Vol. 19: #47 • Tidbits Ascends Some High Altitudes • (11-19-2023) TIdbits of Coachella Valley

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c/o George Kouri Premiumemail: Front Page valleybits@msn.com Property of Premium Front Page CMG Home October 22,Loans 2023 Vol.Media, No.Inc.43 AdVenture Mayc/o 28,George 2023 Kouri Vol. 19 - No. 22

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Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 Property of This week Tidbits scales the heights to nosebleed CMG Home Loans valleybits@msn.com May 28, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. AdVenture Media, Inc. 22 valleybits@msn.com George Kouri Cash Out Your Home altitudes for a curious look at some of the highest c/o Phone: 760.320.0997 AllFax: 760.320.1630 Premium Front Page Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved valleybits@msn.com elevations on earth. So snug on your woolies and May 28, 2023 Vol. 19 - No.with 22 Equity Our NEW Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 All Rights Reserved oxygen mask and follow along as we learn some valleybits@msn.com SECOND REVERSE Mtge. interesting facts about these high places and the All Rights Reserved Keep your 1st low-rate mtge. in place! hardy folks who venture there.

760-275-5905

Yes! Now you can access your home’s equity with a fixed rate Reverse Second mortgage loan, without making 76 any 0payments that loan until you no longer 275-on 59 05 residence GEORGE KOURI live in the property as your primary GEORGE KOURI GEORGE Loan Officer GEORGE KOURI GEORGE KOURI GEORGE KOURI KOURI

ELEVATED DWELLERS

760-275-5905 • People who live at high altitudes around the world are numbered in the millions. It’s estimated that Call me Today!

Loan Officer NMLS ID# 248717 248717 Loan Officer NMLS ID# ADVERTISING PROO close to 15 million live at elevations higher than NMLS ID# 248717 NMLS ID# 248717 ID# 248717 e:NMLS gkouri@cmghomeloans.com 760-275-5905 e: gkouri@cmghomeloans.com e: gkouri@cmghomeloans.com e: gkouri@cmghomeloans.com w: www.gkouri.com 11,500 feet, with some 6.5 million dwelling above gkouri@cmghomeloans.com e: gkouri@cmghomeloans.com w: www.gkouri.com w:www.gkouri.com www.gkouri.com w:e: Final Changes DUE: ADVERTISING w:PROOF www.gkouri.com w: www.gkouri.com ADVERTISING PROOF PALM SPRINGS BRANCH 13,000 feet. About two million live in communities PALM SPRINGS ADVERTISING PROOF PALM BRANCH SPRINGS BRANCH PleaseFinal review carefully.DUE: Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spellin 340 S. Farrell Dr., Ste A203 Changes 12:00 NOON 340 S. PALM Farrell Dr., Ste A203 SPRINGS BRANCH 340 S. SPRINGS Farrell Dr., Ste A203 PALM BRANCH Palm Springs, CA 92262 Palm Springs, CA 92262 situated above 15,000 feet, with another third ofcarefully.

Palm Springs, CA 92262 Please review DoubleDUE: check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling Prices 12:00 Hours Final Changes 12:00N 340 S. Farrell Dr., Ste A203 Final Changes DUE: 340 S. Farrell Dr., Ste A203 BranchBranch NMLS ID#NMLS 2475202ID# ID#2475202 2475202 Branch NMLS Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes Palm Springs, CA 92262 Palm Springs, CA 92262 a million dwelling even higher,Please above the 16,500 George Kouri review carefully.

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BranchNMLS NMLS ID# Branch ID#2475202 2475202 Loan Officer Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fa Office: 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 NMLS email: ID# 248717 foot mark -- more than three miles higherContact than sea Tidbits representative immediately with with changes correctio Contact youryour Tidbits representative immediately changesoror corre level!

Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320 Loan Officer NMLS ID# 248717

e: gkouri@cmghomeloans.com w: www.gkouri.com

PALM SPRINGS BRANCH 340 S. Farrell Dr., Ste A203 Palm Springs, CA 92262 Branch NMLS ID# 2475202

Borrower is still responsible for taxes and insurance. This ad is not from HUD or the FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.

CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans dba CMG Financial, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act No. 4150025. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Borrower is still responsible for taxes and insurance. This ad is not from HUD or the FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.

is still responsible forand taxes and insurance.

This is not from HUDLicensed or the FHAand and was not approved byby HUD or any government agency.

Borrower isBorrower still taxes insurance. isad not from HUD the FHA was not approved HUD or any government agency.

CMG Mortgage, Inc.responsible dba CMG Homefor Loans dba CMG Financial, NMLS#This 1820,ad is an equal housing lender.or by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)Inc. under theCMG California Residential Lending Act No.NMLS# 4150025.1820, To verify our equal complete list of state licenses, CMG Mortgage, dba Home Loans Mortgage dba CMG Financial, is an housing lender.

Licensed by the Department of Financial

CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Homeand Loans dba CMG Financial, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Licensed by the Department of Financial please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Protection and Innovation (DFPI) under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act No. 4150025. To verify our complete list of state licenses, Protection please and Innovation (DFPI) under the Californiaand Residential Mortgage Lending Act No. 4150025. To verify our complete list of state licenses, visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

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• Because oxygen levels in the atmosphere diminish steadily with altitude, the higher the elevation, the thinner the air. So how do these high-living High Altitudes: Turn to page 3

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Borrower is still responsible for taxes and insurance. This ad is not from HUD or the FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.

CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans dba CMG Financial, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Licensed by the Department of Financial

Protection (DFPI) under theCMG California Residential Mortgage Acthousing No. 4150025.

To verify our complete list of state licenses, CMG Mortgage, Inc. and dbaInnovation CMG Home Loans dba Financial, NMLS# 1820, isLending an equal lender.

Licensed by the Department of Financial visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Protection please and Innovation (DFPI) under the Californiaand Residential Mortgage Lending Act No. 4150025. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

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Vol. IXX Issue No. 47

pounds of food supplies and equipment.

• Veteran climber Edmund Hillary of New Zealand was a member of Hunt’s crew. A One in a series beekeeper during the off-season, Hillary had TRvalleybits@msn.com IVIA NEWSFRONT Fax: 760-320-1630 email: been saved by Norgay from a fall into a crevasse TENZING NORGAY on a previous expedition. As a result, Norgay ADVERTISING PROOF was Hillary’s climbing partner of choice for the P.M. nal Changes DUE: MON., Nov. 6 5:00 12:00 NOON 1953 party. w carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours • The group spent the night of May 28, 1953 n, Inc. at 27,900 feet. On the following morning, ct your Tidbits representative elanie Thomas Property of immediately with changes or corrections. when Hillary and Norgay were just below the valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 AdVentureemail: Media, Inc. W760-320-0997 26x summit, Hillary threw down a rope to Norgay, Although his name might not be familiar, the and at about 11:30 A.M., the pair victoriously er 8, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 41 accomplishments of Tenzing Norgay are well arrived at the world’s highest point, the first known. This week Tidbits presents the story of this documented humans ever to do so.

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. Sherpa mountaineer who was one of the first two • The two men spent just 15 minutes at the Bgreen, Inc. documented people to reach the summit of Mount summit. Norgay said a prayer, made an offering, e: 760.320.0997 c/o Melanie Ashe Fax: 760.320.1630 Everest. and planted four flags, one for Britain, Nepal, BZ valleybits@msn.com BW 26x • Norgay was born in northeastern Nepal, the son India, and the United Nations. Because Norgay Nov. 12, 2023Phone: Vol.760.320.0997 19 - No.on 46page Fax:16) 760.320.1630 (Answers of a Tibetan yak herder. Although he started life had never used a camera, Hillary took a photo valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved with the name of Namgyal Wangdi, the founder of him holding his ice-axe. There was no photo All Rights Reserved of a nearby monastery advised his parents to of Hillary. change the name to Tenzing Norgay which • When questions arose as to who was the first translates as “wealthy, fortunate follower of ● Kills Plant Diseases! to step foot on the top, Colonel Hunt declared, ● Cleans, Lubricates Pruners! religion” “They reached it together, as a team.” Later that R • He ran away from home twice as a teenager, and Hillary and Hunt were knighted by the ADVERTISING PROOFwas sent to a Buddhist monastery to become year, Queen Elizabeth II. Because Norgay was not a monk.

But Norgay soon abandoned the a British citizen, he only received the honorary inal Changes DUE: 12:00 NOON monastery to settle in the Sherpa community, Pruner Tool Treatment Spray British Empire Medal. view carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Available at Ace & True Value Hardware a Tibetan ethnic group native to the Himalayas’ • Tenzing Norgay spoke several languages, but tact your TidbitsVisit representative immediately with changes or corrections. us at: PruneMaster.us most mountainous regions. could neither read nor write. Following his e: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 • In 1935, at age 20, Norgay participated in his Everest achievement, he became the first first Everest expedition. He took part in several Director of Field Training of the Himalayan more unsuccessful ascents throughout the Mountaineering Institute. In 1975, he had 1930s and 1940s, including as a guide in an the honor of serving as the guide for the Property of illegal attempt by a Canadian mountaineer in first American tourist party allowed into the AdVenture Media, Inc. e check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling1947,  Prices  Hours one that ended when a powerful storm country. Shortly afterward, he founded Tenzing hit the group at 22,000 feet, forcing the group Norgay Adventures, specializing in Himalayan of three to give up and turn around. trekking adventures. resentative immediately with changes or corrections.

• In 1949, Nepal opened its borders to tourists and • Norgay died in 1986 at the age of 71. Ten years Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com email: valleybits@msn.com Fax:mountaineers 760-320-1630 and the conquest of Mt. Everest after his death, Norgay’s son Jamling followed became the goal of numerous expeditions.

All Rights Reserved in his father’s footsteps by reaching the summit Norgay was part of a 1952 Swiss expedition of Everest in 1996. In 2003, Jamling teamed up that reached the 28,210 foot level, just 825 feet with Edmund Hillary’s son Peter to climb to the shy of the 29,035-foot summit, but was forced Everest summit on the 50th anniversary of their to turn back due to lack of supplies. fathers’ historic achievement.  Property of • By the time a large British expedition was AdVenture Media, Inc. organized in 1953, Norgay had been on six Everest treks. Headed by British Army Colonel John Hunt, the crew had a total of more than 400 people, which included 362 porters and 20 Sherpa guides, including Norgay, and 10,000

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e: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 1. LITERATURE: What is Dorothy’s valleybits@msn.com

last name in “The Wizard of Oz”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which U.S. states All Rights Reserved share a border with Mexico?

3. MOVIES: What are Indiana Jones and his father searching for in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”?

4. TELEVISION: Which TV dramedy is set on Wisteria Lane?

5. LANGUAGE: What is a common Latin phrase meaning “something for something”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the fastest fish?

7. INVENTIONS: Where was the first compass invented?

8. SCIENCE: How long does it take for the sun’s light to reach Earth?

9. U.S. STATES: Which state is the smallest in land size?

10. MEDICAL: What is a common name for aphthous stomatitis?

Answerspage 16) (Trivia Test answers 1. Gale.

2. Four: California, Arizona, New

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Week of November 19, 2023

High Altitudes (from page one)

inhabitants manage to survive? By living in

these conditions for such extended periods, their bodies have adapted to the thin atmosphere by producing a greater amount of hemoglobin, the red blood cell proteins that carry a larger amount of oxygen through the blood system.

The added supply of oxygen greatly reduces the occurance of hypoxia.

• Those living in the mountain regions of Tibet compensate for their low oxygen content by increasing their oxygen intake, which means taking more breaths per minute than people would who live at sea level.

1. W Tidbits of Coachella Valley Page 3 s m for four minutes, 36 seconds, reaching a speed • About 30,000 people scale Kilimanjaro every year, with a failure rate of 50%, mostly due to of 614 mph during his plummet through the s thin atmosphere. His amazing feat set a record for the fastest speed by a person in nonvehicular freefall.

• The average Mount Everest climber needs about seven bottles of oxygen, enough to last for 35 hours, in order to increase chances of surviving the challenging climb.

• Second only to the height of Mount Everest, the world’s next-tallest peak is considered Earth’s most difficult mountain for climbers to conquer.

The summit of Karakoram, commonly referred to as K2, stands on the border of Pakistan and China at 28,251 feet. It’s also the deadliest to climb, with a death rate of around 18 percent, or about one person for every five who attempt reaching the top. The route includes a narrow, steep and treacherous 150-foot crevasse that is just the width of a climber’s shoulders and has claimed several lives. The summit was first reached in 1954, and only about 700 climbers have done so since.

• High elevation dwellers also follow a different set of rules in the kitchen since altitiude directly effects how foods bake and cook. Because air pressure is lower, foods take longer to bake.

Liquids also evaporate faster, requiring a change when adding flour, sugar, and liquids to prevent dry or gummy batter. Dough rises faster at higher altitudes because gases expand more, calling for a decrease in leavening agents and a shorter rising time. Water also More than 200 bodies of climbers who have perished during the grueling Mount Everest exboils at lower temperatures. At sea level, water piditions still sremain on the mountain due to boils at 212 °F. With each 500-foot increase in the extreme danger and high cost of retrieving elevation, the boiling point of water is lowered them. A recovery mission in 2017 had a price tag close to a quarter million U.S. dollars. by just under 1° F. At 10,000 feet,OCT. for example, MON., 16 water will begin boiling at about 192°F efully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Priceson the Hours • Situated French-Italian border, Mont HIGH ALTITUDE CHALLENGERS Blanc is the tallest peak in the Alps and ur Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

• Colonel Joseph Kittinger of the U.S. Air Force western Europe. Its 15,774-ft. summit was set a record in 1960 for the longest parachute Fax: first conquered in 1786. It takes its name from 320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 free fall, a record that still stands. As part of the French for “White Mountain.” The town of Project Excelsior, Kittinger made a series of Chamonix, France, located at the base of Mont extreme altitude parachute jumps while testing Blanc, was the site of the first Winter Olympic a parachute system designed for pilots ejecting Games in 1924, with medals awarded in 16 CVfrom Black Car c/oProperty Scott Galloway of high altitudes.

He floated up 102,800 feet events to athletes from 16 nations. Norwegian Inc. 1/16into pg. the 4C stratosphere 6x AdVenture Media, in a specially-equipped figure skater Sonja Henie competed here at Oct.helium 22, 2023 Vol. 19and - No. 43 He was in freefall balloon, jumped. age 11. Completed in 1965, a seven-mile-long tunnel directly underneath the mountain links France and Italy.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 • Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro is considered a valleybits@msn.com much easier climb than other mountains, and BLACK CAR requires no special equipment such as ropes, All Rights Reserved harnesses, crampons, or ice axes. It’s a “hiking” peak rather than a mountaineering peak, even though it’s the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Standing 19,341 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in Africa. A freeADVERTISING PROOF standing mountain is usually the result of activity, and Kilimanjaro is made up al Changes DUE: 12:00volcanic NOON of ash, lava, and rock. This dormant volcano carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours was first conquered by climbers in 1889.

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More than 20,000 hardy people reach the Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com summit of France's Mont Blanc every year.

In 2013, Basque All Rights Reserved climber Kilian Jornet accomplished the ascent and descent in four hours, 57 minutes, 40 seconds. It typicallly takes two days for most climbers along the most popular route.

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altitude sickness. Swiss climber Karl Egloff ascended and descended Kilimanjaro in just six hours, 42 minutes in 2014, setting the record.

In 2019, American Anne Lorimor became the High Altitudes: Turn to page 15 ����������������������

QUIZ BITS

2. W t f s

1. The altitude of Ecuador's capital city is 9,250 feet above sea level. What is its name?

2. What U.S. city boasts the highest elevation in the country?

(Answers page 16)

1.

2.

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stranglehold of credit card debt, and that is to pay back every last dime of that revolving debt balance. Before you cut me off, let me say that I know from personal experience that won't be easy, but it's doable.

If you could use some help with getting started and staying on track right down to owing $0, then check out a book I wrote about my own journey, experience, and debt-free outcome!

Through the pages, I will walk with you step by step, guiding and encouraging you. "Debt-Proof Living" (by me!) is available wher ever books are sold.

* * * Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate. com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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Video, Roku, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream will also carry the movie in December, if not sooner.

Two versions of “A Christmas Carol” (1984 with George C. Scott and 1999 with Patrick Stewart) are also available. Scott’s will air on TCM on Dec. 18, as well as on Starz, Tubi and Roku, while Stewart’s will air on TNT on Dec. 14 and on DirecTV Stream.

TNT is also continuing its tradition of airing “A Christmas Story” marathon-style on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. for 24 hours straight. It’ll also be available on that same channel during other times in November and December, so be sure to check your cable guides.

TVLine.com has a wonderful comprehensive guide online of over 100 old and new holiday films and specials. Search for your favorites and discover new ones at www.tvline.com/lists/ christmas-tv-movies-2023-schedule-netflixhallmark-lifetime/. *** Q: How is Marcia Cross doing since her cancer diagnosis a few years ago? I haven’t seen her since “Desperate Housewives,” so I hope she’s doing well. -- C.D.

by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: I thought Tom Brady was going to

become a football commentator after he retired. Who is he working for now? -- P.T.

ning quarterback signed a huge deal with Fox before he retired earlier this year. However, he’s not expected to take the mic away from current co-analyst Greg Olsen (with Kevin Burkhardt) until the 2024 NFL season begins. Brady has stated that “decompression is important,” explaining that he wants to excel at commentating and avoid jumping into the role immediately.

As for Olsen, Tom Brady his contract with Fox Former NFL Quarterback doesn’t end until the 2026 season concludes, so where that will leave him once Brady joins the booth is still uncertain. *** Q: I started watching cable TV again and wonder if I’ll still be able to watch my favorite classic Christmas movies this season. Is “It’s a Wonderful Life” on cable? What about other classics? -- K.J.

Depositphotos

A: The seven-time NFL-Super-Bowl-win-

T.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

“Melrose Place,” became even more of a household name as Bree Van De Kamp on another hit show, “Desperate Housewives.”

Unfortunately, five years after that show concluded, Cross faced a battle she didn’t expect -- a cancer diagnosis. During a routine exam, her doctor discovered an abnormality that, after further testing, was discovered to be anal cancer.

Cross underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and has since been in remission.

She’s also still acting, most recently in the Netflix series “You” and the Fox series “Monarch,” the latter of which was unfortunately canceled. However, with the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike finally over, I’m sure that Cross will be back on our screens posthaste.

* * * 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.

A: Marcia Cross, who first made a name for herself in the 1990s as Dr. Kimberly Shaw on

A: With so much programming to choose

from on network and cable TV as well as a plethora of streaming services, you could probably find holiday entertainment on your screen 24 hours a day.

Fortunately, the old classics are still around.

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” which was first released in 1946 and stars James Stewart and Donna Reed, will air on NBC on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET. Prime

Vol. IXX Issue No. 47

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s 1. Split ................................

(PG-13) (PG-13) Josh Hutcherson, Piper James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy Rubio 2. Rings ...............................

(PG-13) 2. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, AlexBalen Roe (PG-13) Taylor Swift, Amanda 3. A ..................(PG) 3. Dog’s KillersPurpose of the Flower Moon Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid (R) Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily 4. Hidden GladstoneFigures ....................(PG) Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer 4. Priscilla 5. La Land ....................

(PG-13) (R) La Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi 5. Radical Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone (PG-13) Eugenio Derbez, Daniel 6. Resident Evil: The Final Haddad ...................................... (R) Chapter 6. The Exorcist: Believer Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen (R) Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn 7. Sing .......................................(PG) 7. PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie animated (PG) Mckenna Grace, Taraji (PG-13) P. 8. Lion ................................

DevHenson Patel, Nicole Kidman 8. After Death 9. The Space Between Us .. (PG-13) (PG-13) Dale Black, Dean Braxton Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield WhatReturn Happens 10.9.xXx: of Later Xander (R) Meg Ryan, David Duchovny Cage ....................................

(PG-13) 10.

Freelance Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen (R) Alison Brie, Alice Eve © 2017 King Features Synd., Inc. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 13, 2017

CE,

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 6

Week of November 19, 2023

Good Recipes from

Five-Ingredient Stuffing

ADVERTIS 7 Final ChangesPage DUE:

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

total fat (1g saturated), 4g protein, 29g carb., 3g fiber, 515mg sodium. *** STUFFING TIP: Remember that the stuffing is only being heated through while inside the bird and does not actually cook. Therefore, it is important that the ingredients are thoroughly cooked before being combined.

Please the review carefully.

Double but check:  poultry has reached correct temperature the stuffing hasn't, transfer a butContact the yourstuffing Tidbitsto representative i tered baking dish and continue baking until 160 F Office: 760-320-0997 email: val is reached.

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Leftover stuffing should be promptly removed from the bird to avoid potential bacterial 1/12 pg., growth.

October 22, 2023

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To save time, cut up the raw stuffing inWeb  site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/reci make Thanksgiving dinner in a flash!

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling our Prices Hours finder/. gredients the night before, then cover and refrig(c) 2023 Hearst Communications, Inc. Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes erate. Stuff the bird just before roasting -- never or corrections.

1 package (14 to 15 ounces) cubed, seaA) in advance --email: and roast immediately. Lightly stuff Office: 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 soned stuffing mix 1 can (14 to 14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth the body and neck cavities. Do not pack; the stuffing needs room to expand during cooking.

4 tablespoons margarine or butter Mike Pendley Construction (Bake the extra stuffing in a covered, buttered 1 package (7 ounces) mixed dried fruit, 16th pg, BW, 6x baking dish 30 minutes or until heated through.)

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3. Bake stuffing, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes or until heated through and top is browned.

July 30, 2023 • Vol. 19 - No. 31

After cooking, the stuffing temperature should have reached 160 F to be safe. If the

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NOVEMBER 23 2023

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The Neates

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All Righ

Page 8

Vol. IXX Issue No. 47

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

(Solution on page 16)

Donald Duck

by Walt Disney

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword Answers on page 16

NEST HEADS

By John Allen

Tidbits® of Coachella Valley Published and distributed weekly by AdVenture Media, Inc. P.O. Box 4308 Palm Springs, CA 92263-4308 Phone: 760-320-0997 Fax: 760-320-1630 Email: valleybits@msn.com www.TidbitsPalmSprings.com All rights reserved.

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Week of November 19, 2023

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 9

NEXT WEEK in

Cody’s

TIDBITS GETS CEREBRAL WITH SOME ®

BRAINY FACTS

2.

1.

Corner

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Cutie and the Feast

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Your dog’s sense of smell is so keen, he can smell Thanksgiving coming a week away. In fact, our dogs spent the first 326 days of 2023 preparing for this most American of holidays and the lazy days of leftovers that follow.

Consider yourself warned: He is cute, he is crafty, and he will stop at nothing to get his paws on some of that smell-good deliciousness.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to stay strong in the face of extreme cuteness and alert in the midst of great chaos. Here are five tips to hold you in good stead: 1) Resist the temptation to let your dog indulge as if he were another guest at your Thanksgiving table. You may not mind him pawing a path across the tabletop or sharing food from your plate, but your guests’ reactions will range from bewildered to horrified.

2) Alert guests that your dog is not to receive treats from the table. You may not mind him receiving a little turkey, but what about a little turkey and a dollop of gravy from eight different people? A spoonful of candied yams? A forkful of chocolate pie?

3) If you’ve raised a furry little beggar, consider crating him for the duration of the meal, or set up a baby gate to keep him away from the table without sequestering him from the camaraderie.

Offer your special canine a special peanut-butterfilled Kong to chew on.

4) Guard the countertops, the table and the trash as if they were your retirement accounts.

Since you can’t be everywhere at once, consider using that same baby gate to keep your dog out of the kitchen while you are preparing the food. Then, once the food is on the buffet or on the table, relocate the gate and the dog. Discard bones, skins, fat and anything else that is bad for your dog in trash containers with secure lids, and keep those containers behind a closed door.

5) Know without hesitation which foods comprise the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of your dog’s well-being. Poultry bones, including turkey bones, splinter easily and are therefore not safe

11/19 American Made Matters Day 11/20 Peanut Butter Fudge Day 11/21 Childrens Grief Awareness Day

Print Your Answers Here:

11/22 Humane Society Day 11/23 Thanksgiving Day 11/24 Mother Goose Day 11/25 Make Someone Happy Day

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Tidbits® Word Search

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� ALTITUDE � ALTITUDE � APEX APEX ATMOSPHERE � ATMOSPHERE ELEVATION � ELEVATION HEIGHTS � HEIGHTS HIGHPOINT � HIGH POINT LOFTINESS � LOFTINESS

AIRPRESSURE AIR PRESSURE

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

●

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

LOFTY � LOW TEMPERATURE LOWTEMPERATURE � MOUNTAINEERS �MOUNTAINEERS LOFTY � OXYGENLEVEL PEAK PEAK � OXYGEN LEVEL PRECIPICE � PRECIPICE SUMMIT � SUMMIT THINAIR � THIN AIR

(Word (Word Search Search solution solution page page 16) 16)

Mega Maze solution Page 14

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SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

For more information on these recalls or to sign up for email notices, go to www.fsis. usda.gov/recalls.

© King Features Synd., Inc.

Food Recalls How does a food product get put on the shelves or in the freezers of our grocery stores without benefit of inspection? Especially when they’re imported from another country? Inquiring minds would like to know how that happens.

We’re not likely to get answers anytime soon. But we can, at least, get quick alerts when those faulty, and possibly unhealthy items are recalled for consumer safety reasons.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is a good site to watch, or better yet, sign up for alerts. At this writing, there is a product (empanadas) under recall that the USDA is concerned might not be fit for human consumption! At the same time, there are two different dog foods that might be contaminated with salmonella, which can affect not only the dogs but the humans feeding the dogs.

Then there are the meatballs with Listeria, the pork products that weren’t inspected, the burritos with Listeria, the soup with undeclared allergens and much more.

The Art of

DESIGN

by Joseph Publillones

Winning the Game Talk about a game night these days and it will lead to visions of groups of kids addictively playing Wii or Mario. Technology has bred autonomous games and gadgets where one needn’t interact with others. But that hasn’t always been so. Summer nights were once meant for fun and games with friends and family -- a special time for jokes and multigenerational conversation.

Ever wonder what is the best use of an unused or odd corner of a room? It could be the perfect spot for a game table.

Everything that is old is new again. Yes, I know, most of you associate game tables with bluehaired ladies playing mahjong or smoke-filled tables with your father’s questionable poker acquaintances.

For many, this entails moving furniture around the living room and popping out a foldout table and chairs, with a smaller foldable tray table for snacks and refreshments. This was the norm, and no one seemed to mind -- until it was time to pick it all up late in the evening or early the next morning.

Today’s rooms offer a variety of good locations for game tables. The open floor plan of newer homes can offer more than one location for one or more game tables, if necessary. Somewhere adjacent to or near the kitchen is always a good place. Other locations, maybe tucked away in a den or even a spare bedroom, can dampen the chatter and occasional outbursts from winning or losing players.

Food Manufacturing is another good site to watch for up-to-the-minute recall and alert information: (www.foodmanufacturing.com/recalls-alerts).

Recalls.gov is yet another site for recall notices, and not just food. The site also lists motor vehicles, boats, medicine, cosmetics and environmental products.

To sign up for any or all of these alert categories, click “Sign Up for E-Mail” on the left side of the screen and choose those of interest. Of all the recall sites, this one is most comprehensive because of the variety of categories of products that it includes. For example, if you wonder if your vehicle has ever had a recall, you can enter its VIN. Or go directly to www.nhtsa.gov.

Signing up for these email alerts is simply a good idea. If you find that you are getting too much information, you can always cancel any that are duplicating others. It’s so much better to be informed and safe than to be sorry. * * 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

Here are some steps for prepping a space for a game table: 1. Make sure there is adequate light. For daytime playing, a source of natural light is always nice, so your game table should be placed in proximity to a window.

2. Fresh air is always nice, especially if there are any cigar smokers in the room. A reversible ceiling fan will draw the stale air up to the ceiling and keep your cards from flying.

3. To ensure fair play, avoid placing any mirrors or reflective surfaces, such as glass-covered framed art, near the table.

4. It is advisable to have an area rug underneath the table to help dampen noise created by conversations or chairs pulled from the table.

5. Game table dimensions can vary from about 36 inches for an intimate corner of a room, to a comfortable 42 inches. Larger tables can make it hard to reach the center of the table to play your draw.

6. Padding on chairs is recommended for long games, as well as those with upright back support to avoid slouching or dozing off during a slow game.

7. Allow space for shelves or a cabinet to hold games in an organized manner.

8. Make your design feel festive with splashes of color and interesting accessories.

After all, your guests are there to play and be entertained.

9. A table, bar or bar cart might be needed for refreshments, snacks or a light meal served buffet style.

Follow these rules and your game area ! will be a winner * * * 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.

Vol. IXX

Issue No. 47

Cody’s Corner (from page 9) for your dog to ingest. Fatty foods such as turkey skins and gravy can induce gastric distress or even pancreatitis, which is a serious inflammation of the pancreas that causes vomiting, diarrhea and extreme discomfort. Chocolate, candies, raisins and grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. If you want your dog to enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal, prepare something deliciously appropriate for him in advance.

Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, a time to give heartfelt thanks for all we have, including our canine companions. Show your dog how much he means to you by caring enough to fill his bowl and belly with foods that will boost -- not hinder -- his health.

Woof!

* * * 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

YOUR

SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

‘60 Minutes’ and Social Security Overpayments

nual earnings test.” It is sometimes also called the “retirement test.” (More about where those terms come from in a minute.) But I call it the Social Security earnings penalty. And I’ve never liked this law.

Before I explain why, let me clarify what I am talking about.

The rules say that if you are a Social Security beneficiary who is under full retirement age and still working, one dollar must be deducted from your Social Security checks for each two dollars you earn over a limit that changes annually. It’s currently $21,240. (Once you reach your full retirement age, that penalty goes away.)

On the surface, the law seems pretty straightforward and you may wonder why it causes so many overpayments. Well, it’s because when you scratch beneath the surface, it is an absolute mess to administer. To illustrate, I’ll use my own mother as an example.

Back in the 1970s, she was getting Social Security retirement benefits but she was working part time to supplement her rather meager monthly check. She would start out the year reporting her anticipated earnings to her local Social Security office. They would adjust her benefits accordingly, applying the one-dollar deduction for each two dollars earned. Then inevitably, as the year went on, she’d work a little overtime or pick up a couple extra hours of work. She would dutifully report her change in anticipated earnings to the Social Security people, and further adjustments would be made to her monthly retirement checks. More often than not, she’d be charged with an overpayment and be asked to return some of her Social Security funds.

Then maybe she’d be laid off for a time, and her earnings would go down, and she’d file yet another report with SSA and there would be more adjustments to her benefits. Sometimes the SSA owed her some extra money.

Eventually, once the year was over with and she got her W-2 form, she would make a final report of her earnings to the Social Security office leading

to yet another benefit adjustment -- usually another overpayment. And on top of that, they would ask for an estimate of her anticipated earnings for the new year, yet more adjustments would be made, and the whole vicious cycle would start over again.

Even though my mom’s story took place in the 1970s, the same rules still apply today and the same problems still crop up today with millions of Social Security beneficiaries who are under their full retirement age but working.

I’ve always been puzzled by the earnings penalty law. From a philosophical perspective, I just don’t understand why someone should be punished if they try to work and earn a little money to supplement their Social Security benefits.

Having voiced that philosophical concern, I should point out that I know the practicality of the law. It goes back to the very beginning of Social Security in the 1930s. Retirement benefits were intended to replace earnings a person loses when he or she retires. Or to put that another way, a person had to retire to get “retirement” benefits. And this provision of the law was a “test” of their retirement status. (Thus, the term “retirement test.”)

Initially, the law said you had to be completely retired. But over the years, Congress eased up on that restrictive nature of the original law.

They said people over FRA could work full time and get benefits. But they set up the messy earnings “penalty” for anyone under FRA. So, get rid of that penalty and you will get rid of millions of dollars in overpayments every year. * * * If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.”

The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

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.

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2024

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The CBS news program “60 Minutes” ran a story this past Sunday that was critical of the Social Security Administration and the way the agency handles overpayments -- money sent to Social Security beneficiaries that they were not due. I’m going to address that issue in today’s column. But before I do, I’ve got to put things in perspective.

If you watched the news story, you could come away thinking something like this: “Those dumb bureaucrats. They can’t do anything right.

They are sending millions of dollars in incorrect payments to people every year!”

But here is the dose of perspective you need to understand. Social Security is a $1.3 trillion per year program. And those millions of dollars in overpayments make up just one-half of 1% of the program’s annual payout. Or to turn that around, 99.5 percent of the time, people are being paid correctly. So, overpayments are a problem. But nowhere near as big a problem as sensational news stories would have you believe.

Still, millions of dollars are millions of dollars. And the Social Security overpayment problem is an issue that needs to be dealt with. Why do people get overpaid? The biggest reason has to do with a simple law that needs to be changed. More about that in a minute.

But first, let’s briefly deal with the main issue discussed in the “60 Minutes” story. Once it’s been decided that someone has been overpaid, should the SSA take the money back? “60 Minutes” essentially charged that the agency was being too ruthless in its overpayment collection efforts.

In a nutshell, one part of the overpayment recovery rules says the incorrect benefits must be repaid if the person who got the extra money was at fault in causing the overpayment. Most people probably would agree that part of the rules makes sense. But what if the overpayment was the agency’s fault? On the one hand, you could argue that even though the SSA made a mistake, the overpaid person still got money he or she was not due and the money should be repaid. But others would argue that the government screwed up and they should write off the overpayment as a loss. The rulebook actually says that even if the overpayment was the SSA’s fault, it must be repaid IF the overpaid person can afford to repay it. And carrying out that rule can really get messy and be subject to different interpretations.

And on that issue, let me make this point.

Many years ago, the SSA interpreted that part of the law much more liberally and was writing off (“waiving” is the legal term) many overpayments.

And guess what? There were news stories critical of the agency for “wasting the taxpayers’ money” by not more aggressively collecting overpayments.

So, you can understand why an old civil servant like me might be inclined to throw up his hands and say: “OK, people, what do you want? Do you want us to collect these overpayments or do you want us to write them off?”

But we wouldn’t have to answer that question if a big part of the problem could be eliminated. So how do we do that? By getting rid of the No. 1 cause of overpayments: a provision of Social Security law that is rather archaically called the “an-

Page 11

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

202

Week of November 19, 2023

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“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.”

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

M.D.

How to Distinguish Heart Disease Symptoms From Panic Attacks DEAR DR. ROACH: How can you tell with at least a moderate degree of certainty that you might really have a heart or blood pressure problem, as opposed to just having an anxiety attack that is less serious? -- D.S. ANSWER: A panic attack is an abrupt change in mental state. They are usually unexpected, sometimes with or without identifiable triggers. Symptoms of a panic attack vary from person to person, but among the most common are feelings of heart palpitations; sweating; trembling or shaking; shortness of breath; chest pain or discomfort; dizziness; numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling; abdominal pain or nausea; feeling abnormally hot or cold; feeling detached from oneself or from reality; and a fear of dying, losing control or “going crazy.”

Most of us have had some of these feelings from time to time, and some of these symptoms are identical to ones of heart disease, specifically of angina pectoris -- the classic symptom of poor blood flow to the heart. There are many conditions, both medical and psychiatric, that can cause these symptoms as well, so acquiring a moderate degree of certainty isn’t always easy.

A very careful history exam helps. With chest pain due to heart disease, for example, symptoms are commonly brought on by exertion; whereas with a panic disorder, there might not be a trigger, or it may be triggered by psychological stress. Some people have highly specific triggers, such as open spaces or needles. Some people can trigger a panic attack just by worrying that they are going to have one.

The time course of the symptoms can be very helpful. With a panic attack, the attack starts, and chest discomfort (for example) will then occur. In people with heart disease, chest discomfort starts, and then people will get anxious.

I had a wise cardiology professor who told me to always consider heart disease even if a person’s history is suggestive of a panic attack.

I generally check their blood pressure and order an electrocardiogram, blood testing (including thyroid tests) and sometimes other tests when considering the diagnosis of a panic attack.

There is very effective treatment available for people with panic disorder (people with recurrent unexpected panic attacks that lead to avoidant behaviors), both through therapy and medication. But your question implies that being pretty sure of the diagnosis is wise before dismissing the possibility of cardiac disease or other medical diseases. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m sure you’ve answered this question before, but how important do you think the digital rectal exam is for a 70-year-old man with normal findings in his PSA tests? My previous doctor who retired would routinely do them during my annual physical, but my current doctor said it’s my choice. So, I’ve opted not to have it done.

Thoughts? -- Anon.

ANSWER: The PSA test is much better at diagnosing than a finger is. There are cases

where a clinician felt a tumor that would have been missed by the PSA test, so there is some small benefit to the digital rectal exam. But the benefit is quite modest.

There are men who have come to expect that part of the exam and feel unsatisfied without it, just as there are some men who absolutely refuse it. So, a wise clinician gives the patient the choice after explaining the small benefit and

nonexistent risk.

* * * 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.

Vol. IXX

Issue No. 47

VETERANS  POST  Alert:

by Freddie Groves

Disability Benefits Questionnaire Scam The Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General recently issued a fraud alert. They don’t do that very often, but this one is important: the Disability Benefits Questionnaire.

The DBQs are those forms you give to your health care provider that, along with information from your provider, lets the VA evaluate your disability claim.

The fraud involves trying to get money out of veterans in exchange for getting a provider to fill out the questionnaire and getting the claim filed.

However, you do not have to pay to have that done. It’s free at the VA or through their accredited representatives.

Per the alert, it’s the initial filing that’s free.

Later, if there’s an appeal, yes, there might be fees for that appeal. Apparently, the scammers are asking for a percentage of any payments that you get or fees to file your first claim.

And there’s more: The scammers might want to send you to a different health care provider, claiming you’ll have a better chance for higher benefits, likely by “finding” a diagnosis to get a better claims decision. For this reason they might even tell you to stay away from the VA exams. Worse, you might be asked to have your benefit payments deposited into the scammer’s bank account.

To avoid the scammers, if you want help from a genuine accredited rep, go to the VA’s database to see if your proposed rep is listed: www. va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

If you have an accredited rep and there are fees, discuss them in advance and check to see if those fees are legit: www.va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp.

Remember: Even if your rep is on the up and up, you’re responsible for the accuracy of the information in your disability claim. Don’t take chances. If you submit fraudulent paperwork, it’s a federal offense.

Want to know what the VAOIG has been doing in your state and what they uncovered? Go to www.vaoig.gov/reports/data-dashboard and click on your state. That will give you all the reports they’ve done near you. * * * 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.

Week of November 19, 2023

-- by Jim Miller

How an Incentive Trust Can Influence Your Heirs DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: What can you tell me about creating an incentive trust? I have an adult son and daughter that are both financially inept and careless about wisely controlling their spending habits. Before I die, I want to put some type of requirements in place that they will need to follow in order to receive their portion of my estate.

-- Frustrated Father Dear Frustrated: If you want to influence your heirs even after you’re gone, an incentive trust is definitely an option to consider, but be careful how you construct it because it can cause unintended, unfair consequences. Here’s how it works, along with some tips to help you create one.

Page 13 C ADVERTISING PROOF AD 1/ 28 Finalthe Changes DUE: MON., AUG.Final 12 trust. precise instructions that clearly spells out your ChP Tidbits of Coachella Valley

wishes. You’ll also want to include language Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Please review carefu To find an experienced attorney in your granting your trustee the right to use his or her Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c see your Ti discretion and that the trustee’s decisions should area to help you create an incentive trust, Contact Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys be final and binding.

Office: 760-320(naela.org) and the American College of Trust This allows your trustee to make common and Estate Counsel (actec.org). sense rulings, which will reduce or eliminate the * * * Property of chances of unintended and unfair consequences. J ArthurSend Lawyour Firm senior questions to:Inc. Savvy Senior, AdVenture Media, P.O. pg Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.

It also makes it very difficult for beneficiaries 12th 4C 13x org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and to successfully challenge the trust or trustee in Sept.

3, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 36 author of “The Savvy Senior” book. court. When a trust grants final decision-making authority to its trustee, it becomes almost imposPhone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 sible for beneficiaries to successfully argue that valleybits@msn.com this trustee is not correctly implementing the All Rights Reserved trust’s terms.

Estate Planning Attorney

The key is to select a trustee who’s smart enough to interpret your intent and has sufficient backbone to stand up to beneficiaries when necessary. You also need to select a successor trustee too if your first choice can no longer serve. Fees paid to a trustee vary widely depending on the state’s fee schedules, the size and complexity of the trust, and conditions laid out in

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For example, an incentive trust might encourage a beneficiary to graduate from college, enter a particular profession, get married or even have children. They could also reward beneficiaries who do charitable work or supplement the incomes of those who choose lower paying, yet honorable careers like teaching or social work.

Or they could penalize beneficiaries who don’t properly perform by cutting off or decreasing distribution amounts. Restrictions can be placed on heirs with ongoing addictions by requiring that payments go directly to administering rehab centers instead.

There are also legal limits on what you can do with an incentive trust. While state laws vary, incentive trusts that encourage a beneficiary to join or leave a particular religion, or leave a spouse or not marry at all, can be challenged in court and possibly struck down.

Contact your

777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 200 Palm Springs, CA

With an incentive trust, some or all of your assets are passed to your trust when you die, rather than going directly to your heirs. Your trustee is empowered to distribute funds from the trust only if and when your beneficiaries do whatever it is you have specified in the trust.

You also need to know that incentive trusts aren’t very cheap. You can expect to pay an experienced estate attorney $2,500 to $5,000 to properly draft one.

Please review caref

J. Arthur Law Firm

Incentive Trusts Basics An incentive trust is an estate-planning tool designed to help encourage your heirs in a direction you can prescribe when you’re no longer around.

But be aware that these types of trusts can also have drawbacks. A poorly constructed or incorrectly worded incentive trust can be at high risk of unintended results. For example, if your trust provides a financial incentive for your children to be employed full-time, but one of them gets sick or seriously injured and can’t work, they could suffer unfair consequences..

A Final C

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I would like to know if it is a genuine antique, when it was made and what it may be worth.

Homan Manufacturing was located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Family Heirloom Is Put on Pedestal Q: The pedestal bowl in this photo be-

longed to my mother. She used it as a fruit bowl and I do, too. Because the design isn’t blurr y enough, I don’t think it would be considered an example of authentic flow blue.

It is in perfect condition and stands about 7 inches tall. Marked on the bottom are a crown and the words “Regala -- Semi Porcelain -- Thomas Hughes & Sons -- England.”

Anything you can tell me about my pedestal bowl, its age and possible value would be greatly appreciated.

A: Your pedestal bowl is indeed an example of flow blue. It was made sometime between 1896 and 1910 by Thomas Hughes & Sons, which was located in Staffordshire, England. “Regala” is the name of the pattern.

It is less blurry than earlier pieces and typical of later flow blue dishes made around 1900.

It would probably fetch around $100 to $150 in an antiques shop.

Flow blue bowl was made by Thomas Hughes & Sons in England.

*** Q: This mark is on the bottom of a silver-plated candelabra that belonged to my grandmother. It stands about 8 inches tall and is in excellent condition. It has four arms with candlestick holders. My grandmother always used it for the holidays and I will pass it down to my daughter.

Puzzle Solutions

A bleary-eyed rancher walked up to his still-awake cow and proclaimed "It's pasture bedtime."

GO FIGURE SOLUTION

A: There are differing opinions on the definition of an antique. The United States government declares an imported object must be 100 years old to be considered an antique and therefore, dutyfree. Some antique authorities agree that if something is 50 years old, it is an antique. Most people would accept an item to be an antique if it is 75 to 80 years old.

The word “candelabra” is plural. If you have

Vol. IXX

Issue No. 47

only one, officially the word is “candelabrum.”

Most people, however, use the word “candelabra” in either case.

Homan Manufacturing Co. was a wellknown maker of silver-plated pieces. It was founded in the mid 1800s and was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Quadruple Plate” was a term used for highquality silver-plated objects. Your candelabrum was made around 1930, and based on the 75-80 definition, it is an antique.

The value would probably be $150 to $200.

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

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

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Week of November 19, 2023

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Western Air Cooling and Heating Golf Caddy - Prem. Position oldest person to complete the task, at age 89. Oct. 22, 2023 Vol. 19 - No. 43 The youngest to climb the mountain was a sixyear-old American, in 2018.

• Mountaineers are constantly exposed to the dangers of high altitude sickness. As the we climber ascends, the higher he or she goes the are not thinner the atmosphere gets, meaning that the comfortable climber breathes in the same amount of air, but until you are. gets less oxygen than at lower altitudes. When the body has trouble adjusting to the difference, altitude sickness can result. While headache, GET lightheadedness, and nausea are the mild READY NEW FOR symptoms, severe sickness can cause the lungs to fill with fluid or cause the brain to swell, with WINTER! WINTER! death a possible outcome. A slower descent is Upon arrival at your home, our tecnicians necessary in order to prevent the problem. ADVERTISING PROOF use a time-tested, • Once a climber reaches 8,200 feet, the Final Changes DUE:exhaustive 5:00 p.m.. recommendation for further rise is review no more Please carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Property of 24-point checklist! than 985 to 1,640 feet (300 to 500 m) per day.

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WINTER Climbers are also at risk for retinal hemorrhages, Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 TUNE-UP which can damage eyesight and even lead to FREE SPECIAL! of Coachella Valley blindness.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 • Experienced mountaineers refer to altitudes valleybits@msn.com above 26,000 feet (8,000 m) as the “death All Rights Reserved zone.” It’s that point where the amount of oxygen is insufficient to sustain human life for an extended time. Because the body depletes its store of oxygen faster than it can be replenished, the body’s functions begin to deteriorate, consciousness is lost, followed by death.

High Altitudes

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ELEVATED FUN

• The world’s highest drivable road is the Uturuncu Road in Bolivia. This unpaved road climbs to a height of 18,800 feet, winding upward along a dormant volcano. A sturdy 4x4 vehicle is necessary to navigate this rugged drive. The road doesn’t go all the way to the 19,711-ft. summit of the double-cratered Uturuncu. Those determined to reach the very top must hike the remaining 900-foot steep climb on foot.

• Those daring souls who want to conquer the world’s highest zipline will have to travel to France’s Val Thorens ski resort in the French Alps. This wild, hair-raising ride, known as “La Tyrolienne,” starts at an altitude of 10,597 feet and rapidly drops more than 4,270 feet in one minute, 45 seconds. The zipline stretches for nearly a mile and riders reach a speed of 62 mph. You'll want to bring a jacket. 

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Game Changers

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by JasonFREE Jenkins

of Coachella Valley

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The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

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Tick Tock, Roll the Rock All Rights Reserved

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

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

Try 80 beats per minute with a dozen putts.

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

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Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours JasonJenkins Jenkinswas wasaa16-year 16-yearmember memberof of the the Jim McLean Golf Jason Golf Contact your Tidbits representative with changesTop or 100 corrections.

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

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

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

CENTER in Indio.

Contact him at jjenkins@golftec.com Contact Jason at 760-485-2452 or devgolfinstr@gmail.com

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Vol. IXX

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 16

Issue No. 47

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENROLL

ERVICE,

3 EXT. 257

1. LITERATURE: What is Dorothy’s last name in “The Wizard of Oz”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which U.S. states share a border with Mexico?

3. MOVIES: What are Indiana Jones and his father searching for in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”?

4. TELEVISION: Which TV dramedy is set on Wisteria Lane?

5. LANGUAGE: What is a common Latin phrase meaning “something for something”?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the fastest fish?

7. INVENTIONS: Where was the first compass invented?

8. SCIENCE: How long does it take for the sun’s light to reach Earth?

9. U.S. STATES: Which state is the smallest in land size?

Thistle GO F I GWhat UisRa common E ! by Linda Answer peekers suffer public 10. MEDICAL: shame and merciless ridicule.

TEST nameTRIVIA for aphthous stomatitis?

The idea of Go Figure is to Answers arrive at theAnswers figures given at Answers Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU the bottom and right-hand Gale. columns1.of the diagram by fol-Answer2. Four: California, signs Arizona,inNew lowing the arithmetic the order they are given (that Mexico and Texas. is, from 3.left Theto Holyright Grail.and top to bottom). Use only the numbers 4. “Desperate Housewives.” below the diagram to complete pro quo. its blank5. Quid squares and use each 6. Sailfish. of the nine numbers only once.

7. China.

DIFFICULTY: 8. Eight minutes. � 9. Rhode Island. � Moderate �� Difficult ��� GO sore.

FIGURE! 10. Canker ©©2006 King Features Syndicate, 2010King King Features Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2023 Features Synd., Inc. 2022 © 2023 2022King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure! answers ANSWERS

BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

1. (A) Old testament 2. (A) En-rogel 3. (C) Jacob 4. (C) Nazarites 5. (D) Place 6. (B) Jochebed

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