tidbits 50 cda

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of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #50 Dec 9th.

TIDBITS® WEARS A NECKTIE

by Janet SpencerThe average American businessman spends four hours a year tying his tie. Come along with Tid-bits as we find out facts behind the tradition.THE WHYS OF TIESWearing bits of cloth around the neck dates back to time immemorial. In the days before laundro-mats were invented, strips of cloth were worn around the neck because it kept the collar of the shirt from getting dirty. It was far easier to wash a narrow strip of cloth than it was to wash the shirt. Bibs tied around the neck were worn at mealtimes to protect the shirt from spills. In the summer, a wet cloth around the neck kept the body cool. In the winter, it kept the body warm. Men sporting full body armor wore neck cloths to pad their neck from the hard metal. Cloths were worn around the neck to prevent sweat from running down the shirt, or to keep vocal cords warm. Later, strips of cloth tied around the neck became a symbol of class, rank, or station, whether by soldiers or students. FAST FACTItalian artist Enrico Baj creates works of art out of neckties by dipping them in plastic or gluing them to canvas. He comments, “Ties are a sym-bol of vanity and ostentation, rather like medals and decorations, although every so often I too am forced to wear one.”

Tidbits® of CDA www.tidbitscda.com

From the Publisher’s DeskBy : Evelyn Bevacqua

TIDBITS ANNOUNCES A NEW CONTEST

ENTER TO WIN A RESTAURANT GIFT

CERTIFICATE! It’s FUN and Easy! Each week a different business logo will appear multiple times throughout the paper. The logo will be in color and different sizes Count the number of times it appears including the ads. Then call or email the answer to evelyn2318@ gmail.com or Call 208.755.9120. . The Winner will be contacted and announced each week with a photo in front of the participating restaurant. Answers must be submitted by 6:00 p.m.on Sunday.

This week's $25.00 gift certificate will be from Satay Bistro Restaurant and the logo

will be Creative Healing and Massage!

Winner of last weeks contest!

Kevin Lucero from CDA

WILL YOU BE THE WINNER?

TIES THROUGH HISTORY • China’s first emperor, Qin Shih-huang-di, lived in 200 B.C. When he died he was bur-ied in an underground mausoleum surrounded by 7,500 sculptured terra cotta soldiers. The tomb was uncovered in 1974. Archaeologists found that many of the individually carved soldiers sported knotted neck cloths-- the first known in-stance of the use of neckties. • In the mid-1600s, a crack regiment of soldiers from Croatia visited Paris to celebrate their recent victory over Turkey. The soldiers held court with King Louis XIV, who was a fashion nut. For the occasion, each of the sol-diers had tied a brightly colored scarf around their necks. Louis XIV liked the look and began wearing silk neck cloths himself, and the fashion rapidly spread. The French word for Croatia was ‘cravate,’ giving us today’s cravat. • In 1715, another kind of neckwear, called “stocks” made its appearance. The term referred to a leather collar, laced at the back, worn by soldiers to help keep their head held high in a military bearing. The leather stock also offered the wearer some protection to the major blood vessels of the neck from the sharp edge of a sword or the tip of a bayonet. • In England men used to wear a shirt col-lar which they tied together with string to keep the draft out. Eventually the string became larger and more elaborate, until it was a frill. Then the frill became increasingly more elaborate until it was a ruff instead of a frill until, by the time of Henry VIII, the ruff was so large it covered both of the shoulders. • Neckties came to the forefront of fash-ion after World War II ended and soldiers re-turning home felt like dressing up with festive ties. Right after World War II there were over 600 companies making 200 million neckties per year.

Tidbits® of CDAwww.tidbitscda.com

WILL YOU BE THE WINNER?

EVENT CALENDAR

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the Coeur d’Alene Resort turns up the bright lights with it’s Holiday Light show. Through-out the holiday season you can experience America’s largest floating holiday light show and laser extravaganza. Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d’Alene to view the animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Co-eur d’Alene Resort shoreline, and then a spe-cial visit to Santa’s workshop. Other events include breakfasts with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carol-ers and Mrs. Clause, Santa Cruises for the very young, a downtown Christmas lighting cer-emony, fireworks shows and a lighted parade. (208) 664-3194

DOLLARS AND SENSEBY David Uffington

Do You Know Your Credit Score? Before you begin your holiday shop-ping, ask yourself this: Do you know your credit score? A recent survey by the American Bank-ers Association showed that 56 percent of those polled did not know their FICO, which is their credit score. A credit score is more than just a num-ber, it represents your total creditworthiness: whether your bills are paid on time, how much of your available credit you've used and much more.Here are some tips from the American Bankers Association: • Order your credit report every year, and take a close look at it. By law, you can get one free at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. • Be clear on the value of a good credit rating. The consequences of having a low score can be far-reaching. At the very least, the num-ber will help lenders determine if they're going to give you money, and if so, at what rate of interest. However, others use that same credit score for employment screening, insurance rates -- even applications for housing rentals. • Pay more than the minimum every month on your credit cards. If you can't make a payment, call the creditor and work out a plan. Doing so might keep you from getting nailed with higher interest rates.¥ Read the fine print on any credit application. Note the credit limits, annual fees, terms and conditions, and the grace period.¥ Don't pay those who say they can fix your credit report. It can't be done. Accurate infor-mation (even negative) is on your report until it scrolls off, usually many years from now. It's not easy to fix a low credit score, but you can with constant monitoring of your spending. Keep your credit use low, and pay your bills (more than the minimum) on time every month, and eventually your credit score will climb.¥ Don't make late payments, and don't approach the limit on your credit cards. Using too much of your available credit causes your credit score to fall. If you can't afford the payment, don't make the purchase.¥ Beware the danger signs: If you can pay only the minimum each month, get a lot of cash advances just for living expenses or transfer balances back and forth, you're likely getting into trouble. Talk to someone about it to help get you back on track. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org) is a good place to start.David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to

[email protected].

MACARONI & TIESBefore macaroni was well known, it was con-sidered a specialty. Wealthy Englishmen who traveled to Italy often experienced their first macaroni, and then went home to Britain and began to serve the dish at their tables. Because the food was rare and unusual, the people who served it became known as ‘macaroni’ which meant fancy, uppity, or overly stylish; the type of people who wore fancy hats, big wigs, and white cravats tied in enormous bows. People liv-ing in America where there was less money and less fashion wore simpler clothing, and began to make fun of the Macaronis. Thus, when “Yankee Doodle went to London riding on a pony / Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni” the unfortunate Doodle (German for ‘fool’) was tak-ing on airs and pretending that a feather in his cap would make people think he was an upper class gent.

NECKTIE IMPROVEMENTSAlthough a tie may look like a simple piece of cloth, it is actually a complicated piece of sewing joining four different strips of cloth. It was pat-ented by Jesse “Joss” Langsdorf in 1920. Langs-dorf, known as the father of the tie, patented the ‘all-weather wrinkle-free’ tie. His patented pat-tern incorporated slip stitching running down the length of the back of the tie which ensured that the tie would return to its original shape when it was taken off. It also added resilience to the tie and prevented rips. Langsdorf also added various linings to the inside of the tie to increase bulk. One of the linings he used was rubber, thus inventing the supposedly ‘weather-proof’ tie.~ POEM ~ by Conrad Aiken“Stars in the purple dusk above the rooftopsPale in the saffron mist and seem to die,And I myself on a swiftly tilting planetStand before a glass and tie my tie.”

St. Vincent de Paul Warming Center A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to donate sleeping bags, blan-kets, warm clothing, and food. Everything has been so appreciated by those we serve. Doing to the extreme cold weather our needs have in-creased. As the sub-25 degree temperatures con-tinue, our warming center will be open from 7:00pm-7:00am. Transportation will leave from the St. Vincent de Paul Community Dining Hall at 6:45pm on the nights we are open, and will transport back the next morning. The Post Falls Shelter is located at 202 W. 7th Street in Post Falls, behind the Post Falls St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, in the Kamps Apartment basement. The warming center can accommodate 65 individuals and will have sleeping bags, gloves, coats, a full bathroom and warm food available.I f you have items you want to donate please contact Warming Center Coordinator Ben at 208-704-1028, or drop them off at the HELP Center, 201 E. Harrison, Coeur d’Alene.

• On Internet memes, they call them "life hacks," simple tricks to save you time, money or simply frustration. Here's mine: "Place a bowl near your entryway. Place your keys in the bowl when you come home. They stay there until you leave. No more lost keys." Now, more life hacks for your tip file. -- JoAnn • "Put a dryer fabric-softener sheet on the back of a fan. It sticks and will distribute a fresh scent throughout your room." -- T.I., via email• "Put an apple in the potato bag to keep them from growing buds. Check often." -- E.W. in Or-egon • Sharpen your scissors by cutting through aluminum foil. All you have to do is fold a piece over on itself and use your dull scissors to cut strips. • "Store popcorn in the refrigerator. You will have fewer unpopped kernels, because the cold temperature makes them heat more evenly." -- W.A. in Massachusetts • Chewing gum stuck in your hair? Rub with a spoonful of peanut butter. Massage into the gum-stuck hair. The oil in the peanut butter breaks down the gum, and you can comb it out or wash out the residue once you pick away the globs. How about on your clothes? Remove the garment and stick it in the freezer for several hours. The gum hardens, and you can literally peel it off in chunks. Use an old toothbrush to brush out any remaining crumbs of gum.

Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Or-lando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at her-

[email protected].

(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Tidbits® of Dallas County Tidbits® of CDA www.tidbitscda.com Page 4THE BIG SQUEEZE • One study showed that wearing a neck-tie may interfere with perceptual skills needed for job performance. Researchers at Cornell University set out to discover if the pressure of a tie that’s too tight might interfere with blood flow to the brain and eyes. • To do this, they had an ophthalmologist study the retinal veins of a number of men. The pulsing of the retinal veins indicates whether or not the blood supply is circulating efficiently. He found that when the tie was half an inch (1.27 cm) smaller than the circumference of the man’s neck, the pulsing was no longer visible. This sug-gests that blood flow to the retina is decreased. • Next they decided to find if most men wear their ties too tight. They picked 94 busi-nessmen at random and found that 66% were wearing ties that averaged .2 inches (.48 cm) smaller than their necks. 12% had ties that were half an inch (1.27 cm) too small. • Now they wanted to find out if decreased blood flow to the retina can impair eyesight. They had men press a button when a blinking light started blinking so fast that it appeared to be a steady beam; and when it slowed down again to become distinguishable blinks. Each man was tested three times: the first and last times with a loose tie, and the second time with a tight tie. It was found that tight neckware slowed down the response times. Furthermore, their speed did not rebound after the tie was loosened. • The researchers concluded that a too tight tie can impair visual perception and may harm the performance of computer operators, pi-lots, and others who need good visual discrimi-nation.

FAST FACTThe average tie is about 52 to 58 inches long.

Spirit Gallery 15th Annual Small Artworks Invitational

The Art Spirit Gallery at 415 Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene will host the 15th Annual Small Artworks Invitational featuring 39 artists and over 200 new works. The opening re-ception will be on Friday, December 6 from 5-8 pm. Everyone is welcome. The show runs from December 6 -31. Duane and Lola Hagadone are sponsor-ing this show. We thank them for their generous support of the arts in our region.DECEMBER HOURS: Open every day except Christmas from 11-6. On the web at www.TheArtSpiritGallery.com After November 27, you can view a selection from this exhibit online. It’s that time of year again and once again excited for this event. The new work has been arriving daily and it looks to be a terrific show for the Holiday season. We greatly appreciate anything you can do to help us with publicity to keep the arts vibrant in our area. Please contact us if you would like more information. Happy Holidays!by:Steve Gibbs

39 Participating Artists:Steve Adams, SpokaneChuck Aydlett, HelenaMarte Cellura, SagleHarold Balazs, MeadMorse Clary, Pasco

Robin Dare, SpokaneAllen Dodge, Coeur d’Alene

Mary Dee Dodge, Coeur d’AleneCatherine Earle, SeattleTimothy C. Ely, ColfaxMary Farrell, SpokaneKen Fenton, Fruitland

Earnest Fokes, Hayden LakeKathy Gale, Dalton Gardens

Catherine Gill, SpokaneDel Gish, Medical LakeElaine Green, Corvallis

Glenn Grishkoff, Palm Desert, CARobert Grimes, Spokane

Max Grover, Port TownsendRic Haynes, Quincy, MA

Melville Holmes, SpokaneMichael Horswill, Hayden

Robert Kraut, SpokaneJerri Lisk, BoiseMark Lisk, Boise

Mel McCuddin, SpokaneTeresa McHugh, Dalton Gardens

Kay O’Rourke, SpokaneKyle Paliotto, HaydenAnn Porter, Sandpoint

Kelly Garrett Rathbone, HelenaSelene Santucci, Pullman

John Thamm, SpokaneSister Paula Turnbull, Spokane

Allie Vogt, HaydenCary Weigand, Jacksonville, OR

Gordon Wilson, Spokane

The Art Spirit Gallery 415 Sherman AvenueCoeur d’Alene, ID 83814 208.765.6006

[email protected]

For Advertising Call (334) 505-0674For Advertising Call 208-755-9120www.tidbitscda.com Page 5

PERFECT FORMULA FOR ILLNESS What makes us sick? We do, and during the holidays we do even more of all the “right” things to make us sick. If we want to be well, we need to moderate the formula for a perfect illness. On the top of the list is stress. Stress is interpreted by the body as a fight or flight response. The body shuts down everything not needed to either fight or flee: digestion, immune function and many others. When you are stressed your immune system is down. The more stressed you are, the weaker it is. If that were the only problem, then you could probably still manage without getting sick.

However, that’s when you also eat the poorest. Due to the frenzied race for getting the best Christmas gifts, going to parties and social events, maybe even participating in a Christmas pro-gram or two, meals become second fiddle. Eating at fast foods places, restaurants or grabbing quick microwavable foods become the norm during this time, rather than the exception. These foods are generally poor in nutritional quality. During stressful times, the need for quality foods increases, as nutritional demands by the body increases. Yet, instead, we eat dead foods, or we skip meals and expect to have the life and vitality so needed at this time. Add to that the extra sugar, also an immune-suppressant and viola! Disease results.

Then, we have weather. In Oriental Medicine, cold, wet weather is deemed one of the “6 Evils” that contribute to poor health. Your body’s protective energies get dulled (also called weak-ened immunity). Two of the most important ways to guard your “protective Qi” is to wear clothing that keeps your back (specifically kidney area) warm and wear a neck scarf any time you are out doors or cool air is blowing on your neck.

Two immune – helpful things that tend to get dropped out during this time is exercise and health care. During the time it’s needed the most, people cut back on their treatments that keep the immune system functioning best (in addition to reducing their other symptoms). These treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, etc. When the body is stressed, the physiology of the body is stressed, leaving you more prone to illness. This is not the time to cut back treatments! Exercise also gets cut back. Exercise is also helpful to improving gen-eral health, as well as the immune system. But because everyone is so busy they just say “I don’t have the time”. This, combined with the other factors equate to the perfect formula for illness!

So the next time you are sick and asking in dismay “Why am I sick? I don’t have time for this?”, remember that you didn’t take the time to be well!

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over 34 years of experi-ence. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care servic-es and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.

By Dr. Holly Carling

Tidbits® of Dallas County

Should I let my cat/dog have a litter before she is spayed?

Unless you are a professional responsible breeder, there’s no reason for a female cat or dog to have even one litter. It won’t make her a better companion,

IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING CONNECTNETWORKING is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization! Networking is about making connections and building enduring, mutually beneficial relationships.Ultimately, it’s not about who you know ... but WHO KNOWS YOU!!

Ask any senior executive, politician, community leader or successful salesperson which single skill or habit helped them excel in their career – an overwhelming majority will respond with one simple word… Networking.

NETWORKING IS CRITICALWe are constantly bombarded with advertisements, emails, status updates, special offers, and sales pitches creating a cluttered message. Personal relationships enable you and your organization to stand out, rise above the noise and remain top of mind.

Relationships are the catalyst for success.People do business with those they like and trust.Serve as a resource, help others succeed.

Networking provides the most productive, most proficient and most enduring tactic to build relationships.To succeed you must continually connect with new people, cultivate emerging relationships and leverage your network.

WHY NETWORK Learn dynamics within your industry Establish your business contacts Get “plugged in” to your community Seek new career opportunities

For more info to get involved with CONNECT please call Evelyn at 208.755.9120

Facilitate win-win relationshipsCreate your referral networksAccelerate your professional developmentDevelop knowledge resources

Q: Have leaders of the United States every consulted Intuitive Mediums?

A: Yes, here are some United States Presi-dents that consulted Intuitive Mediums on a regular bases:Abraham LincolnJames GarfieldWilliam MckinleyTeddy RooseveltHerbert HooverHarry TrumanJohn F. kennedyLyndon JohnsonRichard NixonRonald ReaganBill Clinton

Intuitive Medium Consultations:Private, group, shows, Skype,

phone, and workshops.

Bonnie Whiting208 667 1423

E-mail - [email protected]

Q. Where and when will your low fee spay/neuter clinic open? A. Our clinic will be at 5920 Government Way, #4, just a block south of the Silverlake Mall. Our fabulous veterinary team is ready to start January 8, 2014 and we have nearly all the funds necessary to complete the equipment purchases and carry us through the first few months as we ramp up to being nearly self-sustaining. Visit our website and JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST for the latest updates on our progress. A wonderful way to honor the pets that have enriched your life is by making a donation to AAID that will help prevent future home-less pets. If you are able to help, AAID thanks you on behalf of all our community’s cats and dogs. Checks may be mailed to AAID, PO Box 1674, CdA 83816. Online donations may be made at our website’s DONATE page. We wish you a loving holiday season!

AnimalAlliesID.org

Spay/Neuter for a Brighter Future

Animal Allies of IdahoSustaining a Healthy Pet Population

Q:"What if I am Not Happy with my Realtor?"A: Too often I hear Buyers and Sellers talking about how they are unhappy with their Realtor. My first thought is, Have you told your Real-tor? If you don't speak up about your concerns or things you are unhappy with, then your Realtor can't make it better. Communication is the key to success. If you have voiced your concerns and you are still unhappy with your Realtor, Fire them. You are the boss and your Realtor is working for you. If you have a contract with your Realtor, you can cancel it or choose another Realtor within the Company. Ulti-mately the Brokerage owns all contracts, so your con-tract isn't strictly with the one Realtor. You have rights and your Realtor has an obligation to provide you with honesty, skill, and care in all areas of Agency represen-tation. Your Realtor must promote your best interests in good faith, honesty, and fair dealing while maintaining your confidentiality of bargaining information and other information that is not necessary or required to complete your Real Estate transaction. Your Realtor must main-tain your confidentiality even after the representation has ended. Buying or Selling property is suppose to be a positive experience. You should not have to endure stress and unease throughout the process. You are not stuck with your realtor until the process is over and you should never work with someone you are not happy working with. Realtors need to provide service, knowl-edge, and experience to your Real Estate Goals. As a Realtor I take pride in providing superior customer service, as well as ensuring that my customers get more for less and that their transaction is fast, fair, and with the least amount of hassles.

Candy InbodyKeller Williams RealtyDirect: 208-755-4885

www.candyinbody.com [email protected]

For Advertising Call (334) 505-0674 Page 7EDUCATE BE KNOWN AS THE EXPERT YOU ARE AND SHARETHIS KNOWLEDGE.

You will be a featured ‘Expert’ once each month, answering questions, sharing information or updates about your business, or announcing an event.

SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS AND IN OUR COMMUNITY.Come together to support other members - especially our non-profits, be a part of what is happen-

ing in our community, and be of service. As we Give, we Receive!EXPAND GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND GROW YOURSELF!

Get affordable exposure to new customers and learn new practices that will keep you and your-business fresh and exciting. Many are mightier than one! Join, have fun, and be ready to grow.

Tidbits® of Dallas County Tidbits® of CDA www.tidbitscda.com

ANYBODY OUT THERE?

Rudy is looking for his forever home!!!14 weeks old ChiWeenie neutered male very sweet lap dog.

Alternative Pet Rescue of CDA Id. Has a ver-ity of small dogs available for adoption.

For more info on available small dogs please go to Facebook.com Alternative Pet Rescue C

D A I d. 208-661-2286

By: Bonnie Whiting What causes some people to be allergic to dogs or cats? It’s not the hair on the pet itself that cause allergies in some people, its the pets protein par-ticles in their saliva. When a pet grooms itself these allergen particles attach to the pets fur.What are some hypo-allergenic breeds of dogs and cats?Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Devon Rex cat, Irish Water Spaniel, Sphinx cat and Labra-doodles just to name a few.

Animal Poison Control-ASPCA- Open 24 hrs. a day

365 days a year!888-426-4435

By Ed Stevenson Buying a home can be scary but it doesn’t have to if you have the right people by your side. When buying a home there is no guarantee that the house is in great condition. So is it buyer beware? Are you buying it blind? No, there are ways to make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money. Your agent is a good re-source to turn to, they shouldn’t tell you what to do but they sure can give you advice on where to turn to get the right answers to make sure your investment is a sound investment. Make sure you have a great inspector, this is the best money you can spend. They will tell you what is wrong and what is right with the home you are buying. It is always a good idea that once the inspection is complete you sit down with the inspector and go over the report so you understand exactly what the report says, what it means, and what areas you should fol-low up on.

Ed Stevenson208~771~2161

[email protected] NWMONARCH.COM

REAL ESTATE TALK

For Advertising Call (334) 505-0674 Page 8www.tidbitscda.com

VA Hiring Vets for Mental-Health Jobs The Department of Veterans Affairs set a goal, and has met it.In 2012, an executive order was handed down to improve VA mental-health services for veterans, service personnel and their families by hiring more than 800 peer specialists and peer appren-tices. The specialists and apprentices are them-selves veterans who have been successful in dealing with their own mental-health issues for at least a year. Specialists are trained and cer-tified, and the apprentices are in the process of getting training on the way to becoming special-ists. Part of the executive order was that training for all of them would be finished by the end of the year. The VA says it will meet that goal. Both the specialists and apprentices have been sent to all VA Medical Centers that have more than 10,000 enrollees, as well as the outpa-tient clinics. And they increased staffing at the veter-ans crisis hotline by 50 percent. Overall, not a bad effort. If you need to talk to someone, or know a veteran who does, call the veterans crisis hotline at 1-800-273-8255. There’s a good chance that the person on the other end also will be a vet-eran. If you want to learn about the VA’s men-tal-health services in general, go online to www.mentalhealth.va.gov. Do you think you’d make a good special-ist or apprentice? Go online to www.vacareers.va.gov/peer-to-peer/ and click on Search Peer Support Positions. As of this writing, there are positions in Alaska, Michigan, Nevada, Penn-sylvania and many more. Remember that one of the main requirements is that you be a “veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a men-tal-health condition.” Veterans with physical disabilities also are encouraged to apply. Look closely at the open and closing dates of the posi-tion listings. They’re not all the same.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to [email protected].


Blueberries and Tea for Health? If you like to have a blueberry muffin and a cup of green tea in the morning, you might be halfway to increasing your cognitive function-ing. That’s only half said in jest. Natura Ther-apeutics, a pharmaceutical company, has created a product that has been proven to increase cogni-tive function in older adults -- and blueberries and tea are half the ingredients. The whole list of ingredients is propri-etary blend of blueberry, L-carnosine, green tea and vitamin D-3, which when combined produce more stem-cell rejuvenation than if used individ-ually. The product is called NutraStem Cardio. In a double-blind test (no one knew who was getting the real thing or a placebo), 105 adults with an average age of 73.6 years were tested in six different areas: verbal ability, work-ing memory, executive functioning, processing speed, episodic memory and complex speed. After doing a baseline test, the participants were retested two months later. The results: processing speed improved significantly, and there were improvements in decision-making, memory and attention. This means that there’s hope for having products that actually improve cognitive health. There are some caveats, however: The company did its own research. The number of participants was small, and it was only done once. On the other hand, Natura Therapeutics is aligned with the University of South Florida, and the school’s scientists are the ones who de-veloped the product and ran the research. This is big. Grabbing any supplement off the grocery shelves is risky because we don’t know what’s in the products or where they came from. With the University of South Florida standing be-hind this one, there’s assurance that at least the product won’t hurt us and might even help.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her col-umn whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@

gmail.com.(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Tidbits® of CDA


by Samantha Weaver • It was noted German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who made the following sage observation: “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think dif-ferently.” • A scorpion can live for an entire year without eating. ¥ If you lack a belief in ghosts, UFOs, te-lepathy or other paranormal phenomena, you are in rare company; only 7 percent of Americans share your lack of belief. • If you traveled along Highway 50 east of Reno, Nev., in recent decades, you may have had the opportunity to see -- and perhaps even contribute to -- the world’s largest shoe tree. It’s claimed that the cottonwood got its start as a landmark when a quarreling couple, on their wedding night, threw each other’s shoes into the branches. This shoe-tossing (for reasons un-clear) became a tradition, and the tree gradually became laden with the odd offerings. Travelers these days, though, miss out on the attraction; in late 2010, vandals cut down the tree. But take heart, seekers of the unusual! Shoe trees can be found in 18 other states, ranging from California to New York. • During the entire presidency of Bill Clinton, he sent two emails. • The Bronx Zoo is a well-respected in-stitution these days, but some moments of its history show that it didn’t always deserve such respect. For instance, in 1906, a man named Oto Benga was placed as an exhibit in the monkey house. He was a pygmy from Congo. • It seems that the Germans have a word for everything. For instance, “waldeinsam-keit” describes the feeling of being alone in the woods. ***

Thought for the Day: “Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom

really is.” -- Margaret Mitchell


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Susan Ashley MD Family Medicine Liberty Lake, 509-928-6700

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your Arian pen-chant for impatience shows, as you consider passing a problem-prone project on to someone else. Best advice: Stay with it and work out those snarls yourself.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Even patient Bovines can be frustrated when carefully made plans go awry. But crank up that “stick-to-it-ivi-ty” you do so well, and you’ll soon find that your schedule is back in sync.GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your aspect favors using more resourceful means in dealing with a workplace situation. Some discreet checking around could help shed light on the root cause of the problem.CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You show an un-usually strong streak of stubbornness in rejecting suggestions from friends and/or family members early in the week. But you become more recep-tive by the week’s end.LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Cat might find a gentler approach more effective when dealing with those who resist needed changes. Remember, the word “persuasion” starts with the sound “purr.”VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A disap-pointing experience with someone you felt you could trust can be painful. But there just might be more to this situation than you’re aware of. Press for an explanation.LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Changing your views about something you believe in isn’t easy. But you might reconsider as the facts come in. Keep your mind open, even if you’re uneasy about what you might learn.SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might have to do some serious shifting of gears to get your project back on track. But cheer up. Your hard work starts to produce some positive results by the week’s end.SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An unsettling mood at the start of the week soon lifts and gives way to a more positive atti-tude as you find fun and friendship beginning to dominate your aspect.CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A delay in firming up holiday plans could work to your advantage. Use this time to scout out pos-sibilities that might be more in line with what those close to you would prefer.AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some people might question some of the new friends you’ve welcomed into your life. But your ability to see beyond the obvious helps you recognize how special they are.PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Financial matters can be especially tricky this week. It’s best to follow a conservative investment path for now, and wait for a more fortuitous time to take a bolder approach.

BORN THIS WEEK:Your warmth, your humor and your genuine con-cern for others make you someone people love

to keep close to their lives.


Supplementsby: Susan Ashley MD Many supplements are beneficial for our health, but not all. Iron is one nutrient that we must be careful of, as taking it when not needed can cause more harm than good. As a general rule, iron should not be tak-en unless levels are first measured and an iron deficiency is diagnosed. Rarely is it needed in men or in post-menopausal women, who are no longer having menstrual cycles. A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles, suggests that iron ac-cumulation in the brain may be the cause of Al-zheimer’s disease. In this study, the hippocam-pus, the area of the brain known to be damaged in Alzheimer’s, and the thalamus, an area that is not affected until late stages of the disease, were measured using MRI technology. It found that an increase in iron in these tissues correlated with tissue damage, suggesting that iron accumula-tion may contribute to the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Iron is also toxic for the liver, and if tak-en when not needed, can accumulate and dam-age liver cells. Iron has a well known side effect of constipation and can be hard to take. A better tolerated form of iron is one called Ferrasorb - smaller amounts are needed because of increased absorption. Do not take iron unless your doctor has measured your levels and confirmed that it is needed. Pre-natal vitamins have iron, so unless you are preg-nant, prenatal vitamins are not recommended.


• On Dec. 13, 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman becomes the first European ex-plorer to sight the South Pacific island group now known as New Zealand. In his sole attempt to land, several of Tasman's crew were killed by warriors from a South Island tribe, who inter-preted the Europeans' exchange of trumpet sig-nals as a prelude to battle.

• On Dec. 9, 1775, the Virginia and North Carolina militias defeat 800 slaves and 200 redcoats serving John Murray, earl of Dun-more and governor of Virginia, at Great Bridge outside Norfolk, ending British royal control of Virginia.

• On Dec. 11, 1872, already appearing as a well-known figure of the Wild West in popular dime novels, Buffalo Bill Cody makes his first stage appearance in a Chicago-based production of "The Scouts of the Prairie."

• On Dec. 12, 1901, Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi succeeds in sending the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean, disproving detractors who told him that the curvature of the earth would limit transmission to 200 miles or less.

• On Dec. 14, 1946, American tennis champion Stan Smith is born in Pasadena, Calif. A three-time All-American at the University of Southern California, Smith captured the NCAA singles title in 1968 and the doubles title in 1967 and 1968.

• On Dec. 10, 1967, a plane carrying soul-music legend Otis Redding crashes into the frigid waters of a small Wisconsin lake 3 miles short of the runway, killing seven of the eight men aboard, including Redding. His classic song ("Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" would be re-leased in its "unfinished" form several weeks later.

• On Dec. 15, 1988, legendary singer James Brown, also known as the "Godfather of Soul" and the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business," becomes inmate number 155413 at the State Park Correctional Institute in South Carolina. Already no stranger to law enforce-ment, Brown's reckless spree on Sept. 24 had resulted in numerous criminal charges, includ-ing assault and battery with intent to kill.


For Advertising Call (334) 505-0674Tidbits® of CDAwww.tidbitscda.com

FLASHBACKBy Mick Harper1. Supertramp, Europe and Livin’ Joy all re-leased songs with the same name, 10 years apart. What were the years, and what was the name of the songs?2. Who had a hit with “Still” in 1979?3. Who joined Jennifer Warnes on “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the soundtrack for “Dirty Dancing”?4. What was Johnny Rivers’ self-penned No. 1 hit of 1966?5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “A pain in my head, There’s bugs in my bed, My pants are so old that they shine; Out on the street, I beg the people I meet ...”

Answers1. “Dreamer,” in 1974, 1984 and 1994. Not to be left out, others also released songs by the same name: Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Brown and Hilary Duff.2. The Commodores. It was the group’s last hit with Lionel Richie.3. Bill Medley, of the Righteous Brothers, in 1987.4. “Poor Side of Town.” His “Secret Agent Man” ran a close No. 3 on the charts.5. “Bottle of Wine,” a top-10 song by the Fire-balls in 1968. The group took its name from “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. The Fireballs hadn’t had a No. 1 hit since “Sugar Shack” in 1963.(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Tidbits® of CDA Dear Auntie M., I’m not writing with a problem, but rather some-thing that I would like to share this Holiday Season. I recently re-ceived an invi-tation to attend a Christmas Party. In addition to bring-ing a food item to share we are asked to bring a gift for a gift exchange. The rules for the gift purchase are a $ 10.00 limit, and the gift must be purchased at an area thrift store. Our hostess sees this as a lovely way to recycle and support the good works of our local non-profits. The array of good causes we can support with our shopping is truly inspiring. We can support children, pets, women, soup kitch-ens, the homeless and more. If we each did this for just one person or one time a year think of how much good we could do. I feel so blessed to have such a caring and creative friend and to live in such a won-derful community. I encour-age others to come up with similar ways that the gift of giving serves many, not just the immedi-ate recipient. Grateful in GarwoodDear GratefulWhat a refreshing letter and a wonderful idea. Too often we forget about the possibilities that are available to us, and how even the simplest thing can make a difference. Our local thrift stores are a treasure trove of new and used items. Yes, it takes more time and discernment, but for many of us finding that ‘good deal’ is truly re-warding. Thanks, Grateful! Your letter made me think, and opening our minds to new ideas is a gift in itself. Oh, and give your friend a hug for me, too. Please send your questions or comments to [email protected]. I shall be frank and honest with my response and provide resources where appropriate.

Who doesn’t love an easy recipe that you can fix in just 10-20 minutes? This salsa chili recipe is so easy and simple you can pull it off almost any night of the week with just a few ingredients.

Salsa Chili Recipe:

1-2 jars of favorite salsa (about 24 oz)

1 pound ground turkey or lean beef

1 can white beans or chili beans (15 oz bpa free can)

Brown ground meat in a pot on a medium high heat. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, add salsa and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Presto lunch or dinner is done! Garnish with sour cream, chives or shredded cheese.

Happy Eating, Bretta Provost 208-964-4420

[email protected]

www.heirloomjungle.com

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