Vol. 22: #27 • 250 Years Freedom • (6-28-2026) Tidbits of Coachella Valley

TIDBITS CELEBRATES

by Kathy Wolfe

This week Tidbits invites you to join us in celebrating Americaʼs 250th birthday as we present a brief refresher course with some basic facts about our American history. Follow along as we review some of the key people and events that led to our independence and shaped and strengthened our nation with the precious freedom we enjoy today.

THE BEGINNING

• In 1773, there had already been a years-long resentment and anger among the 13 American colonies over the steadily increasing authority that Britain’s Parliament held over them. A tipping point was their grievance of “no taxation without representation.” Britain had now imposed a high tax on their common staple item of tea, along with the requirement that any and all printed matter they produced must be on officially stamped paper from London displaying the British seal. Yet the colonists had no voice in the British Parliament.

• In retaliation and dressed as Native American

(Answers on page 16)

1. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features a pet pig named Arnold Ziffel?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Which three countries make up Scandinavia?

3. MONEY: When was the euro currency introduced?

4. MEDICAL TERMS: What is a more common name for myocardial infarction?

5. MYTHOLOGY: Who is the Egyptian god of the underworld?

6. MOVIES: What is the building whose steps Rocky Balboa climbs triumphantly in the movie “Rocky”?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which three signs of the Zodiac are considered to be water signs?

8. GAMES: How many wooden blocks are in a game of Jenga?

9. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Petrified Forest National Park?

10. ANATOMY: Which system in the human body is responsible for hormone production and regulation?

FIREW RKS

Nothing speaks celebration and excitement more than a dazzling display of whistles, flashes and chest-rattling booms erupting high above us in the sky. Independence Day is definitely the right time for these spectacular shows, so here are some facts about the history and refinements in the art of pyrotechnics.

• The invention of fireworks is credited to the Chinese who, as early as 200 B.C., were heating green bamboo stalks over coals to dry. As the wood expanded, it would burst with a loud bang, which the Chinese used to frighten their enemies as well as scare off evil spirits. Around 600 B.C., as they searched for a concoction for immortality, they mixed saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal which, by pure serendipity, resulted in gunpowder. They stuffed the bamboo stalks with the compound and used them in warfare, attaching them to arrows aimed at their enemies.

• While the Chinese invented fireworks, the Italians hold the acclaim for the invention of the aerial shell. In the 1830s, Italian pyrotechnicians created a cone-shaped shell with fuel in the bottom, and a layer of tiny balls of chemicals, along with a charge. They are also the ones who discovered that different metallic powders produced different bright colors.

• The principle of fireworks is simple. It needs an oxidizer, a fuel, and a chemical mixture to create color. When exposed to fire, the oxidizer breaks the fuel’s chemical bonds, releasing their energy and producing a variety of explosions in different colors. Titanium and magnesium produce silver or white; calcium burns orange, and sodium creates yellow. Compounds of strontium and lithium generate deep reds, while barium burns green. Blue is the most difficult to create, and although copper burns blue, it is frequently mixed with barium and chlorine to generate neon green and turquoise.

• The whistling whine of fireworks is created by layering sodium salicylate and potassium

perchlorate. As the layers burns, a pressurized gas is rapidly released, generating the loud whistling sound. Aluminum or iron flakes produce hissing or sizzling sounds, while titanium powder is responsible for the loud blasts.

• The first known fireworks display for a specific event was in 1486 at the wedding of Henry VII. His son, Henry VIII also included fireworks in his wedding celebration when he wed Anne Boleyn (whom he later had beheaded).

• Another wedding fireworks show didn’t end well, when in 1770 King Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette. The poorly controlled display caused a fire in the scaffolding and quickly spread, causing mass panic and a crowded stampede. Although the conflagration officially caused 132 deaths, some estimates go as high as 800 fatalities, including people who were shoved into the Seine River where they drowned.

• Americans have been shooting off fireworks on Independence Day since 1777, when Philadelphia arranged a day of festivities including a 13-cannon display, a parade, music, musket salutes, and fireworks. However, an old legend says that Captain John Smith ignited fireworks in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1608 to either impress or frighten the Native Americans.

• About $2 billion is spent on fireworks every July 4th in the U.S., about 175 million pounds worth. Fireworks certainly aren’t without risk. In 2024, there were 11 deaths and more than 14,700 injuries, of which 20% required hospitalization.

• Sparklers, which can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees F (1,0930 C), are responsible for a large portion of the injuries, particularly among young children. The illegal M-80 fireworks have contributed to lost fingers and hands.

• In addition, fireworks spark tens of thousands of wildfires every year from falling, smouldering debris. The particulate matter in firework smoke can cause lung problems and trigger asthma attacks, while the explosions can disrupt heart rhythm and even contribute to heart attacks.

GC Development 1/8 pg 4C 26x disc Jan. 25, 2026 • Vol. 22

• But all that said, fireworks are here to stay and will never fail to be a welcomed crowd pleaser. 

Indians, a Patriot group called the Sons of Liberty protested by swarming an anchored British ship, tossing 340 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. Britain called it treason and responded with even more penalties. British troops were then sent to control the rebellious actions of the colonists.

• In 1775, when the British troops were ordered to seize the Patriots’ military supplies near Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, a tense standoff ensued. As the opposing sides faced each other, someone fired the historic “shot heard ‘round the world” and the battle was on. It’s unclear to this day which side fired that shot, but it marked the beginning of years to follow with both American and British bloodshed.

• American Patriot Paul Revere quickly sprang into action on his historic “Midnight Ride” and hurriedly alerted Massachussetts towns and countryside of an imminent British attack, and to warn Patriot leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were marching to arrest them. He was assisted by two others, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, who also alerted colonists of the impending danger.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

• The Battles of Lexington and Concord officially launched the Revolutionary War, a bloody eight-year conflict. More than 230,000 colonists served in the Continental Army, most all of which were simple farmers and countrymen.

• Two months after the opening shots, 43-year-old George Washington was appointed Commanderin-Chief of the newly formed Continental Army. Just three days after his confirmation, the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred, with Colonel William Prescott leading the Americans. It was during this battle that the phrase, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” originated. It was commanded as such to let the British get close before opening

fire because of ammunition shortages - and every shot needed to count! The British experienced more than twice the number of dead or wounded than the Americans in this battle, and it became evident that despite their lack of training, the Colonists were a formidable force to be reckoned with, and an encouragement for the colonial fighters.

BREAKING TIES WITH ENGLAND

• When it became evident that any attempts they made to reconcile with King George III were worthless, the Patriot leaders finally decided to draw up a document stating their official separation from Britain. The Declaration of Independence was written roughly fourteen months into the Revolutionary War. It was delivered to the king in late August 1776.

• The first major battle that took place after the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on the western end of Long Island seven weeks after it was signed. It was also the largest battle of the war, as 10,000 Patriots, mostly volunteers with little training, were up against 20,000 organized British troops and Hessians, who were hired German soldiers..

• The battle was Britain’s attempt to capture New York City and control the vital Hudson River Valley, and cause a division of the American forces. It was a tragic loss for the Patriots, with more than 1,900 killed, wounded, or captured. The British, with much better battle tactics and numbers, experienced losses of just 320. The battle, which resulted in the loss of American control of New York City, was a foreboding indicator that the Continental army was now in a dire situation, and it took a heavy toll on morale.

A TURNING POINT

• Miraculously, the Battle of Trenton was a resounding victory for the Continentals, with two-thirds of the Hessians caught off guard and surrendering, with minimal losses to the Americans. It was a critical turning point that saved the American Revolution. It boosted the Continental Army's collapsing morale, encouraged crucial troop re-enlistments, and proved that General George Washington’s forces

1. Who famously declared that "all men are created equal"?

2. Who made the statement, "Give me liberty or give me death"?

The tradition of nightly fireworks over Disney resorts began in 1956, one year after Disneyland opened in California. Disney is the world's largest purchaser of fireworks. Due to the large amounts of toxins they release into the air, water, and

ADVERTISING PROOF

• In what was regarded as a final desperation effort to regain vital control, General George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River took place on Christmas night, 1776. As a vicious snowstorm with brutal winds raged, Washington and his weary men rowed large, flat-bottomed boats across the river and ferried 2,400 Continental soldiers for a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Hessian army, which was strategically stationed at Trenton, New Jersey.

• It wasn’t just soldiers being transported – horses, cannons, and other artillery were also moved through the icy river. Once across, the troops then began a gruelling nine-mile march to Trenton, some with little or no footwear, in the midst of cruel cold and blowing snow. At least two men fell and died from exposure along the way.

By Lucie Winborne

* Chuck Norris had his own line of jeans called “Action Jeans.”

* At the time of its release, Grand Theft Auto 5 is the most expensive video game ever made -- $265 million in production costs.

* Diet Coke isn’t a modified form of Coke, but a totally different recipe.

* The youngest soldier in the American Civil War was a 9-year-old boy from Mississippi, while the oldest was an 80-year-old man from Iowa.

* After the 9/11 tragedy in 2001, cyclist David Hale Sylvester began bicyclingand-hugging tours all over the world and staged multiple “hug parties” on three continents. As of 2021, he had hugged more than half a million people.

* Australian tennis player Samuel Groth once served a ball that was clocked at an astonishing 163.6 mph.

* Danish, Anglo-Saxon and Norman men were known for elaborate hairstyles and grooming, sometimes even before battle.

* A Florida judge once called Elvis Presley “savage” for “undermining the youth.”

* Tilapia are painted on ancient Egyptian tomb walls and included in a spell in the Egyptian Book of the Dead to help the deceased take their place in the sun boat.

* Up to 75% of people with Down syndrome have some hearing loss.

* Ancient Roman priestesses known as Vestal Virgins were required to remain virgins for 30 years; those convicted of breaking their vows could be buried alive.

***

Thought for the Day: “Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.” -- John Lennon

Inc.

by Mary Hunt

Answers to Your Questions on Credit Unions, Banks and Deadbeat

store cards with balances. They also have a mortgage and a car payment. I’m frustrated, disgusted and heartbroken to find out they have so much debt at their age.

My husband and I paid off one major credit card for them that had several thousand dollars on it. After that, my mother went out and ran the account right back up to the limit.

Everyday CHEAPSKATE®

Parents

CREDIT UNIONS VERSUS BANKS

by Mary Hunt

DEAR MARY: Can you tell me what the difference is between a bank and a credit union? -- Justina

Dear Justina: Great question! A bank is a for-profit financial business run by paid board members that’s primary purpose is to make profits for the shareholders.

A credit union is a nonprofit financial business that’s owned by its members and run by unpaid volunteer board members. In a credit union, the profits go back to the members in the form of better rates and lower fees.

To find a credit union you can join, go to MyCreditUnion.gov and click on “Credit Union Locator.”

OVERDRAFT PROTECTION SOFTENS THE BLOW

DEAR MARY: When a person, who shall remain nameless, overdraws her bank account by accident, is there anything she can do to stop the chain of events and horrendous fees? -- Bettye

I’m not willing to go into debt to pay off their debt. I explained to her that with that kind of debt, they will never retire. Am I wrong? I would appreciate any advice you might have for us. -- BethAnne

Dear BethAnne: Congratulations on your debt-free status! I am so proud of you, and I’m sorry to hear about your father’s illness. But that doesn’t change my response: You are not wrong. You shouldn’t bail them out by going into debt. I think you’ve discovered why paying their debts is a bad idea, either -- even if that does not create new debt for you.

I would say the same thing if your mother were writing to me about you: You cannot fix anyone by making them comfortable in their misery. That only enables them to stay there. And buy more stuff.

I suggest you diligently save and invest now because the day may come that you decide you want to contribute to their day-to-day care. But even then, you will not be responsible for their debts and should not feel guilty for that.

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Dear Bettye: Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. Banks hope you won’t fight back by requesting a courtesy credit -- but you should. The minute you realize you have a problem, call the bank or go into your local branch in person.

Many banks will credit back the fee, or some of it, if it’s your first offense.

You need to move into prevention mode by setting up an overdraft protection account that attaches to your checking account. Then, to make sure you never have to use it (you have to pay it back, so it’s not some kind of gift), get into the habit of checking your balance frequently (set up your account online so you can check using your smartphone), and never let it drop below, say, $100. Ever.

BAILING OUT THE PARENTS

Earl’s Air Conditioning

“Debt-Proof Living,” my husband and I have been debt-free for three years.

1/8 pg H 4-C 13x May 24, 2026 Vol. 22 - No. 22

and my mother spilled the beans about their debt. They have two credit cards and several

I hope everyone reading this -- regardless of age -- will take stock of the way this wise couple is managing their finances and preparing for the future. The best gift we will ever give our kids is our own solvency. In that way, we will not become a financial burden to them.

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

COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM

“When in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another ” So begins the Declaration of Independence, the official document that pronounced the Thirteen Colonies as no longer subject to the tyranny of British rule. This week, Tidbits celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary of this document.

• While Thomas Jefferson is generally credited as the author of the Declaration, there was a committee of five that met together to help shape it: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Jefferson. Their meeting place was a popular Philadelphia pub, the Indian Queen Tavern. Because of his articulate writing style, Jefferson was chosen as the principal author, with his first draft completed in just 17 days in his Philadelphia boarding house.

• Congress spent two-and-a-half days editing Jefferson’s draft, making 86 changes, and shortening the Declaration by about 25 percent.

• There were 27 specific grievances against King George III, including taxation without representation, obstructing the growth of population, and refusal to allow the colonies to elect their own judges. A copy was sent across the Atlantic to the King, arriving there in late August 1776.

• The original title of the document was “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in General Assembled.” It was later changed to “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” When the Declaration was adopted in 1776, the Colonies and Great Britain had already been at war for over a year.

• The document was written on animal skin parchment, 29.75 inches by 24.5 inches in size. Jefferson’s words were put into the familiar elegant handwritten version by Timothy Matlack, a clerk to the Continental Congress, who was renowned for his extraordinary penmanship.

• Matlack took two weeks to complete the work, which was then sent to a Philadelphia printer named John Dunlap, who worked all night on July 4th to produce 200 copies of the document.

• Contrary to what we might have learned in school, the Declaration was not signed on July 4th.. That date signifies the adoption of the document by Congress. The actual signing took place over the next several weeks, with all delegates signing by August 2, 1776 in the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall.

• Matlack’s original handwritten copy is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Just 26 of Matlack’s copies survive today. American institutions own 21, British institutions have two, and three are in private collections.

• Perhaps the most famous find was a copy spotted at a Pennsylvania flea market in 1989, hidden behind a painting with a price of $4. TV producer Norman Lear obtained it from the fortunate purchaser for $8.1 million.

• Congress president, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration in his large elaborate style, which gave way to his name being used as a popular way to request someone’s signature.

• Four of the 56 signers were physicians, two later became U.S. Presidents. The 70-year-old Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration, while a South Carolina delegate, Edward Rutledge, was the youngest at 26.

• All those who signed put themselves at risk of committing treason against Britain, punishable by death. In fact, five signers were captured as traitors by the British during the Revolutionary War, and were tortured before their death.

by Dana Jackson

Q: Is there going to be another season of “Only Murders in the Building” soon? I think it usually comes out in August. -- L.F.

A: Yes! Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez are reportedly filming their sixth season of “Only Murders in the Building,” with a planned release on Hulu most likely for September. In the upcoming season, the trio of truecrime podcasters will be relocating to London, but it’s uncertain how much will take place across the pond.

Variety and other showbiz news outlets recently announced the supporting cast, which include a third Martin, Martin Freeman (“Fargo”); actress/pop star/Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner; Jamie Demetriou (“The Afterparty”); Anjana Vasan (“Killing Eve”); Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”); Derek Jacobi (“Good Omens”); and Lesley Nicol (“Downton Abbey”).

While most of those names might not ring a bell, they’re all fantastic character actors. They join the previously announced list of supporting actors,

Disclosure Day (PG-13) Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor

2. Obsession (R) Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette

3. Scary Movie (R) Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans

4. Backrooms (R) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve

5. Masters of the Universe (PG-13) Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes

6. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13) Pedro Pascal, Brendan Wayne

7. Michael (PG-13) Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long

8. BTS World Tour Arirang in Busan (NR)

which included Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”), Sean Teale (“Doctor Odyssey”), Simone Ashley (“Bridgerton”), and Matthew Beard (“Avenue 5”).

Our favorite Arconia resident, Michael Cyril Creighton, will be returning as Howard, and Variety also reported that Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), who recurs as Detective Williams, has also been seen on set in the United Kingdom. As much as we love the idea of London as a backdrop, hopefully we’ll see more of our favorite tenants back in Manhattan. ***

Q: Is it true that the sitcom “A Different World” is coming back? Will Lisa Bonet be in it? -- V.M.

A: Netflix is where you’ll find the reboot of the hit NBC sitcom “A Different World,” which ran for six seasons from 1987-1993. It was a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” focusing on eldest daughter Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) during her college days.

However, Bonet was written out of the series after she became pregnant with her future movie-star daughter, Zoe Kravitz. Reportedly, Bill Cosby didn’t want her character to also be pregnant. The show was retooled, and Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison were added to the cast as Whitley and Dwayne.

The Netflix reboot will debut on Sept. 24 and star Maleah Joi Moon as Whitley and Dwayne’s offspring, as she enrolls in her parents’ alma mater. Both Guy and Hardison will appear, as will five other returning cast members, but Bonet isn’t among them. Jada Pinkett Smith, however, will be back as Lena.

Q: What ever happened to the Bruce Springsteen movie with the guy from “The Bear” playing him? Did it ever come out? -- K.S.

A: Unfortunately, the feature film biopic “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” didn’t live up to expectations with not only Jeremy Allen White being shut out as a Best Actor nominee, but the film itself not earning any nominations. White was nominated, however, for a Golden Globe, which is the trophy he’s taken home for three consecutive years due to his lead role on his hit series “The Bear.” The fifth and final season of “The Bear” is currently out now on Hulu.

* * *

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.

Tidbits is in need of independent contractor help distributing our newspapers to businesses in the Coachella Valley. A retired husband/wife team is preferred, who wish to supplement their monthly income by driving and distributing to a specified delivery route in the LaQuinta/Sun City area. Requires year-round commitment of one day per week, either Thursday or Friday, during regular business hours. One person needed to drive; the other to place copies at delivery locations. Interested parties must posess a

and have a friendly demeanor when dealing with the public. Interested couples call Erik at 760-320-0997 for more details.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Add some tang to your favorite boxed pasta.

12 ounces linguine

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

1. Cook linguine per package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking liquid, then drain pasta and peas.

2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in large, deep skillet on medium-high. Season chicken with kosher salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Add lemon juice to skillet and cook, scraping up any browned bits. Add cream cheese and stir until melted; remove from heat.

4. Fold in lemon zest and Parmesan, then parsley. Toss with pasta (adding reserved cooking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary). Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

 Each serving: About 595 calories, 17.5g fat (5.5g saturated), 37g protein, 360mg sodium, 74g carb, 3g fiber.

Squash & Black Bean Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil

1 medium yellow pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium stalk celery, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed with press

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 cans (15 to 19 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 package (1 1/4 pounds) peeled and cut-up butternut squash, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 can (14 to 14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth

Corn tortillas, sour cream, and lime wedges for garnish

1. In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add pepper, onion and celery, and cook 5 to 8 minutes or just until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and chili powder and cook 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring.

2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, coarsely mash 1/2 cup beans. Stir all beans, squash, tomatoes and broth into mixture in Dutch oven; cover and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Serve chili with tortillas, sour cream and lime if you like. Makes about 8 cups or 4 main-

dish servings.

 Each serving: About 315 calories, 5g total fat (1g saturated), 15g protein, 67g carbohydrate, 18g fiber, 0mg cholesterol, 1,200mg sodium.

TIP: As an accompaniment, toss 1 pound green beans or Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread in 15 1/2-by-10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan and roast at 450 F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.

Holidays & Observances This Week

6/28

6/29

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7/1

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7/3

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty

By Matthew Margolis

Home on the Fourth of July

A lot of animals -- and even Madonna -- suffer from brontophobia, an irrational fear of thunder. Well, to a dog, our Fourth of July events, augmented this year by the 250th Birthday celebrations, is just a rapid-fire succession of thunderbolts - loud and absolutely terrifying to a dogʼs sensitive ears.

This Independence Day, do your dog a favor and don’t bring him to the party. Instead, follow these guidelines to keep your dog safe and comfortable on what can be a real fright night for our canine companions:

• Take your dog outside to relieve himself before you leave the house.

• Treat your dog to an extra-long walk or a strenuous game of fetch to burn off energy and wear him out.

• While you’re gone, leave your dog in a secure room in the house or, even better, in his crate and have water available.

• Close all windows, blinds and drapes to help deflect the sound and the flashes of light.

• Leave the lights on in his area to further dilute the flashes of light from fireworks or sparklers.

• Play music or keep the television on at a normal volume -- and tuned to a channel that youʼre sure will not be airing a live fireworks display.

• Surround him with his favorite chew toys and a soft blanket.

• Keep your departure that night simple, without a lot of fanfare that could excite him or make him anxious.

• If your dog must stay outside for some reason, make the extra effort to ensure all fences and gates are secure.

• Make sure his tags are attached to his collar and contain current contact information. By heeding these precautions and planning ahead, you can avoid the close call this family experienced last year:

“Last Fourth of July, we went to a party, not even thinking about the effect fireworks might have on our dog. On the way home, we saw the fireworks and I panicked, wondering whether ‘Ruby’ was scared. She was gone when we got home, but

SENIOR NEWS LINE

by Matilda Charles © King Features Synd., Inc.

Skimmer Scams

Scammers are creative and clever, you have to give them that. They never fail to come up with new ways to steal from us that we’ve never thought about. One alleged ploy involves a task we do routinely; stop at the pumps for gas.

This possiblity has the thief placing a small obstruction into the cradle where the nozzle rests on the pump. When you let go of the handle after pumping your gas and put it back in the cradle, it hasn’t really released. The machine thinks it’s still in the middle of your transaction. If you're not in the habit of waiting for it to spit out the receipt, you drive away unaware. The scammer then drives up and continues pumping gas into his own vehicle, with both your purchase and his charged to your card.

The good news? This scam is a hoax. While it’s all over the internet, it’s (apparently) not a real scam.

However, there are genuine scams involving sales anywhere you put your credit card

The Upside

of Downsizing

Downsizing can seem an impossibly daunting task, and it is. For most families, downsizing follows some occasion or milestone: the kids leaving for college, a divorce, the passing of a family member, a marriage. But in some instances, it’s about seeking a simpler lifestyle. Some may be leaving a large home where decades of memories were made. So how does a person make this transition? You can’t take it all with you. It’s a difficult but rewarding sacrifice to make.

Downsizing takes careful planning, and of course, it is of the utmost importance to get rid of all unnecessary items -- and not just furniture, but everyday items such as pots and pans, extra linens and blankets, and even clothing.

This can be methodically accomplished with several rounds of garage sales and donations to friends and family, your favorite charity and thrift shops. A purge of this nature can feel overwhelming, but in the end, it may prove to be cathartic and a path to your new life.

into a machine. Beware of the following:

Credit card skimmers:- Similar to what you’d look for at the ATM at your bank’s drive-up, these little gadgets can read your card information or steal your PIN. Do an online search for “How to spot a credit card skimmer.”

People who just want to help: If you’ve finished pumping gas and someone approaches you saying they will put the handle back, don’t fall for it. This person won’t put the handle all the way back into the pump (similar to the screw scam), making the machine think it’s still an active transaction. When you drive off, they’ll fill their own vehicle and you pay for it.

Self-checkout at the big box store: Before you start scanning your items, be sure there is nothing left on the screen from the previous customer. It’s possible for them to scan their items and leave the transaction unfinished. You come along behind them and unknowingly include all their items in your own purchase. Meanwhile, the perpetrator has already left the store.

As always, stay alert and be aware.

* * * 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

Moving into a smaller space might also imply that two rooms become one -- for example, a library merges with a dining room for an interesting and chic combination. Other space-saving solutions could be bed platforms with drawers to maximize clothing and linen storage. Nightstands can be replaced with dressers for more storage.

One of the biggest decorating fallacies with small spaces is that you should only use small furnishings. This is just not true. Placing one large sofa in a small room can actually make it seem bigger. The same holds true for art. One large piece of art visually gives off cues that you are in a larger space.

Less is more when accessorizing. Fewer but larger accessories are also suggested for impact in a small room. Smaller bedrooms might have you reconsider a large king-size bed in favor of a queen-size bed.

Once you have accomplished the first phase and secured your new condo or townhouse, you can begin to plan the interiors of your new home. Keep in mind that most activities that took place in your former home will have to take place in some way in your new home, which means all spaces should be equipped for multitasking. This means your living room should be set up to accommodate watching television with the family, as well as entertaining and reading.

Decorating your compact home can be challenging, but it should not be short on style. Bringing some of your past to your new home is something I highly recommend. Your new place immediately will feel like your own. Unless you want to start decorating from scratch, select one or two pieces of furniture, lamps, works of art or accessories from each room that you wish to incorporate into your new home. These “heirlooms” will be the building blocks of your new decorating scheme. It is a safe and guided way to build your new decor.

Downsizing has its constraints, but it rewards the home occupants with lightness and ease of maintenance.

* * * 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

thank God someone found her, picked her up and called us. The woman who found her said she almost hit her with her car.”

They attended a Fourth of July barbeque and left Ruby at home in the backyard -- which was surrounded by a fence in need of repair. Fireworks scared the dog, who responded by bolting over the sagging fence and running out into the street. It happens all the time.

Hands down, crating your dog for the festivities is the ideal course of action because the fear of fireworks -- just like thunder -- is so extreme for some dogs that they’ll gnaw through doors or jump through closed windows and seriously injure themselves. There’s nothing rational about a phobia -and it’s possible to grow into them.

Just because your puppy never seemed to mind the boom and glare of a good bottle rocket doesn’t mean he’ll feel the same way as an older dog. Your dog’s hearing is 10 times more acute than yours. As they age, their hearing changes, and it is common for dogs to develop an intolerance for loud noises later in life.

Bottom line: If you can’t be home with him, it’s still better for him to be home on the Fourth of July. Happy Independence Day!

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.

and then at full retirement age, switch to 100% widow’s benefits.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

by Tom Margenau

How Many Questions Can I Answer Today?

Usually, I will devote an entire column to answering just one question or dealing with just one Social Security issue. But every once in a while, I like to challenge myself by seeing how many questions I can answer in just one column. Obviously, when I do this, my answers will be “quick and dirty.” So I’ve dredged up some of the most common questions I get, and here come some short and concise answers.

Q: I’m 62. My husband is 67 and getting Social Security. Can I file for spousal benefits on his record now and save my own until I’m 70?

A: No, you can’t do that. You must always file for your own benefits first. Only after you do that can you look at your husband’s record to see if you can get any additional spousal benefits.

Q: I am 60 and not working. My husband recently died. Can I file for widow’s benefits now and save my own until I am 70?

A: Yes, you can do that. A widow does not have the same restrictions that apply to a spouse with a living husband. You can file for widow’s benefits now and then switch to 100% of your own at full retirement age, or wait until 70 and get about 128%. Or, depending on the money amounts involved, you might be ahead to file for retirement benefits at age 62 (the earliest you can do that),

1. The book of 2 Peter is found in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither

2. From Matthew 4, how many days and nights did Jesus fast before his temptation by Satan? a) 10 b) 20 c) 30 d) 40

3. Who said, ""The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away"? a) Stephen b) Adam c) Mordecai d) Job

4. From Proverbs 6, what comparison is made as an example to the lazy man? a) Oxen b) Bee c) Donkey d) Ant

5. How old was Abram when Hagar bore Ishmael? a) 46 b) 56 c) 86 d) Age not mentioned

6. From Acts 13:1, where was Lucius from? a) Cyrene b) Judea c) Damascus d) Tarsus

Q: If I die, what will my wife get?

A: The answer depends on several factors. But I’ll deal with the most common scenario. Assuming you die well after your full retirement age, and assuming your wife is over her full retirement age when you die, as a general rule she will get what you were getting at the time of death. Quick example. You are 85 and getting $1,800 per month. Your wife is 82 and getting $1,200 per month. When you die, she will keep getting her $1,200, and then she will get an additional $600 in widow’s benefits.

Q: I took my benefits at 70, so I get an extra 32% added to my retirement rate. When I die, will my wife’s widow’s benefit be based on my augmented age 70 rate, or on my full retirement rate?

A: It will be based on your age 70 rate. And just to clarify a little further. A benefit paid to a spouse whose husband is still alive is based on his full retirement age rate. But as I just said, a widow’s benefit is based on the age 70 rate (assuming the husband waited until 70 to claim his benefits).

Q: I’m already getting my Social Security but I’m still working. Will my additional income and the taxes I’m paying increase my Social Security check?

A: It depends. Your original benefit was based on your average monthly wage using your highest 35 years of inflation-adjusted earnings. If the earnings you have now are higher than the lowest inflation-adjusted year used in your original computation, the SSA will drop out that lower year, add in the new higher year, and adjust your benefit accordingly. But don’t expect a windfall. Your benefit might go up by maybe $10 to $20 per month for a year of good earnings.

Q: When my father died, why did we have to return his last check?

A: Several rules come into play here. First, Social Security benefits have never been prorated. Second, benefits are always paid one month behind. And third, the law says you must live an entire month to be due a Social Security check for that month.

Here is a quick example. John dies on June 24. The Social Security check that comes in July (the payment for June) must be returned.

That’s the downside to the lack of proration. But there are two upsides. One: let’s say John started his benefits when he was 66, and that he turned 66 on April 22. He would get a check for the whole month of April, even though he was 66 for only eight days of the month. Two: if John left a widow, she would get widow’s benefits for the whole month of June, even though she was a widow for only six days of the month.

Q: I read that the maximum Social Security retirement benefit is currently $4,152 per month. But we have a neighbor who brags that he gets over $5,000 per month. Is he just lying and trying to impress us?

Q: We would like to talk to you personally about our Social Security situation. We’d be willing to pay you. Can we please call you to discuss this?

A: I simply don’t have the time to work on individual cases. But for 15 bucks, I can give you the kind of help that might even be better than a personal consultation. Buy my little Social Security guidebook called “Social Security - Simple and Smart.” In that book, you’ll find 10 fact sheets that cover just about any Social Security situation you might encounter. You can find it at Amazon.com.

Q: Is it true that Congress has stolen every nickel of Social Security money?

A: No, it’s not true. And I’ve got no space left to explain the real story. But another of my books will clarify that myth and so many more. It is called “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You also can find this book on Amazon. * * *

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)

www.TriviaGuy.com

A: He may be trying to impress you, but he probably isn’t lying. The $4,152 figure you quoted is the maximum benefit paid to someone who files for benefits at his or her full retirement age. But many people work well beyond that age and continue to increase the amount of their monthly benefit. In effect, there is no limit to how high a Social Security benefit could go.

High Cortisol Causes Patient To Feel Awful Amid Normal Tests

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve been feeling just awful. My doctor put me through the normal tests, and all were good. A neurologist recommended that I get a cortisol test. I did, and it showed a high cortisol level. I’d never heard of this. Would you explain what high cortisol is, how it’s treated, and if there are any natural cures or therapies? -- S.K.

Please

if I wanted to wait six months and get another PSA test done.

I am in good health, exercise regularly, and am not on any medications. Also, can strenuous bike riding affect my PSA score?

-- W.B.

ANSWER: A PI-RADS score of 2 means that there’s a small chance of clinically significant prostate cancer. The best estimate of your risk is between 4% and 6%. One question I’d ask is whether you’d undergo surgery if a biopsy showed cancer. Surgery is associated with a worsened quality of life; erectile dysfunction and incontinence are common shortly after surgery and persist in many men.

VETERANS POST  

by Freddie Groves

Veteran Discounts

Are you taking advantage of the discounts available to you as a veteran? Discounts let you keep cash in your wallet, and there are more deals out there than you might imagine.

ADVERTISING PROOF

Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m..

ANSWER: Cortisol is a critical hormone that is needed for the function of many body systems. Without cortisone, the body can’t respond to stress, and a stressful event can literally kill a patient.

A medical condition called Addison’s disease is when the body can’t make cortisol (a type of steroid called a glucocorticoid). People with this condition need to take replacement cortisol or a synthetic form daily, and they need to take higher doses when under stress to prevent this. Addison’s disease was most often caused by tuberculosis, but the leading cause of Addison’s is an autoimmune disease of the adrenal cortex (where cortisone is made). People usually feel weak and tired with Addison’s.

Please

The evidence suggests that in men over 75, surgery doesn’t improve their length of life. In a large study, the length of life was actually decreased in men over 75. Radiation treatment is a reasonable alternative for men with symptomatic prostate cancer, so in the unlikely event that you develop symptoms from prostate cancer, this would be a reasonable approach.

Also, bike riding (250 miles over four days) had an increase of less than 0.1 ng/mL for a PSA test.

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.

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Final Changes DUE:

Cushing’s syndrome is the opposite, where the body makes too much cortisone. The most common cause for this is a benign tumor. In Cushing’s syndrome, the list of possible symptoms is seemingly endless, but fatigue and muscle weakness, weight gain in the abdomen but muscle loss in the limbs, and skin and hair changes are common. People can experience the same problem when taking high doses of cortisol or similar steroids such as prednisone, hydrocortisone or dexamethasone.

A cortisol level of 18 isn’t diagnostic of Cushing’s but almost certainly excludes Addison’s disease. Depending on the time of day, cortisol levels can be between 5-25 mcg/dL, so a level of 18 mcg/dL in the morning may be normal. People with high levels of stress tend to have high to normal cortisol levels.

In contrast, a level of 18 mcg/dL at bedtime would be a very concerning sign for Cushing’s. If your doctors were worried about Cushing’s, additional testing could be recommended such as a 24-hour urine cortisol test, a bedtime salivary cortisol test, or checking the blood cortisol after suppressing its release with medication. An endocrinologist is the expert in making the diagnosis and treating diseases of the adrenal hormones, including Addison’s and Cushing’s. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 77 years old and concerned about getting a prostate biopsy. My last PSA test jumped from 2.25 to 3.75 ng/mL, and an MRI came back healthy and normal with a PI-RADS code of 2. My urologist suggested a biopsy to be sure that everything is OK, but he also felt comfortable

One of my favorites is the 10% discount from Lowe’s and Home Depot. With summer, there are always projects, always a new hardware item or tool I need, and that discount helps. As an FYI, there’s no limit to how many discounts I can get at Lowe’s, but there is an annual limit at Home Depot. (I’ve never hit it.)

There is a Bass Pro Shop discount on outdoor gear, as well as one for firearms and ammo. Look for discounts at L.L. Bean. T-Mobile will save you 40% on family phone lines and 50% off Paramount+, which will get you new movies, sports and Showtime.

Travel, restaurants, music events, you name it, there’s a veteran discount available. One thing to consider is how you’ll prove you’re a veteran when you try to claim your discount. Many places will just accept your VA health card. Some will want your Veteran ID card, and all states have the veteran designation on your driver’s license. To get this, check your state’s requirements. You might need to show up at a DMV with a copy of your DD214 when you apply for the veteran designation. This is very handy to have, by the way, as many places will take that as proof of your veteran status.

Quite a few companies are going with SheerID as a means of proving your veteran status and getting a discount. SheerID handles identification for all types of groups, including students, first responders, seniors and veterans. Check out SheerID as best you can, which you should always do before giving anyone your private information (support.sheerid.com/enUS/help-center). Check out their webpage on military verification to see what documents you’d have to show. Be sure you’re comfortable with it before you sign up.

With inflated prices on everything everywhere we go, every dollar saved is more important than ever. Take advantage of every discount that youʼre due.

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.

-- by Jim Miller

Should You Get a Heart Calcium Scan?

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I just turned 58, heart disease runs in my family, and my cholesterol has been creeping up. I’ve been hearing about a scan that can show your actual heart risk. Is that reliable and is it something I should look into? -- Cardio Concerned

Dear Concerned: You’re smart to be thinking about this now. For years, cholesterol numbers have been the main way to estimate heart disease risk. But there’s another tool gaining attention that can offer a more direct look: a coronary artery calcium scan, or CAC scan.

The CAC scan is a noninvasive test that measures actual plaque buildup in your heart’s arteries, rather than simply indicating the risk of developing it.

Here’s why that matters. High cholesterol suggests you might develop heart disease someday. But calcium in your arteries means some disease is already present. The higher your calcium score, the greater your risk of a future heart attack or stroke. That makes this test especially useful for people like yourself with a family history and borderline numbers.

How it works

A CAC scan is a specialized CT scan

that takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require needles or dyes. You simply lie on a table while the scanner takes images of your heart. It uses only a small amount of radiation, similar to a mammogram.

The result is a calcium score that reflects how much plaque is in your arteries:

• A score of zero means no detectable plaque.

• A score from 1 to 100 indicates mild plaque.

• A score from 100 to 299 suggests moderate buildup.

• A score of 300 or higher points to a more serious condition.

This number provides you and your doctor something concrete to work with. Instead of guessing about your risk, you can make more confident decisions about whether to start a statin or focus on lifestyle changes alone.

Who needs it

Not everyone needs a CAC scan. It’s most helpful for adults over 40 who have some risk factors, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, but aren’t clearly high or low risk.

If your risk level is uncertain or you’re hesitant about taking a statin, the scan can help break the tie. It can also be a strong wake-up call. Many people who see plaque on their scan are more motivated to take medication, improve their diet, lose weight, and stay active.

Getting one CAC scans are widely available at hospitals and imaging centers that offer CT services. You’ll usually need a doctor’s order, but some centers offer self-pay screenings you can schedule yourself.

The scan typically costs about $75 to $200 out of pocket and usually isn’t something you need to repeat very often. Results are often available quickly, usually within a day or two.

A couple of caveats: A score of zero doesn’t mean you have no risk, and the test isn’t meant for diagnosing symptoms, such chest pain. It’s just one piece of the puzzle and should be considered along with your overall health picture.

Given your age, family history, and slightly elevated cholesterol, a CAC scan could be a very useful next step. It’s worth having a conversation with your doctor to see if it makes sense for you.

• Extensive valley-wide distribution in over 600 newsstand locations - including Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and Revivals, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, medical offices and more!

* * *

JUNQUE

by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Saucer Filled with Doubt

Q: Enclosed you will find a picture of a Sandwich Glass alabaster saucer. I recently went to a Sandwich Glass Antique Center in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and came across an alabaster saucer. It measures 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch in depth and is decorated with the plume and acorn pattern. I was not familiar with that pattern even though the tag said “Boston and Sandwich.” I went home and looked in all my Sandwich glass books and could not find the pattern. Is it still possible that my saucer is Sandwich glass? I paid $65 for it and now wonder if I got “stung.” What can you tell me about my saucer?

A: The Sandwich Glass Co. was founded in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1825. It was incorporated in 1826 and became the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co. They made clear and colored glass that was free blown, blown with three molds and also pressed, in a variety of colors that included alabaster, clambroth, amethyst and amber. Plume and acorn was one of their pressed glass patterns. The glass company closed in 1881.

Your saucer was made between 1840 and 1860. Similar Boston and Sandwich saucers in amethyst and amber could be found selling in the range of $200 to $250 a few years ago, but prices have fallen dramatically since then. Your saucer would probably be worth $100 to $150.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of a porcelain cup and saucer that was a gift to me earlier this year. After abundant research and effort trying to learn more about it, I’ve discovered that there are countless Paragon patterns, but I could not find another one that is as vibrantly colored and detailed as this one.

Paragon China Co. was founded in Staffordshire, England, in 1919.

Recently I ran across an online reference to it as a “Vintage Paragon Blue Rococo and Cornflowers” cup and saucer that was made between 1957 and 1963. However, I’ve still had no success identifying it with an actual pattern name nor have I been able to find information on what appears to be a pattern code that is on the bottom of the cup.

All that being said, I’d especially love to find out if there is a pattern name that can be used to search for the existence of other matching pieces, such as a teapot. If you have any insight to offer, it would be tremendously appreciated.

A: Paragon China Co. was founded in Staffordshire, England, in 1919. Paragon China is now part of Royal Doulton. If a pattern name is not included with the mark, it can be difficult to identify. The gold handwritten letter and number on the bottom of the cup refer to a shape that could be decorated with different designs. Your search can be expanded to all the china and glass replacement Internet sites. Send a detailed description along with a clear photo to each one.

Your teacup is circa 1953 and would probably be worth $75 to $150.

* * *

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.

* On June 29, 1967, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards faced charges stemming from the raid of his Redlands estate five months earlier. No drugs were found but he was sentenced to a year in prison, spending just one night there, however, as he was granted bail the next day. His conviction was later overturned.

* On June 30, 1908, a fiery explosion flattened 800 square miles of forest in Siberia’s Tunguska region, believed to have been caused by an asteroid or comet. It remains Earth’s biggest recorded cosmic collision.

* On July 1, 2003, a female employee at a Colorado resort filed sexual misconduct charges against basketball star Kobe Bryant. Bryant was questioned by authorities, provided a DNA sample and eventually admitted to what he insisted was a consensual encounter. In early March 2005, he and the accuser settled her civil lawsuit for an undisclosed sum.

* On July 2, 1977, Hollywood composer Bill Conti, a relative unknown in Hollywood, scored a No. 1 pop hit with the single “Gonna Fly Now” (the theme from “Rocky”). The film went on to launch both his and Sylvester Stallone’s careers.

* On July 3, 1988, during U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. Navy cruiser Vincennes shot down an Iranian passenger jet that it mistook for a hostile military aircraft, killing everyone aboard. The U.S. Navy report blamed crew error caused by psychological stress on men in combat for the first time, and in 1996 the U.S. agreed to pay $62 million in damages to the families of those who died.

* On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved, but it was first drafted on what Thomas Jefferson called his "laptop." Certainly not a computer, but a custom-made, portable wooden writing board he rested on his lap. When not at his desk, he often used it as a temporary writing surface to help him pen the immortal words of American freedom.

* On July 5, 1937, George A. Hormel & Company debuted a canned luncheon meat called Spam, which not only gained rapid popularity for its convenience and affordability, but eventually launched annual festivals such as the wittily named Spam Jam and Spamarama.

(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

the wise guy who keeps turning down the temp on the A/C ?

Freedom: (from page 3) could defeat the experienced and highly-trained European soldiers.

HELP FROM ABROAD

• Another turning point in the war was The Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which was a sound victory for the Patriots. This victory provided enough confidence by France to prompt its military support to the Americans. It was actually two battles, fought during September and October, with 15,000 Americans against about 8,000 British troops. The British army, led by General John Burgoyne, was eventually surrounded, leading to their surrender. At the conclusion, 90 Americans had been killed, compared to 440 British deaths.

• The last major land battle took place at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. After the Continentals had marched 450 miles down from New York, they joined the French military troops for a collective total of nearly 20,000 men to defeat the British Army of 9,000 soldiers commanded by General Charles Cornwallis. American deaths in this battle were 88, while British deaths numbered around 300.

• The remaining British troops surrendered, finally leading the British government to enter into peace negotiations in April 1782, even though they still held several major port cities.

AMERICAN VICTORY

• The Treaty of Paris, named for the city where it was negotiated and signed, declared the United States as “free, sovereign, and independent,” with Britain relinquishing all claims. It was signed on September 3, 1783.

• The 13 colonies permanently threw off British rule, freeing them from their control and forming the United States of America. Britain ceded all mainland territories east of the Mississippi River, stretching from the Great Lakes down to the northern border of Spanish Florida.

• The victory led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, creating a democratic federal government based on republican ideals and individual liberties.

• On the final day of the Constitutional Convention in September 1787, prominent Philadelphia socialite Elizabeth Willing Powel asked Benjamin Franklin as he exited the meeting whether the delegates had formed a republic or a monarchy. Franklin looked her straight in the eye and famously warned that “the United States has created a republic -- if you can keep it.” 

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!

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE

Game Changers

by Jason Jenkins

Knuckle It Up

Making any change to your golf game can be a difficult one, especially if it involves the grip. Yet, if the majority of amateur golfers would take that investment to improve their hand position, it would reap benefits for games to come.

The left hand is a particular problem for most golfers due to the natural tendencies to position it improperly. A poor left hand grip has the thumb separate from the forefinger, wrist barely turned to show one knuckle, and is gripped mostly in the palm. Very few players can get away with such a poor position.

In order to correct the hand position, attempt to achieve the opposite of the aforementioned: Connect the thumb to the forefinger area slightly, turn the wrist to show at least three knuckles, and grasp the club more in the fingers. If you can simply go from one knuckle to three, you’ll usually see an improvement in ball flight control. Mark your glove on the knuckles to be more aware of the hand’s position.

By taking a “stronger” left hand grip position, the chances of eliminating the slice and poorly struck shots will be greatly enhanced.

Linda Thistle

DIFFICULTY: