Vol. 19: #31 • Wheel of Fortune • (7-30-2023) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Kathy Wolfe

Hey there, reader -- wanna buy a vowel? Even if you're not into the world of word games, follow along anyway as Tidbits spins a few tales with some interesting facts about America’s favorite TV game, “Wheel of Fortune.”

• It was the inventive mind of celebrated media mogel and TV producer Merv Griffin, who conceived “Wheel of Fortune,” the game show he based on the word game Hangman. As Griffin recalled his childhood memory of playing Hangman with his sister on long car trips, he brought the game to the air in 1975 with the addition of a brightly lighted and very large roulette wheel.

• TV personality Chuck Woolery was chosen as the host for the new program, along with former actress and model Susan Stafford, who turned the letters. In 1981, when the Wheel’s ratings surpassed the popular “Family Feud,” Woolery asked for the same salary that was being paid Feud host, Richard Dawson. When the salary offer

(Answers on page 16)

• We know him as Pat Sajak, but he was born Patrick Sajdak to Polish parents in a lower middle-class Chicago neighborhood. His father was a minimum wage truck driver and his mother worked in a nearby factory.

• Pat was determined to accomplish more than to spend his life working as menial laborer. After finishing high school he enrolled in Chicago's Columbia College, helping to pay his way by working as a desk clerk at the city's historic Palmer House Hotel.

• He joined the Army in 1968, was trained as a clerk typist, and sent to Vietnam as a finance clerk. His duties were changed to serving as a radio DJ for the Armed Forces Vietnam Network, filling the role previously held by Adrian Cronauer, who was portrayed by Robin Williams in the 1987 hit film, “Good Morning, Vietnam!”

• Returning to the States, he wanted to continue working in radio and took his first gig as a DJ in Murray, Kentucky. A short while later he moved up to Nashville, where he took a job as a weatherman for Nashville’s WSM-TV. It was at this point that he decided to drop the “d” and change his on-air name to Sajak so itʼs spelled the same way itʼs pronounced.

• And it was here that he was spotted by a Los Angeles TV station seeking a weather reporter. Sajak quickly jumped at the opportunity in a major market for an on-camera gig, and soon went to work for L.A.’s KNBC TV.

• It was also here that Merv Griffin happened to catch him on the news broadcast and decided he would be an ideal host for his “Wheel of Fortune” game show. Sajak stepped into that role in December 1982, and the rest of that story is history.

1. THEATER: Which group composed the rock opera “Tommy”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is Mount Everest located?

3. LITERATURE: Which novel contains the line, “Big Brother is watching you”?

4. HISTORY: Who was the second president of the United States?

5. WEATHER: What is a cloud shaped like a flying saucer called?

6. TELEVISION: Which TV comedy features a character named Opie Taylor?

7. MOVIES: What is the name of Argus Filch’s cat in the “Harry Potter” series?

8. MATH: What is the only even prime number?

9. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the ailment called dysphonia?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many stages are in a butterfly’s life cycle? Answers

• Pat Sajak has a longer list of credits than just hosting “Wheel of Fortune.” He also had a role in 1982’s comedy film “Airplane II” as a Buffalo, New York newscaster. In 1983, he had a role in the daytime soap “Days of Our Lives” as a character named Kevin Hathaway, and he and Vanna both appeared in a 1987 episode of “The A-Team.” Sajak was a guest star on a 1992 episode of TV’s “The Commish,” and appeared

in the cartoon show “Rugrats” in 1994.

• In 2001, he had a cameo role in the sitcom “The King of Queens,” and did a voice-over in 2021’s “Muppets Haunted Mansion TV special.” He was a frequent guest host on “Larry King Live” and a regular substitute for Regis Philbin on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

• Pat Sajak has received three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. He received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1994.

• His salary as host of the “Wheel” is in the neighborhood of $15 million annually.

• In his private life, Pat has married twice, first to Sherrill Sajak in 1979, which was dissolved after seven years in 1986. Three years later he began a close relationship with Lesly Brown, and the two were married in 1989. The couple has a daughter, Maggie, and a son, Patrick Michael. The family lives in a massive mansion in Maryland, with a second home in Los Angeles.

• Pat has been a self-confessed baseball freak since his childhood days and he has carried on with his love for the game as a lifetime Chicago Cubs fan. In 2005, he became one of the investors in the ‘Golden Baseball League”, an organization of six independent ball teams based in San Ramon, CA.

• Sajak serves as a director of the Eagle Publishing House, a conservative institution, and is a member of the Board of Trustees at the Hillsdale College, Michigan, where he serves as vice chairman. He has also served at the Claremont Institute in Claremont, CA, on their board of directors.

• In June 2023, he announced his retirement, effective at the end of his 41st “Wheel” season. Sajak, who turns 77 in October 2023, will serve as the show’s consultant for three years.

• Describing his experience as host of the Wheel, Sajak quipped, “Weʼre just playing Hangman and spinning a giant wheel, and yet itʼs become a part of peopleʼs daily ritual and itʼs a nice spot to be in.” □

1. The Who.

2. Nepal.

3. “1984” by George Orwell.

Week of July 30, 2023

Wheel (from page one)

was $100,000 less than Woolery’s demand, he refused, and Griffin fired him.

• Susan Stafford started with the show’s debut on January 6, 1975, continuing until October 1982. She gave up acting and modeling and returned to school to obtain a B.A. in Nutrition, then an M.A. and finally a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and began working with cancer patients. In 2011, the original hostess penned her memoirs in the book Stop the Wheel, I Want to Get Off,” sharing insider details of the game show, along with her childhood reminiscences and postWheel career.

• The “Wheel” almost wasn’t the “Wheel”! The original name was proposed to be “Shopper’s Bazaar,” since the initial premise was that contestants would use their winnings to shop for prizes in the gallery. Until 1989, winners went on a shopping spree, “purchasing” items like patio furniture, hot tubs, jewelry, travel, and the infamous Dalmatian statue.

• Producer Merv Griffin was a fan of the weatherman on the local NBC news affiliate, Pat Sajak, particularly enjoying Sajak’s charming personality and sense of humor. When Griffin proposed Sajak as Woolery’s replacement, NBC’s response was a firm “No” to the unknown local, citing his lack of qualifications for the job. But Griffin held firm, refusing to tape any more episodes until the network caved. Sajak hosted for the first time on December 28, 1981.

• Sajak worked with Susan Stafford for nearly a year until Vanna White’s first episode on December 13, 1982. There were three finalists for the hostess role, but Griffin was most impressed with White.

• The show’s original announcer was Charlie O’Donnell, a seasoned veteran of announcing, having worked on “The Joker’s Wild,” “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Card Sharks,” and “To Tell the Truth,” among others. He had also served as announcer on “American Bandstand,”

the “Emmy Awards,” and the Academy Awards.

• When OʼDonnell passed away in late 2010, he was succeeded by current announcer Jim Thornton. Thornton had been a radio and television announcer for years, as well as serving as narrator for a portion of the 2001 film “Monsters, Inc.” and a voice actor in several video games.

• How about Vanna’s stunning wardrobe? She claims she has only worn the same dress once over her 40+ years as hostess. After Vanna wears an ensemble, it is returned to the designer, and she does not get to keep any of the dresses, although she has occasionally purchased a favorite.

• There’s only one Wheel, a giant 2,400-lb. apparatus that has been used the entire span of the show. When the show goes on the road, the Wheel is dismantled and reassembled at the new location. Several tons of set equipment need to be loaded and transported with the crew whenever the show is traveling.

1.What’s

of anyone with the remotest connection to the show is ineligible.

• Who comes up with those clever puzzles? There’s a whole crew who helps out, but surprisingly, Vanna, herself a crossword fan, loves to compose them as well, and her puzzle

Wheel: Turn to page 15

QUIZ BITS

1. What was the very first letter ever turned by Vanna White?

2. What does Vanna list as being her favorite hobby?

(Answers page 16)

2.What

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

Have you ever noticed that all of the "Wheel" contestants seem to be about the same height? It's not just a coincidence; it's because the contestants stand on adjustable risers that make them all appear to be the same height.

• The puzzle board itself has undergone some changes since the beginning. In the early years, the taping of the show took nearly an hour for a 30-minute program. It was a time-consuming process to have the board manually set up for each puzzle, about 10 minutes per puzzle. But in 1997 the old board was replaced with a new electronic one with 52 touch screens, enabling the puzzles to be reset with the click of a computer mouse. Taping time was cut nearly in half.

• An entire season of “Wheel” is shot in less than 40 days. The crew works one day a week, filming 5 or 6 shows per day.

• The show receives upwards of 10,000 applications per year from contestant hopefuls, but just 600 land a spot. The “Wheel” has some pretty strict rules for a contestant to be chosen Anyone who has appeared on any version of the show, including Teen Week, is excluded. Those who have appeared on any game/reality show in the last year or on any three shows in ten years are barred. Naturally, any relative or employee

1.VERNALEQUINOX

2.CROCUS

In 2019, Pat Sajak became the longest-running host of any game show, surpassing Bob Barker of "The Price is Right," who was host for 25 seasons from 1972 to 2007. Alex Trebek hosted "Jeopardy" for 37 seasons. At Sajak's retirement this year, he has logged 41 years as host of the Wheel.

CLIP AND SAVE

8-15-23

CLIP AND SAVE

By Lucie Winborne

* The blobfish gets its nickname from its saggy appearance when it’s brought to the surface from the deep part of the ocean where it lives. Because it has no skeleton and very little muscle, water pressure that would crush human organs gives the animal physical structure at that depth.

* To maintain the historical accuracy of the American Colonial era, Disney World’s Liberty Square was built without any restrooms. (But no, you won’t find any outhouses, either.)

* And speaking of restrooms, there are public toilets for dogs in China.

* The character of cross-dressing Corporal Klinger on the TV series “M*A*S*H” was allegedly influenced by comedian Lenny Bruce’s claim that he was discharged from the Navy for saying he had “homosexual tendencies.”

* Eberhard Anheuser, cofounder of the Anheuser-Busch brewery, got his start in manufacturing with soap and candles.

* Due to a technical glitch in his debit card payment processing, a man was accidentally charged 23 quadrillion dollars. As if that wasn’t bad enough, since he didn’t have the amount in his account, he was also charged a $15 overdraft fee!

* Carnauba wax, which is used on cars, is the same type of wax used to give gummy candy its sheen.

* Neptune’s moon, Triton, orbits the planet backward.

* To add authenticity to a fictional criminal underworld, Rockstar Games hired real-life gang members to voice background characters in Grand Theft Auto V.

* One-third of men’s fragrances sold are actually worn by women.

* Amethysts got their name from the ancient Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunk.” They were once believed to prevent intoxication.

* The “little black dress” was compared to the Ford car when it debuted in 1926, for its practicality and simplicity.

Thought for the Day: “Never rob your character to enrich your pocket.”

-- James Lendall Basford

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

College Students, Have I Got a Plan for You!

don’t have the money this month, what makes you think you’ll have it next month? Any amount of credit card debt will put you on the fast track to financial trouble.

When you do use a credit card, make sure you pay the statement balance in full -- right down to zero dollars every single month, without fail.

CREDIT LIMIT

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

by Mary Hunt

All around the country, newly minted high school graduates will soon be heading off to college. They’ll be taking a lot of things with them, but statistics tell us that financial literacy is not likely to be one of them. If I could spend a little time with these awesome students, I’d attempt to cram the basics of money management into their heads and then pray that they penetrate their hearts.

A budget is your friend. That means ...

1. You have a written plan for how you are going to spend and manage money.

2. You use that written plan like you would a road map, consulting it often.

3. You use a site like Mint.com or a pencil and paper to record how you spend every nickel.

Sallie Mae has a monthly budget worksheet you can print out to help you estimate your costs and keep expenses under control.

LIVE WITH CASH

I don’t have the time or space to get into a long dissertation on the subject. Just believe me when I tell you that using cash -- currency, greenbacks, dollars, coins -- will simplify your life and keep you from overspending.

GET A FREE CHECKING ACCOUNT

These days, it’s not easy to find free checking accounts with no strings attached -- no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement and no minimum deposit. But many banks, such as U.S. Bank, offer free student accounts that fit these criteria.

CREDIT CARD DEBT

Don’t be ridiculous. Credit card debt -- a balance owed that you roll over from one month to the next, paying only the minimum required plus interest -- has the potential to sink your ship. Think of it like cancer. At first, it’s just a tiny thing that’s not that big of a deal. But then it starts to multiply, and if not dealt with swiftly, it will do horrible things in your life.

Never use a credit card to pay for things because you don’t have enough money. If you

It’s super easy to see your credit limit on your credit card statement as your money -- like it’s there and it’s yours to spend. It’s not your money. It’s the bank’s money and they can't wait to lend to you at a ridiculously high interest rate.

EAT YOUR FOOD PLAN

If you or your parents have paid for the school meal plan, you need to know how many meals are covered and then do something remarkable: actually eat those meals.

If you’re eating pizza in your dorm room or driving through Burger King instead, you’re just throwing away money. It might feel cool to spend your money like that now, but you will regret it later.

DON’T BECOME A STARBUCKS REGULAR

I want to say never, but I’ll compromise a bit on this one. Seriously, the coffee at Starbucks or Coffee Bean or any other trendy coffee house is so expensive it brings tears to my eyes.

Let your grandparents and others know how much you love Starbucks gift cards. They are anxious to know what they can send to you while you’re away. Then use the gift cards instead of your cash. Or buy an inexpensive coffee maker and make coffee in your room instead.

BUY OR RENT USED TEXTBOOKS

The cost of new textbooks is going to be so shocking it will make you want to chew your hair. You can cut that cost in half at least by buying used books online or even renting them. Take good care of them so that when you’re done, you don’t get charged a damage fee on rentals, and so if you purchased them, you can sell them back.

Take these basic money principles and apply them to your life now. Take money management seriously. You will never regret it.

And have a great year!

* * *

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.”

The craft of origami is more than just a clever folding of paper – it’s a true art form. Read on for some interesting facts about this ancient skill.

• Before it was known as origami, the term was “orikata,” which translates from the Japanese words “ori” (folded) and “kari” (paper).

• Although we usually associate origami with Japan, it’s likely that it originated in China, where paper was invented around 105 AD. Paper wasn’t introduced to Japan until the 6th century. By 900 AD, paper “gold nuggets” were common at Chinese funerals. Gold paper was folded into currency, which was thrown into a fire at the end of the rites.

• The traditional paper used for origami is known as Washi. Washi is made from plant fibers, making it tougher than ordinary paper that is made from wood pulp. The bark from a number of different trees and shrubs can be used, including the mitsumata shrub, bamboo tree, paper mulberry bush, hemp, rice, or wheat. The long, strong fibers of the gampi tree have been used for making paper since the 8th century. However, any paper can be used as long as it holds a crease.

• Most origami begins with a single sheet of square paper, although rectangles and other shapes may be used. A single complex origami design might contain hundreds of sheets. While traditional origami sculptures have no marking, cutting, gluing, or taping, a variation known as Kirigami employs cutting and folding to complete its three-dimensional design.

However, Kirigami still uses no glue.

• If you can’t make a paper airplane, you might find the art of origami a bit daunting! There are simple basic folds such as valley and mountain folds, reverse folds, and pleats. More complex folds have names like squash fold, rabbit ears, petal fold, radial fold, swivel fold, twist fold, and crimp fold, with many requiring at least two layers of paper.

• An ancient tradition at Japanese weddings is the practice of the 1,000 cranes, known as Senbazuru. Together, the couple folds 1,000 paper cranes to adorn their wedding site. The father of the bride also gifts her with 1,000 cranes. Legend has it that the cranes grant a wish to whoever holds them. In addition, two origami butterflies are displayed, a symbol of wedded bliss. The paper crane starts with a square sheet of paper, with both sides a kaleidoscope of different colors, prints, and patterns, or one patterned side with one blank side.

• The first instructional book for origami was published in 1797. “Senbazuru Orikata” included the concept of diagramming the folds, and included the first instructions for the tradition of 1,000 cranes.

• Samurai warriors offer each other gifts with origami sculptures attached as a token of good luck. This type of decorative origami is known as Noshi Awabi. A Japanese custom since the 12th century, Noshi Awabi is always a token of good luck, and is never gifted at funerals or burials.

• Origami isn’t all about love and symbolism. Aeronautical engineers and physicists at NASA craft scaled-down paper models of space equipment to ensure that all of the necessary instruments fit into the confined spaces of a spacecraft.

• Big origami, small origami! The largest paper crane was crafted in 1999, made inside a football stadium, a sculpture weighing 1,750 pounds (794 kg) with a height of 215 feet (65.5 m). The smallest was created by Japanese resident Akira Naito, a crane folded from a 0.1 x 0.1 mm square of paper, a task that required a pair of tweezers and microscope for him to complete. □

CLIP AND SAVE

by Dana Jackson

Q: I just read that Margot Robbie has been married for several years. I’ve never seen her husband walking the red carpet with her at award shows. Who is he? -- O.T.

A: The twice-Oscar-nominated actress and star of the upcoming film “Barbie” has been quietly married since 2016 to film producer Tom Ackerley. They met a decade ago on the set of Robbie’s movie “Suite Francaise” where he was the assistant director. The two now own a production company and have produced several of Robbie’s films, including “I, Tonya.”

As for red carpet appearances, the couple did appear before photographers on the pink carpet at the world premiere event for “Barbie” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. They’ll also be producing partners for her upcoming film, a yet-to-be-titled “Ocean’s Eleven” sequel.

At only 33 years old each, the couple will hopefully have many more years together conquering Hollywood. ***

Q: Whatever happened to the older woman who was chosen as “The Bachelorette” and left early in the season because she found “the one”? Are they still together? -- J.K.

A: Only in Hollywood is 39 considered old, but that’s how old Clare Crawley was when she was

chosen by ABC to be their “Bachelorette” for season 16 of the show. She surprised viewers by quitting after just 12 days of filming because she said she already found her man -- 31-year-old contestant Dale Moss. But alas, Crawley didn’t find her happily ever after with him.

The couple did get engaged, but had a rocky on- and off-again relationship, finally breaking up for good in September 2021. After getting her heart broken, Crawley found love the following year with Mascot Sports CEO Ryan Dawkins. She told People magazine, “He’s not after fame and ... he is so consistent and so vocal about how much he loves me.”

Crawley won’t be competing on any reality dating shows anymore, since she happily said “I do” to Dawkins earlier this year and is expecting her first child, via surrogate, in January 2024.

***

Q: I’m really surprised Carol Burnett didn’t get nominated for an Emmy for “Better Call Saul.” Isn’t there a special category for guest-star parts? I thought she’d be a shoo-in.

-- G.M.

A: Comedy legend Carol Burnett did a

spectacular job in her impactful role on the final season of “Better Call Saul.” However, according to Rolling Stone, she wasn’t eligible for the Outstanding Guest Actress category because she appeared in “one episode too many” and was thus submitted for consideration in the Supporting Actress category instead.

Alas, that category was highly competitive and saturated with actresses from “The White Lotus,” leaving Burnett off the nominations list.

“Better Call Saul” aired its series finale right after voting ended for last year’s Emmys, putting it at a disadvantage for this year’s nominations. Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn are contenders in their respective acting categories, and the ceremony is expected to air on Fox this September. ***

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

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

1. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (PG-13) Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell

2. Rings (PG-13)

Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

2. Sound of Freedom (PG13) Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino

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

3. Insidious: The Red Door (PG-13) Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson

4. Hidden Figures ....................(PG)

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer

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

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

5. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter ...................................... (R)

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

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

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

9. Joy Ride (R) Debbie Fan, Kenneth Liu

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

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen

7. Sing (PG) animated

8. Lion (PG-13) Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman 9. The Space Between Us .. (PG-13) Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield 10. xXx: Return of Xander Cage .................................... (PG-13) Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen © 2017

Inc.

Margot Robbie stars as the title character in “Barbie” (2023).

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Good Recipes from Polynesian Drumsticks

A quick marinade adds a sweet and tangy glaze to grilled skinless drumsticks -- a favorite with everyone in the family.

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple in unsweetened pineapple juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, crushed with garlic press

12 chicken drumsticks (about 4 pounds), skin removed

1. In blender, puree pineapple with its juice and remaining ingredients except drumsticks. Spoon 1/2 cup pineapple mixture into large self-sealing plastic bag; reserve remaining pineapple mixture for grilling. Add drumsticks to bag, turning to coat. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes.

2. Remove drumsticks from bag; discard bag with marinade. Place drumsticks on grill over medium heat and cook 15 minutes, turning over once. Cook drumsticks 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until drumsticks are golden and juices run clear when thickest part is pierced with tip of knife, brushing twice with reserved pineapple mixture and turning occasionally. Makes 4 servings.

 Each serving: About 260 calories, 38g protein, 8g carbohydrate, 8g total fat (2g saturated), 0g fiber, 123mg cholesterol, 385mg sodium.

Almond Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Sweet almond flavors this cool Italian custard, which is topped with vibrant red berries tossed in almond liqueur for an extra layer of nutty flavor.

1 package unflavored gelatin

Water

1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy or whipping cream

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salt

2 cups (1/2 pound) strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons almond-flavor liqueur such as Amaretto (optional)

3 tablespoons sliced toasted almonds

1. In small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 3 tablespoons cold water; set aside. Lightly grease eight 4-ounce custard cups or ramekins with oil.

2. In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk, cream, 1/3 cup sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon salt on high until just bubbling around edges of pan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved.

3. Divide cream mixture among prepared cups. Refrigerate 4 hours or up to 24.

4. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir together strawberries; liqueur, if using; and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.

5. Run thin-bladed knife around sides of cups; invert each cup onto small serving plate. Top with strawberries; garnish with almonds.

Serves 8.

Tip: If you don’t have 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups, you can use silicone baking cups or line a muffin pan with foil ones.

 Each serving: About 210 calories, 14g total fat (8g saturated), 4g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 46mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium.

* * *

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

(c) 2023 Hearst Communications, Inc.

John Allen

Brett Koth

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS UNBOXES

Cody’s

Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Hot Enough To Kill Your Dog

Where I sit, it’s a crime to leave a dog alone in a car on a hot day. And I don’t just mean that metaphorically; it’s against actual state law. In California, leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle coupled with dangerous conditions such as weather, insufficient ventilation or lack of food and water is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail or $1,000 in fines -- or both if the animal is injured or dies.

While I’m glad there’s a law, the corresponding punishment feels somehow lacking. That said, most people don’t want to kill their pets. Most people would be devastated knowing they’re responsible for their dog’s death due to heatstroke. Most people simply think it will never happen to them. And some people just don’t know any better.

But some people should know better. People like vets.

Last year, a California veterinarian left his eight-year-old German shepherd, Perro, locked in his SUV, which was parked outside his clinic. By the time someone noticed the animalʼs plight and police responded to the scene, the dog was in extreme heat distress. And by the time officers broke the windows in an effort to rescue the dog, it was too late. Perro died at the scene. Animal services estimated the temperature in the vehicle to be between 140 degrees and 150 degrees.

Every year, thousands of dogs die alone in hot cars. And pet owners do it every day. Police officers do it; three police K-9s have died this summer after being left in hot cruisers by their handlers. Even veterinarians do it. Regardless of who does it, these are 100 percent preventable deaths.

Know this: Cracking the windows does nothing.

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

Even if it is “only” 80 degrees outside, within 10 to 15 minutes, the interior temperature of the car could be upward of 110 degrees even with the windows partially open.

If you or I were sitting in a 110-degree box,

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 11

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Game World"

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

A New Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease

The FDA recently approved a new drug that is supposed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Earlier this year, the FDA gave conditional approval to Leqembi, pending more safety and efficacy trials. Now, with “accelerated approval,” the drug has full approval.

Another drug, Aduhelm, launched in June 2021, still only has conditional approval and is waiting results from more trials.

Both drugs work in a similar way, targeting the proteins in the brain. There are differences, however.

One difference between Leqembi and Aduhelm is the way it’s delivered. Aduhelm is given by spinal infusion and Leqembi is given intravenously every two weeks (although other means are being studied in trials that are still going on).

Another difference is in what the drugs do: Aduhelm targets the plaques in the brain, while Leqembi targets the proteins that create

The Art of DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

The Home Office

Since the isolation and restrictions of the pandemic have drastically changed the ergonomics and work habits for millions of us on the workforce, more and more professionals and business owners are choosing to work from home. This can range from a couple of hours to a couple of days per week.

This new flexibility is a trend that allows workers to spend more time with family and, for many, encourages more efficient work practices. For some, this means taking over the kitchen island or table as a workspace, but that can leave one vulnerable to the chaos that can happen in a kitchen. It is my belief that every home, no matter how small, has the potential to include a small area specified as a workspace.

Most home offices will require space for a laptop or computer, printer, filing area and some tabletop surface. Also necessary are electrical outlets, lights and connectivity to a phone and the internet. Virtually any unused space can qualify as a workspace -- an entry hall table with a chair, a card table in a guest bedroom or even a small tabletop inside a closet.

Keep in mind that this is an area where you will be spending a lot of time; it is important to make sure your home workspace or office has an aesthetic punch. Take the idea of a small, drab work cubicle out of your head, and think stylish work pad. As a point of departure, position your work surface toward a window or view, which, besides being nice to look at, also serves as a source of light. Make sure there is enough space

the plaques.

The other is the cost. Leqembi will likely cost $26,500 per year, although that can vary by patient weight and what schedule of maintenance dosing the patient is to get. Medicare will likely cover the majority of patients if they have a supplemental drug plan.

The rest will likely pay the 20% coinsurance not covered by Medicare.

Aduhelm had much different pricing when it first came out -- $56,000 per year. Our Medicare Part B went up by $21.60 in 2022, up to $170 per month, likely due to the cost of Aduhelm, which Medicare initially expected to cost close to $3,000.

Some insurers announced that they wouldn’t cover the drug unless prices came down. The cost of the drug eventually did come down, to $28,200.

The caveat about Leqembi, however, is that the experts point to the very small degree of slowing of early Alzheimer’s in the patients in the trial. In many, the result could be quite subtle. Still, some researchers say it does buy patients time and could delay the coming of the later stages of dementia.

we’d simply get out. A dog is not so equipped. Another difference between a dog and a human in this scenario -- and one that further exacerbates the dog’s plight -- is that dogs don’t sweat. Not like we do. Sweating is our built-in air-conditioning system as its evaporation cools our skin. It’s much harder for a dog to cool himself down -- which is why it’s so dangerous to leave him alone in a car on a hot day.

If we are honest with ourselves, our dogs almost always are in our cars because we want them there, not because they want to be there. Bringing the pooch along for the ride is fine if you’re going to the vet, if you’re going to the dog-friendly pet store, if he’s welcome at the restaurant where you’ll be dining, if you’re going to the drive-in movie. But if you are headed anywhere that he is not welcome inside the establishment, leave him home, inside, with the AC cranked, where he’ll be safe and happy. And if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day, call the police. Don’t hesitate. Don’t worry about being perceived as “overreacting.” Don’t just keep walking. That phone call could save a life.

to move in and out of a chair and access your files.

A comfortable chair with an ergonomic design is a must for a home office. Leather is often preferred by office workers, but fabric or mesh are also recommended because of the breathability of the materials. Select a design style that blends with the rest of your home’s decor. You may even want to add a couple of lumbar pillows, which play off the decor. Long hours will seem shorter when you paint the walls of your workspace a color you love. Forget the safe office beige, and try a soothing shade of sage or an energizing accent wall in orange. Colors do affect your mood, so give some thought about what colors move you in a positive direction.

Keep your space organized. Besides filing or drawer space, you may need to look up to the walls around you. Shelving in vertical space is valuable for storing older files, catalogs and office supplies. This can be open or closed shelving, which can be outfitted with storage boxes and bins for a uniform, decorated look. Fabric and a staple gun can work magic in dressing up standard, storebought shelving in a custom look.

Finally, this home workspace is a place you can decorate with motivational items and family photographs that often are frowned upon in an office. Staplers, paper clips and garbage cans are essential, but go a step further. A plant such as an orchid is uplifting and great for the quality of the air. Every detail counts.

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

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

Always remember that taking your dog for a walk on a hot sunny day can be another form of outright animal cruelty. During the hot months of summer, a sun-baked street or sidewalk can easily reach temperatures of 1750, which is more than hot enough to seriously burn the pads on your dogʼs tender paws. Try kicking off your shoes and walk barefoot on the pavement to get an idea of the pain your dog feels. If walk him you must, go early in the cool of the morning before the hot sun starts baking the streets. And make sure he has plenty of water easily available the rest of the day.

* * *

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.

COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM

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.

(c) KingFeaturesSyndicate

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

Taking a dog named Shark to the beach is a very bad idea.

just sold my homing pigeon on eBay for the fourth time.

bought a new pair of shoes with memory foam insoles, but I still forget why I walked into the kitchen.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Benefits for Spouses

I think I get more questions about benefits for spouses than I do about any other kind of Social Security benefit. And even though I’m using the gender-neutral term, “spouses,” these questions almost always come from women wondering what benefits they might be due on their husband’s -or ex-husband’s -- Social Security record. Or they come from men asking about the benefits their wives or ex-wives might be due on their record.

Women tend to qualify for benefits on a husband’s record because most times their own Social Security benefit is less than their husband’s benefit. Why? Primarily because women spend more time out of the workforce -- usually because they take time off work to have and raise children.

Of course, there are some family situations where the wife makes more money than the husband and she ends up with a higher Social Security benefit. So, her husband might be due spousal benefits on her record. Still, statistics show that 95% of spousal benefits go to women, so I’m addressing them today.

Oh, and before I go on, I must cover this issue. Every time I write a column about benefits that wives and widows might be due from Social Security, I get angry letters from single women who have never been married asking me why I never write columns explaining what they are due from the system. I always have to explain to them that I write such columns all the time. If they are working and paying into Social Security, then they are potentially due the same kind of retirement or disability benefit that any other taxpayer might be due. I’ve written thousands of columns explaining these benefits.

In other words, from a Social Security perspective, there is nothing special about being a single woman, or a single man for that matter. They just get regular Social Security benefits. So now, back to questions about benefits for wives and widows.

Q: My husband is 67 and starting to receive his Social Security benefits. I am 62. Other than a few years after high school when I had some part-time jobs, I have spent my entire adult life as a wife or homemaker, so I have no Social Security of my own. A neighbor told me that after my husband dies, I will never be able to get widow’s benefits because I don’t have my own Social Security account. Is this true?

A: It’s absolutely false. As I always tell my readers, never listen to friends or neighbors offering Social Security advice. It’s almost always wrong.

In fact, not only will you be due widow’s benefits when your husband dies, but you are also due dependent wife’s benefits on his record right now. So, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and file a spousal claim right away.

Q: I am turning 62. My husband is 68 and getting Social Security. Can I claim reduced spousal benefits now on his record and then at age 67 switch to full benefits on my own record?

A: No, you can’t do that. You must file for your own benefits first. After you do that, they will look at your husband’s record to see if you can get

any extra spousal benefits from him.

Q: My wife took her own Social Security at 62. I am about to reach my full retirement age and plan to start my own Social Security. My wife is now 67. Her own benefit is very small, much less than mine will be. How can I figure out if my wife is due any spousal benefits on my record?

A: The formula is pretty simple. They will take your wife’s full retirement age rate (even though she took benefits at 62) and subtract that from one-half of your FRA rate. Any difference will be added to her reduced retirement benefit rate.

Q: I am waiting until age 70 to claim my Social Security. I am doing that to get the bonus added to my retirement rate for delaying starting my benefits until 70. But I was also doing that so that my wife will get my augmented benefits after I die. (Her own benefit is about a thousand dollars less than mine.) So, imagine my shock when a Social Security rep recently told me that after I die, my wife’s widow’s benefit will be based on my full retirement age rate, not my age 70 rate. Is this right?

A: No, it’s not right. And for some reason (lack of training?), SSA reps frequently get this wrong. While you are alive, any spousal benefits she might be due are based on your full retirement age benefit. But after you die, her widow’s benefits are based on your augmented age 70 rate, including the bonus you got for waiting that long to claim your benefits.

Q: I am 63 and have been a wife and homemaker all my life. So, I get a small percentage of my husband’s Social Security. But I’ve always wondered this: Why don’t women in my position get Social Security credits for the work we did as homemakers and child-

care providers?

A: As I explained in a column not too long ago, this is a topic that has been debated for years. But the issue always comes down to this: Where would the money or earnings come from to put on your Social Security record? The only viable solution policy planners have ever come up with is a concept known as “earnings sharing.” In a nutshell, that means a working husband and stay-at-home mom would split the earnings the husband makes.

For example, if Husband Henry makes $100,000 per year, $50,000 would go on his Social Security record and $50,000 would go on Wife Wilma’s Social Security record. Now, that might make Wife Wilma happy that she’s being “paid” for Social Security purposes with earnings and credits going on her account. But just ask Husband Henry how thrilled he is that he only gets Social Security credit for half the money he makes -- and eventually ends up with a much smaller Social Security benefit! * * *

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

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

2. Whose last words were, "O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes"? a) Zimri b) Saul c) Eli d) Samson

3. From Proverbs 18:8, "The words of a talebearer are as _____"? a) Wounds b) Lies c) Empty urns d) Dry clouds

4. Who believed that if Isaac died God would restore him back to life? a) Rebekah b) Abraham c) Jacob d) Esau

5. From Genesis 25:1, who was Abraham's second wife? a) Sarah b) Vashti c) Ruth d) Keturah

6. Who was the famed brother of Lahmi? a) Herod b) Ishmael c) Goliath d) John the Baptist

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

(Answers on page 16)

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

© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Doctors Won’t Prescribe Hormone Therapy to Woman Over 60

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recently published column, you stated, “As always, the decision belongs to the patient,” while addressing a concern about the benefits and risks of stopping a statin drug. Oh, really? Then, why is it that, once I turned 60, not a single doctor will prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to stop my debilitating post-menopausal symptoms?

After suffering from menopausal symptoms starting at age 42, I was finally prescribed HRT at age 57. What relief I felt, as it was the only remedy to alleviate my hot flashes, weight gain, lack of sleep and vaginal dryness.

Once I hit 60, I was ordered to stop HRT, and no one since will prescribe it for me now. I am 66, suffer from hot flashes daily and have my sleep interrupted at least five times a night with terrible night sweats. I have tried just about every over-the-counter offering with zero effectiveness.

I will gladly trade the greater risk of heart attack and stroke, and the possible shorter life span, for relief from symptoms that affect my daily quality of life. Clearly, the choice is not mine, because if I had a choice, I would ask for continued prescriptions of HRT to give me relief. Why don’t I have that choice as a patient? -- R.M.T.

ANSWER: A patient always has the right to refuse a treatment recommended from a physician. However, the physician has the obligation to consider the risks and benefits of a treatment, and is not obliged to prescribe a treatment that they do not think is appropriate.

If a patient asks me for a treatment that has been shown to be ineffective and has the potential for serious adverse effects, I don’t prescribe it, but will work with the patient to find alternative treatments. For example, some nonhormonal prescription treatments are moderately effective for hot flashes and sleep disturbance, and topical estrogen is very effective for vaginal dryness.

However, the case of HRT for symptoms of menopause is more complicated, because estrogen is the most effective treatment we have for menopausal symptoms, particularly for hot flashes. There are risks to HRT, but the benefits for some women are so great that they are willing to accept some risks.

You mentioned the risk of heart disease and stroke. A landmark study called the Women’s Health Initiative helped to define and quantify those (and other) risks. Its effect has been to dramatically reduce the prescribing of menopausal hormone therapy, but the results should not be interpreted to mean that hormone treatment is always inappropriate, even in women who are in their mid-60s, where risks are higher.

Moreover, a woman’s entire health status should be considered when deciding whether to prescribe hormone treatments. In women with

a history of an estrogen-dependent tumor (like many breast cancers), a history of a blood clot or a stroke, or a few other issues, the harm almost certainly outweighs the benefits. Otherwise, a wise clinician looks at the patient’s risk for heart disease, blood clots and similar conditions. Women at a very high risk for heart disease should probably avoid estrogen. Using lowerdose estrogen by patch (rather than pills) is wise for women at moderate risk, such as those who are in their 60s.

Physicians do not want to prescribe medications that will harm their patients, and most have stopped prescribing menopausal hormone therapy entirely for women, to prevent disease. However, it still has a role in treating symptoms.

I recommend you seek out an expert in treatment of menopausal treatments and have a frank discussion about your willingness to assume risk in order to have a better quality of life.

* * *

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.

(c) 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Veteran Suicide in a VA Emergency Room

A veteran with a documented history of suicidal thoughts and attempts, as well as drug abuse and PTSD, committed suicide while being left unattended in a VA facility emergency room.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated, and they unearthed the facts ... which are not pretty.

It’s this:

The veteran showed up at the VA facility ER with bladder complaints and depression. He’d been there before, and it was noted in his file that he’d had admissions for substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

The first medical person (“Nurse 1”) did a triage, which is asking questions to decide how to classify the patient. Instead of using the computer to ask him specific questions (per policy) and record his answers, she did it from memory. Nurse 1 allegedly told the physician (who was resting in another room) there was a patient waiting. Another person, Nurse 2, did a bladder scan.

An hour later, no physician had shown up. An additional hour later, Nurse 1 left for the day and handed off the records to incoming staff.

Later a technician found the veteran on the floor of the room, dead by suicide, still unseen by a doctor.

The OIG investigation revealed:

During the investigation, Nurse 1 could not recall from memory the risk assessment questions she supposedly asked the veteran. Nurse 1 also did not actually alert the physician that patients were waiting.

The physician did not respond to an alert from Nurse 2 either about patients waiting and did not get up until the boss came on shift.

The “Door to Doc” policy was severely violated. That performance policy states that the target is 25 minutes from the time a patient walks in the door to the time he’s seen by a doctor -- not the two hours and 20 minutes this veteran languished by himself.

Information surfaced that showed facility admin sought to interfere with the OIG investigation, instructing in emails that “appropriate responses to direct questions are: yes, no, I don’t know, and I don’t remember.”

To read the whole report, see www. va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-22-01540-146.pdf.

* * *

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.

"The president is out of town, but a film actor who played a president will take your questions."

-- by Jim Miller

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Heartburn

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Is recurring heartburn or acid reflux serious enough to be concerned about? I have had this problem for years, but lately it is getting worse. I take a lot of Rolaids, which has helped to manage it somewhat, but as I'm aging it’s beginning to worsen to the point of interfering with my sleep. Do you have any information for me that might help? -- Belching Bob

Dear Bob: Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a much more serious problem. It’s estimated that more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, with around 15 million people who suffer from it daily.

Heartburn symptoms show up in a variety of ways – as a burning pain behind the breastbone, indigestion, or a sour or burning taste in the back of the throat. Other symptoms may include chest pain, excessing belching, a longterm cough, sore throat or hoarseness.

Avoid trigger foods: Some foods can trigger heartburn symptoms like citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, mints, alcohol, coffee and sodas. You should keep a food diary to track which foods cause you the most problems and avoid them.

Eat smaller, slower and earlier: Smaller portions at mealtime and eating slower can help reduce heartburn symptoms. You should also wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.

Lose weight: Having excess weight around the midsection puts pressure on the abdomen, pressing it against the stomach and causing acid to back up into the esophagus.

Sleep elevated: To help keep the acid down while sleeping, get a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up a few inches. If that’s not enough, try elevating the head of your bed six to eight inches by placing blocks under the bedposts or insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Sleeping on the left side may also help keep the acid down.

Treatment Options

If the lifestyle adjustments don’t solve the problem, or if antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox,

Mylanta or Alka-Seltzer) aren’t doing the trick, there are a variety of over the counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help, including:

H-2 Blockers: Available as both OTC and prescription strength, these drugs (Pepcid, Tagamet, Axid and Zantac) reduce how much acid your stomach makes -- but may not be strong enough for serious symptoms.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI): If you have frequent and severe heartburn symptoms PPIs are long-acting prescription medications that block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. They include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant. Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec and Zegerid are also available OTC. But be aware that long-term use of PPIs can increase your risk for osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease.

If the medications aren’t enough, there are also surgical procedures that can tighten or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter so gastric fluids can’t leak back up into the esophagus.

Please review carefully. Double check:

If you’re plagued by heartburn two or more times a week, and it’s not responding well to over-the-counter antacids you need to see your doctor, who will likely refer you to a gastro enterologist. Frequent bouts may mean you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERDs, which can severely irritate and damage the lining of your esophagus, putting you at risk of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer if not treated.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Depending on the frequency and severity of your heartburn, there are a number of lifestyle adjustments you can make that can help provide relief and avoid a more serious problem down the road, such as:

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 in Palm Springs is seeking volunteer drivers. The drivers will drive a 9 passenger van known as the “AMVETS Express” from Cathedral City and Palm Springs to the Loma Linda VA Hospital and then return to the desert.

The driver will work one day per week. The van departs Cathedral City about 6:30 AM and returns to the desert in the afternoon of the same day. The van operates Monday through Friday.

Applicants for the position of driver do not have to be veterans. Applicants are required to study a training manual and pass a complete physical exam. The drivers cannot be over age 70. The drivers are volunteers and are not paid a salary.

The AMVETS Express has operated since 2004 and it is the only free van transportation from the desert to the VA Hospital. Drivers are not permitted to accept tips from the passengers. The AMVETS Express takes homeless veterans and veterans who are having a mental health crisis to the hospital. We also transport many disabled veterans who cannot drive a car. For many veterans the AMVETS Express is the only way for them to receive their medical care. We transport about 22 veterans per month. Because we only have three drivers right now on some days we cannot operate for lack of a driver. To apply please call AMVETS Post 66 Commander Tom Swann Hernandez at (760) 324-5670. For full details and to apply, please call

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Victorian Mystery

Q: This is a photo of a three-piece porcelain set that belonged to my mother. The container stands about 7 inches tall, and the saucer is close to 6 inches in diameter. It is decorated with pink flowers, green leaves and gold trim. Marked on the bottom of the container and the saucer are the words “Hand Painted -- Nippon,” along with an “M” in the center of a wreath.

The set is in mint condition. There is a small hole in the bottom of the container. I am mystified by the hole and wonder what its purpose is.

Anything you can tell me about the origin, vintage and value of my set will be appreciated.

Q: This is the mark that is on a set of porcelain dinnerware that I inherited from my grandmother. The set is a service for 12 and includes butter pats and all the servicing pieces. The dishes are white with scalloped edges and gold trim. There are no missing or broken pieces.

I am not sure how old the set is or what it is worth. Since I plan to keep the set and pass it along to my daughter, I would appreciate learning more about it.

Haviland and Co. was located in Limoges, France.

A: Your set was made by Haviland and Co. sometime between 1930 and 1941. Haviland and Co. was established in 1864 in Limoges, France, and is still in business.

Your service for 12 would probably be worth $1,200 to $1,500.

* * *

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

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

A: Your container was used to hold a condensed milk can. In the late Victorian era, condensed milk was often used at breakfast. Because the cans were unsightly on the dining table and offended the Victorian aesthetic sense, porcelain manufacturers included condensed milk containers in their table settings.

The hole was designed to make it easy to remove the can by inserting a finger through it to push it up.

Your set was made in Japan, and “Nippon” is the Japanese word for Japan. The letter “M” represents the Morimura Bros., who had offices in New York and imported porcelain to the United States from Japan.

Your condensed can holder was made around 1900 and would probably fetch $150 to $200 in an antiques shop. ***

Puzzle Solutions

That kid loves Spider-Man and Black Panther, so at his birthday party they served Marvel cake.

* On July 31, 1703, author Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) was placed in a pillory after being found guilty of seditious libel for publishing a politically satirical pamphlet, but instead of mud or rotten food (or even worse), he was pelted with flowers, while his friends sold copies of the pamphlet nearby.

* On Aug. 1, 1971, race car legend Richard Petty won the Dixie 500 in Atlanta, Georgia, and became the first NASCAR driver to score $1 million in career earnings.

* On Aug. 2, 1909, the centennial year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the U.S. issued the Lincoln penny, designed by Victor David Brenner. It was the first widely circulating design of a U.S. president on a coin, an idea that had in the past been seen by George Washington as too reminiscent of monarchy.

* On Aug. 3, 2004, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopened after being closed for safety and security improvements following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center. The remainder of the statue stayed closed until July 4, 2009, when the observation deck in the crown was reopened to visitors chosen hourly by lottery.

* On Aug. 4, 1964, the bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were discovered in a partially constructed dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi, after disappearing more than a month before. Before their bodies were found, outrage over the KKK-perpetrated murders aided passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

* On Aug. 5, 2013, the first lab-grown hamburger, made from taking cow cells and turning them into the strips of a muscle, was cooked and eaten at a news conference in London, England. Tasters remarked that while it lacked some of a conventional burger’s juiciness, the flavor and texture were fairly similar.

* On Aug. 6, 1916, watermelons proved to be a major problem for Army officials in El Paso, Texas, to the point of actually being banned. Since their thick rinds couldn’t be burned or properly disposed of, they drew a plague of flies, which military experts warned could breed disease.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

STAN SMITH’S TENNIS CLASS

Porcelain canned milk container was made in Japan around 1900.

Wheel (from page 3)

creations are used on a regular basis.

• Until 1988, contestants were not given the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E in the bonus round. That’s the year those letters became automatic, and players are now able to select three more consonants and one more vowel.

• How does Pat Sajak quickly tell contestants if their guessed letter appears in the puzzle? He has a visual line to an off-camera screen that feeds Pat the info on the chosen letters. However, that screen hasn’t always been there. In the “old days,” there were assistants called “finger boys,” who stood in Pat’s line of vision and held up fingers to give Pat the number.

• Vanna White holds an unusual Guinness World Record, one that will most likely never be challenged by anyone else. Vanna is “Television’s Most Frequent Clapper,” since she claps her hands together with each wheel spin an average of 600 times per show.

• The million-dollar wedge on the wheel was introduced in 2008. That year, the first to win the million was Michelle Loewenstein, who won on 08/08/08. She solved the final puzzle with LEAKY FAUCET.

• It was another five years before the next lucky million-dollar winner, Autumn Erhard, nabbed the coveted prize.. Amazingly, Erhard solved the puzzle, TOUGH WORKOUT, with only four letters on the board. Thus far, there have only been three million-dollar winners since the wedge was added to the wheel.

• In the last 20 years, the show has given away an average of $46,000 - $50,000 in cash and prizes per show. But just how much do the contestants keep? Players have to pay taxes on both cash and travel prizes. A contestant in 2016 won $16,400 in cash along with two trips, a grand total of about $31,700. He did take two beautiful vacations, but by the time he paid his tax obligation, his actual cash earnings were about $6,000. □

(Related story pg. 2)

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Flaring Up

Little attention is placed on the orientation of the feet, yet your swing’s balance may be in their balance. Foot orientation has a strong influence on the body’s ability to turn and shift weight during the swing.

Since the backswing and forward swing will have different speeds, forces, and directions, the foot placement may vary for each individual. Your flexibility may play a large part in determining what position each foot will take.

Since the forward swing requires a complete rotation of the body toward the target and a majority of the weight on the left leg at the finish, the left foot is typically flared outward 10-40 degrees. The flaring of the foot allows the leg and the hip to unturn more freely in the follow through.

The backswing is attempting to control the body turn and weight shift, so the foot flare may be more minimal from 0-20 degrees.

Ben Hogan wrote several times that he preferred the right foot to be “square” while the left foot flared out a “quarter turn”. Many amateurs may allow a little flare with the right, then double that for the left foot.

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

1. THEATER: Which group composed the rock opera “Tommy”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is Mount Everest located?

3. LITERATURE: Which novel contains the line, “Big Brother is watching you”?

4. HISTORY: Who was the second president of the United States?

5. WEATHER: What is a cloud shaped like a flying saucer called?

6. TELEVISION: Which TV comedy features a character named Opie Taylor?

7. MOVIES: What is the name of Argus Filch’s cat in the “Harry Potter” series?

8. MATH: What is the only even prime number?

9. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the ailment called dysphonia?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many stages are in a butterfly’s life cycle?

GO FIGURE!

TRIVIA TEST Answers Answers

by Linda Thistle

Answers

1. The Who.

2. Nepal.

3. “1984” by George Orwell.

4. John Adams.

5. A lenticular cloud.

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

6. “The Andy Griffith Show.”

7. Mrs. Norris. 8. Two. 9. Hoarseness. 10. Four (egg, larva, pupa and adult).