For Ad Rates Call Jennifer Nichols @ 208-741-2408 [email protected] Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 Issue # 1034 Week 31 ADJUSTABLE COMFORT 398 South Oregon Street ∙ Ontario, Oregon Save NOW on all adjustable bases! 541-889-5642 We have a great selection of mattresses that are made for your new adjustable base. ∙ Read a book or watch TV in comfort ∙ Reduce lower back pain ∙ Reduce acid reflux ∙ Reduce snoring ∙ Quit sleeping in your recliner and be comfortable in bed LEON’S PUMPS LLC Do It Right The First Time Sales ∙ Service Installation ∙ Repair (541) 889-6353 [email protected] 203 NE 1st Street ∙ Ontario Licensed in Oregon & Idaho CCB#214732 The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read R ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©2019 CONTACT JENNIFER @ 208-741-2408 FOR DETAILS TODAY! FROM ONE SMALL BUSINESS TO ANOTHER......... DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ADVERTISE IN TIDBITS FOR AS LOW AS $25.00 PER WEEK? LINDSAY ECOWATER (541) 889-5405 2452 SW 4th Avenue, Ontario Oregon, 97914 • Hard water • Odor • Iron Stains • Arsenic • Nitrates Solutions for: ecowatertv.com ICE is the only hard water you should have to deal with 1701 SW 4th Ave Ontario ∙ 541-889-3078 Mon-Sat: 10-5 Hurry in for best selection! See our ad on page 3 Appliances, Furniture, Doors, Cabinets, Paint, Building Materials Don't Dump... Donate! 541-212-0914 1008 SW 4th Ave Ontario Dessert By Design Homemade - Baked Fresh Est 2021 We are across the street from the hospital! NEW LOCATION COMING SOON! Summer Hours: Wed-Fri 11-6:30pm Sat 11-2pm TIDBITS® TUNES INTO WHEEL OF FORTUNE by Kathy Wolfe If you’d like to buy a vowel, follow along to view the facts Tidbits has spun up on America’s favorite game, “Wheel of Fortune.” • Merv Griffin was the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” the game show based on the word game Hangman. As Griffin re- called his childhood memory of playing Hangman with his sister on long car trips, in 1975, he brought the game to the air, with the addition of a large roulette wheel. • Chuck Woolery was chosen as the host for the new program, along with former actress and model Susan Stafford who turned the letters. In 1981, when the Wheel’s ratings surpassed the popular “Family Feud,” Woolery asked for the same salary that was being paid Feud host, Richard Dawson. When the salary offer was $100,000 less than Woolery’s demand, he refused, and Griffin fired him. • Susan Stafford started with the show’s debut on January 6, 1975, continuing until October, 1982. She gave up acting and modeling and returned to school to obtain a B.A. in Nutrition, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and began working with cancer patients. In 2011, the original hostess penned her memoirs in the book Stop the Wheel, I Want to Get Off,” sharing insider details of the game show, along with her child- hood reminiscences and post-Wheel career. (turn page for more!)
Page 2 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 published by Hidden Treasure Publishing 208.741.2408 · PO Box 24, Payette, ID 83661 Publisher: Jennifer Nichols ∙ 208.741.2408 ∙ [email protected] Advertising: Jennifer Nichols Call or Text 208.741.2408 Tidbits is published weekly. Advertising Deadlines: New ads - Tuesdays by 5:00 pm Ad Changes - Wednesdays by 5:00 pm Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason deemed inappropriate or not in the Publisher's best interest. Small Dog’s Aggression Is a Worry DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I have a small, mixed-breed, mostly terrier named Cookie. He’s a darling to me and my son, but to anyone else, he’s a terror. He is a rescue, so I don’t know what his early life was like or if he was properly socialized. But I’m worried about having company over because he will bark ferociously at any strangers. What can I do to stop this? -- Janice L., Trenton, New Jersey DEAR JANICE: A lack of socialization or an abusive home could be factors in Cookie’s aggression. Genetics can also be at play: Some dog breeds were developed to be guard dogs or hunters and may be more aggressive if not trained well. However, Cookie has accepted you and your son as family, and that is a positive sign. Follow these tips as you begin the process of reducing his aggression. -- Never force Cookie to meet new visitors or strangers on the street. Let him approach visitors on his own, with you supervising. -- Ask visitors (and people on the street) not to approach Cookie or try to pet him. -- Create a safe space where you can put Cookie when visitors arrive. A kennel cage with water, soft bed and favorite toys is ideal. -- If Cookie is physically aggressive (charging or snapping), he must stay in his kennel when visitors come, and should always be leashed and wear a muzzle when walking outdoors. Next, talk to Cookie’s veterinarian about a combination of anti-anxiety medication along with a training routine. I recommend working with a trainer so you can implement effective training methods as quickly as possible. With love, training and care, Cookie can become a confident, less aggressive dog. Send your tips, comments or questions to [email protected]. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. Malheur County Veteran's Service Office Connie R. Tanaka Providing help with your Veterans Benefits 541-889-6649 Call for an appointment New and Refurbished Medical Equipment and Supplies We Will Save You Money! (541) 216-6468 2390 SW 4th Ave ∙ Ontario LIFESTYLE HOME MEDICAL SUPPLY (541) 889-3747 Visit us at 272 S. Oregon St., Ontario, OR 97914 www.oregontrailhobbies.com Scale Models · R/C Planes · Trains · Kites · Miniatures Paranormal · Seasonal Flags · Art Supplies Toys · Metal Detectors · Coin Collecting · Religious Supply Oregon Gifts Now offering Creativity Classes! Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm, Sat 11am - 4pm Thank you for shopping local! WHEEL OF FORTUNE (continued): • The “Wheel” almost wasn’t the “Wheel”! The original name was proposed to be “Shopper’s Bazaar,” since the initial premise was that contestants would use their winnings to shop for prizes in the gallery. Until 1989, winners went on a shopping spree, “purchasing” items like patio furniture, hot tubs, jewelry, travel, and the infamous Dalmatian statue. • Producer Merv Griffin was a fan of the weatherman on the local NBC news affiliate, Pat Sajak, particularly enjoying Sajak’s charm and sense of humor. When Griffin proposed Sajak as Woolery’s replacement, NBC’s response was a firm “No” to the unknown local, citing his lack of qualifications for the job. Griffin held firm, refusing to tape any more episodes until the network caved. Sajak hosted for the first time on December 28, 1981. • Sajak worked with Susan Stafford for nearly a year until Vanna White’s first episode on December 13, 1982. There were three finalists for the hostess role, but Griffin was most impressed with White. • The show’s original announcer was Charlie O’Donnell, a seasoned veteran of announcing, having worked on “The Joker’s Wild,” “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Card Sharks,” and “To Tell the Truth,” among others. He had also served as announcer on “American Bandstand,” the “Emmy Awards,” and the Academy Awards. When he passed away in late 2010, he was succeeded by current announcer Jim Thornton. Thornton had been a radio and television announcer for years, as well as serving as narrator for a portion of the 2001 film “Monsters, Inc.” and a voice actor in several video games. (continued on next page)
Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Page 3 1. Name the Brazilian soccer player who was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year five straight times from 2006- 10. 2. What two physical hockey players formed the Detroit Red Wings’ “Bruise Brothers” during the late 1980s and early ‘90s? 3. At the 1973 Indianapolis 500, Patrick Racing crew member Armando Teran was killed instantly after being struck by what? 4. As a child in the 1920s, Major League Baseball outfielder and coach Peanuts Lowrey worked as an extra on what series of short comedy films? 5. Polo player, racecar driver, diplomat and international playboy Porfirio Rubirosa (1909-65) hailed from what country? 6. Name the filly who broke down (and was later euthanized) during a 1975 match race against Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure. 7. Linebacker Jessie Tuggle spent his entire NFL career from 1987-2000 with what team? (c) 2023 King Features Syndicate, Inc. WE’RE HERE TO HELP!! PLEASE GIVE US A CALL WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AND WE WILL HELP IN ANY WAY WE CAN. 541-889-8012 For Up To Date Information Visit www.ontariochamber.com Ontario Area Chamber Of Commerce Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 1701 SW 4th Ave, Ontario · 541-889-3078 Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Mattresses & Boxsprings Twin, Full Queen, King starting at only $95/ set Name brands including Serta Used Books & More 322 State St Weiser, ID 208-414-2665 Mon-Fri 10:00-5:00 Sat 10:00-4:00 Advertise Here! Call 208-741-2408 Mobile Sandblasting Full Service Painting Ultimate Surface Restoration 208-230-0071 idahowetblastingllc.com WHEEL OF FORTUNE (continued): • How about Vanna’s beautiful wardrobe? She claims she has only worn the same dress once over her 40+ years as hostess. After Vanna wears an ensemble, it is returned to the designer, and she does not get to keep any of the dresses, although she has occasionally purchased a favorite. • There’s only one Wheel, a giant 2,400- lb. wheel that has been used the entire span of the show. When the show goes on the road, the Wheel is dismantled and reassembled at the new location. More than a million pounds of equipment are transported with the crew when traveling. • The puzzle board, however, has undergone some changes. In the early years, the taping of the show took nearly an hour for a 30-minute program. It was a time-consuming process to have the board manually set up for each puzzle, about 10 minutes per puzzle. In 1997, the old board was replaced with a new electronic one with 52 touch screens, enabling the puzzles to be reset with the click of a computer mouse. Taping time was cut nearly in half. • An entire season of “Wheel” is shot in less than 40 days. The crew works one day a week, filming 5 or 6 shows per day. • The show receives upwards of 10,000 contestant applications a year, but just 600 land a spot. The “Wheel” has some pretty strict rules for being chosen as a contestant. Anyone who has appeared on any version of the show, including Teen Week, is excluded. Those who have appeared on any game/reality show in the last year or on any three shows in 10 years are barred. Naturally, any relative or employee of anyone with the remotest connection to the show is ineligible. (continued on next page)
Page 4 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 * On July 31, 1703, author Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) was placed in a pillory after being found guilty of seditious libel for publishing a politically satirical pamphlet, but instead of mud or rotten food (or even worse), he was pelted with flowers, while his friends sold copies of the pamphlet nearby. * On Aug. 1, 1971, race car legend Richard Petty won the Dixie 500 in Atlanta, Georgia, and became the first NASCAR driver to score $1 million in career earnings. * On Aug. 2, 1909, the centennial year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the U.S. issued the Lincoln penny, designed by Victor David Brenner. It was the first widely circulating design of a U.S. president on a coin, an idea that had in the past been seen by George Washington as too reminiscent of monarchy. * On Aug. 3, 2004, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopened after being closed for safety and security improvements following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center. The remainder of the statue stayed closed until July 4, 2009, when the observation deck in the crown was reopened to visitors chosen hourly by lottery. * On Aug. 4, 1964, the bodies of civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were discovered in a partially constructed dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi, after disappearing more than a month before. Before their bodies were found, outrage over the KKK-perpetrated murders aided passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. * On Aug. 5, 2013, the first lab-grown hamburger, made from taking cow cells and turning them into the strips of a muscle, was cooked and eaten at a news conference in London, England. Tasters remarked that while it lacked some of a conventional burger’s juiciness, the flavor and texture were fairly similar. * On Aug. 6, 1916, watermelons proved to be a major problem for Army officials in El Paso, Texas, to the point of actually being banned. Since their thick rinds couldn’t be burned or properly disposed of, they drew a plague of flies, which military experts warned could breed disease. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. 2330 Hwy 30 West, Fruitland 208-452-7035 Bulk Clover & Local Honey $3.50 per pound in your own container Mon-Sat 10a - 5p WHEEL OF FORTUNE (continued): • Who comes up with those clever puzzles? There’s a whole crew who helps out, but surprisingly, crossword puzzle fan Vanna loves to compose them as well and her puzzles are used on a regular basis. • Until 1988, contestants were not given the letters R, S, T L, N, and E in the bonus round. That’s the year those letters became automatic and players now select three more consonants and one more vowel. • How does Pat Sajak quickly tell contestants if their guessed letter appears in the puzzle? There is a screen off-camera that feeds Pat the info on the chosen letters. That screen hasn’t always been there, however. In the “old days,” there were assistants called “finger boys,” who stood in Pat’s line of vision and held up fingers to give Pat the number. • Vanna White holds an unusual Guinness World Record, one that will most likely always be held by her. Vanna is “Television’s Most Frequent Clapper,” since she applauds contestants an average of 600 times per episode. • The million-dollar wedge was introduced in 2008. That year, the first to win the million was Michelle Loewenstein, who won on 08/08/08. She solved the final puzzle with LEAKY FAUCET. It took almost five years until the next lucky million-dollar winner, Autumn Erhard, who solved the puzzle, TOUGH WORKOUT, with only four letters on the board. There have only been three million-dollar winners since the wedge’s inception. • In the last 20 years, the show has given away an average of $46,000 - $50,000 in cash and prizes per show. But just how much do the contestants keep? Players pay taxes on both cash and travel. A contestant in 2016 won $16,400 in cash along with two trips, a grand total of about $31,700. He did take two beautiful vacations, but by the time he paid his taxes, actual cash earnings were about $6,000. PEOPLE WORTH REMEMBERING: PAT SAJAK • We know him as Pat Sajak, but the Chicago native was born Patrick Sa- jdak, dropping the “d” when he be- gan working in television. As a young man attending Chicago’s Columbia College, he worked as a desk clerk at the city’s historic Palmer House hotel. • Sajak joined the Army in 1968, was trained as a clerk typist, and sent to Vietnam as a finance clerk. His du- ties were changed to serving as a radio DJ for the Armed Forces Viet- nam Network, filling the role previ- ously held by Adrian Cronauer, who was portrayed by Robin Williams in 1987’s “Good Morning, Vietnam.” • Returning to the States, Sajak’s first DJ gig was in Murray, Kentucky, moving up to Nashville shortly after. He later took a job as a weatherman for Nashville’s WSM-TV where he was spotted by a Los Angeles station seeking a weather reporter. Sajak accepted the job with L.A.’s KNBC, and it was here that Merv Griffin observed him and pegged him for “Wheel of Fortune.” • Sajak is more than the host of “Wheel of Fortune.” He had a small role in 1982’s comedy “Airplane II” as a Buffalo, New York newscaster. In 1983, he had a role in the daytime soap “Days of Our Lives” as a char- acter named Kevin Hathaway. He and Vanna both appeared in a 1987 episode of “The A-Team.” Sajak was a guest star on a 1992 episode of TV’s “The Commish,” and appeared in the cartoon show “Rugrats” in 1994. In 2001, he played himself in the sitcom “The King of Queens,” and did a voice-over in 2021’s “Mup- pets Haunted Mansion TV special.” He was a frequent guest host on “Larry King Live” and a regular sub- stitute for Regis Philbin on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” (continued on next page)
Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Page 5 1. WEATHER: What is the name of the hot wind that blows from the Sahara Desert to the southern coast of Europe? 2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the name of the condition of seeing human faces in random or ambiguous objects or patterns? 3. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only country that borders the United Kingdom? 4. THEATER: Which Broadway play features a helicopter on stage? 5. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude”? 6. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the ailment called epistaxis? 7. TELEVISION: Which TV comedy popularized the phrase “Yabba Dabba Do”? 8. MOVIES: What is the nickname that Steven Spielberg gave the mechanical shark in the movie “Jaws”? 9. HISTORY: When did the Boxer Rebellion take place in China? 10. MATH: Which number doesn’t have a corresponding Roman numeral? (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. 800-331-0155 ∙ 503-981-0890 800-331-0155 ∙ 503-981-0890 24 x 36 30 x 36 30 x 48 36 x 36 36 x 48 40 x 48 40 x 60 10’ Eave $8,420 $9,718 $12,700 $11,914 $14,083 $15,717 $17,940 12’ Eave $9,111 $10,452 $13,596 $12,796 $15,080 $16,670 $18,995 14’ Eave $9,722 $11,131 $14,534 $13,640 $16,031 $17,753 $20,207 16’ Eave $11,614 $13,249 $15,833 $14,671 $17,220 $18,789 $21,374 PARKERBUILDINGS.COM Building Material Supplier ENCLOSED PERMITTED BUILDING FEATURES: Gable & I/S Trusses, (1) 3068 door #70, (1) 11' wide Sliding Door, Galvanized Roof & Painted Walls & Trim. QUALITY SINCE 1982 FOB Hubbard, OR. Price subject to change without notice. BARNS ∙ ARENAS & STALL BARNS ∙ COMMERCIAL SHOPS & GARAGES ∙ RESIDENTIAL ∙ WAREHOUSES Customizable Options & Prices are available on our website. These buildings have Engineered Plans & price is based on 25# Snow Load, “C” Exposure. Exceeding Your Expectations Tires ∙ Wheels ∙ Brakes Shocks ∙ Oil Changes Lift Kits ∙ LED Lighting Engine Diagnostics Vehicle Accessories Fusion Bumpers Have a smart phone? Follow us! Advertise Facebook Website Here! Call 208-741-2408 PAT SAJAK (continued): • In 1989, Pat Sajak decided to venture out into the world of late-night televi- sion, hosting “The Pat Sajak Show.” Al- though he left NBC’s daytime version, he continued to host the nighttime ver- sion while pursuing his new endeavor. Sajak’s night-time talk show premiered on January 9, 1989, featuring Chevy Chase as the show’s first guest, followed by Joan Van Ark, a performance by the Judds, an interview with baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth, and actor Michael Gross. Pat’s sidekick on the show was a former colleague from his job at Nashville’s WSM-TV. Although the show started out as a 90-minute program, it was reduced to 60 minutes 10 months after its premiere. Due to low ratings, CBS announced the cancellation of “The Pat Sajak Show” in April, 1990. • During Sajak’s absence from the daytime “Wheel,” Merv Griffin signed up former San Diego Chargers kicker Rolf Benirschke, who had edged out more than 400 other applicants. This changeover didn’t work out well, since Benirschke had never watched the show and didn’t really understand how the game was played. He was relieved of the position after six months, and seasoned game show host Bob Goen stepped in. • Sajak has been received three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. He received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1994. • Pat Sajak’s salary as host of the “Wheel” is about $15 million a year. • In June, 2023, Pat Sajak announced his retirement in a Tweet, effective at the end of his 41st season. Sajak, who turns 77 in October, 2023, will serve as the show’s consultant for three years.
Page 6 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 * Remember the stunning green Versace gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards ceremony? Not only was it a sartorial feat of engineering, it inspired the creation of Google Images: The search engine added that function because so many people were looking for pictures of the outfit. * The beloved Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie were named for a police officer and taxi driver in Frank Capra’s holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” * Biologists named a species of ants unique to New York City “ManhattAnts.” * Due to a shrimp’s open circulatory system, it has no arteries, and its organs just float around in its blood. * Spain’s national anthem, the “Marcha Real” (“Royal March”), is one of only four such anthems in the world (along with those of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) to have no official lyrics. * British military tanks are equipped to make tea. * The longest walking distance in the world, from Magadan in Russia to Cape Town, South Africa, is 14,000 miles. Be sure to take plenty of extra shoes! * On the other hand, if you’re more in line for a much quicker journey, hop on the world’s shortest commercial flight, from Westray Island to Papa Westray Island in Scotland -- it’ll take all of 90 seconds. * IKEA rugs were used for the Night’s Watch cloaks in Game of Thrones. * Abraham Lincoln remains the only U.S. president ever to have held a patent. While his invention was registered as a device for “buoying vessels over shoals” in 1849, it was never actually used on boats or made commercially available. * Hellmann’s, anyone? In some countries, mayonnaise is a popular pizza topping. *** Thought for the Day: “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.” -- Theodore Roosevelt (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. 1. Is the book of Corinth (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. From Matthew 11:18, who was accused of “having a devil” because he did not drink? Mark, John the Baptist, Paul, Josiah 3. In Exodus 15:21, who sang a patriotic song after the crossing of the Red Sea? Zipporah, Delilah, Miriam, Dinah 4. From Judges 1:23-25, which Canaanite city did spies find the entrance to? Ai, Sardis, Colossae, Bethel 5. In Acts 12:21-23, what ungodly ruler was struck down by an angel? Herod, Ehud, Jehu, Abner 6. Eve’s name appears in the book of Genesis how many times? 0, 2, 13, 21 Comments? More Trivia? Gift ideas? Visit www.TriviaGuy.com. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. ANSWERS: 1) Neither, 2) John the Baptist, 3) Miriam, 4) Bethel, 5) Herod, 6) 2 (Gen 3:20, 4:1) Lucy Windbone LEON’S PUMPS LLC Do It Right The First Time Sales ∙ Service Installation ∙ Repair (541) 889-6353 [email protected] 203 NE 1st Street ∙ Ontario Licensed in Oregon & Idaho CCB#214732 ORIGAMI The craft of origami is more than just folding paper – it’s a true art form. This week, Tidbits’ spotlight is on this ancient skill. • Before it was known as origami, the term was “orikata,” which translates from the Japanese words “ori” (folded) and “kari” (paper). • Although we usually associate origami with Japan, it’s likely that it originated in China, where paper was invented around 105 AD. Paper wasn’t introduced to Japan until the 6th century. By 900 AD, paper “gold nuggets” were common at Chinese funerals. Gold paper was folded into currency, which was thrown into a fire at the end of the rites. • The traditional paper used for origami is known as Washi. Washi is made from plant fibers, making it tougher than ordinary paper that’s made from wood pulp. The bark from a number of different trees and shrubs can be used, including the mitsumata shrub, bamboo tree, paper mulberry bush, hemp, rice, or wheat. The long, strong fibers of the gampi tree have been used for making paper since the 8th century. However, any paper can be used as long as it holds a crease. • Most origami begins with a single sheet of square paper, although rectangles and other shapes may be used. A single complex origami design might contain hundreds of sheets. While traditional origami sculptures have no marking, cutting, gluing, or taping, a variation known as Kirigami employs cutting and folding to complete its three-dimensional design. However, Kirigami still uses no glue. • If you can’t make a paper airplane, you might find the art of origami a little daunting! There are simple basic folds such as valley and mountain folds, reverse folds, and pleats. More complex folds have names like squash fold, rabbit ears, petal fold, radial fold, swivel fold, twist fold, and crimp fold, with many requiring at least two layers of paper. (continued on page 8)
Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Page 7 1. Name the singer who released the most popular version of “Are You Lone - some Tonight?” 2. Which artist released “Run to Him”? 3. Where were The Proclaimers from and when did they get started? 4. Name the song Richard Marx wrote to his wife while she was in Africa on a film shoot. 5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “I’ve cried through many endless nights just holding my pillow tight, Then you came into my lonely days with your tender love and sweet ways.” Answers 1. Elvis Presley, in 1960. Presley’s version was delayed, as the recording company thought it didn’t match his im - age, but it immediately went to No. 1 after it was released. 2. Bobby Vee, in 1961. Vee’s career was launched the night the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly were killed in a plane crash. Vee and others were quickly recruited to play the gig. 3. The duo began in Scotland in 1983. They still tour today. Their newest al - bum was released in 2022. 4. “Right Here Waiting,” in 1989. 5. “Heaven Must Have Sent You,” by the Elgins, in 1966. Bonnie Pointer followed with a disco version in 1979. Pointer’s version was the only one that ever topped the charts ... in Mexico. (c) 2023 King Features Syndicate * To bring out the natural sweet - ness of corn on the cob, try sprin - kling a little bit in the pot after the water has come to a boil. * If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tan-yellow color, not green or mottled. * You can remove berry stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your ta - blecloth? Here’s E.B. of Missis - sippi’s suggestion: “Pour a gener - ous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.” * Soak raisins in cold water be - fore chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife. * “Use celery ribs lined up to cre - ate a base for your roast. This way, the juices move around more and the roast never sticks to the pan. I serve the celery with the roast, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” -- A.T. in Ten - nessee * Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weap - on: water. Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone. The heat is transferred from the warm drinks to the water because there’s total contact. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 8 Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2023 Answers 1. Marta. 2. Bob Probert and Joe Kocur. 3. A firetruck responding to Swede Savage’s fiery crash. 4. “Our Gang” (a.k.a. “The Little Rascals”). 5. The Dominican Republic. 6. Ruffian. 7. The Atlanta Falcons. Answers 1. Sirocco. 2. Pareidolia. 3. Republic of Ireland. 4. “Miss Saigon.” 5. Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 6. Nosebleed. 7. “The Flintstones.” 8. Bruce. 9. 1900. 10. Zero. $54 Million in Kickbacks Yet another scammer thought he would get away with his crimes. In a recent case, a thief was convicted for his part in a large compounded prescription drug ring, with kickbacks and bribes that included money, dinners and hunting trips. The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) bans offering bribes for medical care or drugs that aren’t medically necessary for patients. This applies to prescriptions that will be paid by TRICARE and Medicare (or any government program), and it was the physicians of those patients who were targeted and encouraged to use a certain pharmacy. Theft had apparently been going on for many years, likely beginning in 2012. Over the years, the thieves submitted over $54 million in false claims. Of that, TRICARE had paid out over $42 million in claims for those drugs. The compounded drugs in question had been rigged to be the most expensive possible to get back the most money in payment from TRICARE, and included drugs and pain/scar creams. The scammers would use “test billing” on fake claims to learn which claims would be paid the best. TRICARE is the benefit program that provides coverage for retirees, spouses and families, active duty and others. In this case, the thieves submitted fake claims in over 30 states and a few foreign countries (which is likely why the scammer turned over his passport). The original indictment was dated 2020 and included a whole alphabet of government agencies, including the FBI, Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, Department of Justice and the VA Office of Inspector General. Meanwhile, several others were charged in the crimes, which included soliciting or receiving health care kickbacks and offering to pay kickbacks. Additionally, they used “blanket letters of authorization” as permission to modify the prescriptions of the drugs to get the most profit. A big thumbs-up to the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program that spearheaded the investigation. Since 2007, they’ve gone after thousands of thieves that have billed more than $24 billion in fake claims. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. Buying a New Vehicle We all cringe the day when it becomes apparent that we need to buy a new vehicle. And it’s not only the expense that makes us leery. It’s the whole process of wondering how we’re going to be treated if we go to a dealership. The best way to handle it is: Do your homework (a lot of it) in advance, as much as you can. Contact your financial institution about pre-approval for a loan and their interest rates. Know how much vehicle you can buy before you end up at a dealership. Check Kelley Blue Book online and try to determine what value your current vehicle might have. It might be worth more than you suspect because trade-ins are hot items nowadays. Try to find something you like that’s already on the lot at a dealership that you can test drive so you’re not waiting months for delivery. Still, if you’re certain about a particular vehicle, you might see on a dealer website that the vehicle is “in transit” and will arrive “soon.” A deposit at the dealership can hold that vehicle for you. Warning No. 1: That deposit will likely be non-refundable. Warning No. 2: Get it in writing, including the sales price and VIN. In other words, do any haggling before you put down a deposit. When at the dealership, do not express happy feelings for any certain vehicle or color. Remain noncommittal. Expect them to push you to accept their financing. Don’t disclose your credit score when they ask; they’re getting ready to start pushing the financing. Don’t disclose that you’re already pre-approved for a loan elsewhere until the very end when you’ve selected a vehicle. Don’t tell them how much you want for your trade-in; they might be ready to offer even more. And mostly, be willing to walk away if you’re pressured too much. If you get tired, go home. There are other dealerships everywhere. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. Tidbits of Lower Treasure Valley ORIGAMI (continued): • An ancient tradition at Japanese weddings is the practice of the 1,000 cranes, known as Senbazuru. Together, the couple folds 1,000 paper cranes to adorn their wedding site. The father of the bride also gifts her with 1,000 cranes. Legend has it that the cranes grant a wish to whoever holds them. In addition, two origami butterflies are displayed, a symbol of wedded bliss. The paper crane starts with a square sheet of paper, with both sides a kaleidoscope of different colors, prints, and patterns, or one patterned side with one blank side. • The first instructional book for origami was published in 1797. “Senbazuru Orikata” included the concept of diagramming the folds, and included the first instructions for the tradition of 1,000 cranes. • Samurai warriors offer each other gifts with origami sculptures attached as a token of good luck. This type of decorative origami is known as Noshi Awabi. A Japanese custom since the 12th century, Noshi Awabi is always a token of good luck, and is never gifted at funerals or burials. • Origami isn’t all about love and symbolism. Aeronautical engineers and physicists at NASA craft scaled-down models of space equipment to ensure that all of the necessary instruments fit into the confined spaces of a spacecraft. • Big origami, small origami! The largest paper crane was crafted in 1999, made inside a football stadium, a sculpture weighing 1,750 pounds (794 kg) with a height of 215 feet (65.5 m). The smallest was created by Japanese resident Akira Naito, a crane folded from a 0.1 x 0.1 mm square of paper, a task that required a pair of tweezers and microscope to complete.