is gray on young birds, but is bright yellow and orange on breeding adults. Similar to the reptilian chameleon, it can also change skin color in response to its environment.

• Condors usually dine on dead carcasses, but can survive up to two weeks without eating by storing up to three pounds of meat in a special chamber in their esophagus. Their life expectancy is up to 60 years old.

THE BEE HUMMINGBIRD

• The world’s smallest bird species is found only in Cuba. Measuring at about two inches in

length, it is an absolute miniature, even among hummingbirds, and they are often mistaken for bees. Beating its tiny wings an incredible 80 times per second, it darts about with amazing speed making a sound resembling that of a bumblebee.

• The bee hummingbird might be tiny, but they’re always busy, gathering nectar from as many as 1,500 flowers a day. Their plumage is an iridescent shiny blue. This variety of hummingbird weighs less than a dime, and lays tiny eggs smaller than a coffee bean. □

by Dana Jackson

Q: Now that “Don’t Trust the B---- in Apt. 23” has been canceled, what are Krysten Ritter’s plans? -- Hailey F., via e-mail

A: The hilarious and gorgeous actress is set to reprise her role of Gia Goodman in the “Veronica Mars” movie.

Krysten recently tweeted: “Veronica Mars has a special place in my heart because it was my first big acting job, and it was also one of the loveliest on-set experiences you could ever ask for.”

***

Q: I was glad to read in your column a couple of weeks ago that Eric Winter will be guest starring on “Rizzoli and Isles,” one of my favorite shows. Can you tell me what else he’s up to? -- Pam B., New Orleans

A: The handsome actor, who played the duplicitous FBI agent Craig O’Laughlin on CBS’s “The Mentalist,” has a couple of projects in the pipeline. According to Eric, right now he is having a blast working on the set of “Rizzoli and Isles,” calling Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon two of the best ladies in the business.

“I am so happy to be a part of this show,” he told me. “It’s a huge hit on TNT, and it’s such a great cast. I love the dynamic between my character (BT) and Maura. I really hope the fans enjoy it!”

Eric also co-stars with Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe in the PlayStation 3 videogame, “Beyond: Two Souls,” which will be released Oct. 8. For all you nongamers out there, this game is a pretty big

deal, with a storyline rivaling a big-screen movie. It will contain extended scenes, bonus scenes and features, and a bunch of other cool stuff for excited “Beyond” fans.

***

Q: I read about a year ago that TNT was planning a mobster-type series based on the book “L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City” by John Buntin. Is that project still happening, or did it get canceled? -- Freddie T., via e-mail

Camp.” What can you tell me about this show? -- Kevin H., Tallahassee, Fla.

A: “Summer Camp” is a new reality competition series from the producers of “Big Brother,” where the cast competes in summer camp-style events to win cold hard cash. The show premieres on the USA network July 11, airing at 8/7c.

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com.

Final

A: “Lost Angels” is indeed going full-steam ahead, with a projected debut on TNT later this year. The cast includes Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough, Milo Ventimiglia, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jeremy Strong, Alexa Davalos, Thomas Jane, Simon Pegg and, recently announced, Edward Burns. The story centers on the true, decadeslong battle between the LAPD -- under legendary Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker -- and the West Coast gang, led by mob boss Mickey Cohen. ***

Q: We seem to be inundated with reality TV shows, and I just read about one more being added to the list, called “Summer

Final

(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Split ................................ (PG-13) James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy

1. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13) Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

2. Rings (PG-13) Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

2. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

3. A Dog’s Purpose (PG) Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid

4. Hidden Figures ....................(PG) Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer

3. Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse (PG) Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld

4. No Hard Feelings (R) Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman

5. La La Land .................... (PG-13) Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

5. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (PG-13) Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter ...................................... (R) Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen

6. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (PG) Jane Fonda, Lana Condor

7. Sing (PG) animated

7. The Little Mermaid (PG) Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King

8. Lion (PG-13) Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman

8. The Flash (PG-13) Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton

9. The Space Between Us .. (PG-13) Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield

9. Asteroid City (PG-13) Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson

10. xXx: Return of Xander Cage .................................... (PG-13)

Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen

10. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (PG-13) Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji © 2023

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

Features Synd., Inc.

Good Recipes from Pesto Risotto

The perfect treat for dinner, this easy dish also makes a great comfort meal. The Parmesan cheese melts right into the risotto, mixing in with the pesto to add a hint of creaminess.

3 cups water

1 can (15-ounce) lower-sodium chicken broth (1 3/4 cups)

1 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon margarine or butter

2 medium (about 2 ounces) shallots, finely chopped

2 cups arborio rice

1 pound tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons refrigerated pesto, for garnish Basil, for garnish

1. In 3-quart saucepan, cover and heat water, broth and wine to boiling on high.

2. Meanwhile, in 4-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine margarine, shallots and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Microwave on high 2 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stir in rice; microwave 30 seconds.

3. Carefully pour boiling liquid into bowl; stir to combine. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on 50 percent power 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

4. To risotto, add tomatoes, Parmesan, pesto, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; gently stir to combine. Divide among serving bowls. Garnish with basil. Makes 6 servings.

Tip: Instead of wine, stir in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.

 Each serving: About 450 calories, 8g total fat (2g saturated), 8mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 80g total carbs, 4g dietary fiber, 11g protein.

Blueberry Crisp

You can put this together really fast. Try it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 pints blueberries (about 7 1/2 cups)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

3/4 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 tablespoons cold butter or margarine, cut up

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, stir granulated sugar and cornstarch until blended. Add blueberries and lemon juice; toss to coat. Pour blueberry mixture into shallow 2 1/2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish; spread evenly.

2. In same bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. With fingertips, work in butter until coarse crumbs form. Press crumb mixture together and sprinkle on top of blueberry mixture.

3. Bake crisp 35 to 40 minutes or until top is browned and fruit is bubbling at edge. Cool on

wire rack 1 hour to serve warm, or cool completely to serve later. Makes 8 servings.

* Each serving: About 270 calories, 3g protein, 52g carbohydrate, 7g total fat (4g saturated), 5g fiber, 16mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium.

John Allen

Brett Koth

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS HAS A GO AT WRITING

Cody’s

Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Bringing Home Happy

Earlier this spring I did something I hadn’t done in 20 years. And this something reminds me every day how much easier it is to give advice than it is to apply it.

I got a puppy. He’s a German shepherd. His name is Happy.

Happy came from a breeder I know in North Carolina. My wife and I flew in on a Friday, and the next day, bright and early on that beautiful Saturday morning, we drove to the breeder’s house like two anxious adoptive parents.

When we arrived, the breeder’s property was bustling with at least 15 people and their dogs already midway through a training session. One of the dogs being trained was 14 months old and from the same parents as the pup we were there to meet, the dog who would be Happy. Beautiful boy. My wife was with me not for moral support or the trip to North Carolina. The dog we would fly home with was to be her dog. I was there to play matchmaker.

That morning, we met not one dog but two. I rattled my car keys, turned them onto their backs, waved my hands in their little puppy faces and watched them interact -- with us and with each other. My wife played with both pups, and both are good dogs. But one was clearly sweeter, gentler, and the other was more strong-willed and a little pushy with the other.

Being a household that already includes one German shepherd and three Cardigan Welsh Corgis, a natural inclination toward playing nicely with others was a must. Happy it was -- until we got back to the hotel, that is.

That night, we got no sleep. The teething, the whining... Like I said, 20 years had elapsed since I last did this. Don’t get me wrong. We both were excited and thrilled to be bringing Happy home. But the challenges of raising a puppy were already seeping back into the forefront of my awareness.

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

The thought that kept coming to me all night long: As much as I’ve yakked about this my whole adult life, I hope I still know how to do it.

We arrived home to a quiet house. In prep-

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 11

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Customers Give SSA a Thumbs Up

Q: In a recent column, you highlighted some harsh words from a guy who was critical of the government in general and the Social Security Administration in particular.

I just wanted to tell you that my recent experience with the SSA filing a claim for retirement benefits could not have gone more smoothly. I used the online application process, and everything went like clockwork. My claim was finished in less than a week and my first check showed up in my bank account right on time. Can you please let people know the system works?

Q: It really galls me to hear people criticize the Social Security Administration and then lambaste you as a former employee of the agency. You should know that our recent dealings with SSA were top-rate. The representative we dealt with was courteous, classy and knowledgeable. We could not have been happier with the service we received.

Q: I don’t see how you put up with those nasty, finger-pointing old goats who seem to have nothing better to do than gripe about alleged poor service from the Social Security Administration. My guess is that whatever problems they might have had with the agency came about in large part because of the big chip they have on their shoulder when it comes to anything having to do with the government.

My wife and I just wanted you to know that our recent interaction with SSA employees when we filed for our retirement benefits was exceptional. They were very helpful.

Q: What I want to know is: Why are you so willing to publish diatribes from people who are so critical of an agency you spent most of your life working for? I just think you should know that when I recently signed up

for my retirement benefits, the local Social Security office people were very efficient and courteous. The young woman who took care of me was professional in every way. The entire process was smooth and simple. So please publish the good news about SSA and stop highlighting the few bad apples.

These are just a few of the emails I received following a recent column in which, once again, some guy was critical of the Social Security Administration and its employees. And sadly, those critical emails usually outnumber the glowing ones. But I’m sure that has a lot to do with the fact that people are much more likely to complain about poor service than they are to acknowledge and praise good service. That’s why I was so pleased to get the emails that I printed in today’s column.

Some readers may remember a customer service survey column I wrote about several years ago. I was getting lots of emails from readers critical of the SSA’s services or of the allegedly bad advice they were getting from the agency’s representatives. Once again, I figured that people were much more likely to write and complain about bad service than they were to send me accolades praising good service.

So, I decided to test my theory by conducting a survey of my readers. I got hundreds of responses. Long story short: The vast majority -- almost 90% -- of respondents said they were happy and satisfied with the service they got from the SSA.

That was the good news for the Social Security Administration and its employees. But there was another side to that coin. I was able to glean this bit of information from the responses. SSA’s front line employees did routine work very well. And fortunately, most of us have rather routine experiences with Social Security. We turn 62 or 67 and want to file for retirement benefits and that’s that. It’s all rather simple and cut and dried.

But if your Social Security situation is not quite routine, then, sadly, SSA reps sometimes fall down on the job. And I think a lot of this has to do with training. When I started working for the SSA in 1973, I went to a highly intensive and vigorous three month class that was taught by very expert trainers -- frontline supervisory people who had been with the agency for decades and who had seen it all. And they passed all this knowledge on to us young neophytes -- comprehensive facts and information that carried us through our careers.

But regrettably, that’s not the way things work anymore. Today, new SSA hires get about six weeks of mostly online computer training. That’s just not the way to teach raw recruits about all the complicated Social Security rules and regulations.

So, if you are John Q. or Jane Q. Public, what are you supposed to do if you are pushing Social Security age and you are about to deal with the Social Security Administration for the first time?

Well, as I alluded to earlier, most of you probably have fairly routine situations. You are about to retire and you want to apply for your Social Security benefits, and that’s all. In that case, I recommend you get on your computer and go to www. socialsecurity.gov and file online. The whole process is really quite simple.

But if you’ve got a Social Security case with a few wrinkles -- like having a spouse eligible for Social Security benefits at the same time; like possibly being eligible for benefits on two different accounts (usually your own and a living or deceased or divorced husband or wife); or like wanting to file for benefits before full retirement age but continue working part time -- then I recommend you talk to someone in person by calling the SSA at 800-7721213, If the first person you talk to seems a little hesitant or unsure of himself or herself, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Or send an email to a highly trained but now retired former SSA representative who writes a nationally syndicated column about Social Security issues. I can’t take your claim, but I certainly will be able to answer your questions.

* * *

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

2. Song of Solomon and which other book specifically mentions the "apple tree"?

a) Genesis b) Revelation c) Joel d) Proverbs

3. Of these, what disciple was not on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus?

a) John b) Matthew c) James d) Peter

4. From Genesis 4:26, who was Adam's youngest son? a) Ishmael b) Cain c) Abel d) Seth

5. In John 11:16, who was also known as Didymus? a) Mark b) Simon Peter c) Thomas d) Judas

6. Which book has the longest verse in the Bible? a) Esther b) Chronicles c) Joel d) Revelation

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

(Answers on page 16)

For comments or more Bible Trivia go to www.TriviaGuy.com

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 Easyto-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. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

Staycation Ideas for

Seniors

How do we go on vacation when our budgets don't allow us to travel anywhere? How can any days feel like vacation when we do what we usually do, which is mostly stay home?

The answer lies in that made-up word: “staycation.” The idea is to spend time doing something different and refreshing without leaving your home area.

One of my favorite ways to unwind and decompress is to turn off the TV, unplug the phone and read. I can get ten free Kindle Unlimited books at a time, more than enough to keep me happy during an unplugged week while I pretend I’m on vacation. With a free-delivery Walmart+ membership ($98 for a year), I can have groceries and snacks delivered to the door.

I’ve already checked the local events calendar, marking off several of interest. That doesn’t mean I’ll go to all of them, but the options are there: a sandwich, no-salt chips and a drink in a chilled to-go-bag and a few relaxing hours at a free local outdoor concert.

One of the events I’m looking forward to is an evening community sing where likely hundreds of people (mostly seniors, I imagine) will get together outdoors in a public park to sing the oldies. Is it an old-fashioned, outdated activity? Yes, it sure is. But is it relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable for everyone there? YES!

On another day I’ll spend some hours at the Louvre in Paris. I won’t actually be there, of course, but definitely close enough with their free virtual tour (www.louvre.fr/en/onlinetours). Do an online search for “museums with virtual tours,” and you’ll find several dozen choices. Zoos, national parks and aquariums have done the same thing, and they're becoming more and more popular.

The opportunities for productive staycation activities are numerous. Purpose yourself to learn some new things, and possibly even develop a new hobby. Would you like to learn to paint or sketch? Order some basic supplies and spend some days taking in some online art tutorials. Always wanted to write a novel, or a book on a subject you're knowledgeable in? Discipline yourself to finally get started on it.

You can get a lot done in an unplugged week. How about baking a pie? First spend a sunny morning with basket in arm at a pick-ityourself fruit farm. Then invite some friends over for an old-fashioned afternoon social with freshbaked pie and ice cream. What an enjoyable event for your staycation memories!

Okay, you get the idea. A staycation is what you make it. And you owe it to yourself to make it happen.

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

aration for our arrival, we had boarded our other dogs to give us uninterrupted bonding time with the new guy. Otherwise, dogs will bond with one another and ignore the humans.

At this initial stage, caring, feeding, loving and nurturing are the priorities - it’s not the time to lay down the law or begin training.

We set Happy up to sleep in his comfy crate right next to our bed. We hear him when he cries, and he lets us know when he needs to go out, when he’s hungry, when he needs a frozen washcloth to soothe his aching jaws from the teething. And we’ve had no housebreaking accidents at all, which makes me think I’ve still got it! I actually do know what I’m talking about!

Whenever Happy’s inside, he’s either on

a leash or in his crate. We’ll maintain this rule for months, and all new puppy parents would be wise to, as well.

Last night at sunset, I was sitting on the back deck with Happy. There was a broom propped up against a wall behind us. Happy wanted to eat that broom. The leash and the crate help you to prevent destruction and to quietly set boundaries on behaviors such as chewing.

That said, as I look down right now, I can’t see the floor under my feet for the dog toys all around. With some things, boundaries are totally overrated.

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.

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.

2012 CREATORS.COM

so low that drug companies have not thought it worth the costs to proceed.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Hemorrhoid

Surgery Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 30-year-old, and otherwise healthy, grandson has been suffering from, and treating, hemorrhoids for two years. He is anemic due to his loss of blood.

He’s had several bandings; they couldn’t complete the last one because he was in too much pain. They said they couldn’t anesthetize the area because his lack of feeling would prevent them from knowing if they were near a nerve. So, now they say he should have surgery, although it is said to be quite painful and difficult.

Do you agree that they can’t anesthetize the area for banding, and is the surgery as horrible to deal with as they say? Under what conditions would you say it is advisable to have the surgery? -- A.P.

ANSWER: Most people with a banding procedure do not need anesthesia, and nerve blocks are not used in hemorrhoidal banding because a feeling of pain is a useful indication that the band is not in the best position. When home treatments and office procedures (like banding, scleral therapy or infrared coagulation) are ineffective or can’t be used, it is time to consider surgical treatment.

The surgery’s reputation of being “horrific” is undeserved. I have had several patients in the last few years undergo this surgical procedure, and although they have certainly had a few days of pain after the procedure, all have been happy with the outcomes. Surgeons often use long-acting local anesthetics, and the pain is greatly reduced when they are combined with better surgical procedures, compared to older surgical techniques and anesthesia. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister’s dog ran through a swampy area while we were on a walk and ended up with a lot of ticks. We picked off about ten of them that day.

The interesting part was that the dog had just gotten his flea and tick medication. So, aside from the first couple of ticks we picked off, the rest were dead, showing the effectiveness of the medicine!

In the meantime, there are topical treatments humans can spray on the skin to repel ticks, which -- in combination with protective clothing and daily tick checks -- is a moderately effective way of preventing tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. There currently isn’t an available vaccine for Lyme disease, but at least one is undergoing clinical trials at this moment.

* * *

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

Sexual Assault at VA Facilities

The Department of Veterans Affairs has just launched a special phone number to report sexual assault or harassment at VA facilities. Veterans, their caregivers, their families and survivors can call a hotline at 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 9. The hotline is in addition to other resources, such as staff, local law enforcement and the VA police, when an assault occurs.

At the hotline, which is answered 24/7, victims can confidentially report what happened and then get follow-up health care and support.

Of special interest to me was the Bystander Intervention Training (www.va.gov/STOPHARASSMENT/bystander-intervention-techniques.asp). It teaches specific verbal and action skills if you spot a sexual assault or harassment occurring. These steps are not especially physical, but they are effective at intervening. Click on the one-minute videos with animated cartoons showing just what to do or say in each instance. (I admit, I learned several things about intervention.)

There is Direct Action (speaking up), Distract (pretend you know the victim and intervene), Delegate (get someone else involved so you can find help) and Document (write down what happened).

Look at the Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans online course (www.veterantraining.va.gov/bystandertraining) to learn what to do if you see harassment or sexual assault. Also click on the Gauging Harmful Behavior section and learn what is and isn’t considered unwelcome sexual advances, disrespectful, over the line, rude, mild flirting, and what might also escalate from acceptable to sexually violent behavior. Knowing these things can make you more effective when it comes to intervening in a potential assault.

The hotline number is one to become familiar with and perhaps carry in your wallet. It’s the one number you need for all kinds of VA-related things, including the crisis line, homeless veterans help (try to call them before becoming homeless), cemetery and burial information, facility locator, health care, benefits assistance, education info, caregiver support -- all things veteran. If you don’t know who to call, call the hotline.

* * *

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.

FILLERPAGE2

FILLERPAGE2 2Q08-WEEK19 MAY4-MAY10

Is there a reason that people, especially those who work or live in areas prone to ticks, cannot be treated in a similar way in order to ward off Lyme and other tick-borne diseases? (I am not suggesting using veterinary medicine on people; I’m just asking why there isn’t a similar medical treatment for people when there’s such an apparently effective preventative for dogs.) -- J.D.

2Q08-WEEK19 MAY4-MAY10

PRESENTS

TRIVIANEWSFRONT™

byKaraKovalchik&SandyWood

byKaraKovalchik&SandyWood

NEWSFRONTANSWERS TRIVIA

NEWSFRONTANSWERS TRIVIA

1.ErnieK-Doe

2.necessity

3.Loretta

PRESENTS

TRIVIANEWSFRONT™

4.DannyDeVito

4.DannyDeVito

ANSWER: I’m, of course, not a veterinarian, but I did look up the toxicity for three of the most frequently prescribed oral flea and tick medicines for dogs. All of them have the potential for toxicity in humans, and none have been studied extensively. I hypothesize that the cost of conducting studies on humans is so great, and the expected demand for such a product is

1.Whohada#1hitin1961withthesardonic “Mother-in-Law”?

1.Whohada#1hitin1961withthesardonic “Mother-in-Law”?

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the motherofinvention”?

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the motherofinvention”?

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfricanAmericancomedienneMomsMabley?

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfricanAmericancomedienneMomsMabley?

4.Whatfilmactorwantedto in1987? ThrowMomma fromtheTrain

4.Whatfilmactorwantedto in1987?

5.CandyLightner

5.CandyLightner

1.Whohada#1hitin1961withthesardonic

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfrican-

-- by Jim Miller

Tips and Tools for Coping with Vision Loss

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Can you recommend some good resources for seniors copiing with vision loss? My husband was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, which has deteriorated his central vision. It's effecting his everyday life and he’s become very despondent. -- Worried Wife

Dear Worried: I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s eye condition. Unfortunately, there are about 20 million Americans living with macular degeneration today. Over time, this progressive disease can rob people of their central vision, making everyday tasks like driving a car, reading a magazine or watching television quite challenging or even impossible. Here are some tips and resources that can help:

Low Vision Help

If your husband hasn’t already done so, he needs to see a low-vision specialist for a comprehensive examination. Low-vision specialists are ophthalmologist or optometrist with additional credentials or specialization in low vision testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

A low vision exam, which is much dif ferent from a typical eye exam, will explore how your husband’s eye condition is affect ing his day-to-day life, how he’s adapting emotionally and prescribe solutions to help him regain as much day-to-day functioning as possible.

Your next step is to get your husband to a nearby vision rehabilitation service. These services, which are run by state or nonprofit organizations, or private eye care clinics, help people with all types of uncorrectable vision impairments. Most state and nonprofit services are free or low-cost, while private clinics typically charge a fee or may accept Medicare.

While vision rehabilitation does not restore lost sight, it does help people maximize their existing sight, or, if they have no vision, it can equip them with techniques and tools to help them maintain an independent lifestyle.

Services include counseling, along with training on how to perform daily living tasks with low vision, and how to use visual and adaptive devices and assistive technologies that can help improve quality of life. They also offer guidance for adapting your home that will make it safer and easier for your husband to maneuver and can help him locate low-vision support groups. Some agencies will even send their specialist out to work with him in the comfort of your own home.

To find a vision rehabilitation service

near you ask your husband’s eye doctor for a referral, or you can locate services yourself by calling the American Printing House (APH) Connect Center at 800-232-5463.

Online Tools

Another convenient place to get help for your husband is online at VisionAware (VisionAware.org). This free website that’s part of the APH Connect Center is specifically designed for older adults new to vision loss. It provides information on eye diseases and disorders, along with dozens of practical tips, information and instructional videos on living with vision loss. These include concepts for adapting your home to make it easier to navigate, techniques for traveling safely outside the home, and various tips on how to manage things like finances, medications, and other tasks such as cooking, cleaning, grooming, reading, writing, doing hobbies and more.

VisionAware also provides a comprehensive list of more than 2,000 low vision agencies and organizations across the country that’s searchable by state or category.

Another terrific low vision resource that’s available to your husband is Hadley (Hadley.edu), which is a nonprofit organization and partner of the National Eye Institute

and the National Eye Health Education Program.

Hadley offers online discussion groups, audio podcasts and dozens of free online workshop videos to help empower the blind and visually impaired. With Hadley, your husband will learn new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to his vision loss and connect him with a network of peers who understand what he’s going through.

by Anne McCollam

Trip Down Memory Lane

Q: This is a photo of a cedar chest that I recently refinished. It was made by Lane Company, and I have never seen one like this before. The overall dimensions are 40 inches wide, 20 inches high and 19 inches deep. Anything you can tell me about the history of my cedar chest will be appreciated.

ored sprigs of petite flowers against a white background and trimmed in gold.

I know nothing about the history of my plate and would appreciate any information you can provide

Adderley Ltd. was located in Staffordshire, England.

A: Adderley Ltd. has been located in Longton, Staffordshire, England, since 1906. Bone china is a term for a mixture of feldspar, kaolin and bone ash. Strength and a snow-white body are the results of adding bone ash to the formula. English potters developed the formula around 1800. It was their so-

lution for their search for a way to produce china similar to the hard paste porcelain that was made in China.

FYI: At one time, all porcelain was made in China, thus the name “china.” Bone ash was the byproduct of animal bones, usually from cattle. English china and bone china are interchangeable terms.

Adderly used this mark between 1912 and 1926. Your cake plate would probably fetch $75 to $125 in an antiques shop.

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has recently 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

A: John Lane along with his son, Ed Lane, founded Standard Red Cedar Chest Company in Altavista, Va., in 1912. They had little experience in chest manufacturing and didn’t want to use their family name to identify the company until it proved to be successful.

Their cedar chests were also called Hope chests and were marketed to young women and brides to be. In the early 1900s, most young women planned to marry rather than have careers. Hope chests were often given as graduation gifts and filled with linens and blankets to be used when they became wives and homemakers.

The cedar wood was fragrant and also repelled moths. Lane Company made chests in a wide variety of styles and woods. Their Art Deco waterfall design was one of the most popular. Today, Furniture Brands International owns Lane Company.

Yours was made in the early 1900s and would probably be worth $275 to $350.

Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on the bottom of a china cake plate that I recently bought at an antiques shop. I hope this is helpful in identifying the maker and its possible value.

The plate is decorated with multi-col-

Puzzle Solutions

That cute, tiny tyke could barely walk yet, but he was getting around on foot to the best of his stability.

Cedar Hope Chests such as this were often given as graduation gifts.

Weird Birds (from page 3)

fragments of songs. Those who own these parrots as pets are in it for the long haul – they can live to be almost 70 years old!

SPIX'S MACAW

• If you’ve seen the computer-animated movie “Rio,” you’re likely familiar with the endangered bird Spix’s Macaw. The film was the tale of the last existing pair of these birds in the world. This rare bird, endemic to Brazil, had been declared extinct in the wild, but a strenuous conservation effort resulted in 28 birds being released back into the wild in 2022.

• This gray-headed blue parrot was first discovered in 1832, but not seen again until 1903. The next sighting was 1985, when five birds were counted. Two years later, just one male remained. The “Rio” film's songs, documentaries, and education programs brought the macaw into the public eye. There are now an estimated 180 in captivity. The population of this rare species increases very slowly as the birds don’t reach mating ability until four years of age.

LOVEBIRDS

• Lovebirds are actually a variety of African parrots, known for the strong bond they have with a monogamous mate. They’re tiny little parrots, about seven inches long. There are nine different sub-species, but the most common is the peach-faced lovebird, a colorful creature with a yellow, green, and blue body and a peach-colored face. They’re able to mimic human speech, but rarely do. They’re more apt to imitate a household sound like the doorbell or microwave beep.

FLAMINGOS

• Did you know that flamingos aren’t born with those beautiful pink, orange, or red feathers?

Flamingo chicks are born gray or white, and won’t achieve the stunning plumage until they are nearing three years of age. It’s only after a steady diet of foods rich in the pigment carotene, the same one that makes tomatoes red and carrots orange.

• Flamingos dine on shrimp, plankton, algae, and crustaceans, which all contribute to the birds’ colorful feathers. The flamingo is the national bird of the Bahamas. □

STAN SMITH’S TENNIS CLASS

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Throw It Away

The golf swing can become bogged down into angles, forces, planes, degrees, and a myriad of other technical elements. Unfortunately, most golfers can’t relate to the engineering language of golf instruction that is becoming popular of late. Junior golfers and golf “athletes” work better off of images that they have used in the past, or can easily imitate.

The right arm in the golf swing most simulates the throwing action seen in many sports. The arm floats away from the body into a folded position at the top of the windup, with the wrist flexed in preparation to throw. No athlete has the arm glued to the body, nor the wrist curled (like making a muscle).

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

By practicing the common throwing position with a ball or golf club (one handed), you’ll soon achieve the natural, powerful position that many top golfers achieve. Jack Nicklaus was criticized in his prime of having a “flying elbow” yet he just didn’t try to glue his elbow to his body. Rather than thinking about angles or degrees, simply float your right arm into its best throwing position at the top

1. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of nut is used in a satay?

2. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who is the first president to have a telephone in the White House?

3. MOVIES: Which actress won an Oscar for her role in “Mary Poppins”?

4. ASTRONOMY: How many planets in our solar system have rings?

5. LITERATURE: The novels “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” are set in which U.S. state?

6. TELEVISION: How many seasons of “Star Trek” were produced for television?

7. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the highest mountain in Greece?

8. SCIENCE: Which plant produces the world’s hottest pepper?

9. ANATOMY: Which hormone regulates blood sugar?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a piebald?

Answers

1. Peanut.

2. Rutherford B. Hayes.

3. Julie Andrews.

4. Four: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

5. Missouri.

6. Three. 7. Mount Olympus. 8. Carolina Reaper.

9. Insulin. 10. An animal with irregular patches of two colors, usually black and white.

1. (B) New testament 2. (C) Joel (1:12) 3. (B) Matthew

(D) Seth 5. (C) Thomas 6. (A) Esther (8:9)