Vol. 21: #32 • Think Positive • (8-3-2025) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

think positive

by Kathy Wolfe

With the seemingly endless barrage of negative news and disturbing reports bombarding us daily, Tidbits urges readers to take a few moments to take control of their emotional well-being and happiness by thinking positive. Follow along and find how you can learn ways to put more of a spring in your step and gain a brighter outlook on life!

• What makes us happy? Psychologists suggest that each of us has a happiness “set point,” which is an individual tendency to be “very happy,” “somewhat happy,” or “not at all happy.” It's the place on the scale where we generally keep ourselves parked.

• About 50% of the location of a person’s set point on the scale is determined by genetic make-up. This helps explain why some folks just seem to be naturally happier than others! It also helps explain why long-term levels of happiness appear to be resistant to many significant life events we all experience, both good and bad.

TRIV

(Answers on page 16)

• After a public display of rude, nasty trash talk and near blows between Michael Jordan and Byron Russell of the Utah Jazz, it was announced that Michael Jordan would be appearing at the next Utah Jazz game to do a little one-on-one match with Byron at halftime. Event organizers invited Michael Jordan, but he never responded. But they didn’t let that stop them. Instead, they hired a Michael Jordan look-alike. The stand-in player did not go well with the fans who packed the stands that night. The boo's, hisses and loud objections were too much to handle. To head off a riot, it was announced that everyone would receive a refund for the price of their tickets.

he wanted to be cryogenically frozen, while others insisted he wanted to be cremated. A lot of litigation ensued. In the midst of it all, the Bisbee-Douglas Copper Kings, a minor league team in Arizona, decided to host a “Ted Williams Popsicle Night” by handing out free popsicles to the first 500 attendees. Though doubtless in poor taste, it brought in a big crowd and drew a lot of national attention. It was eventually decided that the body of Ted Williams was to be cremated.

• The minor league team Lowell Spinners in Massachusetts announced that their July 28, 2008, game against the State College Spikes of Pittsburgh would be dubbed “Political Correctness Night.” “Players committing an error will not be identified for fear of hurting their feelings, and gender-neutral terms will be used to refer to the players, for example, first baseperson instead of first baseman. Along the same lines, there will be no bat boy, but instead, a bat person. Additionally, the Spinners will make every effort to not demean anyone, referring to the shortstop as the ‘vertically challenged infield player.” After the game, all players received a “participation trophy.” Fans and players alike agreed it was an appropriate snub to all the political correctness nonsense.

Wed., 7/16/25

• Fans in the stands of soccer’s World Cup love the big noisy air horns called vuvuzela that add an element of chaos to every game. To honor and celebrate the World Cup currently ongoing in South Africa, the management team of the Florida Marlins thought it would be a good idea to create a “buzz” in the stands during their face-off against the Tampa Bay Rays in June of 2010. The first 15,000 fans received half-size vuvuzela-style air horns. They were small, but they were noisy and proved to be a constant disruption during the game. “Worst giveaway ever!” complained Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla. “We’re playing baseball, not soccer!”

• In 1982, the Red Sox gave out seat cushions for a September game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park. The game was tight and tense until the Red Sox hit two back-to-back home runs in the 6th inning. The crowd went wild and expressed their enthusiasm by hurling their seat cushions onto the field like giant Frisbees. The gesture caught on by the rest of the fans, who periodically threw theirs on the field during the game, disrupting play. The announcer admonished the fans, saying, “Try just sitting on the cushions folks; it’s a lot more comfortable that way!” Red Sox management vowed to never again try another stupid promotion like this.

All Trades c/o David Smith 1/16 pg 4C 6x Disc. • $149/wk July 27, 2025 • Vol. 21: #31

• The minor league team from Pennsylvania called the Altoona Curve came up with an awful idea. It was dubbed “Awful Night.” Player’s names were mispronounced; baby photos were used instead of headshots; and the Kiss Cam was replaced by the Lone Cam, focusing on fans who sat by themselves. Player’s failing averages were posted instead of their batting averages, so a .300 batting average was replaced by a .700 failing average. It turned out that Awful Night was such a hit that they repeated it annually, and other teams also picked up on the idea. 

1. MOVIES: Who is Luke and Leia’s mother in the “Star Wars” movies?

2. GEOGRAPHY: The country of Suriname is on which continent?

3. HISTORY: Which 5th-century conqueror was known as “the Scourge of God”?

4. TELEVISION: Who is the creator of the quirky sitcom “Community”?

5. ANATOMY: What kind of blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?

6. MYTHOLOGY: In Greek mythology, who turned everything he touched into gold?

7. U.S. STATES: Which state was the 50th and last to join the union?

8. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “A Clockwork Orange”?

9. FOOD & DRINK: Which vegetable is used to make baba ganoush?

10. CHEMISTRY: What is the common name for acetic acid?

• Ted Williams was a noted left-fielder for the Boston Red Sox who racked up plenty of records and awards. When he died of a heart attack at the age of 83 in 2002, some of his children insisted

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• Lottery winners initially feel “euphoric,” and people who have experienced a negative life event, such as a job loss or death of a loved one, feel “deeply sorrowful,” But most of these individuals eventually gravitate back to their set point on the scale. Research confirms that personal circumstances, such as level of wealth and where we live, account for a measly 10% of our longterm happiness and overall satisfaction.

• Are happier people more successful in their personal and professional lives? It appears so, partly because the positive moods of happier people motivate them to work enthusiastically toward their goals. They lean toward feeling confident, optimistic, and energetic, they have a positive perception of themselves, and others find them more likable and easy to be around. As a result, happier folks seem to perform better in job interviews and secure better positions. They also tend to have less absenteeism at work.

• The level of happiness also affects an individual’s health. Data shows that happier people have lower levels of hypertension and lower blood pressure. Those who use humor to cope with difficulties have stronger immune systems, and are less likely to get sick. They have fewer doctor visits, use less medication, and are much less likely to experience substance abuse.

• Do you think you’d be happier if you just had more money? Not so, say researchers! Income actually has a very weak effect on levels of happiness. In the workplace, employees seem to gain more satisfaction from their rank, position, and sense of achievement than they do from their pay. Surprisingly, spending money on others –as little as $5 a day – creates a boost in happiness levels and personal self-satisfaction.

• Wondering what you can do to increase your happiness level? Since 40% of happiness is subject to self-control, a person’s deliberate

choices and intentional activities can amp up cheerfulness and contentment. High-quality social relationships contribute to life satisfaction, and research indicates that married people are generally happier than single ones. Socializing with cheerful people increases the likelihood of being happier.

byKaraKovalchik&SandyWood

• Think happy thoughts! Avoiding “negative self-talk” can improve attitude and enhance happiness. Rebuke the impulse to make negative declarations against yourself! Rather than saying, “I’ll never get this right!,” try, “What can I improve to get better?” Try substituting “This looks too hard for me,” with “I’m going to at least try by giving it my best shot.”

• Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones allows you to focus on what is good in life. Remember: It’s not what happens to us that determines our response; it's determined instead by the way we choose to react to those things. Attitudes are chosen!

• What’s the best way to possess emotional wellbeing? Since itʼs important to remember that each of us chooses our own attitudes, adopt an “attitude of gratitude.” Counting your blessings causes you to consider all that is truly valuable in your life. Gratitude during the bad times actually helps you cope with and adjust to adversity, helping you bounce back to that happiness set point.

• Taking stock of all you have and recalling the kindness that others have given you causes you to be more likely to help others. It's a simple practice called "paying it forward." It works well to help you be less materialistic and envious of others, as well as ridding you of the bitterness that usually comes with it.

• You are what you eat! Did you know that a diet low in fiber has been linked to depression? Likewise, a Vitamin B-12 deficiency can produce irritability and depression. Residents of countries who eat the most fish possess the lowest rates of depression. A wide variety of whole foods provides brain-enhancing nutrients, causing your mind to be sharper and more energized. Too much sugar can contribute to shrinkage in the areas of the brain involved in regulating your moods.

• Letting go of offenses, anger, and resentment is a sure-fire way to have happier and healthier peace of mind. Brooding and obsessing over

The name of Helen Blanchard has been lost in the annals of history, but her invention lives on. In 1873, Helen received a patent for the first zig-zag stich machine, a device that would create a more durable garment with the edges of seams more firmly sealed for more wearable comfort and longer garment life.

wrongs done to you and refusing to forgive takes a serious toll on your happiness levels as well as your physical health. And genuine forgiveness is willfully giving up your “right” to get even! Harboring bitterness and resentment isn't hurting the other person -- it's only taking its toll on you. Let it go!

• Don’t worry, be happy! Worriers experience muscle tension, agitation, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty with concentration, and an

Admiral Richard Byrd took six Singer Sewing Machines on his expedition to where? 2. During the 1800s, how many stitches per minute could an expert seamstress sew by hand?

By Lucie Winborne

* James Doohan, beloved by Star Trek fans as “Scotty,” was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Milwaukee School of Engineering after it was discovered that half of the school’s students had been inspired to pursue engineering careers by the fictional character he portrayed.

* The first written ice cream recipe was found in a 1665 recipe book.

* Rocking chairs were used in mental facilities and hospitals to soothe and comfort patients long before their widespread adoption in homes.

* Some asteroids get pulled into a planet’s gravity and become their moons.

* White-tailed jackrabbits are the greatest land jumpers, having been recorded leaping 21 feet vertically.

* In early 1949, Victor T. Hoeflich introduced the “Man-from-Mars Radio Hat,” featuring a portable radio built into a pith helmet. It retailed for $7.95 and was sold across the country for a while, but lost popularity due to its technical limitations, which included losing its signal and making annoying squealing noises.

* A man was jailed for two years for cheating at poker. His method? Using infrared contact lenses to see cards premarked with invisible ink.

* The Finnish word “kalsarikÄnnit” means to get drunk alone at home in your underwear.

* In Alaska, plants can grow exceptionally large due to receiving up to 20 hours of sunlight daily, which greatly enhances their photosynthesis process.

* When Nebraska implemented a law allowing parents to leave unwanted newborns at safe havens, no age limit was specified. Within just weeks, 36 kids had been dropped off, but not one was a newborn and the oldest was 17.

Thought for the Day: “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” -- Ruth Graham

by Mary Hunt

How to Stop Drying Your Clothes to Death

by Mary Hunt

You should see the big wad of lint I just plucked from the trap of my clothes dryer. Ack! Where does all of that come from? I know I emptied all pockets and I’m certain I did not wash a bag of pillow stuffing.

I’ll tell you what it is, and I am not happy about this: It’s visual proof the dryer is wearing out my clothes. Those fibers were neatly woven into these clothes only 30 minutes ago. For all the convenience a clothes dryer can offer, it may come at the price of having to replace your family’s clothes and household linens much too often.

Drying clothes causes them to shrink, and not only the first time they’re washed. Sleeves and pant legs continually get shorter and shorter when machine-dried improperly.

There are tactics to counteract the abuse suffered by a clothes dryer, and you don’t have to go back to the days of sheets frozen stiff on the clothesline. (Does anyone else remember that?) You don’t have to machine-dry your clothes to death to end up with comfy jeans and fluffy, soft towels.

GET THE SOAP OUT

Residual detergent in fabrics causes them to feel rough. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the last rinse. This will help remove the residual detergent from the fabrics. Even when air-dried, they will be softer.

SEMI-DRY

Never machine-dry clothes, especially jeans, completely. Ten to 15 minutes is sufficient for most items to remove the major wrinkles.

RACK ‘EM UP

A good collapsible drying rack goes a long way to extend the life of clothes while reducing energy. Use it indoors or out as weather permits to either finish drying items that have gone into the dryer for, say, 10 minutes to fluff and soften, or for delicates (lingerie, spandex, painted or silk-screen tees). If that drying rack is handy, you just might find yourself using it more often than you’d ever imagined.

HANG FROM THE ANKLES

Remove partially dry jeans and all other

pants from the dryer and hang them on hangers by the hems on pant hangers equipped with clothespins or clamps. The weight of the pants will pull the fibers into place and keep the pants from getting shorter every time you launder them.

OR USE A PANTS STRETCHER

Pants stretchers come in pairs just like pant legs. An adjustable metal frame, these handy things slip into the legs of laundered pants. Once in place, you can adjust to tighten, straighten and stretch to dry so they come out free of wrinkles and the right shape and size. Check Amazon or go to lehmans.com to check it out.

EMERGENCY SPEED DRY

When you need something to dry in a big hurry, here’s a great tip: Place the wet item and one dry bath towel into the dryer. Set on the highest temperature safe for that particular item. You will have dry jammies (or whatever else) in less than half the time. The towel will absorb a great deal of the moisture.

DRYER NO-NO

Any item that has a rubber backing, such as a bath rug, should never come in contact with the inside of a dryer. Lay it flat to air-dry.

DON’T KILL THE SPANDEX

Fabrics that contain spandex, latex, elastic or have painted or silk-screened logos should not meet the heat of a clothes dryer. Even the elastic in pajamas, underwear and so on will break down quickly if dried on “high.” Make sure you always read the labels to determine fabric content and laundering instructions. Get a portable drying rack or install a few extra towel bars so you can air-dry these more delicate types of fabric.

TUES., MAR. 28

* * *

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.”

13 - No. 14

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

“Stitch your stress away” -- seems like sound advice and a good way to help you think positive! How much do you know about the machine that allows you that privilege? Read along and see!

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

• In the United States, Elias Howe, Jr. patented his first sewing machine in 1846, one with a lockstitch mechanism, capable of sewing 250 stitches per minute. His breakthrough invention quickly moved the world into the mass production of clothing. Howe's automated method drastically cut production costs, thus lowering the cost of clothing and making it more readily available to the general public.

• Isaac Merritt Singer patented his first sewing machine in 1851, incorporating Howe’s

lockstitch mechanism into his machine. Howe sued Singer for patent infringement and won the suit. Singer was ordered to pay royalties to Howe, which made Howe a very wealthy man.

• Isaac Singer was an independent soul, having lived basically on his own from the young age of 11. He had a love of the theater and joined a troupe of traveling stage performers, earning his living as an actor for more than 20 years. When ticket sales were slow, he worked as a machinist in his brother’s shop.

• Singer was gifted with a creative mind for invention and all things mechanical, and loved to put his ideas to work. In 1839 he obtained his first patent, one for a machine that drilled rock, which he sold to a canal digging company for $2,000. With a comfortable financial cushion now in place, he returned to the stage.

• Eleven years later at age 38, using $40 borrowed from a friend, Singer presented his sewing machine, the first one practical for home use, which became the model for all future machines. It incorporated a needle that moved up and down rather than side to side as previous models did, resulting in a great reduction in needle breakage. He also replaced the arm crank with a foot pedal, and later added a carrying case. His innovations resulted in a machine that could produce an amazing 900 stitches per minute.

• Singer unveiled his improved model at the 1855 World’s Fair in Paris, earning first prize. Before long, there were several Singer factories in New York.

• Perhaps Singer’s most important contribution was his marketing technique. With the goal of putting a machine in every American home, Singer demonstrated his machine at numerous county fairs and other gatherings, using his flair for the dramatic to entice crowds to gather.

• Sales were brisk. He hired traveling salesmen, but most importantly, introduced an installment payment plan for the $99 model, which enabled

those with lower incomes to purchase the machine. He also included a trade-in allowance in his shrewd marketing plan. Due to the expense, community women frequently pooled their money and purchased one machine jointly, and then shared the machine between themselves.

• Isaac Singer retired 14 years after he invented the sewing machine and moved to England, where he built a magnificent 115-room mansion, complete with a separate theater and riding stables.

• The Singer Company introduced the world’s first computer-controlled sewing machine, the Touchtronic, in 1978. 

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is it true that the new Mrs. Bezos used to be an actress? What has she been in? Also, did his ex-wife ever remarry? -- K.D.

A: Yes, Lauren Sanchez, who is newly wedded to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, has an IMDb page of acting credits, but most of her roles consist of playing reporters and news anchors. Before this, she majored in communications at the University of Southern California, which is why she was probably a natural for these types of roles. Her first on-camera role as a reporter or anchor was in 1997 in the series “Babylon 5,” followed by the cult classic film “Fight Club.”

Many people probably don’t remember that she was the original host of the reality competition series “So You Think You Can Dance,” which premiered in the United States in 2005. She left after one season to have a baby and was replaced by Cat Deeley.

Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott, who played a significant role in the early rise of Amazon, remar-

1. Superman (PG-13) David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan

2. Jurassic World: Rebirth (PG-13) Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali

3. I Know What You Did Last Summer (R) Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders

4. Smurfs

(PG) Rihanna, James Corden

5. F1: The Movie (PG-13) Brad Pitt, Damson Idris

6. How to Train Your Dragon (PG) Mason Thames, Nico Parker

7. Eddington

(R) Joaquin Phoenix, Deirdre O’Connell

8. Elio

(PG) Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña

9. Lilo & Stitch

(PG) Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong

10. 28 Years Later

(R) Jodie Comer, Aaron TaylorJohnson

ried in 2021 to a science teacher. Unfortunately, it didn’t last, and she filed for divorce a year later.

According to USA Today, as part of her divorce settlement from Bezos, Scott planned to donate half of her wealth to charity, and she has. The Center for Effective Philanthropy released a study in February stating that her donations have totaled $19.25 billion and have been distributed to over 2,450 nonprofit organizations. ***

Q: Will they ever reboot “Supernatural”? I know it hasn’t been off the air for that long, but I miss it. -- C.E.

A: According to TV Insider, ever since the Winchester boys (Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki) met on the bridge one last time in 2020, fans have been asking, “When is the ‘Supernatural’ revival?” Even after 15 seasons, viewers want more, but Padalecki isn’t sure that another 22-episode season is doable. He suggested that perhaps a limited series format would be a good compromise.

In the meantime, Ackles recently wrapped up filming season five of “The Boys,” and you can also see him in his new show “Countdown,” both of which are on Prime Video. It’s also been reported that Padalecki and another “Supernatural” star, Misha Collins, will join Ackles in the final season of “The Boys,” which will air sometime in 2026. ***

Q: Which book is the Justin Hartley series “Tracker” based on? I just found out that it was a novel or a series of novels first. -- N.B.

A: For the past two seasons, “Tracker”

has been consistently ranked as the No. 1 rated network series. Fresh off the hit ensemble series “This Is Us,” star Justin Hartley was chosen to star in CBS’ “Tracker,” which got a strong start by debuting in the coveted post-Super-Bowl time slot. “Tracker” is indeed based on not just one but a series of fiction books by Jeffery Deaver, the first of which is titled “The Never Game.” Season three kicks off on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET, but two familiar faces will not be part of the cast. Both Eric Graise and Abby McEnany, who play Bobby and Velma respectively, have been written out of the show.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Good Recipes from

Swordfish Steaks with Maitre d’Hotel Butter

Traditionally used to garnish fish and grilled meats, Maitre d’Hotel Butter is flavored with lemon and chopped parsley. Serve this broiled swordfish with a tomato salad.

Maitre d’Hotel Butter:

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon lemon peel, freshly grated

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Swordfish Steaks:

4 (6 ounces each) swordfish steaks, 1 inch thick

4 teaspoons Ma”tre d’Hotel Butter

1. Prepare Maitre d’Hotel Butter: Mix 1/2 cup butter or margarine, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.

2. Prepare Swordfish Steaks: Heat broiler. Place swordfish on rack in broiling pan. Spread 1/2 teaspoon Maitre d’Hotel Butter on each side of each fish steak. Place pan in broiler, 4 inches from heat source. Broil swordfish, without turning, until just opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes. Spoon pan juices over fish to serve. Serves 4.

 Each serving: About 10g total fat (4g saturated), 69mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 30g protein.

Salt-Baked Fish

Baking a whole fish in a crust of kosher salt seals in the juices and guarantees an exquisitely moist -- and surprisingly unsalty -- fish delicacy.

4 cups kosher salt

1 whole (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) red snapper, striped bass or porgy, cleaned and scaled

1 lemon

3 sprigs rosemary or thyme

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Line 13-inchby-9-inch baking pan with foil; spread 2 cups salt in bottom of pan.

2. Rinse snapper inside and out with cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. From lemon, cut 3 slices. Cut remaining lemon into wedges. Place lemon slices and rosemary in cavity of fish. Place fish on bed of salt; cover with remaining 2 cups salt. Bake until fish is just opaque throughout when knife is inserted at backbone, about 30 minutes.

3. To serve, tap salt crust to release from top of fish and discard. Slide cake server under front section of top fillet and lift off fillet; transfer to platter. Slide server under backbone and lift it away from bottom fillet; discard. Slide cake server between bottom fillet and skin and transfer fillet to platter. Serve with reserved lemon wedges. Makes 2 main-dish servings.

ELEPHANTS

Holidays & Observances This Week

8/3 American Family Day

8/4 U.S. Coast Guard Day

8/5 National Night Out

8/6 Hiroshima Remembrance Day

8/7 Purple Heart Day

8/8 National Pickleball Day

8/9 National Garage Sale Day

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

It Ain’t Just a River

“We got Lucy, a female yellow Lab, at 8 weeks old. The vet told us then that she was aggressive and we would need to have her trained. We could not believe it. We tried basic puppy training, but did not want her to be so disciplined that she would cower or be afraid of us. Basically, we did not listen -- she seemed so sweet.

“Now, she growls all the time. We used to laugh at it and think she was just grumpy, but it has gotten to the point that she curls her lips at my two cats and growls at us if we ask her to get off the bed or accidentally bump her from under the covers.

“She raises her lips to the grandkids from time to time and has snapped at my granddaughter. She has bitten another dog, and two days ago she bit my cat. I always cross the street when walking her if another dog is coming our way -- she can be aggressive with them -- and I never let people pet her when we are out and about.

“I have been reading about aggressive dogs on your website. I tried the “tests,” and she failed. She does not have any physical problems. She has been “grumpy” since we’ve owned her. She is mostly my husband’s dog, and she loves him. He is in total denial that we have a problem -- he thinks she is only reacting to protect herself.

“I am now very concerned. Can we do anything to change this behavior aside from keeping her muzzled all the time, which I really do not want to do and my husband will not even consider? He loves this dog, does not make her respect boundaries and has no interest in training her. She has the run of our house and seems to be getting more aggressive as she gets older. I am now trying to keep the two cats and the dog separated, but my husband thinks I am overreacting.

“I am writing for two reasons: I want to get Lucy the training she needs so that she does not hurt anyone or anything, and I need to get my husband to see that we have a problem.”

Wrong order. First she has to get her husband to acknowledge that they have a problem. Only then can training be effective.

When I called to tell her that, the first thing she said was, “I know it looks bad, but it’s not.”

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Exercise Videos on AARP

Here’s one more reason to keep checking back on the AARP website: the big selection of fitness offerings in the healthy living section. There are the articles, of course: complete guide to pickleball, link between sugar and cancer, ways to get an energy boost and others. But it’s the workout videos that have caught my eye.

The site (aarp.org) has videos on cardio, walking, balance, stretching, core exercises and more. The knees get a lot of much-needed attention with videos on improving knee mobility and building stronger knees. Strength training has videos on building both the upper and lower body muscles.

What I appreciated in these videos is that many of them can be done while seated or holding a chair for balance, if necessary, and none require expensive equipment. A couple of light hand weights (or even soup cans), maybe a mat for the floor, and that’s all you need.

The yoga section is comprehensive, with videos aimed at beginners who are ages 50 and 60 plus a video for those who are already 70. But I think my favorite area is the 10-minute section for when I just don’t have time for a full workout.

If you can’t make your way around the AARP site to get to the videos, do a search for “10-minute workout” to find a long list of short videos done by experts. Or search for “Denise Austin” and you’ll find dozens of exercise videos she’s created for seniors.

If you’re only going to look at one exercise article, make it “10 Exercises to Do Today for a Healthier, Happier Tomorrow.”

These exercises are geared to helping us continue doing the daily things we need to accomplish: Strengthen your grocery-carrying muscles, keep your shoulder muscles limber and strong so you can put away dishes, pick yourself up from the floor should you take a fall, and (a favorite of many) strengthen your grip so you can open jars.

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) KingFeaturesSyndicate2025

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

What could be worse? Canine serial killer? She wanted my help, but this woman has a marital problem, more than a dog problem. She has a husband who doesn’t respect her legitimate fears and favors the dog’s well-being over that of his wife and grandchildren. At this point, she needs Dr. Phil, not Uncle Matty.

Most people who have aggressive dogs don’t want to admit it because they 1) think it makes them a failure, and 2) think it means a death sentence for the dog. Neither is true. You aren’t a failure for having an aggressive dog. You’re a failure if you do nothing about it. And euthanasia is rarely necessary.

If wife and hubby were to come together, their household could most likely be salvaged. Lucy would be banished from their bed and signed up for professional training. Boundaries would be set and enforced. A semblance of peace would descend upon them -- and their cats. Barring that, Lucy absolutely must be kept away from all children, animals and anyone who isn’t this man and his wife.

Denial, it’s not just a river in Egypt. 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.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

Social Security Disability Benefits and Incentives to Work

Q: I am 57 years old and getting Social Security disability benefits. I understand I can work and make $23,000 and still keep my disability checks. Is this true?

A: No, it’s not true. The dollar figure you cite applies to retirees who are under their full retirement age and working. They can work and earn up to $23,400 and still get all their retirement checks.

So now let me explain some things to you about working while on Social Security disability:

The only reason you are getting disability benefits in the first place is that you have been deemed to be unable to work. Or to put that another way, you are not getting Social Security disability just because you have a physical or mental impairment. You are getting those benefits because that impairment keeps you from working. In other words, the inability to work is the key to your eligibility for disability benefits. So, on the one hand, you normally shouldn’t be working at all.

On the other hand, there are all kinds of work incentives built into the disability program that allow you to try working while still collecting your disability checks -- at least for a while.

Those incentive provisions fill up about a 100-page book that the Social Security Administration produces. So, there is no way I can explain all of them to you in this column. But I can summarize the main provisions.

As a general rule, you can work for up to nine months, making as much money as you can and still keep getting your benefits. However, after those nine months, if you are still working and if you are making more than about $1,600 per month, there is a pretty good chance your disability checks will stop. If you want more information, go to www. socialsecurity.gov and under the “Publications” link, look for the pamphlet called “Working While Disabled -- How We Can Help.” It is an abbreviated version of the book I mentioned earlier.

Q: I have a 55-year-old son. He has had cerebral palsy since childhood, but he has managed to work off and on over the years. In fact, he worked enough that he got the required credits to qualify for disability benefits when his condition worsened and he had to stop working.

` But after a few years on disability, the Social Security people kept telling him there were special provisions in the law that allowed him to work and get disability checks. In fact, he was eventually making upwards of $15,000 per year.

And now he has just received a letter today from Social Security stopping his disability benefits and telling him he’s been overpaid $32,000 and that he has to pay that back. How can they encourage him to go back to work and then turn around and tell him he’s no longer eligible for benefits and ask for their money back?

A: I really feel sorry for you and your son and the problems he is now going through. Earlier, I mentioned that 100-page booklet that explains the work incentives built into the disability program. That book is just the tip of the iceberg. All of these return-to-work provisions are just so darn convoluted and complicated.

I think those complications reflect a conundrum our society faces. On the one hand, we want to provide disability benefits to people who are truly disabled. On the other, we want to encourage them to work and become financially self-sufficient so they don’t have to rely on the government dole. And then sadly, those two goals can end up competing and causing problems. What your son is now facing is the result of that competition.

What you and your son need to do right away is to deal with the alleged overpayment. My “Social Security: Simple and Smart” book, available from Amazon, has an entire chapter devoted to how to handle an overpayment. You really need to read that chapter. For now, I can tell you that your priority should be to file an appeal of the alleged overpayment. That involves calling the SSA at 800772-1213 and filling out a form called a “Request for Reconsideration.” That will start the ball rolling in getting them to review your son’s case.

As I said, these work incentive provisions are just so darn complicated that maybe another set of eyes reviewing your son’s case will come up with a different conclusion.

Q: I’m on Social Security disability. How do I get a ticket to work?

A: The “Ticket to Work” program is just one of the many work incentive provisions built into the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs. And to be honest, I don’t fully understand how it works. But if you simply Google “Ticket to Work,” you will find a ton of information. I copied the following from the Social Security Administration website:

“Ticket to Work connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or main-

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

2. Which book's first verse is, "The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth"? a) Ephesians b) 3 John c) Titus d) 2 Peter

3. From Exodus 25, what was the cover on the Ark of the Covenant called? a) Mina seat b) Myrrhan c) Mercy seat d) Ephod

4. Which prophet is well known for his vision of the dry bones? a) Ezekiel b) Habakkuk c) Isaiah d) Jeremiah

5. From Judges 4:4, who was the first female Israelite leader? a) Esther b) Ruth c) Miriam d) Deborah

6. What was the first sin called? a) Original sin b) The Fall c) Disobedience of man d) Temptation

tain success while you are working. If you choose to participate, you will receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as Employment Networks (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider you choose will serve as an important part of your “employment team” that will help you on your journey to financial independence. For more information, call the Ticket to Work hotline at 866968-7842.”

Q: I’m on disability. If I win the lottery, can I keep my disability check?

A: Well, I guess winning the lottery is one way of avoiding all the hassles of trying to work while on disability. The answer to your question depends on the kind of disability benefit that you are getting. If you are getting Social Security disability benefits, you could win a million dollars in the lottery and you’d still keep getting your disability checks. But if you are on SSI, which is a welfare program, and you win the lottery, your SSI payments would stop almost immediately.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

(Answers on page 16)

to www.TriviaGuy.com

Kidney Stones, Some Supplements Don’t Mix

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been taking a multivitamin for years, and now one of my physicians wants me to take a vitamin that has NO vitamin D or calcium. He just removed kidney stones in two separate procedures. I can’t find any vitamins like that. -- D.A.S.

ANSWER: I completely agree that people with kidney stones should avoid calcium supplements. The transiently high levels of calcium after taking one cause the kidney to excrete a lot of that calcium, and that can cause a calcium crystal to grow, eventually forming a stone. Calcium that comes from the diet, on the other hand, does not induce such a spike in blood levels. Also, part of the calcium bonds with oxalate, preventing that chemical -- a major part of many kidney stones -- from being absorbed. High dietary calcium reduces the risk of stones.

The effect of vitamin D is not as clear. It seems that having low vitamin D is a risk for forming stones, so many experts will treat low vitamin D levels in people with kidney stones. I don’t know your exact situation. It may be that your vitamin D level is normal or high, and you just don’t need supplementation.

The most recent studies have consistently shown that most of the vitamins in a multivitamin tablet (with the exception of vitamin D) do not improve health or prevent illness, so I don’t recommend multivitamins anymore. I would encourage a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Save your money on the vitamin tablets.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been on tramadol for 10 years. I am worried that it is or will affect my brain, as it works by changing the way my brain treats pain. I am 76 years old and take two or three a day. I take it for my arthritis. -- M.K.

ANSWER: Tramadol is an opioid pain medication, similar to codeine and others. It may slow down breathing, especially in high doses. It works by blocking a pain receptor (the mu receptor) in the brain. The brain responds to this by inducing changes in the mu receptors, making them less sensitive, and in many cases reducing the effect of the dose over time, necessitating higher doses for the same effect. This is one of the reasons that opioids are not good long-term medication for pain, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis.

In addition to that fundamental change in the brain, long-term opiate use increases risk of motor vehicle accidents for drivers. It can also can increase sensitivity to pain, and is likely to cause constipation and puts people at risk for accidental overdose. These risks increase with higher doses and at older ages; the manufacturer warns to use high doses only with extreme caution for those over 75.

Tramadol comes in a 50-mg dose, but there are extended-release forms up to 300 mg, and I’m not sure what dose you are taking and how worried to be about it.

I suspect other medications may work better for you. The dose you took at age 65 may no longer be appropriate at age 75. I would at least consider an alternative. If so, work with your doctor to slowly reduce the tramadol dosage: Never suddenly discontinue. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I take 40 mg of lisinopril for high blood pressure. One doctor told me to take a 40-mg tablet in the morning, while another said to take 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening. Will separating the dosage better control my blood pressure? On average, mine is 130/75. -- M.A.P.

ANSWER: For lisinopril in particular, taking the medication twice daily showed a better reduction in blood pressure than once daily, according to a study performed last year.

People who took lisinopril twice daily had about a 10-point systolic (4 point diastolic) improvement in BP control, so your blood pressure might be more like 120/71 if you started taking it in two doses, if you are similar to the subjects in the study (that sounds like a big drop to me, despite the study results).

People who are doing just fine on oncedaily lisinopril don't need to change. Don't make any changes in your medication without discussing it with your own doctor.

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

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Don’t Miss the Benefits You’ve Earned

Whether you’re a veteran and aren’t certain of all the VA benefits you might use, or if you’re considering signing up with an eye to any benefits you might get now or down the road, here are a few of the typical VA benefits.

Eligibility for a VA-backed home loan: The question that often comes up is whether the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can be used more than once. Answer: Yes, under certain circumstances. If you either pay off the first loan and sell the house, or if another veteran (with their own eligibility) buys the house, you could qualify to renew your certificate and use it again. For more info call the VA Loan Guaranty Service at 877-827-3702.

Education benefits: There are multiple programs, the most common being the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and in certain cases the spouse and children can qualify for education benefits and career counseling as well. Call 888-442-4551 for more information. And there are so many more benefits: Support for veteran-owned small business, disability compensation, several options for life insurance, disability housing grants, pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery, aid and attendance or housebound allowance, health care and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E).

Each benefit comes with its own set of eligibility criteria (minimum active duty service as well as qualifying dates). See www.va.gov/servicemember-benefits as a place to start.

However, one of the best benefits resources is the “2025 VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers.” See https://tinyurl.com/3epjn7vc for the 120-page handbook. Last word was that only “a few” copies would actually be printed, so you’ll likely need to access the book online, unless a veterans service organization near you managed to snag (or print out) a copy. Still, it’s worth seeing, even if you have to view it online. The book is very well done and is very detailed.

If you’ve earned the benefits, use them!

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.

discount” or “senior discount tickets.” Or use an AI tool like Chat GPT or Gemini to do a search.

Where to Find Senior Discounts in 2025

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: My husband and I are both now in our 50’s and would like to know how we can find what restaurants and other businesses offer discounts for seniors, and at what age do they start? We want to start taking advantage of the savings available as soon as we can. -- Frugal Faye

Dear Faye: One of the many great perks of life in America is the many discounts that are available to our older citizens. There are literally thousands of senior discounts on a wide variety of products and services including restaurants, travel and lodging, entertainment, retail, health, grocery stores, automotive services and much more. These discounts – typically ranging between 5 and 25 percent off – can add up to save you hundreds of dollars each year.

So, if you don’t mind announcing your age, here are some tips and tools to help you locate the discounts you may be eligible for.

Always Ask

The first thing to know is that while most retail businesses don’t advertise their senior discount, they always allow them if the customer asks, so don’t be shy about inquiring.

You also need to know that while some make discounts available for as young as age 50, most others may not kick in until you turn 55, 60, 62 or 65. The age requirement is set by the individual businesses themselves.

Search Online

Because senior discounts frequently change and can vary depending on where you live and the time of year, the internet is the easiest way to locate them.

A good place to start is at TheSeniorList. com (click on the “Money” tab), which provides a large list of discounts in restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, and for prescription medications, travel and more.

You can also search for discounts by provider. Go to any standard search engine like Google or Bing and type in the business or organization you’re curious about, followed by “senior

If you use an iPhone, you can even use the “Senior Discounts & Coupons” app (available in the App Store), which categorizes discounts by age and type.

Join a Club

Another good avenue to senior discounts is through membership organizations like AARP, which offers its members age 50 and older a wide variety of discounts through affiliate businesses – see AARP.org/ViewMyBenefits

If, however, you don’t like or agree with AARP, or don’t want to pay the $15 membership fee, there are other organizations you can join that also provide discounts, like the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC.us), the American Automobile Association (AAA.com), or for retired federal workers, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE.org).

Types of Discounts

Here’s an abbreviated rundown of some of the different types of discounts you can expect to find.

Restaurants: Senior discounts are common at restaurants and fast-food establishments – like Chili’s, Denny’s, Golden Corral, Outback Steakhouse, McDonald’s and Sonic – ranging from free/discounted drinks to discounts off your total order.

Retailers: Many thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, and certain retailers like

Joann, Kohl’s, Michaels, Ross, Petsmart and Walgreens stores offer a break to seniors on certain days of the week.

Supermarkets: Many locally owned grocery stores offer senior discount programs, as do some chains like BI-LO, Piggly-Wiggly, Fry’s, New Seasons, Fred Meyer and Hy-Vee, which offer discounts on certain days of the week.

Travel: American, Delta and United Airlines provide discounted senior fares for select destinations in the U.S. to passengers 65 plus, while British Airlines offers AARP members $65 off economy seats. Amtrak provides a 10 percent discount to travelers over 65. Most car rental companies give discounts to 50-plus customers or AARP members. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival cruise lines offer senior rates to cruisers 55 and over. And, most hotels offer senior discounts, usually ranging from 10 to 30 percent.

Entertainment: Most movie theaters, museums, golf courses, ski slopes and other public entertainment venues provide reduced admission to seniors over 60 or 65. And the National Park Service offers a lifetime senior pass for those 62 and older for $80.

Estate Planning Attorney

JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Child’s Dish Reflects Past Era

Q: I have enclosed a photo of a child’s bowl that was mine when I was a child in 1946. It measures about 9 inches in diameter and is trimmed in gold. On either side of the dish is a place for a fork and spoon with instructions where each goes. Interestingly, the instructions are upside-down. Other than that, the dish is in mint condition.

The back of the dish reads as follows, “My Own Plate Made for Holmes & Edwards, Division of The International Silver -- US Design Patent #88343 -- By Salem China Company.”

I would like to know if there is any special value to my dish, other than the fact it was mine from my childhood. Thank you for any information you can provide.

A: Children’s dishes continue to be popular collectibles. Their designs and scenes reflect days from a past era. Your dish was made by Salem China Company for Holmes & Edwards Silverplate Company. A silver plated fork and spoon accompanied the dish. The pattern is “Danish Princess.” The bowl is decorated with a transfer print scene. Homer Laughlin also made a version of this dish before Salem China Company.

Holmes & Edwards Silverplate Company was founded in 1882 and located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was taken over by International Silver Company in 1889.

Your circa 1946 dish would probably be worth $50 to $75.

Q: We recently inherited a set of Noritake dishes. There are 94 pieces in mint condition with not a chip or scratch on any of them. We enclosed the mark that is the back of each dish.

Each dish is decorated with gold trim around the edge with a burgundy draping border. In each of the loops is a bouquet of flowers. We have searched Noritake books and cannot find the pattern.

I know this is very little information, but hope you can give us an idea of the value of our set. We don’t intend to sell it; we are just curious.

A: Noritake porcelain has been made in Japan since 1904. Your set was made during the U.S. occupation of Japan after World War II. The occupation lasted from 1947 to 1952, and the mark you provided was used in 1947. Objects marked “Occupied Japan” are of special interest to many collectors. Your set of dinnerware should be insured for $900 to $1,400.

* * *

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

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

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

* On Aug. 4, 2012, in London, Oscar Pistorius of South Africa became the first amputee to compete at the Olympic Games. He finished second out of five runners in the opening heat and went on to the semifinals, where he finished eighth out of eight runners.

* On Aug. 5, 1951, 38-year-old Canadian daredevil William “Red” Hill Jr. attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel made of 13 rubber innertubes, canvas webbing and fish netting that he dubbed “the Thing.” It broke apart under the high water pressure two hours after he set out, but his badly injured body was not recovered until the next morning.

* On Aug. 6, 1975, The New York Times printed a front-page obituary for Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot -- quite the honor for a fictional character! Christie had announced her decision to dispose of him in her next book; indeed, as the Times noted, “The news of his death, given by Dame Agatha, was not unexpected. Word that he was near death reached here last May.”

* On Aug. 7, 1967, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson nearly unlimited power to oppose “communist aggression” in Southeast Asia and marking the beginning of America’s expanded military role in the battlefields of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

* On Aug. 8, 1942, six German saboteurs who’d secretly entered the United States on a mission to attack its civil infrastructure were executed by electric chair for spying. Two others who notified the FBI of the plot and aided authorities in their manhunt for the collaborators were imprisoned but freed six years later on President Harry Truman’s orders, and returned to Germany.

* On Aug. 9, 1995, legendary Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack in a California residential drug-treatment facility at age 53.

* On Aug. 10, 1927, President Calvin Coolidge arrived in South Dakota on horseback wearing a cowboy hat to dedicate Mount Rushmore two months before its carving began and presented sculptor Gutzon Borglum with a set of steel drill bits.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

(from page 3)

inability to relax. They spend much of their time trying to predict the future, and worrying about all that could go wrong. Much of the problem involves trying to solve issues that are out of their control. As Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, most of which never happened.”

• Increase your positive outlook by doing random acts of kindness. Research has established that these selfless acts induce positive thoughts and can alleviate negative feelings. Individuals who indulge in this anonymous practice gain a strong sense of self satisfaction that they’re doing something good to help others. Subsequently, their own sense of well-being is strengthened.

• What about age? Studies have determined that people in their mid- to late-50s are happier, worry less, and have less stress than young adults in their 20s. Part of that finding may be that older people have mellowed by learning how to cope with their circumstances over the years.

• Practice optimism! Happy folks tend to look for a bright side to each negative situation, and look for the silver lining in every gloomy cloud.

• Unhappy people watch 30% more TV. Happier ones are out socializing, exercising, reading, volunteering, or regularly attending religious services and staying involved in their related activities. They are finding satisfaction by staying productive and contributing their services and talents to help others. And along that line, the studies show that people with strong spiritual faith are by far the happiest, healthiest and most fulfilled folks among us.

• Regular exercise reduces stress and contributes to great levels of personal satisfaction. Joggers are 70% less likely to have a high level of stress and dissatisfaction with life. Just 17 to 34 minutes per day produces a significant difference. Need more good news? Exercise also contributes to lasting cognitive function in old age. So to help keep yourself sharp, jog over to your nearest Tidbits newsstand, read the informative articles and start working on the puzzles! 

by Jason Jenkins

One of the easiest places to develop awareness of clubface control is in the takeaway. You may have seen dozens of players stopping their takeaway waist high, looking for some secretive orientation known only to the golfing gurus of the lands.

Since most golfers are looking for an easy answer at this step or stage of the swing, let’s just say when the clubshaft is parallel to the ground in the takeaway the clubface is tilted in an angle similar to the spine. The leading edge should not be vertical nor horizontal at this point, but slightly down tilted like our posture’s angle.

The left wrist could flatten slightly from its address position to achieve this orientation, or the arms can have minimal rotation in this phase as well. Either way, you can stop and check this position over and over again until it feels more natural.

9. FOOD & DRINK: Which vegeta ble is used to make baba ganoush?

by Linda Thistle

10. CHEMISTRY: What is the common name for acetic acid? Answers

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

DIFFICULTY:

1. Padme Amidala. 2. South America. 3. Attila the Hun. 4. Dan Harmon. 5. Arteries. 6. King Midas. 7. Hawaii. 8. Anthony Burgess. 9. Eggplant. 10. Vinegar.