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he named Dam Things Establishment, and made the switch to dolls made of soft rubber molded in gypsum casts. He stuffed some with feathers, added furry stand-up hair, and marketed them as “good luck trolls.” In 1961, he switched to PVC plastic for dolls of various sizes.

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• During the late 1950s a Danish man named Thomas Dam had originally been a baker by trade, but when the local flour factory folded he suddenly lost his only source of income. • He searched for any work he could find, including fishing, shoveling snow and odd jobs that he could do for cash. He needed to have some sort of steady employment that would produce a regular income for his family, but such jobs in Denmark at that time were scarce.

• Thomas had a talent for carving figurines, which he would whittle out of wood as entertaining toys for his children. He enjoyed creating grotesque ADVERTISING PROOFyet whimsical little creatures based on centuriesold Scandinavian nal Changes DUE: 12:00 NOONfolklore. People who saw them would jokingly comment that his dolls were “so w carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours ugly that they are actually cute.”

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• In the early 1960s, Good Luck Trolls hit the United States and became a huge toy fad. They were high-quality dolls with sheep wool hair and glass eyes, with prices ranging from 65 cents to $5.95. Advertisements dubbed them “Wishniks,” and promoted rubbing trolls’ hair for good luck. • During troll dolls’ peak, sales exceeded $100,000 per month. Sales in 1964 alone in the U.S. exceeded one million dolls, necessitating Dam’s purchase of Iceland’s entire harvest of sheepskin for the trolls’ unique hair. Merchandise followed, including troll village playsets, with homes furnished in “troll décor.” During the 1960s “hippie era,” troll dolls’ hair was adapted to psychedelic, Day-Glo hair. • The popularity of troll dolls waned in the U.S. in the 1970s, but the Dam company never stopped production, as they continued to be very popular in Denmark. Trolls experienced a resurgence in the late 1980s, with dolls having a variety of facial expressions, distinguishing them from the originals. In the 1990s there were cartoon specials. Decades later, DreamWorks released three animated feature films based on the trolls, beginning with Trolls in 2016 • Thomas Dam didn’t live to see the revival of his invention, succumbing to cancer in 1989. His original troll dolls are considered collector’s items, and even London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has a troll doll in their collection.

• At the urging of his wife, Dam packed up a bundle of his creations and set out for the city of Aalborg with a plan to try peddling his dolls in residential neighborhoods door-to-door. He decided to name his hand-carved figurines “Dam • Retired psychiatric nurse Sherry Groom got her Dolls,” and within a very short time and to his first troll doll at age five. Today Ms. Groom ADVERTISING PROOF surprise, he had sold out his entire collection. is the Guinness world record holder for her Final Changes DUE: Mon. , 9/7/26 5:00 p.m.. Encouraged bycheck: the Phone surprising Dam  Hourscollection of 8,130 dolls, housed in The Troll Please • review carefully. Double Number(s) success,  Spelling  Prices Hole, a museum she opened in Alliance, Ohio. began devoting his immediately entire time to producing Contact your Tidbits representative with changes or corrections. Office: 760-320-0997 email: their valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 • We usually think of troll dolls today as cute, more dolls. As popularity Fax: increased, his big break came in 1956 when a Swedish cuddly creations, but in original mythology they department store commissioned him to carve a were considered mischievous creatures who large sculpture of Santa Claus for their window lived in gloomy forests, caves, and underneath display. After finishing the Santa, Dam sculpted bridges, threatening people and demanding toll tiny Christmas elves, which would pave the way fees for crossing roads and bridges.  for troll dolls. The store was bombarded with Sept. 20, 2026 Vol. 22: requests for the• dolls, and#39 Dam worked day and night to create his detailed, labor-intensive dolls, completely selling out before Christmas.

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Stumps (from page one) picnics, and weddings atop the spacious stump. A cross-section of the tree was sent to the World’s Fair in London. • Logging companies planned to cut down more sequoias, but public outcry over the death of one of the world’s oldest and largest trees resulted in the formation of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite. Today the stump of the Mammoth Tree still remains with proud dignity, located in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. THE SENATOR

• A bald cypress tree located in Longwood, Florida, was estimated to be at least 3,500 years old, making it the fifth oldest tree in the world. It was the biggest bald cypress in the U.S., as well as being the largest tree of any species east of the Mississippi River. Standing 125 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 17.5 feet and a circumference of 35 feet, the tree, named The Senator, was already an ancient tree during the time of Jesus Christ. It was already old when the Roman Colosseum was being constructed. • In modern days, The Senator was a popular tourist attraction, with a boardwalk leading directly to the tree. On January 16, 2012, local resident Sara Barnes hid inside the hollow trunk of the tree in order to light her meth pipe. It was dark, so she lit some papers on fire so she could see what she was doing. The Senator caught on fire. Rather than call for help, Sara took pictures of the fire and videotaped its progress as the flames spread upward through the trunk, which was now functioning as a chimney. By the time firefighters arrived, it was far too late to save the tree. • The fire was first thought to have been started by a lightning strike, but Sara Barnes showed the pictures and video around to her friends, one of whom objected to her actions and turned her in. She was sentenced to 250 hours

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of community service, ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution, and given a 30-month suspended sentence provided she abided by terms of her probation. However, she refused to comply and was instead sentenced to prison in 2016. • The charred stump of The Senator now stands 25 feet tall. In October 2013, county officials allowed a select group of artists and woodworkers to create works of art for the county from the blackened remains of the tree. PROMETHEUS

Page 3

• It once had a climate hospitable enough for healthy trees to grow, but as the climate dried, by the trees died off -- except for a single remaining hold-out. • This acacia tree, called the Tree of Ténéré, was estimated to be some 300 years old. It was considered to be the most isolated tree on Earth. The closest living tree to it was located 250 miles away.

1. W s m • It was a landmark on caravan routes through s the region, so well-known that it was shown

on official maps. The Tree of Ténéré was a • In 1964, Don Currey was a graduate student, ceremonial gathering place for traders and studying the history of the climate using travelers as they crossed the desert. Surrounding dendrochronology, which is the study of tree the tree in all directions was nothing but sand rings. He knew that the bristlecone pine trees ADVERTISING PROOF Stumps Turn to page 15 living in the mountains of California and NevMON., AUG. 31 12: ada were known to be among the oldestFinal trees Changes DUE: Please review on Earth. Currey began taking core samples of carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  these trees, routinely finding specimens that your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or co Contact were over 3,000 years old.

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• Previous researchers had named one tree 1. Do trees growing in jungle Prometheus, after the mythical god who brought tropics have annual rings? fire to humans. Currey named the tree WPN114, denoting the 114th tree he had sampled in Property of 2. The blackest wood AdVenture Media, Inc. the White Pine area of Nevada. The tree reached known comes from A & B Desert Massage a height of 17 feet, with a circumference of 252 ebony, Sarfattybut what tree inches. Large portions of it were dead, but a c/o Bobproduces the whitest 1/16 pg BW 13x single 11-foot branch was still alive. wood? Phone: 760.320.0997 Sept. 6, 2026 Vol. 22 - No. 37 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com • He tried to take a core sample, but twice his (Answers page 16) drill bit broke off inside the dense wood. He All Rights Reserved asked the district ranger for permission to cut CLIP AND SAVE the tree down at ground level. The district ranger convinced his superiors that the tree was PROFESSIONAL not particularly notable, and so Prometheus was felled on August 6, 1964.

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The world's shortest tree is the dwarf willow, reaching a height of only two inches. Its cousin, the weeping willow, can grow up to 65 feet in height and spread out to at least 40 feet in width. The dwarf willow grows almost as a grass in flood plains and on the tundra in the Arctic. They are dioecious, meaning they produce both male and female catkins.

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• The Ténéré is a desert region in the south central Sahara that stretches over 150,000 square miles.

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review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  • Currey published his findings in Please an ecological Development-- or -- 760-898-0836 journal, and then the backlash began. Currey GC 760-898-0760 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or co Certificated • Licensed • Insured 26x CA disc had not known at the time that he was cutting 1/8 pg • 4C License #81849 Office: 760-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com Fax: 76 at:email: www.ABDesertMassage.com down the world’s oldest tree, but he never lived Jan.Visit 25,us2026 • Vol. 22 - No. 5 it down. Outrage was so great that it led to the formation of the Great Basin National Park in Nevada, so that the other ancient trees in the Property of vicinity will be protected forever. AdVenture Media, Inc.

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Vol. XXII Issue No. 39

much according to somebody else’s rules. It’s whether the things you own are useful, wanted Everyday and worth the space they’re occupying. CHEAPSKATE That’s where organizing can get tricky. by Mary Hunt We keep things because they cost money. “I can’t get rid of that. I paid $75 for it.” I understand the feeling, but the $75 is gone. Keeping the item for another decade will not cause the money to return. If you don’t use it, need it or particularly like it, you’re simply paying for it a second time -- with valuable space. I Everyday have a theory that somewhere in AmerWe keep things because somebody gave ica there is a warehouse containing the nation’s CHEAPSKATE them to us. entire supply of clutter. by Mary Hunt We keep things because someday we Every few months, workers box it up and might need them. redistribute it among our homes. That’s the only And we keep things because getting rid explanation I have for how quickly stuff multiplies. One day the hall closet is reasonably civi- of them requires a decision, while putting them in lized. The next time you open the door, three tote a bin requires only a lid. That’s why decluttering has to come before organizing. bags, a vacuum attachment you’ve never seen Once you’ve decided what deserves to before, and what appears to be an extension stay, look at the space again. You may discover cord from 1987 lands on your head. you don’t need another container after all. Naturally, we know what to do. We buy If you do, great. Now you know exactly storage bins. Clear ones. Stackable ones. Underwhat the container needs to hold, where it needs the-bed ones. Decorative baskets. Drawer orto fit, and approximately how large it should be. ganizers. Shoe organizers. Containers with little Measure before you shop. I cannot chalkboard labels so we can identify the stuff we emphasize this enough. Storage bins possess apparently cannot identify by looking through the a strange optical property in stores. They apclear plastic. pear perfectly sized while sitting on the shelf and I love organizing products as much as anyone. There is something truly satisfying about become three inches too wide the moment you carry them into your house. walking through the storage aisle and imaginAsk me how I know. ing the person I could become if only I owned 14 And don’t overlook containers you almatching containers. ready own. Shoe boxes, sturdy baskets, glass That person knows where everything is. jars and perfectly good bins emptied during your Her linen closet is color-coordinated. She has decluttering project may solve the problem withnever stuffed a fitted sheet into a pillowcase and out costing anything. There is a bigger payoff called it folded. here than a tidy closet. Unfortunately, buying containers doesn’t When you know what you own and make us organized. Sometimes it just givesour Please review carefully. Double check: Phonewhere Number(s) stop Spelling things Pricesyoualready Hours it is, you buying clutter better housing. have. You waste less time looking for things. You Before you buy another storage bin, try stop feeling irritated every time you open a Contact yourFigure Tidbits immediately withmildly changes or corrections. something radical: outrepresentative what you’re plancertain cabinet. ning to put in it. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630 OrganizationFax: isn’t about owning enough Take everything out of the drawer, closet, containers to conceal everything. It’s about makcabinet or corner you’re attempting to tame. Yes, ing what you choose to keep easy to find, easy everything. This is the unpleasant stage. For to use, and easy to put away. approximately 20 minutes, your house will look So the next time you feel the urge to worse than it did before you started. Stay strong. organize your house by heading straight for the Next, get rid of the obvious stuff. Broken Property ofstorage aisle -- stop. You may already own all things. Expired things. Things missing essential the storage space you need. It’s just full of stuff Inc. parts. Clothes nobody wears. MysteryAdVenture cords for Media, you don’t. 18 MON., MAY electronics you no longer own. Instruction manu* * * Prices  Hours als for appliances that left the premises during Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling ®

By Lucie Winborne

* The first animal ever cloned, the famous sheep Dolly, was named for singersongwriter Dolly Parton. * According to a study, dancers and choreographers reported the highest divorce rates. * Students are more than four times more likely to drop out of school if they are unable to read proficiently by the third grade. * Early hairspray formulas often used shellac, a resin secreted by female Kerria lacca bugs. * Holes in crackers are needed to allow steam and gas to escape so the product will remain flat and crisp. * According to Gallup, Inc., more people recognized the term “UFO” than remembered the name Gerald Ford in a poll taken just six months after Ford left the presidential office. * The Wizard of Oz’s full name is Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs. He called himself OZ because the other initials spelled P-I-N-H-E-A-D. * Frida Kahlo is the only Mexican woman to have a major solo exhibition at the Louvre. * In many early Northern European tribes slaves were forbidden from hunting since they were not allowed to own weapons or bear arms. * The first pet insurance in America was purchased in 1982 to protect the dog playing the title role in “Lassie.”

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ADVERTISING PROOF 1/8 pg H 4-C 13x Final Changes DUE: 12:00 NOON * Archaeology suggests that belt buckles May 24, 2026 Vol. 22 No. 22 were developed during the Bronze Age.

Mary invites you to visit her at Everydaythe previous administration. Cheapskate.com, where this column is archived Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Then come the duplicates. How many re* The longest poem in the world is the complete with links and resources for all recommendOffice: email: need? valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 usable water 760-320-0997 bottles does one household “Mahabharata,” an Indian epic dating from ed products and services. Mary invites questions the 4th century B.C. or earlier and con760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 How many promotional tote Phone: bags? How many and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate. taining about 1.8 million words. com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer spatulas? I’m not going to give you a valleybits@msn.com number, questions of general interest, but letters cannot be *** because someone will write to inform me that Conditioning Thought for the Day: “A computer Earl’s Air Property ofanswered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of she owns 23 spatulas and uses every All single one. Rights Reserved AdVenture Media, Inc. EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and once beat me at chess, but it was no 1/8 pg HFine. 4-CKeep 13x your spatulas. the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” match for me at kickboxing.” May 24, 2026 Vol. - No. isn’t 22 whether you own too The 22 question COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM -- Emo Philips (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved

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Page 5 ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: MON., 12:00 as a collection of Beatles memorabilia. A New BUNKS & BOMBS Please review carefully. ADVERTISING Double check:  Phone Number(s) PROO Spelling  Pric Zealand couple constructed the submarine at a • A Cold War experience is offered in at least Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes MON., NOV. 3 or corre cost of about $20,000 out of recycled materials, Final Changes DUE: two locations, one in a former nuclear missile

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Weird Airbnb’s

such as an old grain silo, milking shed, and760-320-0997 spa Office: valleybits@msn.com 760-3 Please review carefully. Double check: Oklahoma.  Phone Number(s)  Spelling silo baseemail: near Altus, Twelve Fax: sites bath, adding 20 portholes for a peek outside. To were built in a ring during the early 1960s, in Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes o their notable credit, relatives of John Lennon operation from 1962 through 1965 around the Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com have stayed in the Yellow Submarine. time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, assigned to the Fax

Property of 577th Strategic Missile Squadron. Roswell, New George KouriAdVenture Media, Inc. Mexico, also offers a missile base and bunker • Maybe the Flintstones are more your style. The c/o NewAmerica Funding AirBnB, with the underground launch control Owl Hill House in Pownal, Vermont offers an 12th Property of pg B&W 26x center as an apartment and Media, a tunnel AdVenture Inc. leading to AirBnB strikingly similar to the home of the HOLD for run dates the silo 180 feet (55 m) underground. Phone: -760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630  famed Bedrock family. A group of sculptorsGeorge Kouri NewAmericaFunding valleybits@msn.com created the residence carved of stone in the1/16 pg 4C 26x Rate Rights21 Reserved 1980s with hand-plastered walls and built-inNovember 9, 2025 Vol. - to No. 46 Isn’t itAlltime time put your Isn’t it to put your Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 furniture. valleybits@msn.com

STONY STAY

Looking for a unique way to spend your vacation? This week Tidbits travels to some unusual Airbnb’s that could add some zest to your holiday getaway. HOBBIT HABITAT

• “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…it was a hobbit-hold, and that means comfort.” The Wee Nook isn’t tucked in the underground of Middle Earth, as it was in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, but rather in the Tennessee woods. This cozy spot has a living roof and edible plants, farm animals, trails, and a pond, but with the comforts of a large living space, kitchen and bathroom. Bilbo Baggins would have loved it!

NUT HOUSE

• How about a trip to the Nut House? No, not mortgage in REVERSE Let me show you how easily you can: the insane asylum, but an AirBnB that may and live a little? ● Cash in on your home’s equity well be the world’s largest acorn. Located in Coachella Valley homeowners for 20+ ●Helping Eliminate your monthly mortgage payment Aubrey, Texas, The Nut House is suspended up ADVERTISING PROOF years. Ask me how a Reverse Mortgage can Mon., 9/14/26 Stay in your home and enjoy financial freedom! in the trees on 15 acres of land, Final offering fishing,DUE:● work for you. Changes 5:00 p.m..  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours hiking, and campfires. Please review carefully. Double check:Helping Valley homeowners for 20+ years.

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TREEHOUSE

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• Maybe it’s always been your dream to own a Reverse Mortgage Consultant George Kouri • You wouldn’t think that urban Atlanta, Georgia, NMLS# 248717 bookstore. The Open Book, located in the small Reverse Mortgage Consultant ADVERTISING PROOF NMLS#248717 would be the place for a magical treehouse, yet town of Wigtown, Scotland, affords you just 760-275-5905 just nine minutes from downtown, located in PROOF Changes DUE: 12: that privilege. For a week or two, you canFinal run ADVERTISING 760-275-5905 George.kouri@nafinc.com lush woods, the Intown Treehouse welcomes the charming shop (with the help of volunteers) Please review carefully. George.Kouri@nafinc.com Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Final Changes DUE: 12:0 naf.com/GeorgeKouri folks to a suite of three separate rooms connected naf.com/GeorgeKouri while staying in the private apartment above. Please review Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P Contactcarefully. your Equal Tidbits representative immediately changes Pageare “Box,” Housing Opportunity. Borrower is responsible for paying taxes,with insurance, and other or co by rope bridges, all supported by seven towering 1/3 Guests free Full to setColor their own hours, to change property expenses. Borrower must occupy home as their principal residence. A new loan will 20, 2026 • Vol. 22:schedule #39 Office: your valleybits@msn.com 76 require a newrepresentative credit check,email: appraisal, title search, initial mortgage insurance closingFax: Southern Short-Leaf Pine trees. The oldest tree is Sept. Tidbits immediately with premium, changes or cor window displays, and eventsContact such as760-320-0997 costs and fees. Consult your tax advisor. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any kind. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to borrower and property qualiﬁcations. Not all a 165-year-old pine nicknamed the “Old Man.” author readings, tea parties, wine tastings, trivia Office: 760-320-0997 email: Fax: 760 applicants will qualify. Rates and termsvalleybits@msn.com are subject to change without notice. All mortgage loan The sitting room is furnished with antiques and products are subject to credit and property approval. 2025 New American Funding, LLC. NMLS night, and live music sessions. #6606. nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Corporate oﬃce 14511 Myford Rd., Ste 100, Tustin, CA 92780. artifacts, and the bedroom features a roll-out bed www.newamericanfunding.com. Phone: (800) 450-2010. NMLS ID #6606.10/2025 Property of that can be positioned inside or outside under the AdVenture Media, Inc. stars overlooking a stream and two waterfalls. Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. If it sounds like a great getaway, keep in mind that this popular spot WED., is booked out 22 two years in MAR. advance. Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630

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Submarine AirBnB to your bucket list. It’s a email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 metal vessel reminiscent of the 1968 animated musical film inspired by the music of the Fab Four. However, this Yellow Submarine isn’t home to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but rather Desert Jewelry Mart a&6-bed Loanaccommodation in the woods near Marton, New Zealand. It’s decorated 1/12 pg 4C 26x rate a nautical theme, including a brass diving Marchwith 26, 2017 Vol.Phone 13 - No. 13 ully. Double check: Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours helmet, brassclock, and steam engine, as well

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Page 6

in Michael Cera’s feature-length directorial debut -- an absurdist comedy called “Love Is Not the Answer.” *** Q: Is Tracy Morgan’s “Reggie Dinkins” coming back for a second season? I hope it wasn’t canceled. -- K.I.

by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: I finally saw the new “Naked Gun”

movie that came out this past year. Pamela Anderson was really good in it. Does she have any more comedies coming out? -- J.A.

Courtesy of Roadside Attractions

A: Yes, Pamela Anderson has reinvented herself in her 50s with her work for animal rights, by showing up sans makeup at awards shows and on social media, and by taking risks with her acting career. She first showed a flair for comedy when playing a version of herself in the mockumentary “Borat” and also proved that she’s capable of serious drama, earning a Golden Globe nomination for “The Last Showgirl.” T h e 2025 sequel “The Naked Gun” wasn’t Pamela Anderson quite a hit at the as Shelly in “The Last Showgirl” box office, but it was well-received critically and became a big success on streaming services. Her upcoming projects include playing a new age healer in the comedy “Maitreya” with Debbie Harry, and she’ll star

A: Yes, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Din-

kins” was a big enough hit for NBC to renew it for another season. This isn’t always the case with sitcoms these days. Tracy Morgan will return as the disgraced former NFL star, along with Daniel Radcliffe as the frazzled filmmaker who follows Reggie and his family around. According to Deadline, the season will pick up where the finale left off with Reggie’s son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), dating the daughter of his father’s arch nemesis. The sitcom’s creators, Robert Carlock and Sam Means, will also be back, along with executive producer Tina Fey. They tease that there’ll likely be a special Thanksgiving episode after the new season premieres on Nov. 2. *** Q: When is “Dancing with the Stars” returning, and will Sasha Farber return? I haven’t seen him the past season or two. -- S.G.

A: There’s a very good chance that by the time you read this, you’ve already watched the season 35 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars.” If not, there’s a special two-night premiere event on Tuesday and Wednesday Sept. 15 and 16 -- live on ABC and Disney+. Unfortunately, professional dancer Sasha

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG-13) Tom Holland, Zendaya 2. The Odyssey (R) Matt Damon, Tom Holland 3. Coyote vs. Acme (PG) Will Forte, Lana Condor 4. By Any Means (R) Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Wahlberg 5. Insidious: Out of the Further (PG-13) Amelia Eve, Island Austin 6. Cars (G) Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt 7. Buddy (R) Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn 8. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (PG) Carter Young, Mckenna Grace 9. The End of Oak Street (PG-13) Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor 10. The Dog Stars (R) Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

Vol. XXII Issue No. 39

Farber will not be returning this season. Early announcements were made that Ciara Miller (“Summer House”), Maura Higgins (“The Traitors”), and Jackson Olson (a Savannah Bananas baseball player) were among the first competitors. But it was recently confirmed that the following celebs will also be vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy: actress Julia Stiles (“Dexter”), reality star Tyler Cameron (“The Bachelorette”), singer Taylor Hanson, Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech, actress Jenna Dewan (“The Rookie”), United States figure skating champion Amber Glenn, actress Tatyana Ali (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”), social media personality Connor “Fibula” Wood, reality star Sarah Jane Nader (“Love Thy Nader”), Emmy-winning chef Giada De Laurentiis, actor Harry Shum Jr. (“Glee”), reality star Conner Leavitt (“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”), and comedic sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez (“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”). * * * Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com. (c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

Week of September 20, 2026

Good Recipes from

Straciatella With Escarole Straciatella is the Italian version of egg drop soup. The straciatella are the “little rags” of egg that form when beaten egg is drizzled into hot broth. broth

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

3 cans (14- to 14 1/2-ounce) chicken

pepper until combined. 3. Drizzle egg mixture from measuring cup into simmering broth, gently stirring just until egg shreds are set. Ladle soup into warm bowls and serve immediately. Yields 10 1/2 cups (4 main-dish servings). ˃ Each serving: About 115 calories, 6g total fat (2g saturated), 166mg cholesterol, 1,245mg sodium, 5g total carbohydrate, 2g dietary fiber, 12g protein.

Italian Deli Salad

3 cups water 1 head (12-ounce) escarole, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 large eggs MO -11-20131/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 medium head romaine lettuce 6 ounces thinly sliced salami 5 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese 4 ounces Provolone cheese, thinly sliced 3 small (about 3/4 pound) tomatoes 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 jar (6-ounce) sweet fried peppers with

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1. In 4-quart covered saucepan, heat broth and water to boiling on high. Stir in escarole; reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes or until escarole is tender and wilted. 2. Meanwhile, in 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk eggs, Romano, salt and

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onions

1. Cut romaine lettuce crosswise into 1/2inch strips. Cut salami into thin strips. Cut Cheddar cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Cut Provolone into thin strips. Cut each tomato into 8 wedges. 2. In large bowl, with wire whisk or fork, mix red wine vinegar, olive oil and Dijon mustard. Add romaine lettuce, salami, Cheddar cheese,

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Page 7

Provolone cheese, tomatoes and sweet fried peppers with their oil; toss to mix. Spoon salad onto 4 dinner plates. Serves 4. ˃ Each serving: About 530 calories, 42g total fat, 85mg cholesterol, 1,135mg sodium.

Page 8

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Vol. XXII Issue No. 39

(Solution on page16)

Donald Duck

by Walt Disney FindTheTwinsSheep [Converted].pdf

9/5/2007

10:45:52 PM

Crossword Answers on page 16

NEST HEADS

By John Allen

CMY

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

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“In business as in life, we practice the Golden Rule” News content in the Tidbit s® Paper is provided by both Tidbits Media, Inc. and other news sources con sidered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information published cannot be guaranteed. Tidbits® of Coachella Valley does not accept political advertising or news matter of any nature submitted for publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising from any business, individual or group for any reason deemed inappropriate or not in the Publisher’s best interest. Published news matter and advertising content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher or of AdVenture Media, Inc. Tidbits® of Coachella Valley is not an adjudicated publication and therefore cannot accept official legal notices for publication. All copy, photos and graphic illustrations submitted for advertising publication are subject to publisher’s prior approval. We do not offer mail subscription service. So there.

Week of September 20, 2026

Page 9

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

NEXT WEEK in

Cody’s

TIDBITS MARVELS AT THE

AGAVE

Corner

PLANT

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Are You Encouraging Your Dog’s Problem Behavior?

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Holidays & Observances This Week Print Your Answers Here:

9/20

Yom Kippur (begins at sundown)

9/21

International Respect for the Aged Day

9/22

Autumn Begins

9/23

International Day of Sign Languages

9/24

Proper Punctuation Day

9/25

Sukkot (begins at sundown)

9/26

Johnny Appleseed Day

Not to wag fingers instead of tails, but the vast majority of dog problems are actually people problems. The dog’s doing the misbehaving, to be sure, but odds are the owner either created or encouraged the behavior without even realizing it. People who feed their dog at any time of the day or night and in every room of the house teach him that the dinner table is you and dinnertime is all the time. Essentially, they are teaching their dog to beg. Inevitably, they come to regret it. Adult dogs that develop the destructive habit of chewing usually do so out of either boredom or frustration from inappropriate confinement. A bored dog will chew to expend pent up energy that would be better relieved through exercise. And a dog left alone for hours in a small room behind a closed door will chew to escape. Again, problem behaviors caused by owners who lack a basic understanding of their dog’s needs. Dogs who jump on furniture are usually dogs who are invited to sleep in the bed with their owner. How is he to know that the bed is OK but the couch is off limits? Dogs who jump on people can ultimately be traced to owners who reward the behavior -- if only sometimes -- because they think it’s cute. But a dog who is encouraged to jump on his owner when his owner is in a playful mood can’t be expected to know not to jump on his owner or anyone else when they aren’t in the mood. Of course, there are problem behaviors and then there are problem behaviors. Biting behavior, for example, often starts with an owner who literally inserts his hand in his dog’s mouth during the course of play, essentially teaching the dog to bite. Excessive authority or dominance and abusive

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Tidbits® Word Search (CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

"Tree Time" K

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� APPLE APPLE � BIRCH BIRCH � CEDAR CEDAR CHESTNUT � CHESTNUT CONIFEROUS � CONIFEROUS DATEPALM � DATE PALM DECIDUOUS � DECIDUOUS � GIANT GIANTSEQUOIA SEQUOIA

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

●



HEMLOCK � HEMLOCK HICKORY � HICKORY LEMONTREE � LEMON TREE � NORWAYPINE NORWAY PINE � OAKOAK REDWOOD � REDWOOD SYCAMORE � SYCAMORE

●

WILLOW WILLOW

(Word Search solution page 16)

Solution on Page 14

Page 10

SENIOR NEWS LINE by Matilda Charles

Beware the Supplements Touted on TV If you’re home during the day and have spent much time with the television on, you’ve no doubt been inundated with advertising for supplements that promise to change your life. By the time you’ve heard those ads 30 times you can probably quote them word for word. And at some point you might even be tempted to just dial that number and place an order. Don’t do it. Just because companies create slick ads that sound like they’ll solve all your problems doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to use their products, especially if you take any prescription drugs or have a medical condition. Supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA doesn’t evaluate those types of products and doesn’t conduct any trials to check their safety and rec-

Reupholstery: Is It Worth It? Many clients ask me whether reupholstering their current sofas or chairs makes financial sense. There is never a clear-cut answer to that question because there are so many variables. Does your current furniture match your current taste and intended interior design? Are the upholstered pieces comfortable? How old are the frames? Are they quality pieces that will endure at least another five years of use? Are your intentions to fully reupholster your furniture or just have slipcovers made? Are you going to be doing the work yourself or having a workroom do it for you? The main benefit of using an upholstery workroom is experience. Many elements that are worn out or not right with your frame are not visible to the naked eye. Stripping the furniture will reveal potential problems that can be fixed or remedied in the hands of an expert upholsterer. They see everything from sagging seat straps and unglued or loosely pegged connections to mold-infested batting. These are just some of the possible problems with your furniture. Something else to consider is the fabric, vinyl or leather that you will be using to reupholster your furniture. Every style has its pros and cons. Here are some tips when selecting materials: --Cotton fabrics are the least expensive. They are available in neutrals or vibrant colors, as cotton can be dyed easily. Depending on the pattern, cotton pieces can be formal or laid-back

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

ommended dosage. The supplement companies are required to tell you this in their advertising, but it’s in all that tiny text at the bottom of the TV screen that’s impossible to read.

Vol. XXII

Issue No. 39

Cody’s Corner (from page 9)

punishment on the part of the owner will also create a dog who bites and growls out of fear. Dogfighting is an unpleasant and sometimes frightening behavior that, at its core, boils Learn all you can about potential drug down to an instinctive need to defend territory. interactions. Go first to drugs.com and click on The territory in dispute could be anything -the Drug Interaction Checker. Type in the name a yard, a house, food, a toy or even a person. of your drug prescription. Then type in the name That’s right. Your dog might not be protecting of whatever you’re considering taking and see you because he loves you so much. He might what it says. simply be guarding a resource. This territorial instinct coupled with I tried this with one of my prescription improper socialization or a total lack of socialdrugs and added one of the frequently advertised ization makes a dog a likely candidate for dogproducts and it showed 11 potential drug interacfighting. tions. There were also some possible uncomfortRecently, I was talking to a woman who able side effects, even without the possible drug says her dog guards his toys and doesn’t “play interactions. nicely” with other dogs. So what does she do? She takes him to the dog park and brings his Seniors are especially targeted by the favorite toys. In doing so, she is encouraging manufacturers of those supplements, hoping the very behavior she wants to curb. we’ll believe their slick claims if we see those But dog aggression toward people or ads often enough. It’s a billion-dollar industry, other dogs comes with dire consequences. and they want your money. Before you dial that Dogs get hurt. People get hurt. Homeownnumber on the TV screen, dial your doctor’s ofers insurance gets dropped. Expenses mount. fice and ask if the supplement is something you Frustrations build. Tension bubbles. And with should have. Chances are they will say no. that kind of negative energy between owner * * * and dog, you can only expect more trouble. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally This is why it’s so important to underanswer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. stand the role we play in our dogs’ lives be(c) KingFeaturesSyndicate2026 yond the basics of food and shelter. We as dog owners exercise enormous influence over our ADVERTISING PROOF dogs’ behavior. Taking the time to examine the AUG. casual. Finalconnection Changesbetween DUE: our MON., behavior and 3theirs 12 --Linen is a great natural fiber. Thereview look carefully. Please Double Phone Number(s)  Spelling  empowers us tocheck: bring  about the positive behavachieved with linens is usually casual due to the iors we want from our dogs. And it gives our Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c wrinkle factor. Because linens are woven fabrics, dogs the chance to please us, which is all they Office: Fax: 7 they tend to give and stretch a bit over time. Lin-760-320-0997 really want. email: valleybits@msn.com ens are quite nice for slipcovers. Woof!

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SOCIAL SECURITY by Tom Margenau

Meet Tom, Dick and Harry There is no question I am asked more frequently than this one: “When should I file for my Social Security?’ And then they will frequently follow that up with these additional questions: “Should I take it at 62? Or wait until my full retirement age?” And others will add one more age to the mix. They ask: “Or should I wait until age 70?” If I’m in a flippant mood, I will answer this way. “Tell me the month and year you are going to die, and I will tell you when to start your Social Security benefits!” Of course, no one knows the answer to that question, so no one really knows when the best time is to start their Social Security. You simply have to consider factors such as your health and your financial situation and make the best decision you can. And you might be better off if you make that decision with the help of a financial planner. And I am not one of those. But I will tell you that for years, many financial planners were recommending that you wait until 70 to start your benefits. But over the past five years or so, that advice seems to have shifted. More and more seem to be recommending that you start your benefits at your full retirement age. And very few financial planners will suggest you do what I did: Start your benefits at age 62. Over the years, I’ve seen all kinds of tools that people have used to make the “when should I start my benefits” decision. And to be honest, many of those spreadsheets, matrices, etc., just got so darn confusing. At least to me. But I recently saw something on Instagram, of all places, that laid out the information very plainly and simply. And I’m going to present my own version of what I saw online in this column today. To make this work, I’m going to introduce three people. Tom, Dick and Harry. And also to make it work, I’m going to say that they all were born on the same day and that they all have exactly the same basic Social Security benefit. It’s what the Social Security Administration calls their “primary insurance amount,” or PIA. Although the precise definition of a PIA can get a little messy, for the purposes of today’s column it is enough to say that the PIA is essentially your full retirement age benefit amount. So let’s say that Tom, Dick and Harry all have the same PIA, or full retirement age benefit of $4,000 per month. And the full retirement age for all three guys is age 67. And to make our comparison, we will say that Tom takes his benefits at 62; Dick starts his benefits at 67 (the full retirement age for all three guys); and Harry waits until 70 to start his benefits. So Tom’s benefit at age 62 is 70% of his FRA rate of $4,000 or $2,800 per month. Dick’s benefit starting at his full retirement age of 67 will be $4,000. And Harry gets a 28% bonus for waiting until 70, so his benefit rate is $5,120 per month. So now let’s start running the numbers

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 11

and check where these guys come out financially at various age milestones. By age 67: Tom will have received $168,000 in Social Security benefits Dick will have received $0. Harry will have received $0. At this point, Tom is way ahead of everyone in the Social Security money game. By age 70: Tom will have received $268,800 in Social Security benefits. Dick will have received $144,000 in Social Security benefits. Harry will have received $0 At this point, Tom is still ahead of Dick, and way ahead of Harry, in the Social Security money game. By age 75: Tom will have received $436,800 in Social Security benefits. Dick will have received $384,000 in Social Security benefits. Harry will have received $307,200 in Social Security benefits. At this point, Tom is still ahead of both Dick and Harry in the Social Security money game.

Dick will have received $864,000 in Social Security benefits. Harry will have received $921,600 in Social Security benefits. Harry is now gloating because his decision to wait until 70 to start his Social Security is really paying off. I decided to cut off my little comparison chart at age 85 because actuarial tables show that’s about the life expectancy for a man who has reached at least age 62. And even if these guys live beyond age 85, I’ve got a hunch once they’ve gotten that old, they’re more concerned about health issues than about the amount of their Social Security check. I know this comparison is very simplistic. There are all kinds of other factors that could come into play. But one thing it taught me is that I don’t feel so bad about bucking the advice of financial planners by starting my benefits at 62. I’m now 77 years old. And for 15 years now, I’ve been ahead in the Social Security money game. But in the next couple of years, I will gradually be coming out on the shorter end of the Social Security stick. But guess what? Who cares? My wife (of 52 years) and I are enjoying life. And that’s all that’s really important. * * * PROOF ADVERTISING Tues.,Security 6/25/19question, If you have Tom Final Changes DUE:a Social 5:00 p.m..

Please review carefully.has Double check:  Phone Number(s) Spelling  Prices Margenau two books with all theanswers. OneisHours

called “Social Security --immediately Simple with andchanges Smart: 10 EasyContact your Tidbits representative or corrections. By age 80: Office: 760-320-0997 Fact email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 to-Understand Sheets That Will Answer All Your Tom will have received $604,800 in So- Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social cial Security benefits. Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the Dick will have received $624,000 in So- books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast. cial Security benefits. Harry will have received $614.400 in net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators SynSocial Security benefits. dicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators SyndiDick has finally passed Tom in the So- cate website at www.creators.com. cial Security money game. And Harry is catchUltimate Home Repairs ing up to Dick. COPYRIGHT Business 2026 CREATORS.COM Card, 4c, 26x Discount Rate

By age 85: Tom will have received $772,800 in Social Security benefits.

June 30, 2019 • Volume 15: Issue #27 CLIP AND SAVE

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M.D.

Elder Gets Hospitalized Due to Hypercalcemia DEAR DR. ROACH: A few years ago, at the age of 65, I was hospitalized and in critical condition with a calcium score of 14 mg/dL. After many tests, the diagnosis was hypercalcemia. After a 10-day hospital stay, I was discharged, and every test in the book was done to find the cause. All tests came back negative as to the cause, and still to this day, it isn’t known what could’ve caused this. Any ideas? -- G.V. ANSWER: “Hypercalcemia” just means a high calcium level, and there are many causes -some of which are quite serious -- including several cancers. A level of 14 mg/dL is very high. The many tests that they did makes a serious cause unlikely, and the fact that you’re doing well years later confirms this. The most common cause of high calcium is primary hyperparathyroidism, which should’ve been among the first tests they did. This is caused by a (usually) benign tumor in one of the parathyroid glands; there are usually four that sit on top of your thyroid gland (hence the name). Parathyroid hormone is the key regulator of calcium in the body. I suspect that you had pseudohypercalcemia -- an apparently high calcium level that is actually normal. This is caused by the abnormal protein binding of calcium, which, in turn, can be caused by abnormal protein levels in the blood. Some of these abnormal protein levels include high albumin (found with dehydration) and high immunoglobulin proteins (found with multiple myeloma). Again, since your tests are all normal now, a serious condition is very unlikely. The classic cause of pseudohypercalcemia is leaving the tourniquet on too long when drawing blood. As the blood gets more acid from the muscles, calcium gets unbound from albumin, leading to an artifactually high number. This can be easily confirmed by measuring ionized calcium. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m very nervous to take any prescriptions with black-box warnings. My urine tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. My doctor prescribed 500 mg of Cipro. Everything I read says how terrible the side effects are and how they can be delayed or show up later on in the future. After more research, I see that water pills (I take hydrochlorothiazide) aren’t necessarily safe to take with Cipro, as it can cause additional kidney strain due to your electrolytes being off. I’m not a doctor, but not much is sitting well with me. Would you please be so kind as to share your thoughts for alternatives that would be safer to take so that I can share them with my doctor? -- L.W.

Tidbits of Coachella Valley ANSWER: Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a dangerous bacteria, partially because of their extensive resistance to antibiotics. In fact, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are the only reliable oral antibiotics to treat Pseudomonas. While I agree with you that quinolones are risky drugs that should only be used in limited circumstances, your only other option to treat your infection is an intravenous antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin has several potential toxicities. I’ve seen hallucinations with this drug start after hours. Many people know that ciprofloxacin in particular can increase the risk of tendon ruptures. There may also be an increased risk of aortic aneurysms. However, the major risk is while the person is taking the medication, and the long-term risk after taking a week of antibiotics is quite low. Before starting treatment, it’s important to be sure that the urine is actually infected with, rather than colonized by, Pseudomonas. The presence of symptoms is critical when considering 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

Vol. XXII Issue No. 39

VETERANS  POST  by Freddie Groves

The OIG at Work The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) has been busy. And as is typical, their work involves saving millions of dollars that should have gone to veterans services. When the OIG analyzed the details about a contractor for the Veterans Crisis Line, they questioned why millions of dollars were paid when the work wasn’t actually even done. The job involved providing backup services for the toll-free 24/7 crisis line. However, that contractor didn’t have enough staff, didn’t train the staff they did have and didn’t meet federal security requirements. Due to lack of contract oversight, the VA made payments to that contractor -- $11.2 million worth -- for a year. The OIG, naturally, wants that money back. Then there was the not-so-small matter of critical medical supplies and equipment and how those were managed. After being called on to inspect the practices at one certain VA facility, the OIG spent months looking at the inventory of expendable supplies, nonexpendable equipment, distribution controls and the leadership. What they found was so bad that four operating rooms had been closed because of lack of supplies, expired supplies and unreliable restocking, causing surgery backlogs and cancellations. The OIG found expired supplies in operating rooms. (The OIG asked that they be removed, yet two months later the expired supplies were still there.) They discovered 50 pallets of supplies that were expired, damaged or obsolete. When it came to equipment, five pieces couldn’t even be located. The value of missing nonexpendable items was $10.5 million. The facility had been awarded $3.2 million for a contract for an inventory management system but never completely installed it and eventually disabled the program. They were then awarded more money to get the contractor to do the complete installation, and that wasn’t done either. Rumor is that the VA’s OIG is not getting a bigger budget for 2027. That’s ridiculous considering the amount of money they save the VA through their investigations.

* * *

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.

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Week of September 20, 2026

-- by Jim Miller

Helping an Aging Parent Manage Their Money DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: Since my dad passed away last year, my 82-year-old mother has struggled to keep up with her bills. She’s proud and insists on doing things herself, but I worry because she is sometimes falling behind. How can I help her manage her finances tactfully without upsetting her? --Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned: First, let me say that you’re not alone in this situation. Lots of adult children find it necessary to step in to help aging parents with their finances. Whether it’s paying bills, handling bank accounts, filing insurance claims, or sorting through taxes, taking on these responsibilities can be a bit tricky. The key is to approach it with respect, proper organization, and having the right safeguards in place. Here’s how to help your mom without threatening her sense of independence. Have a conversation Talking about money can be sensitive, especially with a parent who values doing things on her own. Start with a gentle, respectful conversation. Share your concerns and offer to help with her bills or other chores. If you have siblings, loop them in as well. Knowing the whole family is on the same page can reassure your mom that everyone cares, not that you’re taking over. Get organized If your mom is open to accepting your help, the first step is getting organized. Make a clear list of her financial info, including monthly bills like utilities, phone, cable, and credit cards; bank and investment accounts; company benefits like retirement plans or pensions; insurance policies, including life, home, auto, long-term care, and Medicare; and copies of recent income tax returns. Having all of these records in one place will make managing her finances much smoother for both of you. Locate legal documents Now is also a good time to see if your mom has essential legal papers: a will or trust, an advance directive with a living will and health-

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

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care proxy, and a durable power of attorney for finances. If she doesn’t, now’s the time to get them in place. If she does, make sure they’re up to date and that you know where to find them. Simplify financial tasks To make life easier for both you and your mom, set up automatic payments for her bills and have her regular monthly income payments go straight into her checking account. If her accounts and investments are scattered, consider consolidating them into one bank – it makes everything much simpler. You can also get her banking and investment accounts online so you can pay bills and monitor everything anytime, without digging through papers or making extra trips.

Think of them as extra hands to make life easier for both of you. Helping a parent manage finances takes patience, respect, and tact. With clear communication, organization, and the right safeguards, you can support your mom while keeping her independence and peace of mind intact.

***

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Set up protections Be sure to protect your mom from scams or risky spending. A True Link Visa Prepaid Card (truelinkfinancial.com/prepaid-card) gives her access to her money but lets you set spending limits. Online monitoring services like Carefull (getcarefull.com) or EverSafe (eversafe. com) can watch her accounts, flag anything suspicious, and send alerts if something seems off. These tools give peace of mind while letting her maintain independence. Seek outside help If you live far away or just need a hand, professional services can step in. SilverBills (silverbills.com) handles bill payments, while a certified daily money manager (aadmm.com) can come by once or twice a month to pay bills, make deposits, sort through health insurance statements, and keep everything organized.

* * * Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contribu-

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Page 14

By Anne McCollam

Creators News Service

Platter Exhibited in Brooklyn Museum Q: This is a photo of a platter that I

found in my house when we purchased it. It has a stylized flower in the center and each petal is decorated with small blossoms. The border has small flowers with bands on either side. The flowers are deep blue and the background is white. It measures around 11 inches by 15 inches and it is in mint condition. Marked on the back of the platter are the words “Copeland & Sons.” There is also a diamond-shaped mark with the letters and numbers clockwise from the top: “28,” “E,” “H,” “12.” Above the diamond is the Roman numeral “IV.” Inside the diamond are the letters “RD.” While searching the Internet, I found information on the platter at a Brooklyn Museum website. They have one just like mine stating it was made in 1881 in England, and it is decorated with the Aesthetic Movement transfer-print pattern, “Primrose.” The house was built around 1910, but I don’t know how long the platter was there. I am hoping you can give me some more details about the vintage background, histor y and value of this platter.

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

The Aesthetic Movement in decorative arts evolved as a consequence of the mass production of the Industrial Revolution. It was inspired by Japanese design and called for a return to beauty and quality. The diamond shape shows the design was registered with the British Government on April 28, 1881. The Roman numeral shows the piece is of the ceramic category. The pattern “Primrose” was used to decorate complete sets of dinnerware and was available in several different colors. Although the pattern was registered in 1881, it could have been produced later. Your “Primrose” platter is circa 1881 and would probably be worth $225 to $375. *** Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of a cake plate that I have. The plate is decorated with a spray of multi-colored flowers at the lower part of the plate. The background is white. It has a band of flowers on the border and there are handles on each edge. Also with the mark are the words “Patented March 23, 1917.” It is extremely blurr y and I don’t know if you can read it. What can you tell me about my plate?

A: Wood & Sons have made ironstone and

earthenware since 1865. They are located in Burslem, England. Your cake plate would probably be worth $25 to $35.

* * *

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 Sept. 21, 1942, the U.S. B-29 Superfortress, the largest bomber used in the war by any nation, performed its debut flight in Seattle, WA. The aircraft was capable of carrying bomb loads up to 20,000 pounds at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet and featured the first radar bombing system of any U.S. bomber. * On Sept. 22, 1776, Continental Army captain Nathan Hale was executed by the British for spying. Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, he had sneaked behind British lines on Long Island and successfully gathered information about British troop movements for the next several weeks but was captured while attempting to return to American-controlled territory. * On Sept. 23, 2016, a small box containing half of author Truman Capote’s cremated remains, which was part of the estate of his friend Joanne Carson (ex-wife of TV host Johnny Carson), was auctioned in California, 32 years after his death. It received 12 bids and sold for $43,750. * On Sept. 24, 1988, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson completed the 100-meter dash in 9.79 seconds to win gold at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, but his victory was temporary, as he tested positive for steroids three days later and was stripped of the medal.

Wood & Sons made ironstone and earthenware.

Vol. XXII Issue No. 39

* On Sept. 25, 2015, a California judge approved former Olympic athlete Caitlyn Jenner’s request to legally change her name and gender designation. * On Sept. 26, 1996, U.S. astronaut and biochemist Shannon Lucid returned to Earth in the U.S. Space Shuttle Atlantis following six months in orbit aboard the Russian space station Mir. She was the first American woman to live in a space station. * On Sept. 27, 1960, British suffragette and international socialist Sylvia Pankhurst, who in her 50s shifted her focus from suffrage to opposing racism and the rise of fascism in Europe, died in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at age 78.

Copeland & Sons have been located in England since 1847.

A: Copeland & Sons have been located in

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, from 1847 to the present. They have made porcelain, Parian and earthenware.

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Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of September 20, 2026

Page 15

Stumps (from page 3) dunes and arid desert. • The tree was considered sacred, and to deface or harm it in any way was taboo. Camels were not allowed to eat its leaves. Travelers were forbidden to cut its branches to heat their tea or for any other reason. • During the winter of 1938-1939, a well was dug near the tree and it was found that the roots of the tree had crept downward over the years until they reached the water table 118 feet below the surface. This alone had allowed it to survive in one of the driest environments on the planet.

TEE UP

• But to everyone's horror, one of the trucks used in digging the well accidentally backed into the ten-foot tree, breaking off one of its two main branches. But still, the tree survived. • Incredibly, in 1973 a drunken Algerian truck driver was somehow unable to avoid hitting the tree with his vehicle -- the only obstruction for 250 miles in any direction! The tree snapped off at the trunk and subsequently died. • Its remains are now on display in a museum in Niger, and a metal replica stands next to its remaining stump in the barren desert, along with a plaque giving its history and marking the location where the proud tree once bravely stood. PARTING FACTS

• The common English Oak can support hundreds of different species, including 284 species of insect and 324 varieties of lichens living directly on the tree. These in turn provide food for birds and small mammals. The acorns of oak trees are food for dozens of animals, including jays, pigeons, pheasants, ducks, squirrels, pigs, mice, badgers and deer. 

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Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Jason Jenkins was 16-yearmember memberofofthe the Jim Jim McLean McLean Golf Jason Jenkins was a a16-year Contact School your Tidbits representative changesTop or 100 corrections. teaching staff. one Magazine’s School teaching staff He andwas wasimmediately one of of GOLF GOLFwith Magazine’s Top Teacher Nominees 1999-2010 named onetheof Golf the Teacher Nominees 1999-2010.and He has wasbeen named one of Office: 760-320-0997 Fax: 760-320-1630 Golf Digest Teachers in California. Jason teaches at GOLFTEC Digest TopTop Teachers in California in 2011. CENTER in Indio. him at jjenkins@golftec.com Contact JasonContact at 760-485-2452 or devgolfinstr@gmail.com

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Vol. XXII

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 16

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of Jon Snow’s dire wolf in “Game of Thrones”? 2. HISTORY: Which Civil War general literally used “scorched earth” tactics in his march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia? 3. MOVIES: Which 1960s movie has the tagline, “A man went looking for America, and he couldn’t find it anywhere”? 4. GEOGRAPHY: Which body of water includes islands known as the Seychelles? 5. CHEMISTRY: Which element’s symbol is Sn? 6. LITERATURE: What is the length of a traditional sonnet? 7. GEOLOGY: What is a common name for calcium carbonate? 8. FOOD & DRINK: Which fastfood chain goes by the name Hungry Jack in Australia? 9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president gave radio addresses that were described as “fireside chats”? Thistle G10. O ASTRONOMY: F I G U RWhat E !is bytheLinda Answer peekers captured on shape of the Milky Way? surveillance video and kept on file. TEST The idea TRIVIA of Go Figure is to arrive at theAnswers figures given at Answers Trivia answers Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU the bottom and right-hand 1. Ghost. columns of the diagram by fol-Answerlowing 2.the arithmetic in General Williamsigns T. Sherman. the order theyRider.” are given (that 3. “Easy is, from left to right and top to 4. Indian Ocean. bottom). Use only the numbers below the to complete 5. Tindiagram (stannum). its blank 6. 14squares lines of and poetry.use each of the nine numbers only once. 7. Limestone or chalk. DIFFICULTY: 8. Burger King. � 9. Franklin �� D. Roosevelt. � Moderate Difficult �� GO FIGURE! 10. Spiral. ©2022 2010King KingFeatures FeaturesSynd., Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2026

Issue No. 39

26DOHC10929_TB_BackCoverDueSept14.indd

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure! answers

Quiz Bits ANSWERS

1. The bigleaf magnolia 2. The giant seguoia bark, at up to 31 inches thick 3. The maple tree 4. Maine is 89% forested 5. North Dakota is the lowest forested at only 2% BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

1. (A) Old Testament 2. (C) Lydia 3. (B) Heart 4. (D) Absalom 5. (A) Jericho 6. (B) Tamar

ANSWERS

1. No, because there are no seasonal changes in the tropics. 2. The holly tree produces the whitest wood.

WUZZLES Answers ®

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