Vol. 19: #33 • Wonderful World of Pets • (8-13-2023) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

by Rick Dandes

Seventy-five percent of Americans own pets, opening their homes to an estimated 77 million cats and 61 million dogs. Why do we love our pets so much? The answer is pretty clear when we see that 94 percent of pet owners say their animal pal not only provides companionship, but makes them smile more than once a day. This week Tidbits looks at a variety of interesting and random facts about our furry and feathery friends who add this important dimension to our lives, so get ready to be put on information overload!

• The canine nose works thousands of times more efficiently than the human nose, according to scientific study.

• The eight heaviest breeds of dog are: St. Bernard, English Mastiff, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Tibetan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Neapolitan Mastiff and Anatolian Karabash.

• A cat preening its back or the back of its ear is said to be a sign of rain.

• Cats almost never “purr” at other cats. This

1. Which has more bones in its body, dogs or cats?

2. On average, how many hours a day does a cat spend sleeping?

3. How long did the oldest known goldfish on record live?

4. Are pet rabbits usually more active in the daytime, or at night?

5. Do dogs see only in black and white?

(Answers on page 16)

PEOPLE WORTH REMEMBERING

MICHAEL PHELPS

The third week of August has been a time of making history over the years for Michael Phelps. This week, Tidbits turns our focus to this unique Olympic swimmer, the most-winning, mostdecorated Olympian of all time.

• Maryland-born Michael Phelps began swimming at age seven after his two elder sisters joined a local Baltimore swim team. Later diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Phelps had plenty of energy to expend, and swimming provided the outlet he needed. By age ten, he already held a national record in the 100-m butterfly for his age group.

• By age 15, Phelps had qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, the youngest male to make the U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years. He didn’t win a medal, although he reached the finals and placed fifth in the 200-m butterfly.

• It was on to Athens in 2004, where the barely19-year-old Phelps won his first Olympic gold medal in his very first event, setting a new world record time for the 400-m individual medley. By the time the Olympics had concluded, Phelps had won six gold and two bronze medals, tying the record of eight medals of any color in a single Games.

the eighth month of 2008. It looks like 8 was Phelps’ lucky number as well!

• London’s 2012 Olympics brought another record to Phelps’ name. The previous record for total Olympic medals had been set by a Soviet gymnast named Larisa Latynina, who had collected 18 medals between 1956 and 1964. With London’s four gold and two silver medals, Phelps boosted his total to 22 total medals. At the conclusion of the Games, the 27-year-old swimmer announced his retirement.

• But Phelps’ retirement didn’t last long. Citing a great love of the sport and a deep passion for swimming, he returned to competition in April, 2014. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro were his fifth Olympics, and he was selected by the team to be the U.S. flag bearer. He capped off his career with five more gold medals and a silver, and announced his second retirement on August 12, 2016.

• In fact, Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He holds the record for total medals, with 28; the record for gold medals at 23, and the most medals in a single Olympics, with the eight won in Beijing. He has set 39 world records.

• Although some critics have suggested he may have dabbled in steroids to achieve his remarkable accomplishments, Phelps has easily passed all of the rigid anti-doping tests administered to him during his entire career.

• Phelps pulled a fast one on the media when he married former Miss California USA Nicole Johnson in 2016. The couple quietly married in June that year, and kept the private wedding a secret from the public for four months. The couple remain happily married and are proud parents of three sons.

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of kangaroos called?

2. MOVIES: What kind of enchanted flower is featured in the animated film “Beauty and the Beast”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: How many pyramids are in the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?

4. TELEVISION: What did the surgeons on the “M.A.S.H” TV drama call their tent home?

5. FOOD & DRINK: When was the first restaurant franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken founded?

6. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Vermont?

7. CHEMISTRY: What is the only letter that doesn’t occur in the Periodic Table?

8. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Roman god equivalent of the Greek god Hermes?

9. LITERATURE: Which famous singer-songwriter won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016?

10. MUSIC: Which country is the pop band ABBA from?

• Then it was time to break a major record at the 2008 Beijing Games. In 1972, U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz had set a record of seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games. That phenomenal record endured for 36 years until Michael Phelps came along. On August 13, 2008, Phelps won three gold medals in one day, with three new world records. His eighth gold of the Games came on August 17, and Spitz’s record was broken. Because the Chinese consider the number 8 a lucky number, the Games had begun at 8:08 on the eighth day of

• Michael Phelps is also a noted public speaker and philanthropist, with his foundation benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs, and Special Olympics. He also provides aid by funding talented athletes in need of financial support to pursue their goals. □

Week of August 13, 2023

Pets (from page one)

affectionate response is reserved for humans

• The oldest domesticated cat ever found on record was a tabby named “Puss” in Devon, England, who lived to be an amazing 36 years of age.

• Quite a few pet birds can learn to talk and can say as many as 200 words and phrases.

• African Gray parrots are said to be so smart that they can articulate their own sentences. For example, one Gray, named Baby, knew his owner’s name and heard people ask the owner if she was leaving for work. He also heard her tell the kids to go to school. He assimilated all that information and voiced, “Mom, itʼs time to go to work.”

• Dalmatian puppies are born pure white, without their distinctive spots. It’s only when they start to grow that their black or brown spots begin to appear.

• A dog’s whiskers are touch-sensitive hairs called vibrissae. They are found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws, and can actually sense tiny changes in airflow.

recognize him was his aged dog Argos, who excitedly wagged his tail and licked his master, then suffered a heart attack and died.

• At the end of the Beatles’ song “A Day in the Life,” an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for his Shetland sheepdog.

• Barbara Bush’s book about her English springer spaniel, “Millie’s Book,” was on the bestseller list for 29 weeks. Millie was the most popular “First Dog” in history.

• Before the enactment of the 1978 law that made it mandatory for dog owners in New York City to clean up after their pets, approximately 40 million pounds of dog excrement was deposited on city streets every year.

• Who’s smarter, cats or dogs? Cats have been shown to have better memories than dogs. Tests conducted by the University of Michigan concluded that while a dog’s memory lasts no more than five minutes, a cat’s can last as long as 16 hours, exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans.

1.What’s

vertebrae which fit loosely together. Humans have only 34 vertebrae and far less range of motion.

• A cat’s sensitive hearing rates as one of the top

2.What

Pets: Turn to page 15

QUIZ BITS

1. Who are the threee main actors in “The Truth About Cats and Dogs”?

2. True or False: Dogs can get hiccups.

(Answers page 16)

• According to a recent survey, the most popular name for a dog is Max. Other popular names include Molly, Sam, Zach and Maggie.

ADVERTISING PROOF

Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

• An American Animal Hospital Association poll showed that some dog owners exercise their pet while away at work by simply calling home. The ringing phone excites some pooches and causes them to run around the house. Others will call and talk to their pets on the speaker phone or on their smart home monitoring system.

• According to ancient Greek literature, when Odysseus arrived home after an absence of 20 years disguised as a beggar, the only one to

The life span of gerbils is two to three years. How do you keep them content during that period? Gerbils are social animals, and they live best in pairs. Keeping two same sex litter mates is the best solution to keeping your pet happy.

• Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds; dogs have about ten.

• Cats are the most common pets in America. After cats and dogs are Parakeets, coming in a distant third at 14 million.

• Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of their feet.

• The dachshund is the smallest breed of dog used for hunting. They are low to the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels easily.

• Developed in Egypt some 5,000 years ago, the greyhound breed was known prior to the ninth century in England, where it was bred by aristocrats to hunt such small game as hares.

• Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.

• A cat’s arching back is part of a complex body language system, usually associated with feeling threatened. The arch is able to get so high because the cat’s spine contains nearly 60

NUGGETS OF KNOWLEDGE

A dog's sense of smell is several thousand times greater than that of a human, providing a wealth of information to its brain. In fact, your dog can even smell your feelings, distinguishing between your emotions of fear, sorrow and anxiety, whether acted out or not. For example, when a human is fearful, they unconsiously perspire in a certain way that sends the message to the dog's brain, often creating a sympathetic emotion in the animal.

1.VERNALEQUINOX

2.CROCUS

by Mary Hunt

By Lucie Winborne

* In 2018, Nataraj Karate set a new Guinness World Record by stuffing 650 drinking straws in his mouth at once. He had to keep them there for at least 10 seconds to break the previous record.

* Human blood cells have different lifespans.

* Dollar bills weren’t always green. Colonial money, for example, was tan with black or red ink. The Civil War government began using green ink to print paper money because it didn’t fade or easily decompose, which protected against counterfeiting.

* Auto manufacturer Volkswagen makes not just vehicles, but currywurst sausages.

* Following his successful bladder stone surgery, the relieved English diarist Samuel Pepys celebrated the anniversary of the event every year after.

* The first hot-air balloon flight, in 1783, took off with a sheep, a duck and a rooster on board, as it was unknown how the human body would react to flying at high altitudes. (They landed safely.)

* A company in Poland makes dinnerware out of wheat bran.

* Queen Elizabeth II visited the set of the TV series “Game of Thrones” but couldn’t be seated on the throne due to an old rule that “the ruling monarch can’t sit on a foreign throne.”

* While it’s not the longest word in the English language, a study of 1.7 million samples of everyday English found that the longest word you’re likely to encounter on a daily basis is “uncharacteristically.”

* Ants leave pheromone trails when they walk that serve as maps for other ants.

* Although Saturn is the second-largest planet in our solar system, it’s also the lightest, and could float in water because it’s basically a giant gas ball -- if we had a bathtub big enough to hold it. ***

Thought for the Day: “Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one.” -- Chinese proverb

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Generation Self-Centered

While some might argue to the contrary (my husband, for example), I don’t write 24/7. I do have a life. Which brings me to topic of children. We have two. Both boys, just 17 months apart in age and the joy of my life.

you overindulge children.

I know this because my husband and I have raised two sons. It’s not easy to buck the materialistic society in which we live -- a culture that screams at our kids that they are entitled to have it all. And I can tell you that it can be done. Our sons prove my theory.

I know about this because I hear from the people years down the line when their marriages are busting up, their lives are in shambles and they wonder why on earth their parents didn’t have the courage to teach them the pitfalls of materialism, entitlement and self-indulgence.

by Mary Hunt

Our hopes and dreams for our children are no different today than they were the days they were born. We wanted to raise strong, godly men who would be kind, self-sufficient and generous. And it’s been an uphill battle given our culture that peddles just the opposite: entitlement, greed and self-centeredness.

Naively, I assumed most parents -- at least those with a lick of sense -- shared a similar value system. At the very least I would have thought most of us agree that it’s not good for kids to have everything they could possibly want and to overindulge them just to see that happy look on their faces.

Recently, I read a column in The New York Times, “Tweens ‘R’ Shoppers,” and couldn’t help but smile. Imagine a 12-year-old child “perfectly coiffed and lip-glossed,” addicted to shopping, hopelessly hooked on Abercrombie and Juicy Couture. I kept waiting for the twist, the punchline -- the lesson Seymour’s readers would learn from this account of her shopping experience with her daughter and two other children. And I waited some more.

By the 19th paragraph, I was getting uncomfortable. This can’t be for real. Surely Seymour can’t be condoning such ugly attitudes of entitlement and self-centeredness.

If her goal was to get me to read her column right to the last word, she succeeded. And I arrived with a sick stomach.

Dear Lesley Jane Seymour,

I read with interest your column in The New York Times. As a mother who is years ahead of you, I’d like to give you a few unsolicited pieces of advice:

Enabling a 12-year-old child to, in your words, “make shopping an acceptable hobby, even an obsession,” is going to come back to bite. You’ll know what I mean when your precious daughter turns into a dissatisfied, ungrateful, narcissistic woman. That’s what happens when

You quoted Juliet B. Schor, author of “Born to Buy.” I hope you will read the entire book. I believe it will give you a much different picture than what you seem to have drawn for your readers from your day at the mall.

If you’re trying to teach your daughter that enough Abercrombie or even more Juicy Couture will eventually make her happy, you’re doing a pretty good job of it. But that’s a flawed lesson plan because there’s not enough of any material thing to make her happy. More will never be enough. And even more will never bring true satisfaction. What does bring satisfaction and happiness is contentment -- buying what you need, wanting what you have.

It’s not easy to fight the pull that our culture places on our children. But I can tell you that the adverse effects of materialism will be lessened in your child when she’s taught the joy of gratitude and thankfulness.

EPILOGUE

I wrote the foregoing 16 years ago in 2007, back when shopping malls were still the hot ticket for youngsters, kids didn’t have phones and social media was a foreign concept. Today, our boys are 16 years older, both flourishing in business and in life. Our family has grown by two grandsons. And my message has not changed. It is as timely now as it was then.

And because you may be wondering, I never did hear back from Ms. Seymour. * * *

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 2023 CREATORS.COM

“Stitch your stress away” seems like sound advice. How much do you know about the machine that allows you the privilege? Follow along and see!

• Although the word “Singer” is synonymous with the sewing machine, Singer’s machine was far from the first one on the market. European inventors were devising mechanical sewing machines as early as the mid-1700s, with most designed for making shoes.

• In the United States, Elias Howe, Jr. patented his first sewing machine in 1846, one with a lockstitch mechanism, capable of sewing 250 stitches per minute. This singular invention alone moved the world toward mass production of clothing, lowering the cost and making it more readily available to the entire population.

• Isaac Merritt Singer patented his first sewing machine in 1851, incorporating Howe’s lockstitch mechanism into his machine. Howe sued Singer for patent infringement and won the suit, and Singer was ordered to pay royalties to Howe, making Howe a rich man.

• Singer’s ultimate success as an entrepreneur and businessman could not have been predicted by his childhood. An independent young lad, he left his parents’ home and lived on his own from the age of 11. He had a love of the theater and joined a troupe of traveling stage performers, earning his living as an actor for more than 20 years. When ticket sales were slow, he worked as a machinist in his brother’s shop.

• Singer also loved to tinker and experiment with new ways machinery might be used. In 1839, he obtained his first patent, one for a machine that drilled rock, which he sold to a canal building company for $2,000, a sizeable sum in those days, equivalent to about $66,000 in today's money. With a financial cushion in place, he returned to the stage.

• But he still held a curiosity and love for things mechanical and for finding new ways to make things work. Eleven years later at age 38, using $40 borrowed from a friend, Singer created his domestic sized sewing machine, the first one practical for home use. It became the model for all future machines.

• His new sewing machine incorporated a needle

that moved up and down rather than side to side as previous models did, resulting in a great reduction in needle breakage. He also replaced the arm crank with a higher-speed foot pedal, and later added a carrying case. His innovations resulted in a machine that could produce an astounding 900 stitches per minute.

• Singer unveiled his improved model at the 1855 World’s Fair in Paris, earning first prize. He quickly expanded production, and before long there were several Singer factories in New York, busy producing sewing machines.

• Besides having a good product to sell, a great part of his success was due to his unique marketing strategies. With the goal of putting one of his machines in every American home, Singer demonstrated his sewing product at numerous county fairs and other public gatherings, using his flair for stage dramatics to gain attention and entice buyers. He also hired a team of traveling salesmen to sell the machines door to door.

• But most importantly, his shrewd marketing strategy introduced an installment payment plan for the $99 machine that not only enabled those with lower incomes to purchase the product, but also included a trade-in allowance. He also encouraged individual groups of women to pool their money and purchase one machine, to be shared by all in sewing clubs.

• Isaac Singer retired a very wealthy man only 14 years after inventing his sewing machine. He moved to England, where he built a magnificent 115-room mansion, complete with pools,

fountains, riding stables, and a separate theater for his first love -- stage performances.

• The 47-story Singer Building in New York City was the first skyscraper, constructed in Manhattan in 1908. It was the world’s tallest building until 1909. Fifty-nine years later, it was the tallest building to be demolished, making way for a new complex of buildings -- the World Trade Center. □

your advertising choice a wise one.

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is it true that Katie Holmes was almost cast as the lead in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”? How many years was this before “Dawson’s Creek”? -- C.L.

A: Yes, according to a recent story by TV Insider, Katie Holmes is one of several nowfamous stars who were almost part of the “Buffy” universe. This was around 1996, before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” premiered on UPN the next year, but Holmes reportedly turned down the role because she chose to finish high school instead.

Sarah Michelle Gellar was subsequently chosen, and it’s hard to imagine anyone other than her in the role.

Meanwhile, in 1998, Holmes debuted as Joey on another series, “Dawson’s Creek,” and went on to become a big star in Hollywood.

Future A-lister Ryan Reynolds said he turned down the chance to play Buffy’s wisecracking pal Xander because he “didn’t want to play a guy in high school.” Reynolds had just come out of high school in real life and said it was “awful.” The part ended up being perfectly cast with actor Nicholas Brendon. ***

Q: I recently started rewatching the Netflix show “Suits,” the one Meghan Markle acted in before she married Prince Harry. Are

they going to have new episodes or just reruns? -- K.L.

A: “Suits” is the latest series to amass a huge audience after Netflix began making the original episodes available to its subscribers. It ran for nine seasons on the USA Network, ending in 2019, and was then made available to subscribers of Peacock and Amazon Prime Video. However, this past June, the streaming giant Netflix acquired it, and the ratings soared, making it “one of the biggest shows on the planet,” according to TVLine.

“Suits” is just one of several series that expanded its audience by millions once it hit Netflix. Other notable ones include “Lucifer” and “Manifest.” Gene Klein, executive producer of “Suits,” told TVLine that he’s not currently aware of any planned revival of the show with new scripts and new episodes (once the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes get resolved), but that he wouldn’t be surprised if he got a call someday with a proposal. When asked if Markle would be among the returning cast members, he concluded that he didn’t believe it was possible. ***

Q: How is Madonna doing after she nearly died a few months ago? Was she in a coma? -- H.H.

A: Madonna was rushed to the hospital after being found unresponsive at her home on June 24. Fortunately, the singer-actress lived to see another day, but had to postpone her tour, which was set to launch a few weeks later. She spent several days in intensive care, where she was intubated for a serious bacterial infection, but she appears to have made a full recovery.

She plans to reschedule her U.S. tour dates to follow the European leg of her tour, which begins in October.

* * *

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

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Barbie (PG-13) Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling

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

2. Rings ............................... (PG-13)

Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

2. Oppenheimer (R) Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt

3. A Dog’s Purpose ..................(PG)

Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid

3. Haunted Mansion (PG13) LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson

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

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

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

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

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (R)

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 King Features Synd., Inc.

When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming and crying like the passengers in his car.

Just once, I want the username and password prompt to say, "Close Enough."

Aliens probably ride past Earth and lock their doors.

Hayley Atwell

6. Talk to Me (R) Ari McCarthy, Hamish Phillips

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

8. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

9. Insidious: The Red Door (PG-13) Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson 10. Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse (PG) Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld

Katie Holmes (“Dawson’s Creek”)

Good Recipes from

Seafood Bake

In this recipe from our sister publication Woman’s Day, succulent fish and seafood become a decadent dinner when mixed into a creamy sauce topped with a crispy, shredded potato crust.

1 cup lowfat sour cream

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons lemon zest

Kosher salt

Pepper

1 1/2 pounds mixed seafood (such as salmon and shrimp)

1 package frozen leaf spinach

2 cups frozen shredded hash browns

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cornstarch, mustard, lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

2. Add the seafood to the sour cream mixture and toss to coat. Squeeze the spinach of excess moisture, roughly chop, then fold into the seafood mixture. Divide among 4 shallow 1-cup baking dishes and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle the hash browns over the top and lightly brush with olive oil or coat with cooking spray. Bake until bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

(For an extra golden-brown top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes.)

TIP: To use up the potatoes, make crispy potato fritters: In a medium bowl, combine 4 eggs (beaten), 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed), 3 scallions (thinly sliced) and 2 ounces ham (sliced into thin strips). Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet and cook spoonfuls of the mixture until golden brown, 3 minutes per side. Serve with a green salad. Serves 5.

Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Arugula Salad

24 oil-marinated dried tomato halves, well-drained

2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

3 (3.5-ounce) logs goat cheese

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1 bunch arugula (4 ounces) or watercress

1. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons pepper on waxed paper. Roll cheese logs in pepper; slice each into 6 pieces.

2. In bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix

red wine vinegar, olive oil, basil, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. Arrange arugula on plates with goat cheese and dried tomatoes. Serve with red wine vinaigrette. Makes 6 servings.

 Each serving: About 235 calories, 11g protein, 11g carbohydrate, 18g total fat (8g saturated), 23mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium.

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

(c) 2023 Hearst Communications, Inc.

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS TAKES FLIGHT

Cody’s

Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators

Service

The Writing on the Wall

Sometimes it’s hard to see the writing on the wall. We’re too close to a situation to prioritize, make decisions and set boundaries. The following letters are from readers who stare at the writing on their wall and see only hieroglyphics.

Sammo:

“My girlfriend and I recently adopted Sammo, her parents’ 9-year-old Shar-Pei. He had become too much for them to handle and her father was ready to put Sammo down after he bit his wife -twice. We decided to adopt him since we did not see signs of aggression toward people during our time with him.

“At a recent checkup, Sammo snapped at the vet. Sammo has already snapped at me twice. Last night, we were on the back porch and he was enjoying a treat. It was getting dark and my girlfriend got up to get Sammo some water. He growled and charged at her. He has not had any real training outside of housebreaking and learning how to sit. What should we do?”

The writing on the wall: Sammo had bitten twice before they adopted him, and they knew this. He’s an aggressive dog that requires professional training and firm boundaries. They will have to make concessions to keep Sammo safely in their lives and in their house.

Rex:

“Our 2-year-old Australian shepherd, Rex, has shown signs of aggression toward strangers and my daughter’s friends -- never toward family members. He won’t let anyone touch my daughter. If someone is on our yard, he will snarl and try to bite. Some mothers won’t let their girls come over anymore because Rex bit them. He has even broken skin. We tried to socialize him, but it didn’t get any better, so we want to do something about it.”

The writing on the wall: Rex is a dangerous dog, and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. This family stands to lose a lot -- friendships, homeowners insurance, even lives or their home itself!

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

Beware Survey Scams

The latest craze now in senior scams is surveys. Thieves calling themselves survey takers say they want our opinions about products and services, and we’re happy to oblige -- especially when the caller promises a lovely prize for us if we simply participate. Who wouldn’t want an expensive high-def TV or a paid vacation just for answering a few simple survey questions?

We wouldn’t, that’s who. Because it’s likely part of a scam.

Survey scams can be disguised in any number of formats, either a direct call to you or in an email or on social media. Sometimes the information they’re requesting is so innocent you can be lulled into believing it’s legitimate. For example: If you’re asked for the name of your first pet, you’ll be tempted to answer, because it’s not information you want to keep private.

But that same innocent question is very common, and one that thousands use when signing up for a legitimate online account. Banks use it as a means of verifying your identity. Knowing that “Fluffy” was your first cat, pieced together with the answers to other innocent

The Art of DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

A Shady Subject

Windows are considered to be the eyes of a home. Through them, we can see a framed view of the outside world, and when we are outside looking in, they offer us a glimpse of the daily goings-on of life.

Some windows require no treatment due to a spectacular view, and yet other windows require some sort of treatment, either for privacy reasons or to protect the interiors from the intense rays of the sun. There are also types of window treatments for addressing issues of privacy, sun protection and aesthetics, too.

While we're all familiar with curtains or drapes, people often use the terms interchangeably. But there is a difference. Curtains are generally made with lighter fabrics and are not intended to protect against sunlight. They are mainly for privacy and aesthetics.

Drapes, on the other hand, are usually lined and meant to block out light. As for aesthetics, depending on where you live and the type of decor you have, drapes can be made of velvet, silk, cotton, linen and even synthetic fabrics.

Curtains and drapes can be simple and demure or as fancy as a ballgown. (Flashback to “Gone with the Wind,” when Scarlett O’Hara hastily made her dress from fancy drapes.)

Shutters are another viable option for window treatments. They can give an architectural flair to any room, as they accent the openings and become part of the millwork. Although generally

questions, scammers can access your accounts when a profile about you is created.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to qualify for a survey and the questions are more intrusive. Taken together, all your innocent answers can be sold as a package to other scammers. Here are a few facts:

Once you engage in conversation with these scammers, the number of scam calls you receive will rise dramatically. Once you participate in an online survey, you are marked and have opened yourself up to much more serious scams.

If you have to pay a fee, it’s a scam.

The moment you click on a link planted in an email, it’s likely that malware is instantly installed on your computer, now allowing the thieves to access and empty your banking accounts. And you can't get your money back.

If someone offers you anything of value for participating in a survey, it’s likely a scam. Really, why would anyone offer you a free TV or a paid vacation for answering a few questions?

If you’ve been a victim of scammers, don't be ashamed. Instead, call the Federal Trade Commission - now - at 877-382-4357. They can help stop these low-life thieves.

* * *

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

painted white, wood shutters can be stained to match the millwork and, in some cases, painted to contrast in color. Sometimes shutters can be divided in two, with closed panels on the bottom for privacy but open sections on top to allow light to enter your space.

Blinds are quite common and useful. They can provide privacy and also mitigate the sunlight due to their adjustable slats. These come in a variety of materials, from wood to vinyl to aluminum, and in a variety of sizes, from oneinch “mini blinds,” to 3½" horizontal plantation shutters. Blinds are often associated with traditional architecture. Vertical blinds came about during the 1970s in response to the many sliding glass doors of modern architecture.

Then there are those who prefer shades. Shades offer a more contemporary style to any interior because when they are rolled up, they are out of sight. There are shades made of vinyl which are meant to block out or filter light and even some that are considered blackout, which block all light (great for sleeping in on a sunny morning). Light-filtering shades can be made of woven vinyl fabric or a light sheer fabric.

Yet another variation of shades is translucent shades. Made from opaque paper or nylon, these shades stack like horizontal blinds yet allow in a copious amount of light.

Surely, there are many more styles of window treatments, but space won't permit inclusion in this column. There is no wrong type of treatments, as long as they ultimately do their job of adding a tasteful feature to your home, offering privacy, and controlling the sunlight.

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

Rex should be securely confined whenever anyone visits their home, and he must be kept away from small children.

Maddy:

“Some months back, my daughter rescued an abandoned dog. We have rescued animals in the past, but I was hesitant to take in a new animal because I’d just lost my job and money was -- and still is -- an issue. Nevertheless, I let “Maddy” stay.

“Very quickly, I realized this little dog has some serious issues. She is afraid to be alone and is food aggressive. She is also afraid of any kind of noise. She will aggressively bark and snarl at me if I raise my voice in the slightest to discipline my three kids, and she goes ballistic if the kids start to argue. Maddy has bitten every member of the family at one point or another.

“I’ve had a rotten time trying to find a new job, so I have been making strides to open an in-home day care. Yet, I am afraid that Maddy will freak out at the sound of a baby rattle and bite one of the children.

After watching her random attack on my daughter today, I realize I am out of my league when it comes to attending to her psychological needs. Any advice?”

The writing on the wall: A dog driven berserk by arguments and noise and that has already bitten at least three children is absolutely not a candidate for “day care dog.” Maddy is dangerous. Maddy cannot be around children. With Maddy running around a day care facility, this woman will lose her license and her shirt within a week -- not to mention the very real danger to other people’s children, as well as her own.

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.

Woof!

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

History of Social Security

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about the history of the Social Security number. I was surprised by the number of people who enjoyed it. And more than a few of you asked me for more columns with a historical bent, so I thought: Why not the history of Social Security itself?

As you might guess, there are more than a few books about the history of Social Security -books that run to hundreds and even thousands of pages. So how am I going to squeeze that history into the relatively few words I get in this column? Oh well, I’ll try.

Most people recognize that the concept of a national social insurance system in America grew out of the economic crises that followed the Great Depression and out of the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as president in 1932. His “New Deal” programs were enacted to help bring the country out of the economic depths of that time. And of course, Social Security was one of those programs.

But it’s not like the country was initially willing and eager to welcome this new kind of government-run old age pension system. And opposition didn’t just come from expected sources like conservative Republicans. Most employers and even many unions just didn’t trust the federal government to be able to finance and manage such a huge and comprehensive program.

Of course, many people were involved in making Social Security happen. But one oftenoverlooked person deserves a great deal of credit: Frances Perkins. She was FDR’s Secretary of Labor, and it was her perseverance and powers of persuasion with not only labor leaders, but also with members of Congress, that finally took Social Security off the planning table and onto the floors of Congress as actual legislation in January 1935.

But once there, the bill didn’t exactly breeze through Congress. In fact, on March 20, 1935, The New York Times ran a story headlined: “Hopes Are Fading for the Social Security Bill.” Then FDR stepped in. He called the leaders of Congress over to the White House and gave them a pep talk. Not long afterward, those members of Congress swallowed their doubts and passed the Social Security bill by a substantial 372-33 margin.

Then the bill bogged down in the Senate with various members of the upper body trying to tack on amendments (such as making the program voluntary rather than compulsory). Eventually, all these issues were ironed out, the bill passed, and FDR signed the Social Security Act on Aug. 14, 1935. (And that means we are celebrating its 88th birthday!)

Speaking of that original Social Security law, many readers tell me that we should take Social Security “back to its roots.” They think too many “goodies” have been tacked on to the program over the years and that we’d be better off with “good old-fashioned original Social Security.”

I always tell these folks that if they really mean they want only the original Social Security law, then all we would have are retirement benefits for people 65 and older who were totally retired. That’s it. Period. Nothing else!

So that means we would have no early retirement benefits at age 62. Those millions of people getting early retirement benefits could kiss their checks goodbye under the “back to basics”

plan.

It also would mean we would not pay benefits to anyone 65 and older if they were still working. The original Social Security law required that you must be completely retired to collect benefits. So tough luck for all the working seniors out there under the original plan.

Oh, and there would be no extra bonus for people who delay taking benefits until a later age. Millions of seniors currently plan to work until 70 in order to get a 30% bonus added to their checks. Back-to-basics plans would turn off that incentive to delay retirement.

There would be no benefits for spouses or widows or widowers. And if a young worker dies and leaves small children, tough luck. No government benefits for them.

And there would be no disability benefits. So, if you have a heart attack at age 55, well then that’s just too bad. You would just have to wait until you are 65 to collect your Social Security, assuming you live that long.

I could go on and on. There are tens of millions of people getting Social Security benefits today who would not qualify for anything under the original Social Security law.

Some people call these extra benefits “goodies” added to the original Social Security law, I would make the point that Social Security expanded over the years not because Congress was looking for ways to hand out freebies to freeloaders, but because there were legitimate needs that people had and that a caring and compassionate society needed to provide for its citizens. That’s why today we have Social Security benefits for working seniors, for spouses and widows, for orphaned children, for divorced women and for disabled workers. Here is a quick rundown of the major changes to Social Security over the years.

1935 -- the original Social Security Act: Provided benefits for retirees at age 65 and nothing else.

1939 amendments: Added benefits for dependent wives aged 65 and older and for the minor children of retirees. Also added benefits to widows aged 65 and older and to surviving minor children of a worker who died. And included benefits for widows at any age if caring for a minor child.

1950 amendments: Added benefits for dependent husbands aged 65 and older and widowers aged 65 and older.

1956 amendments: Lowered the age at which a woman can get retirement benefits to 62. Also lowered the age at which a husband or wife can get spousal or widow’s benefits to 62. Added disability benefits for disabled workers between ages 50 and 64.

1960 amendments: Expanded disability benefits to a disabled worker of any age as long as he or she was “insured.”

1961 amendments: Lowered the age at which a man can get retirement benefits to 62. Also lowered the widower’s age to 62.

1965 amendments: Lowered the age at which a woman can get widow’s benefits to 60. Added benefits for surviving children between ages 18 and 21. Added benefits for divorced women if they were married for 20 years. Also added the Medicare program.

1968 amendments: Lowered the age at which a woman could collect widow’s benefits to 50 if she was disabled.

1977 amendments: Lowered the duration of the marriage requirement for divorced spouses from 20 years to 10 years.

1983 amendments: Raised the retirement age to 67 over a 50-year period. Children’s benefits eliminated for those age 18-21. Added benefits for fathers caring for minor children.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answers. 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.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

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

2. Which book may be summarized as "Bad times do not change the nature of God"? a) Judges b) Job c) Jeremiah d) Kings

3. From 2 Chronicles 9:11, what are psalteries for singers? a) Robes b) Epochs c) Brass cymbals d) Stringed instruments

4. In Revelation 6, what is the name of the fourth horseman? a) Death b) Great shaking c) Famine d) Scorching heat

5. From Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time to tear down and a time to ___? a) Fast b) Lay plans c) Build up d) Rejoice

6. Which of these was Abraham's wife? a) Rahab b) Sarah c) Rebekah d) Michal

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

because of blockages in the arteries, especially if you had a heart attack or stroke, I recommend continuing it. If you have been on the medication to prevent a heart attack or stroke, I say it is up to you. If the medication is causing side effects, or if it really bothers you to take it, you can certainly stop.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Learning

the Signs That Lead to COPD

DEAR DR. ROACH: What signs and/or symptoms do you need for a doctor to determine whether you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? -- R.K.

ANSWER: The diagnosis of COPD is suspected in people who are at risk for the disease and note one of two cardinal symptoms: cough or dyspnea. (A “symptom” is what a patient identifies by history, while a “sign” is noted on a physical exam. A cough can be both a symptom and a sign.) Dyspnea is usually described as shortness of breath, a sensation that a person can’t get enough air, like they have just run very fast. Some people with COPD may have very subtle symptoms.

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, but there are other causes, including other chemical exposures (industrial exposures and home cooking fires are less common now, but are historically important causes of COPD); scarring lung disease; and a genetic cause, a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

The diagnosis is confirmed most often by tests of lung function, which are breathing tests to look at the physiology of the lung and its ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Sometimes the diagnosis can be supported by an Xray or CT scan, but pulmonary function testing is the best way to determine the severity of COPD. We do have ways of slowing down lung decline in COPD, one way being smoking cessation for current smokers, but some of the medications we use also help reduce ongoing damage.

***

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please help! Is it true that Trulicity may cause serious side effects, including thyroid tumors and cancer, as well as pancreatitis? -- J.R.

ANSWER: Dulaglutide (Trulicity), like semaglutide (Ozembic) and liraglutide (Victoza), are in a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have several actions, such as increasing insulin release by the pancreas in response to meals. Initial studies on laboratory rats did show an increase in an unusual type of thyroid cancer, but studies have not yet shown an increased rate in humans. Still, people at an increased risk for this type of thyroid cancer (having a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A or 2B) are not recommended to take this medication.

Similarly, there are reports of pancreatitis in people taking this medication, but it isn’t clear whether the medicine is responsible for the pancreatitis. It’s unwise to use this class of medication in people with a history of pancreatitis. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 93 and in excellent health. I am taking atorvastatin daily. My cholesterol results are excellent. I am wondering if I should continue the statin. -- B.F.

ANSWER: If you were started on a statin

However, I believe the atorvastatin continues to reduce your risk of heart attack and still gives you some benefit. There is no need to stop it simply because of your age.

Remember, your cholesterol results are excellent on the medicine and aren’t going to be as good if you stop it.

* * *

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.

How Can Scams Go on This Long?

A grandson collected his grandmother’s survivor benefits for 30 years after her death. How, one wonders, can that happen? Is no one checking to be sure those who receive benefits are still living?

In this case the survivor benefits, based on the woman’s marriage to a veteran, kept going to her bank account. And the grandson kept spending the money, $1,100 per month for 30 years. He pleaded guilty, as he should have, but was only charged with one count of stealing government property in a plea deal. For that he could get ten years.

Then there was the woman who kept a scam going for 48 years after her mother died. Apparently no one at the Department of Veterans Affairs did the math and calculated how old the woman was. The daughter just kept signing checks and sending handwritten letters asking for address changes and saying she was unable to find her mother’s Social Security number. She’ll be required to pay back over $400,000, but there’s no jail sentence in this case. The daughter is now 76 years old.

If you want to do the right thing, after the death of a veteran or someone receiving survivor benefits, call the VA. Just call 800-827-1000. You might be eligible to receive benefits yourself, depending on the relationship. Or, if you delay and benefits have been sent out already, you’ll need to make arrangements to send the money back. In the case of a disabled veteran, you also might be asked to return any equipment issued by the VA, such as wheelchairs.

It’s the same with Social Security. Call them at 800-772-1213 to stop the payments.

Do the right thing ... before the authorities come knocking at your door. One thing to keep in mind: Even if the amount of money you steal is less than $100, you could still go to jail for a year. Do the right thing.

* * *

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

-- by Jim Miller

How Does Medicare Cover Preventive Health Services?

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Can you tell me if Medicare covers preventive health screenings? I’m due to get a physical and a colonoscopy this year, but I want to find out what I might have to pay out of pocket for this before I go in. -- Just Turned 65

Dear Just Turned: You’ll be happy to know that Medicare covers a wide array of preventive and screening services to help you stay healthy, but not all services are completely covered. Here’s what you should know.

Free Preventive Benefits

Most of Medicare’s preventive services are available to all beneficiaries (through Part B) completely free with no copays or deductibles, as long as you meet basic eligibility standards. Mammograms; colonoscopies; shots against flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 and hepatitis B; screenings for diabetes, depres sion, osteoporosis, HIV, various cancers and cardiovascular disease; and counseling to combat obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking are just some of Medicare’s lengthy list of covered services. But to get these services for free, you need to go to a doctor who accepts Medicare “on assignment,” which means he or she has agreed to accept the Medicare approved rate as full payment.

Also, the tests are free only if they’re used at specified intervals. For example, cardiovascular screening blood tests once every five years; or colonoscopy, once every ten years, or every two years if you’re at high risk.

Medicare also offers a free “Welcome to Medicare” exam with your doctor in your first year, along with annual “Wellness” visits thereafter. But don’t confuse these with full

physical examinations. These are prevention-focused visits that provide only an overview of your health and medical risk factors and serve as a baseline for future care.

Cost Sharing Services

There are, however, a few Medicare preventive services that do require some out-of-pocket cost sharing. With these tests, you’ll have to pay 20 percent of the cost of the service after you’ve met your $226 Part B yearly deductible. The services that fall under this category include glaucoma tests, diabetes self-management trainings, barium enemas to detect colon cancer, and digital rectal exams to detect prostate cancer.

For a complete list of services along with their eligibility requirements, visit Medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screeningservices

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your plan is also required to cover the same preventive services as original Medicare as long as you see in-network providers.

Hidden Costs

You also need to know that while most

of the previously listed Medicare services are free, you can be charged for certain diagnostic services or additional tests or procedures related to the preventive service. For example, if your doctor finds and removes a polyp during your preventive care colonoscopy screening, you will pay 15 percent of the doctor’s service fee. Or, if during your annual wellness visit, your doctor needs to investigate or treat a new or existing problem, you will probably be charged here too.

You may also have to pay a facility fee depending on where you receive the service. Certain hospitals, for example, will often charge separate facilities fees when you are receiving a preventive service. And you can also be charged for a doctor’s visit if you meet with a physician before or after the service.

To eliminate billing surprises, talk to your doctor before any preventive service procedure to find out if you may be subject to a charge and what it would be.

ANTIQUE

-- OR --

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

hand painted red letter “A.” The vase stands about 11 inches tall and is decorated with the portrait of a gypsy woman with a tambourine. It is in perfect condition.

I hope you can tell me its history and value.

A: Warwick China Company was located in Wheeling, W.V., from 1887 to 1951. They made vases, tankards, dresser sets, dinnerware, umbrella stands, jardinieres, platters, bowl and pitcher sets and a multitude of decorative items.

“Ioga” remains a mystery.

Your portrait vase was made some time between 1905 and 1920, and would probably be worth about $125 to $150.

Warwick China Company was located in Wheeling, W.V.

Q: This photo is a portion of a framed silhouette picture of a duck hunter in a canoe with his dog. On the back of the picture is a stamp with the words “Fisher -- Hand Painted Silhouettes” and an “M” in a diamond. There is a hand written personal note saying “Betty, from Nelson, December 2, 1935.” Also, there is a newspaper clipping attached on the back explaining the history of silhouettes.

Framed hand painted silhouettes were popular in the early 1900s.

The silhouette does have dried flowers on it, and the background looks like gold feather or some type of gold foil.

I hope you will include my photo and question in your column so I can learn more about it as I am quite curious.

A: Your circa 1935 vintage silhouette was made by Fisher in California. The letter “M” stands for Mary Fisher, who hand painted the scenes. Fisher produced many silhouettes and often used foil background and dried native milkweed and other wild flowers. Silhouettes like yours and also reverse painted silhouettes were very popular in the early to mid-1900s.

Your framed silhouette would probably be worth $50 to $75.

***

Puzzle Solutions

GO

Many of the vases and tankards featured portraits of monks, Native Americans, flowers and fraternal motifs. They were either hand painted or decorated with decals. They also made hotel and restaurant wares.

The hand painted red letter refers to the finish and decoration. The significance of the word

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.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

SOLUTION * * *

in the animal kingdom. Cats can hear sounds as high-pitched as 65 kHz; a human’s hearing stops at just 20 kHz.

• A cat’s tail held high means happiness. A twitching tail is a warning sign showing displeasure, and a tail tucked in close to its body is a sure sign of insecurity, fear or distress.

• A cat’s tail plays a vital part in the cat’s balance and in the “righting reflex” that allows it to land on its feet after falling from a height.

• According to a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association, seventy percent of people will include their pet’s name when signing greeting cards, and 58 percent include their pets in family and holiday portraits.

• Small dogs are rapidly gaining popularity, according to American Kennel Club statistics. Three toy breeds are among the top ten in popularity on the most recent list: the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Shih Tzu rank 6th, 9th and 10th, respectively. A decade ago, no toy breeds were in the top ten.

• Almost 40 percent of pet owners say they have more photos of their pet than of their spouse or significant other.

• “Seizure Alert” dogs can alert their owners several minutes before the onset of an epileptic seizure. How they are able to sense these signs is as yet unknown.

• Some people prefer more unusual pets that can be listed in the realm of exotic. While these creatures can range from snakes to skunks, to hedgehogs and even spiders, most folks prefer to share their households with those in the category of cuddly. □

As a young player growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, there were a plethora of great players to watch around the green, but none better than the late, Severiano Ballesteros. Seve was a genius when it came to the short game, and was more imaginative than any player before or after his prime.

Yet, one of Seve’s greatest secrets around the green was a simple grip trick that allowed him to create spin and height on shots much easier than his competitors. Seve many times used a “weaker” right hand position than normal, whereby the wrist was turned more palm downward and on top of the left hand. This served two main purposes:

1. The club was now more in his fingers rather than in the palm creating better feel. The index finger, in particular, “hooked” around the grip where it could apply force downward through impact.

2. By pre-turning the right wrist and forearm, there is very little room to rotate the arm any further. This helps prevent the clubface from closing through impact . Seve would have the face open noticeable at address with many shots, and his grip keep the face from closing too much as he went through impact.

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of kangaroos called?

2. MOVIES: What kind of enchanted flower is featured in the animated film “Beauty and the Beast”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: How many pyramids are in the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?

4. TELEVISION: What did the surgeons on the “M.A.S.H” TV drama call their tent home?

5. FOOD & DRINK: When was the first restaurant franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken founded?

6. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Vermont?

7. CHEMISTRY: What is the only letter that doesn’t occur in the Periodic Table?

8. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Roman god equivalent of the Greek god Hermes?

9. LITERATURE: Which famous singer-songwriter won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016?

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

10. MUSIC: Which country is the pop band ABBA from? Answers

TRIVIA TEST Answers Answers

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.

1. Ben Chaplin, Uma Thurman, Jeneane Garofolo 2.