Vol. 22: #22 • Rapid Fire Geography • (5-24-2026) Tidbits of Coachella Valley
by Janet Spencer
This week Tidbits takes you around the globe for a firehose dose of some random and rapid-fire facts that you probably never new about the geography of our planet. So follow along and prepare yourself to discover some fascinating morsels about the U.S. and foreign countries that you never learned in geography class!
U.S. STATES
• Boston and Austin are the only two U.S. state capitals with rhyming names.
• The only state where coffee beans grow is Hawaii.
• California has more people than all of Canada.
• Craters of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only park in the U.S. where visitors can dig for diamonds and keep their discoveries.
• Colorado is the only state in the U.S. where every part of its territory is above 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) in elevation.
(Answers on page 16)
possibilities, and they had to have it.
• In 1972 Wham-O purchased the rights to produce and sell it, and changed the name to Silly String. But rather than buy the product outright, they signed a licensing deal with the two inventors, providing them with royalties on sales, rather than a flat, upfront purchase price.
• So how does Silly String work? The polymer resin provides the string’s structure. The plasticizer fine-tunes the string’s physical properties.
• Surfactant causes the mixture to foam when it’s released from the can. The solvent quickly evaporates in mid-air, creating a continuous strand. Propellant expels it from the can, and silicone avoids stickyness and makes cleanup easier.
• In the early 1970s inventor Leonard Fish and chemist Robert Cox were trying to invent a quick-dry plaster substitute that could be applied to broken bones on the battlefield. It needed to be lightweight but fast-setting. They made strides in improving a quick-set plaster, but then wanted to see whether it could be applied from an aerosol can. They began experimenting with many different nozzles.
1. FOOD & DRINK: When fish eggs are served as food, what are they called?
2. LITERATURE: Which Dr. Seuss book about trying new foods has a character called Sam-I-Am?
3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the most populated country in Africa?
4. U.S. STATES: Which state’s nickname is The Pine Tree State?
5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What kind of animal produces mohair?
6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many tines does a standard dinner fork have?
7. FOOD & DRINK: In what year was Kool-Aid introduced?
8. TELEVISION: Which animated TV show features a baby named Stewie?
9. MOVIES: What is the name of the character played by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever”?
10.
• They were amused when one nozzle shot an unbroken streamer-like spray of plaster an amazing 30 feet. They both agreed, “Hey, this would make a great toy!” Their focus quickly turned to creating something that would amuse children. They abandoned their first goal and went to work on perfecting the new idea.
• After many experiments and testing, they finally came up with a substance that was less sticky, more colorful, and had great possibilities. They called it Squibbly.
• They quickly got the formula patented, and approached Wham-O, a company riding high on the success of the Hula-Hoop and Frisbee. Granted an audience with a company executive, they went into the meeting armed with cans of Squibbly. To demonstrate, they launched streams of string all around the man’s office: on the chandelier, desk, curtains, chair, water cooler, secretary, and the executive himself.
• The man was NOT amused. Leonard Fish and Robert Cox were thrown out, while the disgusted executive went about peeling off the Squibbly string now draped around his plush office.
• Later that day, the company’s owners walked into his office and noticed a string still on his desk lamp and asked where it came from. They were intrigued by it and asked to have a case of 24 cans sent so they could test it themselves. They quickly realized this product had great
• A little bit of isopropyl alcohol prevents the mixture from molding, a smidgeon of ammonia raises the pH level so the metal interior of the can will not corrode, and a touch of talc makes it easier to peel off the walls. It’s a delicate recipe. Too much of this, and it’s too much like caulk. Too little of that, and it’s more like shaving cream.
• About 75% of the can is propellant. The contents remain liquid until the pressure is released, when they aerosolize and expand into foam that quickly dries.
• Each can is advertised as holding enough string to stretch a quarter mile (0.4 km).
• A new purpose for Silly String has saved many lives in combat missions. U.S. military personnel, particularly in Iraq, used Silly String to detect hidden, nearly invisible tripwires connected to explosives in buildings. Before entering, combat soldiers sprayed the lightweight, aerosol foam across rooms and hallways; When it landed on a wire, it would hang in the air, allowing troops to identify deadly traps without detonating them.
• There are several drawbacks to Silly String. It will harm vinyl, including flooring, wallpaper, and Bouncy Houses. The strands are hard to clean from brick, concrete, or vegetation, leading to some cities to ban its use in public places. It is not biodegradable. Right out of the nozzle, it generates extreme cold, while the string itself is flammable.
• In 1997, Wham-O sold the product to the CarFreshener Corporation, maker of the Christmastree shaped car freshener. •
• South Carolina is the only state with a largescale commercial tea plantation.
• How many islands make up the Hawaiian Islands? There are 137 of them, stretching out across 1,500 miles (2,414 km) of the Pacific Ocean. The eight largest ones make up what we usually think of when we think of Hawaii.
• The word “archipelago” denoting a string of islands springs from the Latin “archi” meaning arch, and “pelagus” meaning pool, sea, or abyss.
• Kentucky is home to the Mammoth Cave System, which is the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles (640 km) of known passageways. There are more caves in Kentucky than anywhere else in the world.
• Maine is the only state that shares its border with only one other U.S. state (New Hampshire).
• Tennessee is one of only two states that is bordered by eight other states: Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
• The other state with this unique feature is Missouri, bordering Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nebraska.
• Vermont is the only state without any buildings taller than 124 feet (38 m). Decker Towers, located in Burlington, is an 11-story apartment building.
• Wisconsin is the only state with an official state microbe, Lactococcus lactis, used in cheese making.
• What state reports the greatest number of UFO sightings? California, due simply to its size and population. When adjusted for population, Washington state and Vermont report the most sightings per capita.
• Los Angeles County, with 9.8 million people, has a bigger population than 41 states. It’s the most populous county in the U.S.
GLOBAL GEOGRAPHICS
• Damascus, capital city of Syria, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, having been established around 3000 B.C.
• The world’s oldest maps date back to ancient Babylon (located in what is now called Iraq) which were made in around 900 BC.
• Praia do Cassino (“Casino Beach”) in Brazil is the world’s longest unbroken stretch of beach, reaching over 150 miles (241 km).
• If you stretched out Norway’s coastline, it would reach around the Earth at the equator twice, with a little left over. It’s the second-longest coastline on the planet, after Canada.
• Canada has the world's longest coastline— stretching over 125,500 miles (202,000 km) because it borders three vast oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic) and contains thousands of complex islands, fjords, bays, and inlets.
• In Britain, the official definition of a “heat wave” is for the temperature to match or exceed 77°F. (25°C) for three days.
• Although people tend to think of New Zealand and Australia as being close next-door neighbors, there are about 1,339 miles (2,154 km) of ocean separating them.
• Sudan has more ancient pyramids than Egypt.
• Australia has more camels than Egypt.
• Greenland and Iceland are just 205 miles (330 km) apart. But which of the two has the greatest amount of forested land? Iceland by far.
• Iceland is divided by the North American and European tectonic plates. The distance between these plates extend down the middle, expanding by nearly 2 inches (5 cm) per year as the gap continues to widen.
• Where is the world’s largest desert? You may be surprised to learn that itʼs Antarctica. It’s landmass is bigger than the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and the Australian outback combined. In fact, it’s bigger than all of Europe.
• Africa’s Sahara Desert is larger than the entire continental United States, with enormous sand dunes that can reach heights of over 500 feet (152 m).
• The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean, so salty that floating on the surface is easy and effortless. Diving into the thick water is unsafe, and swimming in it at all is extremely difficult.
• There are more than 130 active volcanoes spread out across Indonesia, earning it the dubious honor of being called the “Volcano Capital of the World.”
• The world’s lowest-lying country, with the lowest high point in the world, is the Maldives.
1. Which state name has only one syllable?
2. Which state has more earthquakes than any other?
By Lucie Winborne
* John Wycliffe’s first translation of the Bible from Latin Vulgate into English so angered the Catholic Church (because it bypassed priests) that it had his corpse exhumed and burned.
* A year on Neptune lasts approximately 165 Earth years.
* For six months, filmmakers Jenny Rustemeyer and Grant Baldwin survived on food salvaged from dumpsters, finding so much that friends were invited to help them consume it, and recorded their experience in “Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story.”
* Polar bear mamas gain around 400 pounds during pregnancy. If the mother doesn’t double her weight, her body will simply reabsorb the fetus.
* Research has suggested that when a twin engages in criminal activity, it increases the likelihood that the other twin will do the same.
by Mary Hunt
Readers Share Creative Solutions for Chains, Stains, Sprains and More
by Mary Hunt
I call it my mailbag, but in truth its my email inbox and lately, it’s been loading up with creative tips from you, my clever readers!
CREATIVE GIFTING
My teenage grandchildren don’t want “stuff” anymore -- they want cash! And I understand; being a teenager can be expensive. But I don’t want to just hand them money. For Christmas last year I got brand new $1 bills from the bank (they need to be crisp for this). I took them to a quick print shop where they turned them into glue-top pads of money. When the kids needed cash, they could just tear off some dollar bills. This year I am going to turn dollar bills into chains, like we used to do with gum wrappers years ago. Things like this make giving money more fun and interesting. -- Dana P., Nevada
FROZEN OWNER MANUAL
ADVERTISING PROOF
* Words in tonal languages such as Mandarin and Hmong can have up to eight meanings, depending on their tone and pitch.
* Zeng Jinlian, of China, holds the world record for tallest woman in history, measuring an astounding 8 feet 1 3/4 inches tall -more than a foot taller than basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.
* In December 1955, artist Salvador Dali borrowed a friend’s Rolls Royce, filled it to the roof with cauliflower, and drove it to the Sorbonne in Paris, where he delivered a lecture titled “Phenomenological Aspects of the Paranoiac Critical Method.”
* The Leaning Tower of Pisa was already sinking on one side when the second floor was added.
I keep all the instruction booklets that come with new appliances in a big envelope, just in case I ever need to refer to them. I just bought a new freezer and thought perhaps I should keep this booklet handy. I sealed it in a zip-up freezer bag and put it -- you guessed right -- in the freezer. -- Helen T., email
PERFECT PASTA
To make perfect pasta every time, boil according to package directions. About one minute before the cooking time indicated on the package, remove a piece of pasta from the boiling water with a fork; allow to cool for a few seconds. Taste it. If it is mildly chewy and does not stick to your teeth, it’s done. If it’s still hard and sticks to your teeth, cook for one minute longer and retest. Never overcook the pasta! -- Kevin S., Ohio
SUEDE SPOT REMOVER
Recently I managed to get some kind of ugly gunk on the suede portion of my leather shoe. I grabbed the Folex Carpet Spot Remover (my favorite for carpet spots) and an old tooth
HANDY ICE PACK
Everyone should have at least a couple of ice packs in their home, at the ready to treat a sprained ankle, nasty bruise or other injury. But don’t spend money buying the ones at the drug store, when you can so easily make your own: Double-bag one cup of liquid dish soap by pouring the soap into a Ziploc bag and sealing it. Place this sealed bag into a second bag and seal it. Put it in the freezer. Since dish soap will never fully freeze, it turns into a pliable slushy ice pack that will easily conform to the shape of any injured body part. When you’re done using it, place it back into the freezer to be ready for the next time. -- Dr. Bob., Pennsylvania
CONCRETE STAINS
Got an ugly oil stain on your garage floor, concrete patio or driveway? Don’t fret. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, add a squirt of blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and scrub it with a plastic or other nonmetallic brush. Allow it to sit for a few hours then wash it away. Old stains may require a repeat treatment until they’re gone for good. -- Tina K., Utah ***
Do you have a great tip you’d like to share with this Everyday Cheapskate audience? You can send it to mailbag@everydaycheapskate.com. Please understand I offer no promises to include yours in a future column, but if it’s unique, well written and something I believe will be interesting to a large number of readers, keep your eyes open. You just might see yourself in print! Include your name and state.
* * * Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate. com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
but have found stains do not reappear later when a professional carpet cleaner years ago. Thought
• Starfish are actually not fish. Fish have gills, scales, fins, and backbones. Starfish do not. Most experts now refer to them as “sea stars.”
• They belong to the class Asteroidea (Greek for “star-like appearance”) and the phylum Echinodermata (“hedgehog skin”) which also includes sea urchins and sand dollars.
• There are about 1,600 species of starfish, found in every ocean, from tropical to polar, from tidal pools all the way down 5.6 miles (9,000 m) deep. The Pacific has the most species. They can’t live in fresh water and die within minutes when removed from the sea.
• They have no centralized brain. All of their organs are located in the arms, with each arm carrying a complete set.
• Any arm that breaks off, usually as an escape strategy, is capable of regenerating an entire starfish provided it retains a piece of the central “disk” of the original animal. Meanwhile, the original starfish regenerates the missing arm, which takes about a year.
• Each arm has up to 15,000 tiny tubular feet on the bottom. Each tube can extrude “glue” to hold itself in place, and “solvents” to release their hold. The tubes also grip prey.
• The tubes orchestrate movements that ‘walk’ the starfish with an average speed of about six inches per minute. The sunflower sea star can move one yard per minute.
• The skeleton of a starfish is made of calcium carbonate arranged in a diamond pattern for maximum strength and flexibility. Calcium
carbonate is also found in chalk, limestone, eggshells, shells, shellfish, and pearls.
• The spiky, spiny exteriors protect starfish from predators. Additionally, some are venomous, others taste bad, and many excel at camouflage.
• Instead of blood, they circulate filtered seawater through their vascular system.
• Eyes are located at the tips of their arms, one eye per arm, so a 40-armed starfish has 40 eyes to track surroundings. The eyes sense mainly light, dark, and movement.
• Though they typically have five arms, some have up to 50. The Antarctic sun star is born with five arms, but grows new arms the longer it lives. It can grow up to 50 slender, flexible arms, spanning two feet in diameter.
• Starfish have two stomachs. One releases enzymes that start pre-digesting the prey. The other extrudes and envelops the meal, digesting it outside of the body before retracting once the meal is finished.
• They can change gender depending on the conditions. Females produce millions of eggs, which the male fertilizes.
• Different species sport different colorings and patterns: speckles, stripes, swirls. There’s the chocolate chip sea star, the doughboy starfish, the leather starfish, and the cushion starfish.
• Another large version is the sunflower sea star, found off the Pacific Northwest. Its 24 legs span nearly 3 feet and it can weigh in at over 10 lbs (4.5 kg), the world’s heaviest.
CLIP AND SAVE
• The largest is the Midgardia xandaros (“serpent monster”) growing up to 53 inches across. The largest ever found was 4 ft 6 in (1.38 m), which lives at depths of 2,000 feet. Despite its size, its central disk is only an inch wide.
• Some small species grow to a maximum of only half inch (1 cm) in size.
• Some species can live up to 35 years.
• Some starfish fossils are many thousands of years old, some estimated to be older than the oldest known dinosaurs. CLIP AND SAVE
by Dana Jackson
Q: Is there any chance that there’ll ever be a continuation of the show “Breaking Bad” with the character Jesse Pinkman? -- M.G.
A: Never say never, but the answer for now is “no.” Despite Aaron Paul’s fondness for the character of Jesse and his respect for “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” creator Vince Gilligan, he’s realistic about the potential for a future spin-off. If you didn’t catch the Netflix movie “El Camino” in 2019, it’s a very satisfying sequel to “Breaking Bad” without it being a series.
Paul’s been working steadily since he wrapped up his most famous character. He played Caleb Nichols in the HBO series “Westworld” and lent his distinctive voice to several characters on the animated series “BoJack Horseman.” He also has a few upcoming projects, including the horror film “Anything but Ghosts” with Bryce Dallas Howard (“The Help”) and the action thriller “Bear Country” with Russell Crowe (“Thor: Love and Thunder”).
1. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway
2. Mortal Kombat II (R) Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban
3. Michael (PG-13) Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long
4. The Sheep Detectives (PG) Hugh Jackman, Brett Goldstein
5. Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft (PG-13) Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell
6. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG) Brie Larson, Virginia Dare Jelenic
7. Project Hail Mary
In addition, it was recently announced that he’s been cast in the upcoming third season of “Fallout,” the hit postapocalyptic series on Amazon Prime Video. Both Walton Goggins and Kyle MacLachlan are said to be returning, and Annabel O’Hagan and Dave Register have been bumped up to series regulars. Filming is expected to start this month in Santa Clarita, California.
***
Q: Is cat expert Jackson Galaxy still making new episodes of his show for Animal Planet? I need help with my temperamental feline and would like to apply to be on the show. -- Y.C.
A: No, Jackson Galaxy’s show “My Cat from Hell” ended its regular run on Animal Planet in 2020 after 11 seasons. Fortunately, you can still catch reruns of his old episodes on Animal Planet and Hulu or view his content on YouTube. You can also read his helpful book “Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat” and check out his website, JacksonGalaxy. com. Hopefully, with all these resources, you can keep your kitty happy, healthy and well-behaved! ***
Q: Wasn’t there a TV show from years ago where the lead guy from “Sons of Anarchy” played a college student? I never did watch it but would like to find it on streaming. -- T.J.
A: Before Charlie Hunnam bulked up to play a motorcycle gang member in the FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” as well as a serial killer in Netflix’s “Monster,” he played a college freshman in a TV series that was created by Judd Apatow. Apatow is credited with introducing audiences to future stars like Hunnam, Seth Rogen
(“The Studio”), Jason Segel (“Shrinking”), and Linda Cardellini (“DTF St. Louis”), with Rogen and Segel both appearing in “Undeclared” and “Freaks and Geeks.”
You can stream “Undeclared” on Netflix. Be sure to keep an eye out for appearances by Apatow’s buddies Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. Unfortunately, even with this much star power, the show only lasted for one season on Fox. * * *
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
Paul as Jesse Pinkman
Good Recipes from
Corkscrews With Spring Veggies
Toss sauteed asparagus and leeks with pasta and creamy goat cheese. Yum!
1 bunch (about 1 pound) leeks
1 package (16 ounce) corkscrew or bowtie pasta
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
1 package (4 ounces) soft goat cheese, cut into small pieces
1. Cut off roots and leaf ends from leeks. Discard any tough outer leaves. Cut each leek lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inchwide slices. Place leeks in large bowl of cold water; with hand, swish leeks around to remove any sand. Transfer leeks to colander. Repeat process, changing water several times, until all sand is removed. Drain well.
2. In large saucepot, prepare pasta in boiling salted water as label directs.
3. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt margarine or butter over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until almost tender, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in asparagus, 3/4
teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; cook 5 minutes longer, stirring often. Add 1/3 cup water; cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until asparagus is tender-crisp.
4. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to saucepot. Add asparagus mixture and pasta cooking water; toss well. Spoon into large serving bowl; sprinkle with goat cheese and coarsely ground black pepper.
Each serving: About 580 calories, 11g total fat (5g saturated), 13mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 96g total carbohydrate, 6g dietary fiber, 23g protein.
Spring Soup With Noodles, Ham and Asparagus
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large red pepper, thinly sliced
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
4 ounces sliced deli baked ham, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1. In covered 4-quart saucepan, heat 7 cups water to boiling over high heat.
2. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet,
heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add red pepper and asparagus and cook 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in ham and cook 1 minute or until ham is heated through.
3. Stir ramen noodles with their seasoning packets into boiling water; boil 2 minutes or until noodles are tender. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in ham mixture and sesame oil.
Each serving: About 300 calories, 15g total fat (5g saturated), 15mg cholesterol, 1,205mg sodium, 31g total carbohydrate, 3g dietary fiber, 12g protein.
at www.goodhousekeeping.com/foodrecipes/
(c) 2026 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
By John Allen DIAMOND LIL
by Brett Koth
NEXT WEEK in
TIDBITS VISITS SOME
LANDMARKS
Holidays & Observances This Week
5/24
5/25
5/26
5/27
5/28
5/29
5/30
"Sometimes I think war is God's way of teaching us geography."
-- Paul Rodreguez
Dog Talk with Uncle Matty
By Matthew Margolis
All Things Not Equal in a Dog Park
I do not take my dogs to a dog park. Dogs that have never been introduced are let loose to “play” with each other, with no regard to size, breed and temperament. And dog owners tend to let their guard down because they’re in a dog park -- when they should do the opposite.
But the following letter from a reader explains better than I could the perils of dog parks, where all things are not equal:
“I got my Chihuahua-Lhasa Apso mix when he was 4 months old. He was my first dog as an adult, and I was very devoted to him. I walked him twice a day, taught him many tricks, including roll over, shake and beg, and took him to the doggy park twice a week.
“I had discovered a new doggy park close to my home, and we’d gone there four times. I took him last week, and within minutes of our arrival, he playfully approached a pit-terrier mix that was lying down with a ball in his mouth. I was about 30 feet away, and their playing quickly turned into a fight. The other dog’s owner, who was right next to them, started to hit her dog with a ball catcher, and as I was running over to them, she finally grabbed her dog and pulled him off of mine. He had my dog by the back and was shaking him. We’re talking a difference of at least 40 pounds between the two dogs.
“There were no puncture wounds, but he had two swollen masses, golf-ball size, on the side of his back. He bit me for the first time ever when I picked him up, as I’m sure I was unknowingly causing more pain to his wounds. I took him to the emergency vet an hour later, and they diagnosed him as having hernias. I paid for the surgery and said goodbye to my sweet boy, expecting to pick him up at 6 p.m. the next day.
“I got home about 1 a.m. and received a phone call at 5 a.m. reporting that he was in surgery and it was much worse than expected -- he had two broken ribs, with damaged intestines, pancreas and kidneys. His chances were 50/50 with two weeks’ recovery time minimum. We were talking $5,000 to $10,000 more than what I had already paid. So I grieviously opted to put him down.
Once again we have a long list of recent recalls, ranging from food to medical appliances to dog treats. In a recent month, the number of recalls jumped up 44%. And for our own safety, we need to pay attention. Here are just a few:
A blood glucose monitoring system left a tiny piece of information out of the user manual: If the monitor gives an E-5 error code at the same time the user has symptoms of high glucose, get immediate medical attention
An anti-anxiety medication was recalled for failure to dissolve, potentially making them ineffective.
A drug manufacturer was flagged for not having “good manufacturing practices” and had 40 drugs recalled, ranging from blood pressure to cholesterol drugs.
Then there is the long list of snack mixes that tested positive for salmonella, distributed under different names at different stores. With
Back to Black
There is a reason why the color of the door on 1 Downing Street is gloss black. It represents elegance, power and the ultimate sophistication. One of the most daring colors for interior design is black. The color black is often associated with mourning, sadness and grief; yet fashionistas love the color for its nothingness. Some designers consider it a neutral, which is why some designers choose to dress in all black.
While some may think of it as void of color, others see it as the combination of all the colors. Some designers choose to use black as an accent color, and others as the main color of a room.
Black is simple and at the same time full of complexity. It is unusual and chic. The gloss of a shiny black piano can seduce even those with the most jaded sense of style. Black has the power to add a masculine touch to even the most feminine interior design.
Black can be used as an accent. It can also be used as the main color for walls. In the latter scenario, black acts as a backdrop for great geometric patterns and any other color. Just think of all the possibilities: black with shocking pink, orange, citrine, silver, classic beige, ivory, gold and silver. And let us not forget the classic combination of black and white. It is extremely versatile, but it’s not used often enough, because people are afraid of it.
2027 expiration dates, it’s possible these snacks are still on home shelves.
And continuing that theme, we have salmonella in pork rinds, beverage mixes, frozen pizza, dog treats, hot cocoa mix and potato chips.
Then there are all the undeclared ingredients that make their way into our foods: undeclared almonds in cream cheese, egg in a dietary supplement, milk in iced tea and fruit punch, hazelnuts in candy, milk in potato chips and wheat in BBQ sauce.
Even more serious, we have pesticide in soup mix, toxins in baby formula, microbial contamination in alcohol prep pads and chloroform in nail polish remover. And metal in ground beef.
To keep track of recalls, spend an hour once a week looking at the government website that covers all the various recalls: www.recalls. gov. You can sign up for email notices in any or all of the categories they cover.
As an alternate to the government sites, keep an eye on www.health.com and put “recalls” in the search box.
* * * 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) KingFeaturesSyndicate2026
finish for a gallery or living room.
Most people’s notion of black is that it will make a room look dark and small, but nothing could be further from the truth. A room where the walls are painted or wallpapered in black can make the room seem larger. You lose your sense of perception, thus making the room appear bigger.
Using black within a traditional decor will give the room a touch of youthfulness and style. For example, a group of black-and-white photographs in silver frames are a knockout.
While not all geographic locations are appropriate for an all-out black decorating scheme, you can always incorporate touches of black. In warmer climates, walls painted in black might be too much to ask, but a few random touches here and there might be the perfect solution for your home.
Designer Tips:
1: Almost any item, lamp, decorative accessory or even furniture can be given a new lease on life with a few coats of black spray paint.
2: For a quick change to your room that will add sophistication, try changing out your lampshades to black.
3: A pair of ready-made drapery panels will dazzle with a simple black ribbon added to the leading edge.
4: A grouping of black frames of different sizes can make a bland wall stand out.
5: Beware of absolute black countertops: They will show every crumb and bit of dust. If you think you want black, consider using a mottled granite or heavily veined marble. * * *
“I’m just devastated by this and am wondering what I could have done differently to save him. He wasn’t neutered, and he would often initiate the playing with big dogs and then back down with yelping because he felt overwhelmed. But he had never gotten into a fight.
“For his daily walks, I would walk him around the park behind my home and let him walk off-leash for about half the walk, as he was really good about staying with me.
“I guess what I’m asking is: If and when I decide to get another dog, should I get him fixed? Should I not take a small dog to a dog park? And was I wrong to let him walk without a leash in a public park? I’m just wondering whether I was too carefree with my little guy. I just wanted him to be a ‘dog’ and not completely on lockdown all the time. I’m a free spirit myself, and I’m missing him terribly.”
My heart goes out to this reader for her sad loss. And in the hopes of preventing similar stories, I offer the following to all readers:
-- Get your dog fixed as soon as he is old enough.
-- Always keep your dog on a leash when he’s not in your home or in your secured yard.
-- If you choose to use a dog park, do your homework. Find out whether there has been any aggressive behavior with any dogs there. Read the park rules, and try to find a park that caters to your dog’s age, size and temperament. The extra investigation is worth the effort. 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.
Black in a glossy finish can be used on walls in a foyer or den, for example, and in a matte
Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
by Tom Margenau
Forbes Column Full of Holes
A recent edition of Forbes Magazine included an article called “Seven Ways Social Security Benefits are Unfair.” It went on to list various ways that Social Security payouts are supposedly actuarially indefensible and unjust. Sadly, many of them were not well thought out. In today’s column, I have enough space to cover only a few.
Forbes Allegation: The Second-T Heft
Harry has earned a $3,000 monthly benefit. His wife, Wanda, raised kids and then joined the workforce. Wanda’s contributions should earn her a $1,400 benefit. But she is not permitted to collect. What stops Wanda from getting anything back for the money she put in: A spousal benefit, set at 50% of whatever Harry has earned for himself. That, and a rule saying Wanda can get either her spousal share or her own earned benefit, but not both.
In this case, Harry and Wanda get $4,500 a month; the $1,400 earned by Wanda goes down the drain.
What the politicians thought they were doing: being kind. It costs more to feed two mouths than one.
What they are, in effect, doing: pilfering Wanda’s contributions.
My Comments:
Wanda’s contributions were not really “pilfered.” On the Social Security Administration books, Wanda is paid her full benefit of $1,400 per
1. The book of 2 Timothy is found in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither
2. From Ruth 1, who called herself Marah, a name meaning "bitter"? a) Priscilla b) Miriam c) Naomi d) Deborah
3. What did Malachi say the people of Judah were stealing from God? a) Servants b) Owed tithes c) Victories d) Blessings
4. Which was a city of Ephriam and home of the Ark of the Covenant? a) Ai b) Sardis c) Gaza d) Shiloh
5. What Old Testament word means "Annointed"? a) Bishop b) Messiah c) Priest d) Believer
6. Ahasuerus was also known as... a) Noadia b) Agrippa c) Joash d) Xerxes
month. Then they look to Harry’s account to see if she can get any extra benefits as a spouse. So Wanda is paid an extra $100 on Harry’s record to take her up to the $1,500 spousal rate she is due.
Perhaps Forbes is suggesting that Wanda should get her own Social Security benefit and then, at the same time, also collect a full spousal benefit. In other words, Wanda would get her own $1,400 and she would get $1,500 in spousal benefits for a total of $2,900 per month.
You may say to yourself: “Well, that seems fair.” But then consider this. If Wanda can get her own retirement benefit and get full spousal benefits on Harry’s record, then why can’t Harry get his own retirement benefit and full spousal benefits on Wanda’s record., So Harry would get $3,000 per month plus $700 in spousal benefits for a total of $3,700 per month. Multiply that times the millions of married couples getting Social Security benefits and you have a financial disaster for the Social Security system.
Forbes Allegation: The Divorce Bonanza.
Morris, who has earned a $4,000 benefit, has been married and divorced four times. If each marriage lasted at least 10 years and none of the cast-off wives had remarried (or earned a large benefit from working), Morris’s efforts generated a combined $8,000 a month. That’s because each ex-spouse is entitled to the 50% spousal benefit.
When Morris dies, the exes each get a survivor benefit, kicking the payout for this extended family to $16,000.
What would be fair: In a divorce proceeding, a Social Security benefit would be divided, just as an IRA is divided. It would not be multiplied.
What we’ve got: a reward for marital instability
My Comment:
This Forbes allegation is a highly unlikely scenario. To make this story work, Forbes must assume that each of the ex-wives never remarries. But actually, it is very likely that one or more, perhaps all of the ex-wives, will remarry, thus negating any benefits due from Morris.
Also, the Forbes allegation assumes none of these women have worked and earned their own Social Security benefits. Once again, it is much more likely that some or all of Morris’s wives have worked and earned their own Social Security, thus offsetting any or all divorced spousal benefits they might be due.
Also, what is Forbes suggesting as an alternative? Are they saying benefits to divorced women should be eliminated?
Forbes Allegation: The Poverty Trap.
Lower-income retirees have shorter lives than high-income retirees, a phenomenon that undoes much of the progressivism in the benefit formula. Tobacco users, who congregate at the lower end of the wage scale, are the worst off.
Not only do smokers collect over shorter lifespans than nonsmokers, but they pay penalties with every cigarette purchase: excise taxes plus a tribute to tort lawyers. (The lawyers created streams of extra revenue to the states and collected a percentage.) Why are people who get shortchanged on Social Security paying for lawyers’ yachts?
My Comment:
This one is just weird. My guess is the author of the Forbes piece is a smoker and he’s upset because for years now, he has been forced to satisfy his nicotine cravings by standing outside Forbes’s offices in a designated smoking area.
I must ask this: what is Forbes alternative? Do they suggest low-income people and smokers should get some kind of bonus in their monthly benefits?
The Short-Changing of Millennials.
Today’s 70-year-olds are sitting in high cotton. Buying votes along the way, Congress has legislated for its benefit out of proportion to the money they put in.
Result: The system is running out of cash. Today’s younger workers, confronting a future of reduced benefits and higher taxes, will in effect be paying for their own retirement plus some of their parents’ retirement.
My Comment:
50 years ago, it was the Baby Boomers who were complaining that the prior generation was “sitting in high cotton” and that the program would go bust before they ever had a chance to collect. But now it’s the Boomers who are “in high cotton,” and the Millennials are doomed. I guarantee you that there will be another Forbes article 50 years from now saying that when it comes to Social Security, Millennials are “sitting in high cotton” and that Generation Alphas and Generation Betas are being short-changed.
As the old song goes: “Round and round and round it goes. And where it stops, nobody knows!”
* * *
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 2026 CREATORS.COM (Answers on page 16) For comments or
But he hides his anger by lumping himself in with low-income retirees who supposedly die early and don’t collect Social Security as long as nonsmokers and higher-income retirees. So again,
How Laws Prevent Doctors From Receiving Perks Off the Books
DEAR DR. ROACH: Your recent column said that the law prohibits doctors from getting money from prescriptions. However, they get perks from pharma reps like dinner, golf, etc., and many push supplements on TV. Many “doctors” across the country make their income from prescribing supplements to patients for chronic fatigue syndrome or COVID. -- D.K.
ANSWER: There are statutes that prevent physicians from directly profiting from prescribing certain medications. The Stark Law prevents doctors from referring their patients to entities where the physician has a financial interest. The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute prevents any remuneration (including not only cash but dinners, trips, flights on private planes, and anything else of value) for referrals or for generating business of any sort that is payable by Medicare or Medicaid. While it’s possible that some physicians may be doing so illegally, the potential penalties include large fines and prison time.
However, drug companies do sponsor educational meetings, which often include free food and travel. They also pay the speaker’s fees for the lecturers. By law, these payments must be disclosed, and Medicare allows the public to look up these payments by the individual provider, teaching hospital or drug company (OpenPaymentsData.CMS.gov). As I believe that these meetings do have the potential for conflicts of interest, I don’t participate, but many physicians do. Medical ethics guidelines don’t permit the acceptance of cash gifts.
A recent research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Assocation used the previously mentioned website to identify $1.28 billion in industry payments to physicians. The median general internist received $30 in payments, but the top 0.1% of orthopedic surgeons received an average of $4.8 million each over the 10-year duration of the study.
I also don’t agree with physicians who make an income through advertising, marketing, or directly selling supplements (in office or through their website). To me, there’s a clear conflict of interest in doing so. Physicians are supposed to put their patients’ interests above their own (including financial interests). ***
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have recently been diagnosed with pan-disaccharidase deficiency. I was referred to a dietitian. She was familiar with the disorder but never actually had a patient with it. I’ve been relying on AI for advice. Where do I turn? -- M.K.
Student: “I'll never be good at geography!” Geography teacher: “Well, certainly not with that latitude!”
ANSWER: Most people have heard of lactose intolerance, which is caused by the loss of the enzyme lactase. Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk, and it’s a disaccharide, meaning that it’s two simple sugars put together (in this case, glucose and galactose). The body has an easy time dealing with simple one-ring sugars, but some people don’t have the enzyme to break the disaccharide into its two components.
There are three other major disaccharides (sucrose, maltose and palatinose), and all of them need to be broken down into two. There are also deficiencies in the enzymes that break down each of them. A person with pan-disaccharidase deficiency lacks all the enzymes to break down disaccharides, so this person will have more symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss.
The hardest part of managing a pan-disaccharidase deficiency is making the diagnosis. One critical person to help you manage these symptoms is a registered dietitian who has extensive training. Even if your dietitian hasn’t seen this rare condition before, she should be able to help nonetheless. Of course, a dietitian who does have experience with this deficiency is ideal, but I still recommend a trained human being who can confirm or refute the advice that is given to you by AI.
While there are sucrase and lactase tablets, there aren’t enzyme replacements available for maltase and palatinase, so dietary restriction is the key to treatment.
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.
(c) 2026 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
VETERANS POST
by Freddie Groves
Reducing Veteran Suicide Rates
The VA has gone a long way toward addressing the epidemic of veteran suicide. Just recently they reported that they’ve now set a record for the number of veteran suicide prevention screenings and evaluations completed.
In one recent month alone, of all veterans who’d received VA care over the past year, 88% had an annual suicide risk screening.
Of those veterans who were at risk for suicide, 96% had a comprehensive evaluation and a support plan put in place within 24 hours.
It hasn’t always been this way. Statistics were grim in the past: 60% of veteran suicides weren’t getting VA care.
In 2024 the VA’s Office of Inspector General issued a report showing that there had been a systemic failure to follow up with veterans at risk for suicide. After a national review of the VA’s suicide risk screening and evaluation training, as well as adherence to the program and oversight, they concluded that staff training for suicide prevention screening was severely lacking.
For one thing, not all staff were trained in using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (aka Risk ID). Not only does the scale identify people at risk, but also the severity level and how to interpret it. The big problem, it seems, was that while the training was available, it was optional. Additionally, there was no system to follow up to ensure staff had even taken the training.
The VA OIG made several recommendations, and apparently those are working.
One positive step the VA has taken is to connect with veterans who haven’t been enrolled in VA health care. Now, in 2026, they’ve enrolled over 125,000 veterans -- who will get the risk evaluations.
If you’re in trouble (or know a veteran who is), reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line. People are there 24/7. Just dial 988 and Press 1. Or text 838255. Or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. You don’t need to be receiving VA health care or benefits to get help.
Freddie Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.
Senior Travel Discounts: How to Save on Your Next Trip
DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: My husband and I are retiring later this year and hope to travel more while we’re still healthy and active. Our budget will be tighter, so every dollar counts. Are there worthwhile senior travel discounts you can tell us about, and at what age they begin? --Ready to Roam
Dear Ready: Retirement is the perfect time to start checking destinations off your bucket list. Senior travel discounts can make a real difference. Whether it’s airfare, hotels, cruises, train tickets or attractions, the savings can add up – often to hundreds of dollars per trip – if you know where to look and compare.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet the age requirement, which varies by company. Some start as early as 50, but most don’t kick in until 55, 60, 62 or 65. Knowing these benchmarks helps you plan and save as soon as you’re eligible.
Ways to save
One of the best ways to uncover senior travel deals is through membership organizations. AARP, with membership starting at age 50, offers the deepest travel discounts, including savings on hotels, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. AAA also provides travel-planning services and member savings on lodging and car rentals to adults of any age.
Another simple but often overlooked strategy is to ask. Many hotels, tours and attractions don’t advertise senior discounts but may offer them if you inquire. Keep in mind, though, that the “senior rate” isn’t always the lowest price. Promotional sales, advance-purchase fares and seasonal specials can sometimes be cheaper, so do your homework and compare before booking.
Flexibility is another powerful moneysaving tool. Traveling midweek, either side of peak holidays, booking during shoulder seasons, or adjusting your dates slightly can significantly lower costs. You may also find last-minute deals
on cruises, rail trips and guided tours, especially during slower travel periods when companies are eager to fill unsold space.
Here’s a rundown of some different discount deals currently available:
Airlines:
Senior airfare discounts are less common than they once were, but some still exist. AARP members can get discounts on select British Airways flights, about $65 off economy and up to $200 off business class. United and Delta may offer limited senior fares, usually for travelers 65 and older, on select routes if booked by phone or using “Senior” search tools. Loyalty programs can also add value through free checked bags or seat upgrades.
Trains:
Amtrak offers about 10 percent off for travelers 65-plus on many routes, with some cross-border discounts starting at age 60. Rail passes and multi-city tickets may provide additional savings.
Rental cars:
AARP members can save up to 30 percent with companies like Avis and Budget, often with perks like a free additional driver and reduced rates on optional coverage. Hertz offers discounts through its 50-Plus Program.
Hotels & lodging:
Many hotel brands offer senior or AARP rates, typically 10 to 15 percent off posted rates. Examples include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, La Quinta), Best Western, Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn), Cambria, and Rodeway Inn. Booking directly or through AARP usually ensures the rate.
Cruises:
Some lines offer discounted fares for travelers 55-plus on select sailings, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Viking River Cruises. AARP members may receive additional onboard credits through affiliated providers. Off-peak sailings often provide the best value.
Restaurants:
Many chains offer senior menus, complimentary beverages, or percentage discounts for ages 55 or 60-plus, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Chick-fil-A, Denny’s, IHOP, Boston Market, and CiCi’s Pizza. Participation varies by location.
Entertainment & attractions:
Museums, theaters, zoos, aquariums,
and golf courses often offer reduced admission for seniors 60 or 65-plus. One of the best bargains is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass from the National Park Service. For $20 per year or $80 for a lifetime pass (available at 62), it provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.
-- by Jim Miller
scene of a young woman with a colonial home in the background. In front of the home are a pair of geese. The casserole was probably part of a complete set of dinnerware. That is all we know about it.
JUNQUE
by Anne McCollam Creators News Service
Porcelain Pitcher Is Circa 1920
Q: Attached is a photo of a porcelain pitcher that I’ve had for many years. It stands about 7 inches tall and is about 5 1/2 inches at the fullest point. It is decorated with hunting scenes on both sides -- with dogs, horses, riders and trees -- and they are all slightly raised. The handle is the shape of a dog. There is a mark on the bottom, with the words “Wedgwood -- 4KE -- 12 -- Made in England -- C5236.”
All the words at the top are impressed into porcelain and not colored. The “C5236” mark is in the center and in black. It would be interesting to learn whether the pitcher has any value.
A: Wedgwood Pottery was founded in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, by Josiah Wedgwood in 1759. Your pitcher, decorated with hunting scenes, was made in about 1920. Wedgwood also made matching beakers and smaller pitchers in this pattern. The mark “C5236” is a model number. Your pitcher would probably be worth $175 to $200.
Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on the bottom of a covered casserole dish that belonged to my mother-in-law. We aren’t sure when she received it, but it may have been a wedding gift. It is decorated with a
Anything you could tell us about its history and value would be appreciated.
A: You have a casserole made by Edwin M. Knowles China Co. They made semi-vitreous china in Newell and Chester, West Virginia. Edwin M. Knowles came from a family of china manufacturers. He was the son of one of the founders of the Knowles, Taylor & Knowles China Co.
Edwin M. opened his factory in 1900 and, by the late 1930s, was one of the leading manufacturers of dinnerware in the United States.
In 1963, the business was liquidated, and the rights to the Knowles name were sold to a distributor of collector plates.
The mark “American Tradition” was a line of dishes that was decorated in a variety of patterns.
Your casserole was made in about 1939 and would probably be worth $35 to $50.
Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has since retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers.
To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com
COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM
* On May 25, 1660, exiled English King Charles II set out for Dover to assume the throne and bring an end to more than a decade of military rule. He entered London in triumph four days later, on his 30th birthday, and would reign for nearly 25 years before his death from what was likely kidney failure in 1685.
* On May 26, 1865, Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi division, surrendered, one of the last Confederate generals to do so, under terms similar to that of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. He was the last surviving full Confederate general until his death in 1893.
* On May 27, 1887, the Hells Canyon Massacre took place when two groups of Chinese workers, employed to search for gold in the Snake River in what is now Idaho, were ambushed and murdered by a gang of seven white men known to be horse thieves, who then made off with several thousand dollars worth of gold
* On May 28, 1957, National League owners voted unanimously to allow the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers to move to San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively, at the mid-season owner’s meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
* On May 29, 2003, actor/comedian Bob Hope celebrated his 100th birthday. In a public Hollywood ceremony, city officials renamed the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Avenue Bob Hope Square, and several 1940s-era U.S. planes flew overhead. Hope’s health was too poor for him to attend, but three of his children and some show-business colleagues, including Mickey Rooney, were there to honor him.
* On May 30, 1967, following years of suppression under Nigeria’s military government, the breakaway state of Biafra proclaimed its independence from the West African country.
* On May 31, 2009, Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the Titanic sinking, died at age 97. Nine weeks old at the time of the disaster, she was rescued with her mother and brother but her father was not. The family had intended to relocate to Kansas City, but returned to London.
"Okay, this is
Now I have to go to back to the next HOA meeting and explain the concept of 'Neighborhood Watch' all over again!"
(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
ridiculous!
Wedgwood Pottery was founded in 1759.
Edwin M. Knowles China Co. was located in West Virginia.
Geography: (from page 3)
This widespread chain of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean has an average ground-level elevation of around 4 ft 11 in (1.5 m) above sea level. Its highest natural point is only 7 ft 10 in (2.4 m) above sea level, making it the world’s lowestlying country. To put this in perspective, the average giraffe at 16 feet tall stands almost twice this height.
• The Maldives is also the smallest country in Asia. Its land area is only 115 sq mi (298 sq. km.) but this is spread over roughly 35,000 sq. mi. (90,000 sq. km.) of the sea, making it one of the world’s most spatially dispersed countries.
• Deep within Peru’s Amazon rainforest, you’ll find the Shanay-Timpishka, a four-mile-long (6.4 km) river nicknamed “the boiling river.” It reaches a temperature of 200°F. (93°C). Any creature that falls into the water dies. The river, which is 400 miles (644 km) from the nearest volcano, is fed by geothermal springs deep underground.
• Russia, the largest country on the planet, spans 11 time zones. Keep in mind that Earth is split into 24 time zones, one for each hour of the day. So when the western side of the country is sitting down to breakfast, the eastern side is eating dinner. Russia is about 5,600 miles (9,012 km) wide, which is about the distance from Miami to Los Angeles -- and back.
• Russia accounts for 11% of the world’s landmass. It’s about twice the size of Australia and the U.S., and larger than Pluto.
• Russia and China each touch 14 other countries.
• Continents shift at about the same rate as your fingernails grow.
• 90% of the Earth’s population lives in the northern hemisphere.
• Australia is wider than the Moon.
• The Amazon produces 20% of the oxygen on the planet.
• Samsung is responsible for about 20% of South Korea’s GDP.
• Australia has 10,685 mainland beaches. There now. Aren't you a bit smarter than when you first started reading?
Give your golf-related advertising message targeted visibility in full color in this weekly 2” x 6” fixed location $159 per insertion reaches 70,000+ readers each week at the low cost of only $2.27 per 1,000 reader impressions!
Game Changers
by Jason Jenkins
Swing Symmetry
Few places in the golf swing have a similar look to another, except for two key areas in the backswing and downswing. When the club swings back to an “upside down” position on the backswing, then through to the same point in time with the club on the follow through, you should observe the following for yourself:
1. Shoulders are near a 90 degree turn. The upper body should be turned roughly 90 degrees or your best turn by each position. This is proof of allowing the lower body to freely rotate and shift weight during the swing. The shoulders turn on a “plane” which means that each respective shoulder is under the chin at these two places.
2. The wrists are free to hinge and re-hinge. The hands and wrists play a critical role to swinging the club with speed and repeatability. The left thumb is basically pointing up and slightly behind the player at each point.
3. At least one arm is extended for swing width. Simply stated, the left arm is long in the backswing, and the right arm is long in the follow through (vice versa for left handers). Width creates and sustains power.
character played by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever”?
character played by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever”?
10. SCIENCE: What is a googol? Answers
by Linda Thistle
10. SCIENCE: What is a googol?
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: � � Moderate �� Difficult ��� GO FIGURE!
1. Roe. 2. “Green Eggs and Ham.” 3. Nigeria. 4. Maine. 5. Angora goats. 6. Four. 7. 1927. 8. “Family Guy.” 9. Tony Manero. 10. The digit “1” followed by 100 zeroes.
