Issuu

Changes 12:00 NOON DUE:

MON., JUNE 30

12:00 NOON

refully. Doublecheck: ing  Prices Hours  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours

ur Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. s or corrections.

Over 70,000 Page Ad Concepts

320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com ax: 760-320-1630

Fax: 760-320-1630

Weekly Readers 6/27/2025 Valley Wide! Paul Mitchell Air Care Property of

.Com

you’re one of them. AdVenture Media, Inc. Premium Front...and Page

SPECULATIVE LAYOUT JulyB) 6, 2025 Week of December 21, 2025

"The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read" ®

FOR ADVERTISING CALL

760-320-0997

Coachella Valley's Best Loved and Most Widely Read Weekly Paper Vol. XXI Issue No. 52

HAVING A “BAD-AIR-DAY?” Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com

TIDBITS SEARCHES FOR

● Residential & Commercial HVAC Services ● Professional HVAC Repair ● Expert Heating & A/C Installation & Replacement ● Up to 20% Off New Systems ● FREE Estimates for Replacements

LOST SUPER BOWL RINGS

A trusted Coachella Valley family business

Residential

TUNE-UP

Lowest Prices for Quality Work!

EMERGENCY SERVICE

SPECIAL!

RATED VALLEY’S BEST CHOICE!

24-HOUR

$ FADVERTISING PROOF Changes DUE: 12:00 NOON 2:00 NOON PER UNIT

 arefully. Prices Double Dealer Hours check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Premier

15% OFF

Repa our Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. corrections. irs 760-449-6975 MentionTidbits

Visit usemail: at: pmaircare.com 0-320-0997 valleybits@msn.com 760-320-1630

by Janet Spencer

Fax: 760-320-1630

Bejeweled and coveted Super Bowl rings are awarded each year to the team players and support personnel who emerge victorious in this spectacular annual sporting event. But surprisingly, some of these precious rings often go missing. Come along with Tidbits as we explore some of the reasons why, and search through the Lost & Found!

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc.

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com

ONE SURFERʼS SORROW

• John Schmitt won his Super Bowl ring in 1969 playing for the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. Two years later, he was on vacation in Hawaii when he took surfing lessons in front of a Waikiki hotel. When the lesson ended, he was horrified to find the ring had fallen into the ocean due to his fingers shrinking in the cool water. He spent hours scouring the sandy bottom with a snorkel before finally giving up.

• Some years later, a lifeguard at that beach caught a glimpse of the ring in the sand. He took it home and gave it to his wife, who stored it in her jewelry Super Bowl Rings: Turn to page 3

INSIDE: Celebrity Extra............................. Page 6 Good Houskeeping Recipes ........ Page 7 Comics & Puzzles........................ 8-9 Pet Column.................................. 9 Your Social Security.................... 11 Doctor's Advice .......................... 12 Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours The Savvy Senior ........................ 13 Golf Tips & Instruction............... 15 MON., DEC. 31 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Please review carefully. Double check:... Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours And LOTS more! Please review carefully. check:  PhoneFax: Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Office:Double 760-320-0997 760-320-1630 Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: ADVERTISING PROOF 5:00 p.m.. ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Office: 760-320-0997

Fax: 760-320-1630

CMY

HALLMARK Palm Springs Premium Front Pg. Banner January 6, 2019 Vol. 15 - No. 2

email: valleybits@msn.com Property of AdVenture Media, Inc.

4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

FREE

of Coachella Valley

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

760.320.0997

Published by: AdVenture Media

HALLMARK Palm Springs L.P. Independent and

Assisted Living Community Luxurious studios or one bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, 24-hour staffing, delicious daily meals included, licensed nurse. Exciting, stimulating activity program, scheduled bus transportation for shopping, doctor visits; much more.

Fax: 760.320.1630

For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997

valleybits@msn.com

Ask about our Move-In Specials. 344 North Sunrise Way, Palm Springs (between Amado and Alejo)

760-322-3955 Visit us at: www.hallmarkpalmsprings.com

Lic. #336412441

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 2

SPORTS STORIES One in a Series

TRIVIA NEWSFRONT FAMOUS FLUBS DEFLATED HOPES

• At the 2014 AFC Championship game, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was accused of coordinating with the teamʼs equipment manager to supply him with footballs that had slightly less inflation than standard regulations allowed. He was accused of using ADVERTISING PROOF a softer ball that gave him the advantage of a (Answers on page 16) MON., DEC. 15 firmerNOON grip and thus more control for passing. al Changes DUE: 12:00 The accusations w carefully. Double  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours escalated into a messy scandal CLIPcheck: AND SAVE known as “Deflategate.”

t your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

760-320-0997

email: valleybits@msn.com

• The end result was a four-game suspension for Brady, a $1 million fine for the Patriots, the loss of two draft picks, and lots of negative publicity suggesting that the Patriots were cheaters. It didn’t help that Brady destroyed his phone before investigators could examine it.

Fax: 760-320-1630

Peace Lutheran Church of theof Desert Property AdVenture Media, Inc. c/o Arlene Blas BZ 4C Non-Profit Rate Dec. 21, 2025 Vol. 21 - No. 52

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com Rights We All invite youReserved to join Us For Our

Christmas Eve Service 6:00 PM

Christmas Day

STOP BUGGING ME!

• In the middle of Game #2 of the 2007 American League Division Series, the New York Yankees were facing off against the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field in Cleveland. It was the 8th inning, and the Yankees were leading 1–0. Joba Chamberlain was pitching for the Yankees when a swarming hoard of gnat-like insects suddenly descended upon the mound.

• Surrounded by a swirling cloud of the tiny, pesky bugs, Chamberlain was unable to focus. Calling time out, the coach came out and shooed Worship Service bugs off Chamberlain’s uniform by the hundreds December 25 while Chamberlain swatted desperately with his 10:00 am cap. Eventually, somebody produced a can of Peace Lutheran Church of the Desert insect repellent and sprayed him head to foot. Missouri Synod 74200 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 But with his concentration now off, he threw a 760-776-7100 of wild pitches, allowed a home run, and Email: peacelutheranpd@gmail.com ADVERTISING PROOF couple Visit us at: PeaceChurchlcms.org the Indians were able to win 2 – 1.

al Changes DUE:

12:00 NOON FLATTENED FESTIVITY

w carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours

• One of soccer’s biggest rivalries is between your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. Barcelona and Madrid, a competition that gets hot when they play for the Spanish Cup in the 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630

1. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first left-handedProperty president? of 2. GEOGRAPHY: What AdVenture Media, Inc. country is home to the largest cave in the world? 3. MOVIES: Who is the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the “Toy Story” movies? Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com 4. HISTORY: Who was the first emperor of Rome? All Rights Reserved 5. LITERATURE: In what city is James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” set? 6. TELEVISION: What is the name of Data’s cat on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”? 7. ASTRONOMY: What is an exploding star called? 8. SCIENCE: What kind of cloud is associated with thunderstorms? 9. U.S. STATES: Which states have no sales tax? 10. ANATOMY: What is the function of the carotid arteries? (Trivia TestAnswers answers page 16) 1. James Garfield. 2. Vietnam.

Vol. XXI Issue No. 52

Copa del Rey competition. • In 2011, a new trophy was created for the winning team. Madrid won the honor that year, and joyfully received the new trophy. While over-celebrating in the streets of Madrid, defender Sergio Ramos accidentally dropped the trophy from the top of a double-decker bus. The bus proceeded to run right over it, crushing it in front of horrified fans and team members. OPPORTUNE OBSTRUCTION • The finals of the 1000-meter short-track speed skating event was packed with four talented athletes battling for gold during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. The fifth skater, Australia’s Steven Bradbury, was there only because injuries of other team members kept them out. • Bradbury was solidly in the rear of the pack for the duration of the race—right up until the final lap. The lead skater tripped, going down hard, and the cluster of skaters right behind him immediately piled on top. Safely behind his downed contenders, Bradbury skirted around the mess and easily coasted to a gold medal. TATER TOSS TRICKSTERS

• It was the most memorable play in college football history. On Nov. 20, 1982 the California Golden Bears were facing the Stanford Cardinals. The Cardinals were winning 2019 with only seconds left on the clock. The Cardinals kicked to the Golden Bears, who began a game of hot potato. Moen chucked the ball to Rogers, who tossed it to Garner, but he was immediately tackled. • At this moment, everyone in the stadium thought the game was over, including the marching band in the end zone. Everyone stormed the field, and the band marched forward playing victory music with great enthusiasm. • But at the last possible second before he was officially down, Garner had managed to flip the still-live ball back to Rogers, who threw it to Ford, who pitched it to Moen -- who made a desperate dash for the goal line before the final gun. • The problem was that the entire Stanford Marching Band was now in the way. Moen knocked down a tuba player, a drum major and trombonist before he sprawled onto the end zone turf. The announcer was hysterical, the crowd was confused, the referees were rushing to see the replay, and Moen was mobbed. The game ended with Stanford winning, 25-20. 

Week of December 21, 2025

Super Bowl Rings (from page one) box, where it remained. Years later, both of them had passed away. • His grand-niece inherited their estate. She was cleaning out their house in 2011 when she found the ring. Not knowing what it was, she took it to a jeweler to have it appraised. The jeweler immediately recognized what it was, and called the NFL for help tracking down the owner. Forty years after he lost the ring, John Schmitt received a call from Hawaii. “It was a miracle!” he said. A fast friendship developed between Schmitt and the niece, who returned it to him. SWIPED FROM A CAR

• Nearly thirty years after winning his ring playing for the Oakland Raiders for Super Bowl XV in 1980, Jim Plunkett packed his ring and wallet in a fanny pack and put it in his car overnight in his driveway before catching an early morning flight. His car was broken into that night, and his fanny pack was gone. A year later, Plunkett got a call from a construction company working on the house next door. They had found the fanny pack lodged in the neighbor’s hedges. The wallet was gone, but the ring, tucked in a tiny zippered pouch, was overlooked by the thief, who had hastily stashed the fanny pack into the shrubs. VANISHING ACT

• Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Ron Kostelnik won the first two Super Bowl rings ever awarded, in 1967 and 1968. When he died in 1993, his son Mike Kostelnik inherited the rings. In February of 2021, Mike and his family took a trip from their home in Wisconsin to visit his daughter in Indiana. He was wearing the Super Bowl II ring while driving and, at one point, took it off and placed it on the center console. When he went to retrieve it, it was gone. Mike and his family searched the car thoroughly, but found no ring. Before he sold the car five months later,

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

In 2020 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers designed their Super Bowl LV ring with a record-setting 319 diamonds, to symbolize their 31-9 victory over Kansas City. This ring was also the first to have a top - hinged like a cameo, which opened to reveal a handcarved replica of Raymond James Stadium where they became the first team in history to win a Super Bowl on their home field.

COMICAL CONCEALMENT in a last-ditch effort to find it, Mike took the car to a local mechanic and explained the mystery. • Christian Fauria earned his two rings as a tight end with the New England Patriots in 2003 and After removing the seats and lifting the carpet, 2004. He usually kept them hidden in a safe spot. the mechanic reasoned that perhaps a passenger ADVERTISING PROOF Then, he couldn’t find them. They weren’t lost, had unknowingly bumped the ring around with 2. they weren’t stolen; he just couldn’t their feet. He found a fuse panel in the sidewall of 9 Final Changes DUE: MON., OCT. remember 5:00 the passenger’s foot well, whichPlease had a small Rings: Turn to 15  Pr reviewhole carefully. DoubleSuper check: Bowl  Phone Number(s)  page Spelling in it just big enough for a ring to slip through. He removed the panel—and voila, there Contact it was! your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corre ��

Office: 760-320-0997

AVOIDING AN AUCTION

QUIZ BITS email: valleybits@msn.com

Fax: 760-

• Jerry Kramer, guard for the Green Bay Packers, 1. What team became the first to use won rings for both Super Bowl I and Super Bowl over 100 diamonds in their II. In 1981 he was on a commercial flight when he Super Bowl ring? ADVERTISING PROOF took his Super Bowl I ring off to wash his hands Carl Moore Locksmithing Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. in the plane’s bathroom, leaving it on the counter. 2. What team was•the to disc. BWfirst • 26x Please review carefully. Business Double check:Card  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours make their rings out of He returned to his seat, and some time later he Oct. 15, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 42or corrections. Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with-changes platinum instead of gold? realized he had left it behind and returned to getOffice: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 Answers page 16 it. The ring was already gone. He asked the flight attendant to make an announcement, but no one came forward. He paced the aisle scoping out the CLIP AND SAVE prospects, but never found the ring. “It isn’t just CARL MOORE 1. diamonds and gold. It’s a collection of memories 2. and moments,” he said sadly.  Residential Commercial • A full 25 years later, Jerry got a phone call from

LOCKSMITHING

the son of former teammate Ray Nitschke. “Your ring is up for bid at an auction house. I thought you would want to know.” Kramer immediately called the Chicago auction house, who stopped Call me the bidding. They did the right thing andTODAY! returned the ring to Kramer, even though he offered to buy it from them. In 2006, he was reunited with the long-lost ring, never knowing which passenger had left the plane with it and where it had been all those years. CHILI CHALLENGE

• Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles won his ring in the Super Bowl LII in 2018. Jason and his brother Travis Kelce hosted a football podcast and sponsored publicity events. In 2024, they hosted the “Great Lombaby Games” at the Cincinnati stadium, where fans competed in ridiculous games. One game involved two inflatable pools full of chili, spaghetti, and cheese. In one pool, a replica of Jason’s Super Bowl ring was buried; in the other one, Jason’s actual ring was hidden. • Contestants slogged through the knee-deep chili, fishing around with their hands trying to find them. Alas, Jason Kelce’s authentic ring was never found, even when a metal detector was brought in later. “For all I know,” Kelce lamented, “itʼs probably in the Cincinnati landfill somewhere, and I'll never see it again.”

S GET E NUG WLEDG NO OF K

Page 3

Re-Key  Re-Pin  Keys Made  MasterKeying  Deadbolts Installed  Fix or Replace 

Key Pad Deadbolts Installed & Serviced SPECIALIZING IN:

Interchangeable / Removable Cores TOTAL DOOR REPAIR

Serving All Desert Cities • Over 30 yrs. experience

24/7

EMERGEN CY SERVICE

CLIP THIS AD! 774-2837 SAVE 10

760-

www.CarlMooreLocksmithing.com Certified Locksmith #LC05617  BONDED

$ on any regular priced service call.

Property of Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. AdVenture Media, Inc. 4 Million Readers Weekly

FREE

Nationwide! 4 Million of Coachella Valley Readers Weekly The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Nationwide! Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com

FREE

of Coachella Valley valleybits@msn.com The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com All Rights Reserved

Page 4

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Everyday CHEAPSKATE

by Mary Hunt

By Lucie Winborne

* In 1945, Soviet children presented the U.S. ambassador in Moscow with a wooden Great Seal as a friendship gift. It just happened to include a hidden listening device, which spied on American diplomats for seven years before it was discovered. * The Brazilian free-tailed bat uses chirps, buzzes and trills to form unique syllables in a type of “love song” to attract females, as well as ward off male competition. * On the California side of the U.S.Mexican border is a city named Calexico. On the opposite side is a town called Mexicali. * Actor Liam Neeson trained to be a teacher but got fired after punching a student who pulled a knife on him. * Professional chefs in wealthy 17thcentury European households were primarily men, who often cooked in the nude or in their underwear due to a kitchen's intense heat. * Deaf quarterback Paul Hubbard was the first to use the “round formation huddle” in football, to ensure that his teammates could interpret his hand gestures. * Inventor A.J. Grafham tried to increase car travel safety with his 1930’s sponge rubber seat, which promised to protect pedestrians from injury if they were hit by a speeding automobile. * Benedict Cumberbatch is the second cousin, 16 times removed, of King Richard III, whom he portrayed in the 2016 BBC miniseries “The Hollow Crown.” *** Thought for the Day: “Although golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it’s open to anybody who owns hideous clothing.” -- Dave Barry (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

10 Houseplants That Can Improve Your Quality of Life Everyday

I used to think houseplants were nothCHEAPSKATE ing more than expensive dust collectors. Then I by Mary Hunt bought a pothos, neglected it shamelessly and watched it grow anyway. That’s when it clicked: Maybe these leafy roommates are doing more for me than I realized. Science agrees. Indoor plants aren’t just for looks. They can help you breathe easier, sleep better and even save a few bucks at the pharmacy. While they won’t magically scrub your air the way an industrial purifier does, they can chip in -- plus they lift your spirits in a way no machine ever will. Here are 10 specific houseplants that earn their keep. ®

SNAKE PLANT (sansevieria trifasciata) This one has stiff green leaves that stand tall like they’re on guard duty. Nicknamed “mother-in-law’s tongue” (I’ll let you figure that one out), it’s tough and low-maintenance, and keeps producing oxygen at night -- something most plants don’t do. Perfect for bedrooms. Bonus: It filters out toxins like benzene. SPIDER PLANT (chlorophytum comosum) The humble spider plant is practically impossible to kill. It grows long striped leaves and tiny “spiderettes” that dangle like ornaments. It’s known for removing carbon monoxide and xylene from the air. And once it has babies, you can pot them up for free gifts. ALOE VERA Thick, spiky leaves filled with soothing gel make aloe a built-in first aid kit. Got a burn, scrape or patch of dry skin? Just slice a leaf and apply the gel. It’s also effective at filtering indoor pollutants. PEACE LILY (spathiphyllum) Elegant white blooms and glossy leaves make the peace lily a classic. It thrives in low light and reduces mold spores in the air. If you forget to water, it droops dramatically -- like a toddler throwing a tantrum -- then perks back up once you give it a drink. BOSTON FERN (nephrolepis exaltata) If your house feels dry in winter, a Boston fern acts like a natural humidifier. Its feathery fronds release moisture into the air while tackling pollutants like formaldehyde. Keep a spray bottle handy; it loves misting. LAVENDER (lavandula angustifolia) Yes, you can grow lavender indoors if you have a sunny spot. The fragrance alone lowers stress and improves sleep. Dry the flowers, tuck them into sachets, and you’ve got free drawer fresheners. POTHOS (epipremnum aureum) This trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves is a beginner’s dream. It forgives watering neglect and happily grows new roots if you plop a cutting into water. It filters toxins too, but mostly it makes you look like a successful plant parent.

Vol. XXI Issue No. 52

ROSEMARY (rosmarinus officinalis) Sharp scent, needle-like leaves and a reputation for sharpening memory. Studies show rosemary can boost concentration. Keep it near your desk or in the kitchen. Fresh sprigs also mean fewer pricey herb packets from the grocery store. ENGLISH IVY (hedera helix) This climbing vine reduces mold and pet dander, which can be a blessing for allergy sufferers. Train it up a trellis or let it cascade from a basket, and suddenly your living room looks intentional instead of improvised. ZZ PLANT (zamioculcas zamiifolia) Glossy, upright leaves and the ability to survive in near darkness make the ZZ plant the hero of hallways, offices and dim corners. It’s practically indestructible, which makes it my kind of housemate. So what do you get from all this greenery? Cleaner air (even if modestly), higher humidity in dry climates, calmer moods and a little bit of first aid or kitchen support. In other words, they’re not just pretty faces -- they actually do something for you. And here’s the cheapskate angle: You don’t have to spend a fortune. Grocery stores, hardware stores and even neighborhood swaps are full of these plants at bargain prices. A $10 pothos or spider plant can last for years, multiply itself and save you from impulse-buying another overpriced candle. So if you’ve ever thought, “I can’t keep a plant alive,” pick one of the forgiving ones -pothos, snake plant or spider plant. Worst case, you’re out 10 bucks. Best case, you’ve got a leafy friend who cleans your air and makes your home look just a little more together. Want more frugal tips for everyday living? Visit me at EverydayCheapskate.com/houseplants. * * * 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 2025 CREATORS.COM

Week of December 21, 2025

FACTS

ABOUT

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 5

every other country combined. It is home to 60% of the world’s lakes and 30% of its fresh water. Lakes cover 9% of the country’s surface. Russia has the second most lakes.

• 20% of citizens were born outside of Canada.

• Three of its five largest lakes are shared with the U.S., those being Superior, Huron, and Erie. Their largest lake is Great Bear Lake, followed by Great Slave Lake.

CANADA This week Tidbits turns out attention in the direction of Canada and presents some interesting facts you likely never know about our neighbors to the North. Follow along and learn! • Canada is the second largest country in the world, exceeded only by Russia. • Canada’s coastline, at 151,000 miles (243,000 km), is the longest in the world, larger than the combined coastlines of Russia, Australia, and Indonesia. Part of the reason its collective coastline is so great lies in the fact that there are over 52,000 named islands off the coast, as well as many that are unnamed. Of those, about 36,000 are located in the Arctic Archipelago.

• Hudson Bay in northern Canada is the second largest bay in the world, after the Bay of Bengal in India, which is twice that size. Hudson Bay is larger than South Africa and three times larger than the world’s largest lake, the Caspian Sea, in western Europe.

• It has 60% of the world’s polar bears. • 70% of the world’s supply of maple syrup comes from Quebec. • About a third of Canadians speak French at least passably well.  CLIP AND SAVE

Exp. 12-31-25

• The funnel-shaped Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has the largest tidal bore on the planet, with the difference between ADVERTISING PROOF MON., DEC. 1 high and low tide being 50 feet (15.4 m). When the Changes DUE: Final 12:0 tide rises, it rolls in faster than a person can run. Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P

ving the Valley or unable to leave home nline!

O -11-2013

• Only three countries have more islands: Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Norway has the second longest coastline in the world. • Devon Island, near Greenland, is the largest uninhabited island in the world, about the size of the country of Croatia. NASA undertakes training expeditions to Devon Island, which simulates topograhpic conditions found on Mars. • Canada has over two million lakes, more than

• Canada is the 3rd most densely forested country Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or cor in the world, after Russia and Brazil. However, 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760 Canada comes out on top when youOffice: consider number of trees per capita, with approximately 95,000 trees per person. The amount of forested terrain is equal in size to India. Approximately Property of 40% of the country is forested, and one-tenthPalm of Springs Presbyterian AdVenture Church Media, Inc. the world’s forests are located in Canada. c/o Dirk Voerman 1/16 pg BW - NP Rate • Canada’s southernmost city is Windsor, just Dec. 7, 2025 Vol. 21 - No. 50 across the Detroit River due east of Detroit. Although we think of Canada as being north of the U.S., Windsor is actually farther south than 14 U.S. states, including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, and all of New England.

You’re Welcome to Join us for our

• Of the ten Canadian provinces, the ones in the far north are the hardest to reach. There are only Dec. 24 two highways that lead to the Yukon and the 7:00 p.m. Northwest Territories. There are no roads leading Come meet our new pastor to the northernmost province of Nunavut. Of the Rev. TERRA PENNINGTON 41 million people in Canada, only about 100,000 Thurs. morning Coffee Hour ADVERTISING PROOF reside in these three provinces. 10:00 a.m to Noon PROMO - 08-2015 [updated]

Leaving the Valley or unable to leave home ?

Final DUE: 12:0 • Nunavut is the largest province, nearly the size Changes We are here to serve the community carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  P of Mexico, yet has a populationPlease of justreview 41,000 Palm Springs Presbyterian Church people. The capital of Nunavut is Iqaluit, with a Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corr 915 El Camino Real, Palm Springs 92264 population of only 7,000. Nunavut means “our Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760 land” in the Inuit language of Inuktitut. • The border between Canada and the U.S. is the world’s longest international border at 5,525  (8,891 km). miles

Enjoy Tidbits every week Enjoy Tidbits every 

Now, you can

can

Online!

Read Tidbits Online! week Online! ®

ou can

s® Online!

• 75% of Canadians live within 100 miles (160 km) of the U.S. border.

eybits/docs ek

Now you can read all the interesting stories, feature columnists, puzzles, quizzes and ads in our current issue, or browse through our archives -- all online.

full Enjoy Tidbits’ clean, wholesome and Give it a try! entertaining content whenever and •Scan this now• ReadofTidbits Valley archive. wherever you are...and, course,Online! it’s free!

nteresting stories, feature youcurrent can read all the interesting stories, feature s and adsNow in our Click here columnists, puzzles, quizzes and ads in our current ur archives -- all online. issue, or browse through our archives -- all online.Now, you can esome and entertaining www.issuu.com/valleybits/docs here Tidbits’ clean, wholesome and entertaining d whereverEnjoy you are ® content whenever and wherever you are se, it’s free! to enjoy the full

...and, of course, it’s FREE! Go Ahead valleybits/docs ® Visit Scan this “QRC” here Tidbits of Coachella archive. Check us out online today: or Valley www.issuu.com/valleybits/docs

Try It, now! the full today: Use your “smart device” to /valleybits/docs TidbitsPalmSprings.com lla Valley archive. Issuu.com/Valleybits Good News. Anywhere. Anytime. Always good news. Good news. y the full Anywhere. Any time. Anytime. Anywhere. ytime. ella Valley archive.

nytime.

Using your “smart device”

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc.

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corr Office: 760-320-0997

email: valleybits@msn.com

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 6

Fax: 760-

Vol. XXI Issue No. 52

Kial Roberts, romancing the ladies. He already appeared to have eyes for Daphnee Duplaix’s Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. *** Q: When is “The Boys” coming back to Amazon? Is it the final season, or will they surprise us with more? -- J.W.

Whitman has been acting since she was a young child. Most fans recognize her as Amber from the hit NBC family drama series “Parenthood,” a role she played from 2010-2015. “Good Girls” really allowed her to stretch her comedic wings that she first started exercising as bland Ann on “Arrested Development.” She became a firsttime mother in August 2024Number(s) when her son, page Please review carefully. 1/16th Double check:  Phone  Miles, Spelling  A: The satirical superhero series “The was born. 5,“Twelve 2025Dates • immediately Vol. #41 Boys” will return for its fifthContact and finalyour season on Oct. ‘Til21: Christmas” Tidbits representative withpremiered changes or c April 8, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video. Showrun- on the Hallmark Channel on Dec. 5. New episodes 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: ner Eric Kripke told TVLine Office: that despite its contin- air the next day on Hallmark+. ued popularity, the story was always meant to end * * * after five seasons. Antony Starr’s character, HomeSend me your questions at NewCelebrilander, will be back along with Karl Urban, Jack tyExtra@gmail.com. Quaid and Erin Moriarty. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. Fans of CW’s “Supernatural” will be thrilled to learn that not only is Jensen Ackles returning in Your Home his recurring role of Ben/Soldier Boy but that his Cou ld Be the former “Supernatural” co-stars Jared Padalecki and Solution Misha Collins will be joining him. You’ve worked hard for your home. While many will be mourning the loss of Now let it return the favor for you. “The Boys” when it concludes in late May 2026, • Stay in the homeProperty you love of they can rejoice in the fact that there will be a pre• No monthlyAdVenture mortgageMedia, payments Inc. quel series led by Ackles titled “Voight Rising.” • Turn your home equity into *** extra cash for living expenses 4 Million Q: I really miss the show “Good Girls.” Readers Weekly FREE ANationwide! Reverse Mortgage can help you enjoy of Coachella Valley What is the actress who played Annie doing retirement with The more financial freedom. Neatest Little Paper Ever Read Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 these days? -- D.E. Enrique I’M LOCAL! Let’svalleybits@msn.com meet in person in my Palm Desert Office for a free, no-strings-attached Braunschweiger NMLS #288216 consultationAll - and coffee’s on me! A: Mae Whitman had a baby last year, but Rights Reserved FIRST WEST FINANCIAL NMLS #252853 she’s back at work on a new series, this time on CALL Enrique@FirstWestFianancial.com Hallmark. In “Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas,” she NOW plays Kate, a textile pattern designer whose friends sign her up for a matchmaking adventure for the holidays. Her co-stars include Jane Seymour (“Harry Wild”) and Mary McDonnell (“Major Crimes”), as well as -- I’m assuming -- 12 actors to play her eligible bachelors. The six-episode series filmed on location in Ireland.

ADVERTISING PROOF Enrique Braunschw Final Changes DUE: 5:

by Dana Jackson King Features News Syndicate

Q: Is the actor who plays Kial the sur-

geon on “Beyond the Gates” the same actor who used to be on “The Young and the Restless” years ago? I forgot the character’s name, but I think he was involved with Sharon. -- G.S.

A: You have a great memory because it’s

Courtesy of NBC

been more than two decades since Greg Vaughan played a handsome drifter named Diego on the CBS daytime soap “The Young and the Restless.” He’s actually been on several other soaps for much longer stretches since then. From 2003-2009, he played Lucky Spencer on ABC’s “General Hospital” before landing his longestGreg Vaughan running daytime (“Beyond the Gates”) role as Eric Brady on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.” Vaughan’s latest soap gig is on the genre’s newest series “Beyond the Gates,” which airs weekdays on CBS. Expect to see his character, Dr.

Is Inflation Hurting Your Retirement?

Published by: AdVenture Media

For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997

valleybits@msn.com

760-219-2905

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc.

4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of Coachella Valley The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com

Published by: AdVenture Media

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (PG-13) Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio 2. Zootopia 2 (PG) Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman 3. Wicked: For Good (PG) Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande 4. Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution (R) Jun’ya Enoki, Yuma Uchida 5. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (PG-13) Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson 6. Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (NR) Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu 7. Eternity (PG-13) Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen 8. Hamnet (PG-13) Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal 9. Dhurandhar (NR) Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt 10. Predator: Badlands (PG-13) Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

You’ve worked hard for your home.

(Go Figure solution page 14)

Week of December 21, 2025

Good Recipes from

1/2 inches apart (batter will spread). Let stand 20 minutes. 5. Bake, one cookie sheet at a time, 18 to 19 minutes or until bubbles around bases of macarons are firm to the touch but tops are not browned. Cool on wire rack. Repeat with second cookie sheet.

Christmas Macarons These light, fluffy cookies get in the holiday spirit with a layer of chocolate and a couple drops of green food coloring. 1 cup slivered almonds 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 3 large egg whites 1/4 teaspoon salt 7 drops green liquid food coloring 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate

6. When cookies are cool, spread chocolate on bottoms of half of macarons, using about 1/2 teaspoon for each. Top each with another macaron, bottom side down. Let stand until chocolate hardens, about 45 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Bacon Gruyere Breakfast “Pie” Pizza for breakfast! Now that’s a Christmas miracle.

pastry, thawed ew carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling frozen Pricespuff  Hours bowl with rubber spatula. Add remaining sugar;

1/3 cup sour cream

act your Tidbits immediately withbowl. changes or corrections. pulse untilrepresentative combined. Transfer to large 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese email: valleybits@msn.com

Fax: 760-320-1630 4 slices cooked bacon

3. In mixer bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Beat in food coloring and almond extract. Increase speed to high and beat just until stiff (but not dry) peaks form when beaters are lifted. With rubber spatula, fold egg whites into almond mixture until blended. Batter will be just pourable c/o Bruce ADVERTISING PROOF and sticky. Knight

3 large eggs Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish 1. Heat oven to 400 F.

Valley Floor Care

2. On large sheet parchment, roll pastry to 12 by 10-inch rectangle. Fold 1/2 inch of edges to form rim; using a fork, seal rim and poke 1/16 BW 13x Disc all over pastry. Place pastry on cookie l Changes4. Transfer DUE: batter to pastry bag fitted with 5:00holes p.m.. Sept. 28, 2025 Vol. 21 No. 40 carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours 1/2-inch round tip. Holding bag about 1/2 inch our Tidbits immediately with changes aboverepresentative parchment, pipe 1-inch rounds spacedor 1 corrections. email: valleybits@msn.com



PROFESSIONAL RESURFACING 

Fax: 760-320-1630

EPOXY GARAGE FLOOR COATINGS PLUS: Coatings for Patios, (Cool) Pool Decks & Walkways

SERVICE INCLUDES: ● Acid Wash Prepping ● Moisture Barrier Primer Expe LOWEST ● 100% Solids Epoxy Warranty Tile & Grt in rout PRICES the Property of ● Decorative Chips Includ Restoration VALLEY! AdVenture Media, Inc. ed! ● Polyurethane Topcoat We Rejuvenate Old Epoxy Floors & Custom Seal Driveway Pavers 19 Years Experience.

10%

FREE Valley Floor Care

4 Million Readers Weekly

Senior Nationwide! Discount!

of Coachella Valley

LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read REFERENCES ON REQUEST Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: Published by: AdVenture Media For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com

Call Bruce:

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of Coachella Valley The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com

Published by: AdVenture Media

3. In small bowl, combine sour cream and Gruyere. Spread onto tart, creating 3 wells for eggs. Arrange bacon strips over topping. Crack eggs into wells; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4. Bake until egg whites are set and yolks are partly firm, about 14 minutes. Garnish with thyme. Serves 6.  Each serving: About 310 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated), 12g protein, 15g carbs, 1g fiber, 425mg sodium. * * *

ADVERTISING PROOF 2. In food processor with knife blade attached, process almonds and 1 cup sugar Mon., Sept. 22until 5:00 p.m.. 1 sheet (half of 17.3 ounce package) nal finely Changes DUE: ground and powdery, occasionally scraping

0-320-0997

sheet; bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.

1. Heat oven to 300 F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

: 760-320-0997

Page 7

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 8

Vol. XXI Issue No. 52

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

(Solution on page 16)

Donald Duck

by Walt Disney FindTheTwinsSnowmanColor [Converted].pdf

11/25/2007

5:18:41 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:

Ed and Judy Brown, Brittany Brown Adventure Media Resources

DIAMOND LIL

by Brett Koth

For advertising information call 760-320-0997 Member:

“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 December 21, 2025

Page 9

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

NEXT WEEK in TIDBITS SAVORS THE FACTS ABOUT

Cody’s Corner

CHOCOLATE

Dog Talk with Uncle Matty By Matthew Margolis Creators News Service

Deck the Halls with Your Dog in Mind

3. The Weekly “Brain Breaker”

Holidays & Observances This Week

Tis the season in which people the world over willingly and of sound mind invite chaos into their lives. We dangle from ladders while stapling lights to our rooftops. We drag trees from the outside inside. We flit from party to party and engage in full-on battle at the stores. And through it all, there is the dog. While a dog doesn’t know Santa from the Pope, he’s no fool. He sniffs change in the air, excitement on the horizon, and he may or may not like it. That all depends on you. Here are a few things you can do to keep your dog safe and feeling secure during the holly, jolly madness of the holidays. -- Keep the food out of reach. This goes double for candy and chocolate, both of which can be extremely toxic -- even fatal -- for dogs. While turkey and gravy leftovers are unlikely to kill your dog, they aren’t good for him, either. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and sugary or fatty treats are likely to invoke a wave of upset -- on his stomach and your state of mind. -- Designate the tree, the lights and the decorations off-limits. You can make this easier to enforce by hanging things like lights, holly and mistletoe high overhead. (Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are also toxic to dogs.) A small fence around the Christmas tree will keep the pooch out of its water and away from fragile, tasty-looking ornaments. -- Utilize the crate. For dogs that are cratetrained, this is the simplest solution to the problem of keeping the chaos of Christmas away from your dog. To properly crate-trained dogs, the crate represents a safe place of his own. Its floor is lined with a fleece bed or a soft blanket. A few of his favorite toys await inside. It’s quiet, comfortable and familiar -- qualities dogs love and need, and that are likely to be compromised come Christmastime. -- Remember the power of the leash. When used properly, the leash is perhaps the most powerful link between dog and owner. It gives the owner a degree of control he or she might not otherwise have, especially in crowded or overwhelming cir-

12/21 Winter Solstice 12/22 Forefathers Day 12/23 Family Roots Day 12/24 Egg Nog Day 12/25 Christmas Day 12/26 Boxing Day (Canada) 12/27 Gift Returns Day

Print Your Answers Here:

Wuzzles solution Page 16

Tidbits® Word Search

(CryptoQuip Solution on page 14)

“Holiday Happenings” K

N W N

W R

W T

W L

W T

W R

W L

G M

W L

W C

W O

G M

www.WordSearchMaker.com



� ANTICIPATION ANTICIPATION � BABY JESUS BABYJESUS � CANDLES CANDLES � CAROLING CAROLING CHRISTMASTREE � CHRISTMAS TREE FIREPLACE � FIREPLACE GATHERINGS � GATHERINGS � GIFT GIFTFROMGOD FROM GOD

Cody's Corner: Turn to Page 10

● ●



� HOLLY HOLLY � MAGIMAGI � MISTLETOE MISTLETOE � NATIVITY SCENE NATIVITYSCENE NEWYEARS � NEW YEARS PRESENTS � PRESENTS SWEETTREATS � SWEET TREATS WORSHIP � WORSHIP

(Word Search solution page 16)

Mega Maze solution Page 14

Page 10

SENIOR NEWS LINE by Matilda Charles

Do We Need Vitamin Supplements? Many of us have made our list of resolutions for the New Year, and some of those resolutions involve health and fitness. We’ve decided to get healthy and believe that the answers lie in exercise, diet, social interaction for mental health -- and vitamin supplements. Of those, the one that puts up red flags is the vitamin supplements. If we don’t know what we’re doing, however, we can cause problems because what we take might be unsafe. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has explored the topic of supplements for seniors (www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-supplements/dietary-supplements-older-adults) and the site is full of caveats and warnings. To be considered: -- If you’re hunting for supplement information on the internet or by watching TV ads, be wary about who is behind it. Do they have a motive (ie profit) for promoting a certain supplement? -- Remember that more is not necessarily

Decorate with Junk I have had many jobs in my life: shopkeeper, foreclosure agent for a mortgage company, university professor and architect. Most of them were a long time ago, and none of them brought me the joy that working as an interior designer allows me. I remember cutting out photos of rooms, tearing sheets from magazines and drawing sketches on napkins, which I put into notebooks that now compose a set of about 15 volumes of things I like. I truly live for what I do, and I am “on” all the time. Yes, I confess I am one of those people who stop at the first sight of a garage sale -- and I am also a very savvy garbage picker. Throughout the years, I have trash-picked furniture, lamps, architectural molding and mantelpieces, and some of these finds have turned out to be valuable antiques. It’s amazing what people throw away. Even I throw out good stuff every once in a while, usually to make room for other must-have items. It’s an amazing feeling that comes over me when I run into a find. I immediately start to envision how the item could be restored or reused, and I make a mental design of how the overall room will look. I don’t know whether it’s a blessing or a curse, but you know the feeling if you suffer from this condition. As a matter of fact, in times of economic duress, I condone -- and even encourage

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

better. Too much “more” of any supplement might be harmful to you. Check the NIH dietary supplement database at dsld.od.nih.gov. They have over 200,000 supplements listed, and you can search by product, brand or ingredient. Before you start taking supplements, talk to your doctor. You might be advised to make some adjustments to your diet instead, or they might know of a reason in your medical profile that indicates a certain supplement could cause problems for you.

Vol. XXI

Issue No. 52

Cody’s Corner (from page 9) cumstances, i.e., a holiday party. And it keeps the dog safe. Whenever you have a high-traffic situation at home -- many people coming and going -keep your dog on a leash to help ensure he doesn’t slip out and get hit by a car or lost. The last thing you want is to have to make a dramatic exit from your own party to take an emergency trip to the vet. Accidents happen because people are busy being busy. This holiday season, don’t be too busy to give your dog a merry Christmas. Woof! * * * Dog trainer Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis is the co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and the host of the PBS series “WOOF! It’s a Dog’s Life!” Read all of Uncle Matty’s columns at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. MON., NOV. 17

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 12

The NIH also recommends looking at the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, a free publication online at www.dietaryguidePlease review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling lines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_ Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf. Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or There is a whole section for older adults. COPYRIGHT 2014 CREATORS.COM

Office: 760-320-0997

email: valleybits@msn.com

Fax:

When it comes to our prescription drugs, we need to be aware there as well. To check for any interactions with drugs you are taking, go to Property of drugs.com, click “Drugs Interaction Checker” V & C Water Solutions AdVenture Media, Inc. and enter the drug name. You’ll get a result that c/o Vic Robles shows any interactions as well as warnings, sideBZ 4C 6x Rate effects and uses of the drug.

Nov. 23, 2025 Vol. 21 - No. 48

Here’s to a healthy 2026 -- with or without vitamin supplements! * * *

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) KingFeaturesSyndicate2025

ADVERTISING PROOF Final Changes DUE: 12

Please carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  -- you to see what you can find and mix review into your interior design. Decorating with junk is not only Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or c cost effective -- it's fun! Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 7 If your goal is a personalized and unique decor, nothing can make it so more than a collection of good finds embellished with elbow grease and imagination. Great pieces that are worth your while include solid wood pieces with dove tail or Property of pegged construction such as a table or chest, AdVenture Media, Inc. metal pieces that are not too worn or scratched such as a modern chair or etagere, and well-kept upholstered pieces. Don’t stop at furniture. Keep an eye out for Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 art, too. Great works of art have been bought at valleybits@msn.com tag sales and found in abandoned attics, and later All Rights Reserved discovered to be a lost work of a master artist. This tip is truly an insider’s guide to buying art and starting a small contemporary art collection at a fraction of gallery prices. It can feel intimidating to purchase the unknown, but it needn’t be. Smart phones can be put to work searching the signature on artwork on search engines. And in addition to educating yourself about the artist and his or her biography, websites such as eBay, One Kings Lane and 1stDibs can give you a good idea as to the value of a particular piece. Be brave! Have fun decorating with junk! And get used to the odd looks when you stop at your nearest junk pile. Once you make your first couple of finds, it will be you who looks oddly at others when they just walk by. * * * 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 2024 CREATORS.COM

Week of December 21, 2025

YOUR

SOCIAL SECURITY by Tom Margenau

Protecting Your Right to Benefits This column will discuss a special procedure that the Social Security Administration routinely uses to help individuals protect their rights to potential benefits. It’s called a “protective filing date.” In a nutshell, if you contact the SSA and tell them you intend to file for some kind of Social Security benefit and give them your name and Social Security number, it establishes a record that could be used as a starting date for any Social Security application you might file later on. However, that protective date is usually good for only six months. The best way to explain this procedure in more detail is by answering some questions I got from readers about this issue.

Q: My wife recently tried to sign up for Social Security. She wanted her benefits to start this month when she will be 66 years old. But then the Social Security rep got her all confused because he said their records showed that my wife called them back in June. And he said because she did that, she has to start her benefits in June at a lesser rate than what she would have been due had she been allowed to start her benefits this month as she wanted. She got so confused that she just hung up and ended the call. Now we don’t know what to do. Can you help us? (By the way, my wife did call the SSA back in June. But she told them she was just thinking about filing for benefits and wanted some information about the process.) A: I’ve got a hunch your wife misunderstood what the SSA rep was telling her. Or possibly he just didn’t do a very good job of explaining the situation. When your wife called the Social Security people back in June, they established a “protective filing date” of June for her. And that simply means that if at some point within the next six months she decided to actually file for benefits, she could start those benefits in June if she wanted to. Despite

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

what the agent supposedly told your wife, it did not mean that she must start those benefits in June. So, if your wife wants her benefits to start this month at age 66, she can have them start this month. It’s just that she could decide to have them start in June if she wanted to. If she did that, she’d get about 3% less per month in ongoing benefits. But on the other hand, she would get a big back paycheck.

Q: I’ve been reading your column for

years, and I’ve also read your Social Security book. So I think I’m a pretty good Social Security expert. I’ve got a friend who is 64 years old. And she recently started her retirement benefits. And she told me she got a check for retroactive benefits. But I knew from reading your column and book that retroactive benefits can only be paid to people who have reached their full retirement age or older. I told her this couldn’t be, since she was only 64 years old. But she showed me her bank statement, and sure enough, there was a Social Security deposit for about $8,000 in back pay benefits. So how did that happen?

A: It all has to do with this protective filing

date business. You are right that normally, you can only get retroactive benefits if you are past your full retirement age. Or to put that another way, the law says that no retroactive benefits can be made if they involve the payment of reduced retirement benefits. I will bet my next Social Security check that this friend of yours contacted the SSA a number of months before she finally decided to file for benefits. And when she did sign on the dotted line, they used that protected date as her filing date. That’s why she got the back paycheck. And even though she got that back paycheck, it technically was not a retroactive payment. In other words, on Social Security’s books, it’s as if she filed her claim on that past protective date.

Q: I will reach my full retirement age

in two months. I’m still not sure if I want to

1. The book of Malachi is found in the a) Old Testament b) New Testament c) Neither 2. Where did the angel Gabriel appear to Mary saying, "Blessed art thou among women"? a) Nazareth b) Tyre c) Jerusalem d) Tarsus

Page 11

file for my Social Security to start then or wait until I’m 70. I recently got a letter from the Social Security people telling me that if I don’t file for benefits by the end of this month, I will lose any retroactive benefits I might be due. I called the SSA immediately and a rep told me something about a “protected date” because I called them last August asking some questions. Now I’m all confused. What’s this all about?

A: When you called them in August, that

set up a “protective filing date” of August. And because those dates are good for six months, the letter you got was simply informing you that you have another month to decide if you want to use August as a possible starting month for your benefits. But it sounds like you don’t want to do that. You said you want your benefits to begin either when you reach your full retirement age or at age 70. I can understand why that letter confused you. But again, it really was just protecting your rights to those past benefits. If you don’t want the back benefits, just ignore that letter you got.

Q: I recently started my Social Secu-

rity at my full retirement age. I have a neighbor who is about the same age, and he did the same thing. But he got a retroactive benefit check. He said it was because he first called Social Security about four months ago, and they used that date as his starting month. I also called Social Security about three months ago with some general questions. But I didn’t get any back pay. How come?

A: I really am not sure. But here is an educated guess. I’ll bet when your neighbor called, he expressed more of an interest in filing for benefits, and as part of that process, gave the SSA rep his name and Social Security number. And that set this whole protective filing date process in motion. On the other hand, when you called, I have a hunch you just asked some questions and never expressed an interest in filing for benefits. You never gave them your name and SSN, no record was made of the call and no protective filing date was established. * * * If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easyto-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. 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.

3. With perhaps two different biblical answers, who was the father of Joseph? a) Jacob/Heli b) Gideon/Ishmael c) Solomon/Nahum d) Samuel/Joshua 4. Which Old Testament prophet predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? a) Amos b) Isaiah c) Micah d) Nahum

When it was his turn to visit with Santa, the mother of 5-year-old Kristopher said, "Now remember honey, tell him that your name is the same as his."

5. How did Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem? a) Donkey b) Cart c) On foot d) Bible not specific

As Kris made himself comfortable on Santa's lap he said, "Santa, did you know that my name is the same as yours?"

6. Which of these is not mentioned as a gift from the wise men? a) Gold b) Frankincense c) Myrrh d) Tickle Me Elmo

"Ho Ho Ho! said Santa. Now, isn't that special? So tell me, what would you like for Christmas, Clarence?"

(Answers on page 16) "Test Your BibleorKnowledge," a bookgo with For comments more Bible Trivia to 1,206 multiple-choice questions by Wilson Casey is www.TriviaGuy.com available in stores and online.

Share Tidbits® with a Friend!

Page 12

Tidbits of Coachella Valley DEAR DR. ROACH: When is a cough considered chronic? -- B.B.A.

M.D.

Discussing Sinus Node Dysfunction and Its Symptoms/Treatment DEAR DR. ROACH: Last year at age 76, I was diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction after several episodes of what I’d call being “spaced out” (for lack of a better term). I couldn’t explain these instances to myself, much less anyone else lest they think I was crazy, until I had one where I passed out. This scared me, and I told my husband, who immediately made a doctor’s appointment. The wise physician assistant sent me to a cardiologist who had me wear a heart monitor for two weeks. During this time, I had another episode that lasted for seven seconds, according to the very alarmed cardiologist. I was immediately scheduled for pacemaker surgery. Could you please discuss sinus node dysfunction and enlighten me as to what caused it? -- G.W.T. ANSWER: The sinus of your heart has nothing to do with your nose as you might guess; it’s a structure in the right atrium where blood flows into the heart from the venae cavae. It contains a structure called the “sinus node” or “sinoatrial node” that serves as the natural pacemaker for the heart. If the SA node makes an electrical impulse, but it is poorly conducted, this results in an SA block. The sinus node may be too slow (sinus bradycardia), or it may fail to make an impulse for a period of time or even permanently (sinus pauses and sinus arrest). All of these are included in the umbrella term of “sinus node dysfunction” (which used to be called “sick sinus syndrome” since it’s accompanied by periods of a too-fast heart rate). When the sinus node fails to provide an impulse, other pacemakers in the heart will usually provide an “escape” beat, which prevents the symptom of being “spaced out.” Some people describe this as fatigue or lightheadedness. If there is no escape beat, then you will get a sinus pause as you did. When the sinus pause is very long, the person will often faint (which we term “syncope”). One of my fellow residents got a call from the attending cardiologist who was reading the heart monitor of a patient on the inpatient service and had found a sinus pause that lasted for 17 seconds. (I can still recall the cardiologist saying, “Good god, man! Is this patient still alive?” to the utter horror of my fellow resident, who literally ran to the patient’s bedside. The patient was alive, fortunately.) The placement of a permanent pacemaker is the definitive treatment for sinus node dysfunction, but not everyone needs this. It’s also important to look for exacerbating factors (especially medicines but also thyroid disease, blockages of the heart arteries, liver disease, and low oxygen, among others) that can affect the sinus node. These factors can make the disease of the sinus node become symptomatic due to fibrosis of the area around the SA node and its accompanying conduction tissue. Most of the time, no specific cause for sinus node dysfunction can be found, but systemic diseases like amyloidosis, sarcoidosis and hemochromatosis are rare causes of sinus node dysfunction. ***

ANSWER: We do have formal definitions. An acute cough is present for less than three weeks, and infections -- both viral (cold, flu, bronchitis) and bacterial (bronchitis, pneumonia) -- are the most common causes. A subacute cough is present for three to six weeks. Postinfectious irritability is a common cause, but asthma and chronic rhinitis are also common. A chronic cough is present for longer than six weeks. There are many causes, but asthma, reflux disease (GERD), and postnasal drip are the most common. Medications (ACE inhibitors), eosinophilic bronchitis, and certain chronic infections (like pertussis or tuberculosis) should be considered as well. * * * 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) 2025 North America Synd., Inc.

Vol. XXI

Issue No. 52

VETERANS  POST  by Freddie Groves

Saving Lives with Buddy Check One of the most valuable things you can do in the new year will be to check on your buddies, those you’ve served with and those in your area, and make a regular routine of it. It’s called Buddy Check, and you could be saving a life. A few stats: -- Depending on the source you read, there are 17 to 22 veteran suicides per day. Yes, the numbers have decreased slightly over the years, but even one is too many. -- The rate of male veteran suicides is 60% higher than for nonveterans. For women veterans, the numbers are even higher. -- The reasons vary. Between needing to adjust to civilian life, homelessness, isolation, not wanting to ask for help and PTSD, many of our buddies are in trouble, especially if brain injury (even mild TBI) is part of the equation. This is where you come in, with Buddy Check. Go online to va.gov and search for “Veteran Buddy Checks.” Click on the fact-packed 20-minute training video and learn how you can help. Become familiar with the S.A.V.E. acronym -- know the Signs, Ask the right questions, Value their life and Enlist help. Then take the pledge to check on 10 veteran buddies. Your best source to locate other veterans is the Together We Served website (www.TogetherWeSer ved.com). To access the data base you’ll need to enter your name, email address and branch of service. If you want, you can add a few details about yourself. Once on the site, you’ll find a unit directory and over 2 million veterans who’ve signed up. You can start with their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TogetherWeSer ved. Look at the American Legion Buddy Check. Go to www.legion.org and search for “Buddy Check.” Learn about their program and download the tool kit. If you are the one who needs help, don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Help is only a phone call away, day or night, at the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 and press 1. Or text to 838255. For confidential support for a family member or friend, see VeteransCrisisLine. net. * * *

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

Week of December 21, 2025

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

at 800-633-4227.

-- by Jim Miller

How to Appeal a Medicare Coverage Denial DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: What steps do I need to take to appeal a denied Medicare claim? -- Frustrated Retiree Dear Frustrated: If you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, you can appeal, and you’ll be happy to know that many appeals are successful, so it’s definitely worth your time. But before going that route, talk with the doctor, hospital and Medicare to see if you can spot the problem and resubmit the claim. Many denials are caused by simple billing code errors by the doctor’s office or hospital. If, however, that doesn’t fix the problem, here’s how you appeal. Original Medicare Appeals If you have original Medicare, start with your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). This statement will list all the services, supplies and equipment billed to Medicare for your medical treatment and will tell you why a claim was denied. You can also check your Medicare claims early online at MyMedicare.gov, or by calling Medicare

There are five levels of appeals for original Medicare, although you can initiate a “fast appeal” if you’re getting services from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency, outpatient rehabilitation facility or hospice, and the service is ending. You have 120 days after receiving the MSN to request a “redetermination” by a Medicare contractor, who reviews the claim. Circle the items you’re disputing on the MSN, provide a written explanation of why you believe the denial should be reversed, and include any supporting documents like a letter from the doctor or hospital explaining why the charge should be covered. Then send it to the address on the form.

Page 13

by-step procedures on how to appeal Medicare, go to Medicare.gov/claims-appeals and click on “File an appeal.” Also make sure to keep photocopies and records of all communication with Medicare, whether written or oral, concerning your denial. Need Help? If you need help filing an appeal, you can appoint a representative (a relative, friend, advocate, attorney or someone else you trust) to help you. Or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which has counselors that can file your appeal for you for free. To locate your local SHIP, go to ShipHelp.org or call 877839-2675. * * *

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.

You can also use the Medicare RedeADVERTISING PROOF termination Form. See CMS.gov/Medicare/ Final Changes DUE: Tues., 6/25/19 5:00 p.m.. CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/downloads/ CLIP AND Please review carefully. Double check:SAVE  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours CMS20027.pdf to download it or call 800Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. 633-4227 to request a copy by mail. Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 The contractor will usually decide within 60 days after receiving your request. If your request is denied, you can request for “reconsideration” from a different claims reviewer and submit additional evidence. A denial at this level ends the matter, unless the charges in dispute are at least $190 in 2025. In that case, you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. The hearing is usually held by videoconference or teleconference. If you have to go to the next level, you can appeal to the Medicare Appeals Council. Then, for claims of at least $1,900 in 2025, the final level of appeals is judicial review in U.S. District Court. Advantage and Part D Appeals If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage health plan or Part D prescription drug plan the appeals process is slightly different. With these plans you have only 65 days to initiate an appeal. And in both cases, you must start by appealing directly to the private insurance plan, rather than to Medicare. If you think that your plan’s refusal is jeopardizing your health, you can ask for an expedited (fast) request, where a Part D insurer must respond within 24 hours, and Medicare Advantage health plan must provide an answer within 72 hours.

Ultimate Home Repairs

Business Card, 4c, 26x Discount Rate June 30, 2019 • Volume 15: Issue #27 CLIP AND SAVE PROFESSIONAL  Reliable  Expert

Handyman Services

and

home repair

Plumbing • Carpentry • Electrical • Painting Property of AdVenture Inc. Fans Drywall • Vanities • Cabinets •Media, Ceiling Flooring • Laminate • Tile • Showers • Stucco Concrete • Pet Doors • Appliance Installs • MORE! FREE of Coachella Valley % Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: 760.320.1630 “Our repeat 10 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

Published by: AdVenture Media

SENIOR

UNT DISCO ion Tidbits.

For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997

valleybits@msn.com

760.347.9485 -Richard Johnson,

UltimateHomeRepair.net Bonded & Insured, not a licensed GC READ TIDBITS

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Office: 760-320-0997

email: valleybits@msn.com

Fax: 760-320-1630

Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of Coachella Valley

For more information, along with step-

Enjoy Tidbits? Your review helps business owners trust Tidbits with their ads & that keeps your favorite paper running.

customers make our business thrive!”

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

1. Scan this code. 2. Write a favorable Google Business Review.

valleybits@msn.com

ADVERTISING PROOF CALL FREE TODAY: Final Changes DUE: 5:00 p.m.. Estimates -owner-

ment

Published by: AdVenture Media

If you disagree with your plan’s decision, you can file an appeal, which like original Medicare, has five levels. If you disagree with a decision made at any level, you can appeal to the next level.

Repairing Desert Homes for over 20 years!

Enjoyed by the valley’s most Distinguished Readers

Page 14

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Vol. XXI

Issue No. 52

is not a pitcher. It is in mint condition. I am interested in it because my ancestors came from Czechoslovakia.

ANTIQUE -- OR -JUNQUE by Anne McCollam Creators News Service

Grandmother’s Mystery Plate Q: Enclosed is a photo of a plate deco-

rated with a scene of “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” I inherited it from my grandmother Julia, who died in 1963 at the age of 99. She loved this plate, and I know nothing about it or where it came from. The border that surrounds the scene is cobalt blue, and the scalloped edge is trimmed with gold. Marked on the back is a crown above a wreath with the words “Empire China.” Also, below that is the number “4061.” Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

* On Dec. 22, 2001, the world’s first cloned cat, appropriately named CC, or Copy Cat, made her debut in a Texas biomedical lab. She lived for 18 years, possessed all the attributes of a normal cat, and her birth jumpstarted a pet-cloning industry around the world.

Early 20th Century Jug was made in Czechoslovakia.

A: In 1918 the Czechs and the Slovaks

separated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and formed one country: Czechoslovakia. It consisted of several provinces that included parts of Bavaria, Moravia, Bohemia and Silesia. Czechoslovakia was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1938 to 1945. It was under Soviet Russia control from 1948 to 1989. After the “Velvet Revolution,” when the two parts decided to separate in 1993, it peacefully became two sovereign countries again. They are now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Many pottery, porcelain and glass factories sprung up from 1918, and the pieces are now collectible Your early 20th-century jug would probably be worth $75 to $100.

* * *

Antiques expert and columnist Anne McCollam has recently retired and no longer receives inquiries nor answers reader letters. Due to the popularity of her column, this publication will continue to reprint previous columns of interest to our readers. To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

Empire China was made by Steubenville, Pottery in Ohio.

A: “Empire China” was made by Steuben-

ville Pottery in Steubenville, Ohio. They were in business from 1879 to 1959. The number “4061” is a design number. Your plate was made in the early 1900s and would probably be worth $50 to $75. *** Q: This mark is on the bottom of an ironstone jug that I have. It was given to my mother by a neighbor. It stands about 7 inches tall and is decorated with blue and yellow flowers with green leaves against a cream background. Even though it has a handle, it

* On Dec. 23, 1982, the Missouri Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control told residents of Times Beach, Missouri, that their town was contaminated by the chemical dioxin sprayed on its unpaved roads, with the unfortunate result that the town would have to be demolished. By February, the federal and state governments had spent $36 million to buy all the town’s houses, with the exception of one that the owners refused to sell, and the city was officially disincorporated. * On Dec. 24, 1801, British inventor Richard Trevithick took seven of his friends for a test ride in his “Puffing Devil,” aka “Puffer,” the first steam-powered passenger vehicle. * On Dec. 25, 1971, Garo Yepremian punted a 37-yard field goal in the second overtime of an AFC playoff game, giving the Miami Dolphins a 27-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the longest game in NFL history: 82 minutes and 40 seconds. * On Dec. 26, 1946, mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Singer/comedian Jimmy Durante headlined the entertainment, with music by band leader Xavier Cugat. The opening flopped, however, due to bad weather that kept away many Hollywood guests, and as gamblers didn’t have rooms at the hotel, they took their winnings and gambled elsewhere. The casino lost $300,000 in its first week. * On Dec. 27, 1935, Regina Jonas became the first woman ordained as a rabbi. After many male rabbis fled Germany during World War II, she stepped into the void, though synagogues, at least, would not welcome her. She died in Auschwitz. * On Dec. 28, 1917, writer/satirist H.L. Mencken published a history of the bathtub, including a claim that bathing was unlawful in Boston between 1845 and 1862. The story, which was a spoof designed to test reader gullibility, was widely shared by newspapers and historians. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Puzzle Solutions

If you believe everybody who says they've found a waterworn ravine, I guess you're gully-ble.

GO FIGURE SOLUTION

"Yes, yes, I know! You want a shiny new golf cart with a refrigerator and a bar plus an air horn and a speaker system. Now get off my lap - you're killing my leg!"

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Week of December 21, 2025

Page 15

Super Bowl Rings (from page 3) where he had put them. • He typically carried the same backpack to work every day while he served on the air as a football analyst. In the middle of a broadcast one day, someone asked him for a pen. He knew he had one in his backpack, but couldn’t remember which zippered pouch it was in. Searching through the compartments, he unzipped one—and there were the missing rings! As he explained the discovery to his live audience and confessed his faulty memory, he blushed and said, “No wonder my backpack has been so doggone heavy!”

TEE UP

PILFERED BY PUTIN!

• Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, traveled to Russia in 2005 along with Fox News exec. Rupert Murdoch and an assortment of other high-profile bigwigs. They met with Vladimir Putin for the purpose of stimulating commerce.

YOUR AD

• As the group posed for a picture, banker Sanford ADVERTISING Weill encouraged Kraft toPROOF show Putin his Super Monday, 9/29/25 Final Bowl Changes DUE: Putin p.m.. XXXIX. took the ring,5:00 tried it on, e review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours admired the 124 diamonds, and commented, “I Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections. could kill someone with this ring.” He then took Office: 760-320-0997 email: valleybits@msn.com Fax: 760-320-1630 the ring off, but as Kraft held out his hand to receive it, Putin casually slipped it in his own pocket, then left the room. Kraft started to object, but Weill quckly gave him a short shake of the head, indicating that was not a good idea.

12:noon HERE!

Give your golf-related advertising message targeted visibility in full color in this weekly 2” x 6” fixed location.

• Later, the Bush White House encouraged Kraft to announce that he had presented Putin with the ring as a token of appreciation, to which Kraft, through gritted teeth, reluctantly complied. Twenty years Business Card • BW • 13x disc. later, however, Kraft insisted bluntly, “Vladimir, Oct. 5, 2025 Vol. 21 - No. 42 Give me back my ring!” He never got it. ADVERTISING PROOF • Kraft has since earned six Super Bowl rings, but Final Changes 5:00 p.m.. one of themDUE: still remains on display somewhere ase review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours in the Kremlin. 

JR Thomas Golf Cars

Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changes or corrections.

Office: 760-320-0997

email: valleybits@msn.com Property of

Fax: 760-320-1630

AdVenture Media, Inc.

GOLF CART FOR SALE 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of Coachella Valley

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

Phone: 760.320.0997 Fax: For Advertising Call (760) 320-0997 760.320.1630 valleybits@msn.com valleybits@msn.com

EZGO TXT 42 Volt - 1,900 Published by: AdVenture Media

• Roof Cooling System! • New Seat Covers • Cargo for Golf Bags/Cooler! • Mounted Golf Ball Washer • Divot Repair Bottles & MORE! Text Mark to see it:

760.989.5625

GREAT DEAL!!

STAN SMITH'S TENNIS CLASS Property of AdVenture Media, Inc. 4 Million Readers Weekly Nationwide!

of Coachella Valley The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

$159 per insertion rea ches 70,000+ readers each week at the low cost of only $2.27 per 1,000

reader impressions!

CALL TODAY

760.320.0997

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE

Game Changers by Jason Jenkins

Play Better Golf with JACK NICKLAUS

Floating Finish The lob shot that needs to land softly has been one of the most sought after game changers in amateur golf. While having a high lofted club has made this shot much easier, golfers still struggle with the techniques that top players use with seemingly ease and comfort. The follow through or finish on these floating shots requires the left arm to fold, and the left wrist to hinge while the palm stays facing downward. Just the opposite of what’s desired on a normal full swing. The attempt is to prevent any clubface rotation through impact by preventing the hands and forearms from rotating. The arms must “saw” or appear to retract after impact rather than extending like other pitch shots. Sometimes the grip end will finish closer to your body than its address distance. Notice the ADVERTISING PROOF clubface is “open” or Finalpointing Changes DUE:at the finish as well. 5:00 p.m.. skyward

Please review carefully. Double check:  Phone Number(s)  Spelling  Prices  Hours JasonJenkins Jenkinswas was aa 16-year 16-year member of Jason of the theJim JimMcLean McLeanGolf Golf Contact your Tidbits representative immediately with changesTop or 100 corrections. School teaching staff one Magazine’s School teaching staff.and He was was oneofofGOLF GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher Nominees 1999-2010. He Fax: was one ofone the of Golf Teacher Nominees 1999-2010 and has named been named the Office: 760-320-0997 760-320-1630 Digest Top Teachers in California in 2011. Golf Digest Top Teachers in California. Jason teaches at GOLFTEC CENTER Indio. at Contact him at jjenkins@golftec.com ContactinJason 760-485-2452 or devgolfinstr@gmail.com

Property of

Issue No. 52

25DOHC10164_TB_BackCover_DueDec15.indd

SERVICE,

York, NY

1 EXT. 257

Vol. XXI

Tidbits of Coachella Valley

Page 16

1. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first left-handed president? 2. GEOGRAPHY: What country is home to the largest cave in the world? 3. MOVIES: Who is the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the “Toy Story” movies? 4. HISTORY: Who was the first emperor of Rome? 5. LITERATURE: In what city is James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” set? 6. TELEVISION: What is the name of Data’s cat on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”? 7. ASTRONOMY: What is an exploding star called? 8. SCIENCE: What kind of cloud is associated with thunderstorms? 9. U.S. STATES: Which states have by Linda Thistle no sales tax? Answer Peekers' names added 10. ANATOMY: What is the functo Santa's Naughty List. TEST The idea is to tion TRIVIA ofoftheGo carotidFigure arteries? arrive at theAnswers figures given at Answers Answers Weekly Weekly SUDOKU SUDOKU the bottom and right-hand columns1.ofJames theGarfield. diagram by fol-Answer2. Vietnam. lowing the arithmetic signs in 3. Tim Allen. the order they are given (that 4. Augustus. is, from left to right and top to Dublin, Ireland. bottom).5.Use only the numbers 6. Spot. below the diagram to complete 7. A supernova. its blank squares and use each 8. Cumulonimbus. of the nine numbers only once. 9. Five states have no sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, DIFFICULTY: � New Hampshire and Oregon. � Moderate �� oxygen-rich Difficult blood 10. They supply �� GOneck FIGURE! to the face, and brain. ©©2006 King Features Syndicate, 2010King King Features Synd.,Inc. Inc. ©©2020 2025 Features Synd., Inc. 2022

Games

October 23-29, 2006

Go Figure!

GO FIGURE!

answers

Quiz Bits ANSWERS

ANSWERS

1. Tom Brady 2. Tom Brady - 7 rings / 23 years 3. Tiffany's 4. Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots 5. Losing rings are lesser value BIBLE TRIVIA Answers

1. (A) Old Testament 2. (A) Nazareth 3. (A) Jacob/Heli 4. (C) Micah 5. (D) Bible not specific 6. (D) Tickle Me Elmo

WUZZLES Answers ®

Tidbits Tidbits®® Word Word Search Search