Vol. 20: #14 • Tidbits Searches Out Facts About AMAZON • (3-31-24) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

When Jeff Bezos quit his job as a Wall Street hedge fund executive and started the company out of his garage in 1995, it was just a simple little bookstore. He wasnʼt actually stocked with any books on hand, so when orders came in he would hustle to find the book, buy it, and re-sell it at a profit. Little did he know that his tiny business venture had planted a seed that would grow to heights of business success he couldn't have even imagined. Read on to see just how high those heights have reached!

IN THE BEGINNING

• The first book ever to be sold on Amazon was titled “Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies.” It was purchased by John Wainwright, a friend of Bezos’ only employee, Shal Kaphan. The sale was made on April 3, 1995. Previously, the only books they had sold were run through the system as tests. Later, a building in the Amazon complex was named after Wainwright to honor his purchase.

1. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Seychelles islands located?

2. TELEVISION: In which sitcom is the catchphrase “Hello, Newman” used often?

3. FOOD & DRINK: What is a cornichon?

4. HISTORY: According to a WWII government slogan, what should citizens do after they “Keep calm ...”?

5. MOVIES: What is the name of John Wayne’s character in “True Grit”?

6. LANGUAGE: The Latin word “genu” refers to which part of the human body?

7. U.S. STATES: How many states begin with the letter “R”?

8. MEDICAL: The first vaccine was created to protect against which disease?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the name of Helen Keller’s teacher, who taught the blind and deaf girl how to communicate?

10. ANATONY: What is the smallest organ in the human body?

• The nose is protected by hairs and mucus; the eyes are protected by hairs and tears; but the ear is protected by hairs and wax.

• Ear wax is not really wax, though it does have a waxy texture. It’s composed of several things.

• First are cast-off cells from the special type of skin that lines the ear canal. Like all skin, it’s constantly renewing itself because even the tiniest break in the skin here will lead to ear infections and ear aches.

• The skin in the ear canal is coated with an antimicrobial secretion from modified sweat glands. Called cerumen, itʼs from the Latin word “cera” meaning wax. This kills bacteria and fungus spores that enter the ear canal, and is also a natural insect repellent. Bugs donʼt like it.

• Oil glands in the ear canal, which are similar to the oil glands on the scalp, secrete an oily lubricant. Called sebum, its name comes from the Latin word for tallow. This oil helps trap dust and debris that enters the ear canal.

• There are also tiny hairs lining the outer part of the inner ear.

• This mixture is constantly renewing itself, while moving the old ear wax out of the way. This is accomplished by a “conveyor belt” which is activated by the movement of the jaw while eating or talking, by the vibration of the ear drum, and by the waving of the ear hairs. The wax moves out of the ear at a rate a little slower than the rate at which fingernails grow.

• Itchy ears can be a sign that too much ear wax is being removed through excessive cleaning. Low levels of wax leave the skin on the ear canal exposed, which is not healthy.

• Too much ear wax can cause temporary hearing loss as the build-up blocks sound waves from reaching the ear drum.

• Ear wax comes in two forms: wet and dry, and which kind you have depends on genetics. Wet ear wax is a dominant gene, so most people have wet ear wax. However, people of East Asian descent, particularly those whose heritage is from China, Japan, or Korea, as well as Native

Americans, typically have the recessive gene for dry ear wax. Surprisingly, the same gene that results in dry ear wax also results in less underarm odor. Those who have the gene for wet wax, which includes most Caucasians, also have the gene for smelly armpits—as well as a gene for increased incidents of breast cancer.

• By tracking pockets of this recessive ear wax gene, anthropologists have been able to chart the migration of different cultures.

• Often, ear wax is pushed deeper into the ear canal when things are inserted into the ear, including cotton swabs, the end of a pencil, a bobby pin, safety pin, key, or paper clip. Things inserted into the ear also disturb the hairs inside the ear, and this stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil, which turns into more ear wax, compounding the problem

• Things like hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds hinder the natural movement of ear wax if worn too many hours of the day. Stress can also cause an increase in the production of ear wax.

• To resolve problems with ear wax build-up, experts recommend a drop or two of mineral oil, glycerin, or olive oil to soften the wax. Then use a rubber bulb syringe to gently run roomtemperature water through the ear, tilting the head back again afterwards to let it drain out.

• Using cotton swabs to dry out the inner ear after swimming or showering is a bad idea because the tiny ear hairs are very fragile when they are wet.

• People prone to swimmer’s ear infections can use a few small drops of rubbing alcohol in the ear to help alleviate the irritation. 

Week of March 31, 2024

Amazon (from page one)

• Bezos first wanted to call the company “Cadabra” as in “abracadabra” until his lawyer pointed out that it sounded too much like “cadaver.” “Amazon” was considered a second choice not only because it served as an iconic goal – to become the largest mainstream river of books in the world – but also because it started with the letter “A” putting it near the top of alphabetical search engines.

• A third choice, Relentless.com, although rejected, still takes you straight to Amazon.

• Amazon’s logo shows a smile icon stretching from A to Z, underscoring the name and signifying that “the company is willing to deliver everything to everyone, anywhere.”

• The company was officially founded on July 5, 1994, and Bezos chose to locate his business in the Seattle area for its abundance of technical talent, and also because Microsoft was in the area.

• During the company’s first year in business, Bezos rented mobile billboards to drive by various Barnes & Noble locations, displaying the question, ‘Can’t find that book you wanted?’ along with Amazon’s website prominently displayed.

• Barnes & Noble sued Amazon in 1997, alleging the slogan ‘Earth’s Largest Bookstore’ was false. The case was settled out of court, but Amazon still used the slogan.

• Although Barnes & Noble operates 585 storefronts across all 50 states, Amazon still outsells them, and has indeed officially become Earth’s largest bookstore.

AMAZON TODAY

• The first year that Amazon turned a profit was 2004. Today, Amazon is the world’s fourth largest public firm by revenue, after Walmart, Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas company Aramco, and China’s State Grid Corporation.

• Amazon employs nearly one million full and part-time people in the U.S., making them the second largest private employer in the nation,

second only to Walmart. Worldwide, there are 1.6 million Amazon employees. There are also some 750,000 mobile robots assisting in the network of massive Amazon warehouses worldwide. They quickly scan barcodes and shuttle products to workers following programmed directions.

• Amazon.com averages 1.67 billion visits every month, more than any other e-commerce site. As of 2022, Amazon had captured about 37% of the e-commerce market, with Walmart, Apple, and eBay each capturing only six percent or less.

• Amazon alone now offers over 12 million different products, not including books and other such media. When third-party vendors are included in the count, over 353 million products are available. Just over 60% of Amazon’s revenue comes from third-party sellers.

• Things that you cannot purchase on Amazon include full-size homes, automobiles, any meat from China, tobacco, lottery tickets, fireworks, and live animals, among others.

As founder, executive chairman, former president and CEO of Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing company, Jeff Bezos is the wealthiest person in the world. His current net worth is about US$199.1 billion as of March 2, 2024.

• There are currently 110 Amazon fulfillment centers in the U.S. Add to that another 75 spread across the rest of the world. These huge centers average 800,000 square feet in size.

• The enormous Amazon fulfillment center in Phoenix, Arizona, occupies 1.2 million square feet, equal to 28 football fields. Employees at such large warehouses literally walk miles per shift.

• About 200 million people have an Amazon Prime subscription. These subscribers are spread out across the 27 countries where Amazon Prime is available, with around 150 million in the U.S. It’s been estimated that between 60 and 70% of American adults are members of Amazon Prime.

• Prime members spend an average of $110 on Amazon each month, while non-members spend only about $38 monthly.

• Amazon has over 300 million active users globally. Of those, an average of 197 million use Amazon at least once a month. Over twothirds of consumers prefer using their desktop computers to make purchases. The Amazon mobile app comes in second, while the voiceactivated devices such as the Amazon Echo, Dot, and Alexa rank third.

• Amazon’s income jumped a whopping 37.6 percent in 2020, due to changing shopping habits caused by the pandemic.

• The most popular products on Amazon are

electronics. Gaming systems including the Nintendo Switch and the PS5, laptop computers, along with headphones such as AirPods are consistent best-sellers. These items are followed by wearables (clothes, shoes, and jewelry), home and kitchen, beauty and personal care, and finally books.

• The first Kindle e-book reader sold out in five hours. Released in the U.S. on November 19, 2007, it sold out despite the $399 price tag. At the

Amazon: Turn to page 15

By Lucie Winborne

* Residents of the Galapagos island of Floreana use a barrel of disorganized mail in place of a formal postal system. Tourists are responsible for sorting through the mail and grabbing any parcels they can deliver on the way to their destination.

* In curling, good sportsmanship and politeness are essential. Congratulating opponents on plays and abstaining from trash talk are part of what’s known as the “Spirit of Curling.”

* Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt was allergic to moon dust.

* According to the record-holder for tallest waffle stack, Guinness World Records has a 40-page document defining what a waffle is. (Frankly, we think we could have managed it in just 30.)

* Alaska is simultaneously the westernmost and easternmost state.

* High schools and universities in New Zealand are allowed to keep up to a pound of uranium on the premises for educational purposes.

* Marie Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive.

* In 2010, rock band Nickelback approached Dark Horse Brewery about having their beer featured in a video, which would have provided great exposure for the small Michigan company. They declined, however, as “none of us at the brewery really care for the band.”

* The German version of the term “Average Joe” is Otto Normalverbraucher, which translates to “Otto normal consumer.”

* An ordinance in Gainesville, GA, states that everyone must eat fried chicken, “a culinary delicacy sacred to this municipality, this county, this state, the Southland and this republic,” with their hands. The tongue-in-cheek law began as a publicity stunt aimed at getting folks to think of Gainesville as the fried chicken capital of the world.

* Polar bears gain more than 400 pounds during pregnancy.

Thought for the Day: “If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late.”

-- Henny Youngman

King Features Synd., Inc

by Mary Hunt

Simple Tips to Ensure Your Safety in Any Emergency

some cash on hand in case ATMs are not operational. Keep important documents like copies of identification, insurance policies and medical records in a waterproof container.

Remember to periodically check and replace expired items in your emergency kit. Customize your kit based on your family’s specific needs, including any necessary medications, baby supplies or pet essentials.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just smart but essential. No matter where you live or what you do, disaster can strike at any moment, and being equipped with the right knowledge and resources can be a lifesaver.

by Mary Hunt

Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane or a man-made crisis like a power outage, having a plan in place and knowing what to do protects yourself and your loved ones. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. By taking the time to plan and gather necessary supplies, you can significantly increase your chances of survival and minimize the impact of an emergency.

Having a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for surviving any disaster. This kit should contain essential supplies that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours and be in a place in your house or garage that is secure, and where everyone in the family can have easy access to it. Here are some items to include:

1. Water: Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes.

2. Nonperishable food: Stock up on canned goods, energy bars, and other nonperishable food items that require minimal preparation.

3. First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers and any necessary prescription medications.

4. Flashlights and batteries: Make sure you have multiple flashlights with extra batteries to provide light during power outages.

5. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: A radio will keep you informed about the latest updates and emergency instructions.

6. Extra clothing and blankets: Pack warm clothing, blankets and sturdy shoes to protect against cold weather and debris.

7. Personal hygiene items: Include items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and feminine hygiene products.

8. Cash and important documents: Have

Whew! Sounds like a big job, doesn’t it? Just take it item by item, and don’t allow yourself to be deterred. Stick with it. The peace of mind you will enjoy is well worth the effort.

And that’s just the start. You need to get your home emergency-prepared and more resilient. A communications plan is vital to ensure that if your family members are scattered when an emergency hits, you are well prepared to stay connected to one another, stay informed and seek help. And that leads us straight into creating an evacuation plan for every member of the family.

Overwhelmed? Relax! I have put together a simple, comprehensive guide to lead you through each of these areas of preparedness, in a way you can achieve without blowing a hole in your budget! Find it at EverydayCheapskate. com/prepared.

* * *

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.”

(c) 2024

• Bob Byers and his wife Dolores bought 320 acres of desert land in California’s Mojave Desert in 1953. The land was barely suitable for cattle ranching or alfalfa farming, but he bought it anyway. He drew water from the underground aquifer for his cattle and crops.

• Byers had to forfeit 50 acres of their property when the I-15 highway was completed, connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas and bringing much traffic through the area. Then, in 1963, cattle prices bottomed out.

• He created a 273-acre artificial lake from springs in the area so his friends and family members could boat and swim. Then he wondered if he could make a little money by charging other people a fee to enjoy his private lake as well. Bob named it Lake Dolores after his wife, and it was opened to the public in 1962.

• He kept adding new attractions: a campground, waterslides, ziplines, high diving boards, a giant trapeze, and more. Water that once went for irrigating alfalfa now created three lakes; one for swimming, one for boating, and one for fishing. Admission was 50 cents in 1969 and soon increased to $1.50.

• Byers added a lazy river, bumper boats, go-carts,

a restaurant, an arcade, and motocross trails.

• Eventually there were seven lakes, and attendance peaked in the mid-1970s and 1980s. Lake Dolores is now officially considered to be the country’s first waterpark.

• Then, there was a gasoline crisis in 1979, causing a sharp drop in business. There was little supervision at the complex and few rules. With federal safety standards tightening, Byers became wary of possible customer injuries and lawsuits. He closed the park in 1989, and put it up for sale.

• It was purchased in 1990 by a group of investors called Lake Dolores Group LLC. The revamped park opened on the 4th of July, 1998, as “Rocka-Hoola” with a rock and roll theme and completely new features. It attracted crowds exceeding a thousand people per day.

• But the park suffered from financial problems, not only because almost all revenue raised was plowed back into expansion projects, but because one of the groupʼs investors suddenly vanished, taking millions with him.

• The final blow came on May 29, 1999. The park had closed at the end of the day as usual. Water to the waterslides was turned off. An hour later, 23-year-old pool tech James Mason arrived early for his evening shift. He asked a buddy to turn the water back on to the DooWop Slide so he could take a quick slide down.

Final Changes

• Each slide had a reservoir pool at the end to catch riders and stop their slide. These pools drained out when the water was turned off to the DooWop Slide. Mason knew this but thought if the water was turned on when he began climbing the staircase to the top of the slide, enough water would have collected at the bottom to cushion his landing. Unfortunately, he was mistaken and his hard landing left him a quadriplegic.

• Mason tried to collect worker’s comp, claiming that he had been testing the equipment as part of his job, but the park owners argued in court that he had been off the clock. In the end, the court awarded Mason $4.4 million. At the time, the company was already $3 million in debt, and this judgment was the final nail in the coffin. They declared bankruptcy and closed the park after just three seasons in business.

• With Bob Byers now deceased, Dolores Byers regained the property by default. She sold it again in 2002 to a new group of investors and died shortly afterwards. Renamed the Discovery Water Park, it eventually closed in 2004.

• In March of 2020, the San Bernadino County

by Dana Jackson

Q: When is “Virgin River” coming back? Will there be another season? I’ve seen all of the episodes and hope it returns. -- M.C.

A: Filming has already begun for season six of the Netflix series “Virgin River,” but don’t expect to see it on your screen for a while, possibly not until 2025. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed at Netflix’s Tudum event that Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) “will advance on their path to parenthood while also turning Lilly’s farm into their ultimate dream home.”

Smith further hinted that in the new season, viewers will “be surprised by some returning favorites from the past” and also get introduced to a new character -- Mel’s biological father, played by actor John Allen Nelson (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”). ***

Q: Is there going to be another season of “Heartland”? I was so sad when Ty died in the ending chapter and wondered if Amy found love again. -- T.A.

A: I’m assuming that you’re watching “Heartland” via Netflix because only seasons 1-15 are currently available to watch on the streaming service. Fortunately, the Canadian series is on season 17 on the CBC network, but here in the United States, you’ll have to wait a bit.

While no official statement has been released, there are reliable sources on the internet saying that season 16 will most likely be available

on Netflix beginning in September, possibly earlier. This is because another streaming service, called UP Faith & Family, has first dibs on the show here in the U.S.. Once their customers have had enough time to watch season 16, Netflix viewers will then have their chance, likely starting this September, as mentioned above.

If you can’t wait that long, visit UPFaithandFamily.com and learn how you can subscribe to the streaming platform, which calls itself “the leading streaming service for uplifting entertainment.” They offer a monthly subscription plan for just $5.99 month, but as always, be sure to read the fine print.

Q: What is the latest on Richard Simmons? He hasn’t been seen in years, and now there’s a rumor that he died. But fortunately, it was just a rumor, right? -- E.C.

A: American fitness personality Richard Simmons, now age 75, has been reclusive for about a decade now. There were rumors that he was being held against his will, but in 2022, he issued a statement to the New York Post that he was happy and healthy. Recently, however, he worried his fans

again when he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) that he was dying. He went on to explain, “The truth is we all are dying.”

He went on to give some tips on eating better, getting enough sleep and exercising. Several hours later, he posted again to apologize for the confusion and clarify that he isn’t dying anytime soon. He said he simply wanted to remind everyone to embrace every day that they have.

You can follow Simmons on his official page on X: @TheWeightSaint.

* * *

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

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG) Jack Black, Awkwafina

1. Split (PG-13)

James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy

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

Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe

2. Dune: Part Two (PG-13) Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya

3. Arthur the King (PG-13) Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu

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

Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid

4. Hidden Figures (PG)

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer

4. Imaginary (PG-13) DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns

5. La La Land (PG-13)

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

5. Cabrini (PG-13) Cristiana Dell’Anna, John Lithgow

6. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (R)

Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen

6. Love Lies Bleeding (R) Anna Baryshnikov, Kristen Stewart

7. Sing .......................................(PG) animated

8. Lion (PG-13)

7. Bob Marley: One Love (PG-13) Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch

8. One Life

Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman

(PG) Anthony Hopkins, Lena Olin

9. The Space Between Us (PG-13)

Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield

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

9. The American Society of Magical Negroes (PG-13) Justice Smith, Zachary Barton

Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen

10. Ordinary Angels

(PG) Alan Ritchson, Hilary Swank

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 13, 2017

Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge star in “Virgin River.

Courtesy of Netflix

Good Recipes from New Four-Bean Salad

We’ve put a new spin on three-bean salad. Fresh green beans are tossed with green and black soybeans -- delicious, and good for you too.

1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths

1/2 (16-ounce) bag (1 1/2 cups) frozen shelled green soybeans (edamame)*

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 can (15 ounces) black soybeans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 ounces) pink beans, rinsed and drained 1 small red onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)

1. In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1/2-inch water

to boiling over high heat. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Place frozen soybeans in colander; drain green beans over soybeans. Rinse with cold water until cool; drain well.

2. In a large bowl, with wire whisk, mix oil, vinegars, sugar, salt and pepper until blended. Add green-bean mixture, black soybeans, pink beans and onion; toss to combine. Let stand 1 hour to allow flavors to blend, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 8 cups, or 16 accompaniment servings.

*Note: One package (10 ounces) frozen baby lima beans may be substituted for edamame if desired.

 Each serving: About 100 calories, 4g total fat (1g saturated), 4g fiber, 6g protein, 11g carb., 0mg cholesterol, 295 mg sodium.

Cherry-Tomato Salad with Chives and Lemon

This refreshing salad doesn’t hold well once combined; add tomatoes to lemon slices and dressing just before serving.

2 medium lemons

2 pints red cherry or grape tomatoes, each cut in half

1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, each cut in half

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1. With knife, cut peel and white pith from lemons; discard. Cut each lemon crosswise into thin slices; remove seeds if necessary.

2. In medium bowl, toss lemon slices, tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Makes 8 servings.

* Each serving: About 65 calories, 1g protein, 9g carbohydrate, 4g total fat (1g saturated), 2g fiber, 210mg sodium.

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

10,000 Reasons Not To Leave Your Dog in the Car

A dognapped chorkie, a $10,000 reward and a promise not to prosecute. All of this led me to wonder: Chorkie?

A chorkie is a dash of Chihuahua and a dollop of Yorkshire terrier -- in other words, a mixed breed. a mongrel, a mutt.

On a summer evening in Concord, Calif., Debby Brown and her boyfriend stepped into a local eatery for some takeout, leaving Lexi the chorkie in Brown’s locked car with the air conditioner running. Moments later they returned to find a broken car window and a missing dog.

Brown and her boyfriend posted fliers around town and notices online offering a $10,000 cash reward for the safe return of Lexi, no questions asked. After several false alarms, Brown received a text message on Sunday that included a photo of Lexi. She told CBS News that she “knew it was Lexi the moment she got the text.”

The rest of the story reads as though Benji had guest-starred in an episode of “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” Brown’s boyfriend agreed to meet the senders of the text message in a Petco parking lot early Monday morning. Concerned for her safety, he told Brown to stay home. At Petco, the boyfriend swapped the cash for the dog, and mum’s been the word ever since from both he and Brown. After all, a promise is a promise.

As bizarre as this story is, it serves at least one purpose: as an anecdote for why it’s not a good idea to leave your dog alone in the car.

Most people know that it’s never wise to leave small children alone in a car. Even with the windows cracked, they could suffer heatstroke, which can cause permanent brain damage or death. And with the windows closed and the air conditioner cranked, the kiddies will be comfy and cool as they toy with the gears and clown around on the gas pedal, possibly setting the car in motion

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles

Staying Safe

I never thought this kind of thing would happen where I live: A woman was carjacked as she was about to drive away from a strip mall store, in broad daylight, by a man carrying a gun. It happened less than a mile from my home.

It’s hard to even type those words, so shocked am I to learn of it.

The short version of the story is that the

woman is thankfully fine, although badly shaken and upset from the ordeal. After being forced to drive the kidnapper to a location he specified on the outskirts of town, she was able to drive away safely after he fled the vehicle with her wallet, I.D.s and credit cards.

She wisely drove straight to the police station and filed a full report, with descriptions of the thief and other details. No word yet about whether he's been caught.

Still, it might not have turned out that way, and I shudder to think that big city crime is now spilling over to our normally peaceful and lawabiding suburban towns.

I can’t count the thousands of times I’ve gone to that same store, or strolled down the main street to the ice cream shop, or come out of a restaurant ... at night ... and never once felt afraid. After all, the relative safety in this quaint little New England villiage is why I moved here. But there are no guarantees that things will stay the same, are there?

That woman’s experience has been a life changer for me. I have now become cautious and more prepared before I go out and about. I now carry my wallet and cellphone in an inside coat pocket. If a thief wants my purse, he can have it, with no hesitation that might otherwise cause him to do me bodily harm.

I’m now paying more attention to what’s around me -- people in parking lots, people milling around -- instead of just going on my merry way oblivious to my surroundings.

If I’m headed to the car, my keys are already in my hand, and I make myself aware of who is close by before I unlock the door. Once in the car, I immediately lock the doors, something I’ve never before felt compelled to do.

I trust my instincts if something makes me uneasy. After a recent trip to a store, I waited a minute and walked out with a couple of college students after asking if I could walk across the dark parking lot with them. They were pleased to escort me all the way to my car.

Stay safe out there and always be aware of what’s going on around you - all the time!

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

and causing a serious accident. If that’s not bad enough, they could be snatched from the car in a matter of minutes, just like Lexi. In fact, all of these nightmare scenarios could just as easily play out with your dog as with your child.

It strikes me as questionable that a woman who would offer such a generous ransom for the safe return of her dog wouldn’t take minimal care to exercise one of at least three safe, viable options to locking her dog in a running car:

-- leave the treasured pet safely at home

-- pack the pooch into her bag and tote her into the restaurant, as so many owners of small designer dogs are wont to do

-- enlist the brief dog-sitting services of her boyfriend while she runs in to pick up the food, or vice versa.

I’m no detective, but as it stands, the facts of this case don’t hold a lot of water. Then again, neither does forking over thousands of dollars for a “designer dog” that is, in fact, no better or worse than any free mutt you’ll find in a shelter. You just can’t weigh a good dog in dollars.

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.

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.

by Tom Margenau

Privacy Laws and Social Security

Social Security’s privacy laws are a topic I’ve covered in past columns. But I can tell from my emails that it’s time I do so again.

I recall my days as a trainee with the Social Security Administration. And gosh, that was more than 50 years ago now! The very first thing drilled into our heads was that a law called the Privacy Act prevented us from disclosing any information about anyone’s Social Security record to anyone else other than the record holder himself or herself.

Almost all Americans agree that the law makes sense. You certainly don’t want the government sharing earnings or benefit information from your Social Security files with other people. And “other people” means everyone -- including spouses and other family members. This isn’t too much of an issue for most families and for most married couples. For example, I know what my wife’s Social Security benefit is and she knows what I am getting. That’s because we share that information with each other.

But if we weren’t that kind of a sharing couple, I would not be able to call the SSA to find out what she is getting, and she would not be able to call the SSA to find out what I am getting. The government, or at least the Social Security Administration, is very strict about upholding these privacy laws.

And that can sometimes lead to problems when people are trying to get Social Security information about a family member or spouse for legitimate reasons. Today’s emails provide examples of this.

Q: I am trying to help my 90-year-old mother with a Social Security problem. She never got the 1099 form from the Social Security Administration that she needs to file her tax return.

She lives in California. I live in Arizona. So, I went to my local Social Security office. The clerk I talked to seemed very friendly and said she would see to it that another 1099 was sent to her. But several weeks went by and my mother never got the form. So, I went back to our local office and this time talked to a different agent. This person said that with my mother’s permission, he would print out the form and mail it to her. We called my mom and of course she gave him permission to do so.

Then he printed out the form. He gave me an envelope and asked me to write my mom’s address on the envelope. Then he put the 1099 form inside the envelope and put it in the office’s outgoing mail. I was a little upset and kept telling this agent that he should just give me the form and I would get it to my mom. But he said the law prevented him from doing this. Can you help me understand this?

A: Just reread the first couple paragraphs of this column and you should understand what’s going on. Obviously, you were just trying to help your mother. But again, the law is VERY clear on this. The Social Security representative was simply following the law. In fact, he would have gotten into serious trouble and possibly could have been fired if he gave your mother’s 1099 to you. And rather than being upset with him, I think you should have thanked him. Rather than push a few buttons to

have the SSA’s central 1099 system mail another form to your mother (as the first clerk you talked to did -- with no results), this guy took the time to call your mother, print out the form, and mail it directly to her himself.

Q: I was married to my husband for over 30 years. He was an old-fashioned man who said that “a woman’s place is in the home,” so he never let me get an outside job. Therefore, I have no Social Security of my own. On the other hand, he was a doctor and made a very nice living, and I’m sure he will be due a comfortable Social Security retirement benefit.

About two years ago, he left me and married one of his young nurses. At least our divorce decree left me with our house and a little bit of money. I am about to turn 62. He is 67. I am trying to decide if I should file for my share of his Social Security now, or if I should wait until I am older and get a higher rate. My husband won’t tell me if he has applied for Social Security and/or how much he is due.

I called the Social Security help line and was told that the law prevented them from telling me what I am due on his Social Security account. How can I make a decision if I don’t have all the facts?

A: First I am going to give you a ballpark of what you might be due on your ex-husband’s Social Security account. Then I will help you get more precise information from the people at the SSA.

Because your ex was a doctor, let’s assume he probably paid the maximum amount into Social Security all his life, meaning he will likely qualify for a very high monthly Social Security benefit. That rate is currently in the $3,800 range. At age 62, you’d be due about a third of that, or around $1,250 per month. If you wait until your full retirement age to file, then you would get a 50% rate, or $1,900.

But you should be able to get precise fig-

ures from the Social Security Administration. You said you tried and were told they couldn’t share that information with you. I’m afraid you talked to a bit of an overzealous Social Security rep who is taking the laws about privacy of Social Security records a little too literally.

I suggest you call them back and hope you get a more informed and reliable representative. He or she will NOT be able to tell you if your husband has applied for Security benefits or how much he is getting (or what he is potentially due). But the rep can tell you how much you would be eligible for on his account.

There is a chance you may have to do this in person at your local Social Security office. And that’s because, technically, to get that information, you’re going to have to prove to the SSA that you are who you say you are and that you are potentially due divorced wife’s benefits on his account. So, you will need your own ID, and you will have to show them a marriage certificate and divorce papers. And of course, it will greatly help if you have your ex’s Social Security number.

Finally, one other thing you should know: A divorced woman can file for spousal benefits even if her ex hasn’t yet filed himself. If you decide you want to take spousal benefits now, then file a claim right away.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easyto-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. (If ordering the “Simple and Smart” book from Amazon, click on “See all formats and editions” to make sure you are getting the 2024 edition.) Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

options?

1. The book of Judas is found in the a) Old testament b) New testament c) Neither

2. In Luke 22, what Mount did Jesus go to of which His disciples also followed? a) Carmel b) Zion c) Olives d) Pisgah

3. What future Israelite leader as a baby was described as "exceedingly fair"? a) David b) Solomon c) Absolom d) Moses

4. What did Jesus choose as the location for the Last Supper? a) Temple b) Gethsemane c) Upper room d) Priest's home

5. According to Ecclesiastes 6, what has already been named? a) Stars b) Great seas c) Heaven d) Everything

6. The name Lucifer means what kind of "bearer"? a) Evil b) Death c) Light d) Darkness

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)

Lone Star Tick Bites Cause Alpha-Gal Syndrome

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was recently diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). I live in the country, but I do not remember having a tick on me. My husband and I are very cautious and always check for them. I am struggling to understand what exactly are my symptoms, and what I can and cannot eat. I don’t know if I am someone who can have dairy or not.

The biggest challenge seems to be eating out. If I order chicken, fish or veg etables and they are cooked on the same grill as meat, then they are not safe to eat due to cross contamination. Also, dairy, lard and whey are in many food items.

Is there a specialist I should consult? My doctor seems to know about some of this, but is unable to answer many of my questions. Any information you can share would be helpful. -- S.N.

water to stay properly hydrated throughout the evening and night. Does timing really matter? -- C.R.

ANSWER: Your body has a system in place to hold onto water so that you don’t need to drink it during the night. Unless you are losing unusually high amounts of water (as you would in a very dry and hot environment, for example), there is no reason to hydrate at night. Most people realize that doing so will cause you to visit the bathroom rather than sleep.

*

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to ianswer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column

by Freddie Groves

Help for Financial Stresses

If your debts are so bad the stress of it is making you physically ill, you’re not alone. And if the weight of it all is stressing you mentally, you’re not alone there either. The past several years, with the economy and Covid and everything else, have made many of us wonder if there’s hope.

But yes ... there is hope. The Department of Veterans Affairs has created the National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET).

The purpose of FINVET is to help veterans learn to manage finances and handle the mental uncertainty of debt -- and lower the risk of suicide, which can come with the stresses of finances.

The website (www.mirecc.va.gov/ visn19/finvet) has tools, videos, calculators and resources for five different money-related issues: paying for essentials, saving money, increasing your income, managing debt and protecting your money.

ANSWER: AGS is an allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a carbohydrate allergen found in all mammalian meats, such as beef, pork and lamb. The allergy can be serious as people develop symptoms, including various syndromes like skin itching and rashes; gastrointestinal symptoms; and even anaphylaxis, a severe allergy syndrome of cardiovascular collapse.

These reactions are delayed compared to other typical allergic responses, with people often developing symptoms the night after consuming meat -- about two to six hours after consumption. A blood test for alpha-gal allergies can confirm the diagnosis.

These symptoms usually begin after getting bitten multiple times by a Lone Star tick. The tick has alpha-gal in its saliva, which triggers the sensitivity. Many medical professionals are unaware of this newly described condition (40% reported never having heard of the syndrome), which can prevent a diagnosis from being made in a timely fashion.

Because the condition is new, there are some factors that we don’t really understand about it, like why some people tolerate muscle meat from an animal but react strongly to organ meat. There just aren’t answers to some of the questions that you might be asking. For example, milk, whey and gelatin sensitivity have been described with AGS, but not lard (at least that I could find).

Sometimes a person tolerates cooked meat but is intolerant of raw (or barely cooked) meat. Some people lose the allergy over time (usually a few years), but additional tick bites may bring it back.

The ideal specialist in this case is an allergist. You should certainly have and know how to use an epinephrine injector in case of a severe reaction.

DEAR DR. ROACH: A dietician recommended that I drink six glasses of water every day. I tend to drink most of the water in the morning and early afternoon. My husband thinks I should drink it “equally” throughout the day. His logic is that I don’t retain enough

Depending on your situation, one of those might be more important than the other right now, but they all have value.

Protecting your money can be a big one, with scammers on the line each time you answer the phone. Dozens of scams are identified, from payday lending to identity theft and scams aimed directly at veterans. Get familiar with all that the page has to offer so you’re not caught unaware.

Managing debt sometimes takes more than just additional income. Often it requires good information with advice and tools or learning ways to improve your credit score so you qualify for lower interest rates on big purchases like vehicles.

Paying for essentials can be a serious problem as well. Check the website for the many sources of help, ranging from emergency food assistance, to the national hunger hotline, to housing counselors.

The whole FINVET website is very well done, with mountains of good information no matter your financial situation, everything in one place. Bookmark the page so you can find your way back as time goes on and your situation changes. And don’t give up. Sometimes all you need to fix a financial situation is information and a bit of support.

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

Best Cell Phones for Seniors

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Can you recommend some good cell phones designed just for use by seniors? My 79-year-old mother needs to get a new mobile phone and has asked me to help her find one that she would like, but I could use some advice before I try doing this. -- Searching Daughter

Dear Searching: For older adults, choosing a cell phone is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Some seniors love the latest high-tech smartphones with high-megapixel cameras and other gadgets, while others just want simple phones with basic functions. So, the best cell phone for your mom will depend on her comfort with technology, priorities and budget.

Best Cell Phones

To help identify the best cell phones for older adults, I consulted Wirecutter, a product testing and recommendation service from The New York Times who recently tested 18 cell phone models.

Their testing focus was on three different areas, including best phones for older adults who are comfortable with technology and want to upgrade to a full-featured smartphone with

robust accessibility settings; best cell phones for seniors who are not tech-inclined or who prefer a smartphone with fewer features, as well as those who are experiencing vision, hearing, or dexterity issues; and best cell phones for elderly seniors who need specific accessibility features due to physical or cognitive issues. Here are their top choices based on their tests.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus: This is a great choice if your mom is comfortable with technology and willing to spend more for a top-tier smartphone with a range of accessibility, health, and safety features. The 15 Plus has an easyto-read, large (6.7-inch) screen and the most robust health and safety features, including an off-grid SOS, a personal-safety check, and plenty of customizable accessibility options that help seniors with vision and hearing loss, as well as with speaking and/or dexterity problems. ($899, apple.com).

Google Pixel 8: If your mom has been using an Android device and is more comfortable with this operating system, the Pixel 8 is a high-end, reasonably priced smartphone that tops their list for older adults. It too has a sharp, large (6.7-inch) screen with an excellent camera and many health, safety, and accessibility features that can help seniors with vision impairment, hearing loss, hand tremors and more. And it costs significantly less than the new Samsung Galaxy and iPhone models. ($699, store.google. com).

Lively Jitterbug Smart4: If your mom wants a simplified smartphone that’s very affordable, she might prefer this model. Like the Apple 15 Plus and Google Pixel 8, the Jitterbug Smart4 also has a 6.7-inch screen, but this phone comes with a list-based menu (no icons) that provides easy navigation. It also offers voice commands capabilities, and a number of health and safety services including a 24/7 emergency monitoring service. This phone would also work well for people with memory or vision issues. ($150, lively.com).

RAZ Mobility Memory Cell Phone: This phone is specifically designed for seniors with memory issues or more-advanced cognitive decline. Its uncluttered, simple functionality allows users to stay in touch with family and friends while also reducing common problems such as unnecessary calls to emergency services, spam, and fraud. It also has a dedicated SOS link on

the screen that can alert up to three contacts; has GPS tracking capabilities; provides caregiver controls and more. ($349, razmobility.com).

Snapfon ez4G: This is a non-smartphone if your mom doesn’t want or need all the functionality of a full-featured smartphone. This simple cell phone provides large buttons, big screen type and an SOS emergency button on the back of the phone that will alert up to five preselected contacts by call and text. ($100, snapfon.com).

of the plates, and thank you for anything you can tell us.

Ltd. was located in Staffordshire, England.

Eastlake Settee Was Made in Victorian Era

Q: This is a photo of an antique love seat I inherited. The wood has been refinished and the upholstery is new. It measures 3 feet wide, 35 inches long and 20 inches deep. I think it was made in the 1880s.

I hope you can tell me something about its history and value.

A: Your love seat or settee was made around 1870 to 1880 and is an example of Victorian Eastlake style. It was probably part of a factory-made parlor set that included a settee and two matching chairs. They were often made of walnut, upholstered with velvet, had casters on the front legs, and seats that were constructed with springs. The incised carvings and reeded leg and arm supports are representative of the Eastlake period of design.

Settees like yours can be found selling in the range of $450 to $650.

Q: This mark is on the back of eight porcelain plates that my father bought in 1967, when we lived in Virginia. The mark below the name “Cauldon” is difficult to read, and I hope you can make it out.

Each plate is decorated with a different game bird, and each plate measures 8 inches in diameter. The scrolled edges and borders are trimmed in gold. They are signed on the front with the name “J. Birbecksen.”

We hope to learn the history and value

A: Your hand-painted game plates were made by Cauldon Ltd., which was located in Hanley, Staffordshire, England. It made porcelain from 1905 to 1920.

Game plate sets were designed for serving fish and game, and often included a platter and sauce dish. The blurry mark is that of retailer, Higgins & Seiter, located on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Joseph Birbecksen was the artist who decorated the plates. He was born in 1862. He came from a family of porcelain painters and spent his career as a porcelain painter for several companies in England. He was known for his beautiful atmospheric paintings of birds and fish. Birbecksen painted many dessert and dinner sets designed for the market in the United States.

Each plate was made around 1900 and would probably be worth $275 to $375.

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

* On April 1, 1877, prospector Edward Schieffelin begins his search for silver in southern Arizona. Later that year, Schieffelin discovered one of the richest silver veins in the West. He named it the Tombstone Lode.

* On April 2, 1972, silent film actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin prepares for his first voyage to the United States since 1952, when he was denied a re-entry visa amid questions about his leftist politics. Chaplin returned to accept an honorary Academy Award.

* On April 3, 1996, at his cabin in Montana, Theodore John Kaczynski is arrested by FBI agents and accused of being the Unabomber, the elusive terrorist blamed for 16 mail bombs that killed three people and injured 23. “Unabomber” was an acronym for university, airline and bomber.

* On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is shot to death at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. A single shot fired from a nearby motel by James Earl Ray struck King in the neck. The death of America’s leading civilrights advocate sparked a wave of rioting around the country.

* On April 5, 2000, Lee Petty, an early star of NASCAR, dies at the age of 86 in North Carolina. Lee Petty won more than 50 stockcar races during his career, including three NASCAR championships and the first Daytona 500, held in 1959.

* On April 6, 1896, the Olympic Games, a long-lost tradition of ancient Greece, are reborn in Athens. King Georgios I of Greece and a crowd of 60,000 spectators welcomed athletes from 13 nations.

* On April 7, 1776, Navy Capt. John Barry, commander of the American warship Lexington, makes the first American naval capture of a British vessel when he takes command of the warship HMS Edward off the coast of Virginia. The capture turned Barry into a national hero.

FILLERPAGE2 2Q08-WEEK19 MAY4-MAY10 TRIVIANEWSFRONT™ PRESENTS

PRESENTS

TRIVIANEWSFRONT™

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

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

1.Whohada#1hitin1961withthesardonic

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the motherofinvention”?

2.Accordingtotheproverb,whatis“the motherofinvention”?

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfricanAmericancomedienneMomsMabley?

3.WhatwastherealfirstnameofAfricanAmericancomedienneMomsMabley?

4.Whatfilmactorwantedto in1987? ThrowMomma fromtheTrain

4.Whatfilmactorwantedto in1987? ThrowMomma fromtheTrain

This Victorian settee was made around 1870.

Cauldon

Amazon from page 3

time, all it did was read e-books. There were about 90,000 e-books available at the time. Successive generations of Kindle readers expanded its abilities, and now the platform offers features similar to any Android-type device. Today there are over 12 million e-books available for use on Kindle. Although Amazon still reigns supreme as the world’s largest seller of books, it now sells more e-books than paper books.

• Amazon now receives 66,000 orders per hour and ships out 1.6 million packages daily, not including third-party sellers.

• Out of the 195 countries in the world, Amazon ships to over 100 of them. Countries that Amazon does not ship to include Iran, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, and Syria.

• In August of 2013, Amazon services went offline for about 40 minutes. At the time, the company was generating revenue of about $120,000 per minute. This short delay was costly for the company, with an estimated $4.8 million in losses, though it’s assumed that most shoppers returned later in the day to complete their order requests.

• During the Pokémon craze of 1999, Amazon purchased the entire Pokémon stock from the Toys-R-Us website. They were selling so fast on Amazon that there was fear of selling out, so they raided the fledgling e-commerce site of Toys-RUs and bought the item completely out. 

During the early years of golf instruction, turning in a barrel became a popular image as to how the legs and hips were to move in a confined, rotary type fashion. Players like Bobby Jones seemed to exemplify this over turning image, at least in the backswing.

Yet, Bobby and all the greats that followed him made one huge, significant change to that vivid barrel turning image….they broke through the barrel on the forward swing with demonstrative weight shift and footwork.

Turning in a barrel may not be a terrible poor backswing image, but it implies never really shifting the weight during the motion. Instead, picture turning back and brushing up against the side of the barrel going back, then busting through the other side with the left knee and hip in the forward swing.

1. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Seychelles islands located?

2. TELEVISION: In which sitcom is the catchphrase “Hello, Newman” used often?

3. FOOD & DRINK: What is a cornichon?

4. HISTORY: According to a WWII government slogan, what should citizens do after they “Keep calm ...”?

5. MOVIES: What is the name of John Wayne’s character in “True Grit”?

6. LANGUAGE: The Latin word “genu” refers to which part of the human body?

7. U.S. STATES: How many states begin with the letter “R”?

8. MEDICAL: The first vaccine was created to protect against which disease?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:

What is the name of Helen Keller’s teacher, who taught the blind and deaf girl how to communicate?

10. ANATONY: What is the smallest organ in the human body? Answers

1. Indian Ocean.

2. “Seinfeld.”

3. A small pickle.

4. “... and carry on.”

5. Rooster Cogburn.

6. The knee.

7. One: Rhode Island.

8. Smallpox.

9. Anne Sullivan.

10. Pineal gland.