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TIDBITS® SINGS 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

by Kathy WolfeMost of us are familiar with the popular Christmas tune “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This week, Tidbits has a few more details about each of the gifts received by the singer from his or her “true love,” everything from drummers drumming to maids a-milking to swans, geese, turtledoves and the partridge in the pear tree!• The drum is considered theoldest musical instrument and is also used for non-musical purposes, such as long-distance communication. An Englishman set a world record by playing 400 separate drums in 16.3 seconds in 1995. Ireland’s Millennium Drum, constructed of birch plywood and sailcloth, is considered the world’s largest drum with a diameter of 15 feet, 6 inches. It was built for Ireland’s millennium festivities.• A set of panpipes consists of from three to 40 tubes, usually cane, but also wood or pottery. The length of the pipes determines the pitch of the note. • Greek mythology tells of Pan, thegod of woods and pastures and the protector of shepherds and their flocks. Accordingtolegend,Pan,half-manandhalf-goat, is the inventor of the panpipe, fashioned from reeds, on which he piped lovely music.

(turn the page for more!)

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Seafood Salad Cucumber Cups

Nestle sweet shrimp and crabmeat salad in a refresh-ing cucumber shell and top with tart, jewel-like pome-granate seeds for an elegant holiday appetizer.

6 sprigs fresh dill2 lemons2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 pinch cayenne (ground red) pepperSalt3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil8 ounces 16- to 20-count shrimp, shelled and deveined2 large (1 pound each) seedless (English) cucumbers8 ounces refrigerated lump crabmeat, picked over2 tablespoons snipped chives1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

1. Separate dill leaves from stems; reserve separately. From lemons, finely grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1/4 cup juice into large bowl. Reserve rinds.2. To peel and juice, whisk in mustard, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in oil in slow, steady stream, until blended. Dressing can be refrigerated up to 3 days.3. In 4-quart saucepan, combine dill stems, lemon rinds and 8 cups water. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to maintain gentle simmer. Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes or until just opaque, stirring. Drain. Rinse under cold water until cold; drain. Discard dill and lemon. Coarsely chop shrimp. Shrimp can be refrigerated overnight.4. Trim cucumbers; cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. With melon baller, scoop out centers of slices without cut-ting through bottoms.5. Finely chop 1 tablespoon dill leaves. Gently fold into dressing along with shrimp, crabmeat and chives.6. Fill each cucumber cup with 1 tablespoon salad mix-ture. Garnish with pomegranate and dill. Makes about 36 pieces; serves 12.

Each serving: About 75 calories, 4g total fat (1g satu-rated), 42mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 3g carbohy-drate, 1g dietary fiber, 7g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.

(c) 2011 Hearst Communications, Inc.

Q: I love watching one of my favorite “classic” TV shows, “Designing Women,” in reruns whenever I get the chance. I’ve decided to ask Santa for the boxed sets on DVD, but can only find seasons one through four. Will season five be out before the holidays? -- Jeanne C., Conyers, Ga.A: You, and the rest of us “Designing Women” fans, are in luck -- season five was released on DVD Dec. 6, right in the nick of time for Jolly Ole St. Nick to place a copy in your stocking. Season five begins with Charlene en-rolling in college, Suzanne accidentally bidding on a date with Anthony, Mary Jo deciding to want a baby, and Julia secretly moonlighting as a nightclub song-stress. The four-disc set includes all 24 original epi-sodes -- with all the hairspray and shoulder pads that that entails. This season is also the last to include origi-nal cast members Jean Smart and Delta Burke, who left before season six to be replaced by Jan Hooks (who stayed for seasons six and seven) and Julia Duffy (who was in season six only).***Q: It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for the rest of the second season of “Pretty Little Liars” to air. Please tell me it will be back soon! -- Erin H., via e-mailA: I love to be the bearer of good news. Your favorite bad girls, led by Aria Montgomery (played by Lucy Hale), will be back with new episodes on ABC Family

on its new night starting Monday, Jan. 2. Watch as Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer take matters into their own hands to try to finally put a stop to their tormentor, the mysterious “A.”***Q: Can you tell me if one of my favorite shows on TV will return? “The Killing” on AMC was riveting, and the twist at the very end of the last show blindsided me! -- Ann in MinnesotaA: I was just thinking about that show the other day, so thank you for reminding me. I too love “The Killing” and was glued to my seat for the entire 13-episode first season. The show will be back for a second season -- thank goodness! -- most likely in late spring, although an official date has not been set. If you’re not already following me on Twitter (twitter.com/celebrity_extra), you should, because I always post up-to-the-minute news on casting and returning series.***Q: “Downton Abbey” on PBS was one of my favorite shows of 2011. I remember reading in your column that it would be back for a second season. If so, when? -- Donna B., Tulsa, Okla.A: “Downton Abbey” season two returns to PBS’s Mas-terpiece Classic on Sunday nights beginning Jan. 9 and running through Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET. Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Dan Stevens headline the remarkable cast as World War I shakes Downton Abbey to its very foundations.

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at let-ters@cindyelavsky.com.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Happiness Bird

Q: I recently found a “Happiness Bird” in custard satin made by Fenton Glass in an antique shop in Joplin, Mo. I was told that it was made in about 1955. I paid $150 for it and was told by a neighbor that it is rare and priceless. -- Betty, Springfield, MOA: Since you are from the “Show Me” state, I will show you that neighbors aren’t necessarily right. Accord-ing to “Warman’s Fenton Glass” by Mark F. Moran, your bird is worth about $40. Incidentally, custard satin was a matte finish introduced by Fenton in 1971 and available in several colors, including Blue, Crystal Velvet, Lime Sherbet and White.***Q: We have a stamp collector’s book from the early 1930s, filled with several hundred stamps, with and without postmarks. There also are some first day covers. How can I have this collection evaluated and appraised? -- Pat, Surprise, Ariz.A: There are several stamp dealers in your area. C & C Coin & Stamps is located at 3404 North 24th St., between Indian School and Thomas in Phoenix, and offers free appraisals. BJ’s Stamps is at 6342 West Bell Road, also in Phoenix. If you want a more formal appraisal, I recommend the services of a profession-al who specializes in personal property. Two senior members of the American Society of Appraisers in Phoenix are Barbara June Bradbury (480) 947-2378, and Betty Goldfield (480) 502-2679. When hiring the services of an appraiser, don’t hesitate to ask for cre-dentials and references.***Q: I have my brother’s “Da Nang Vietnam” jacket from about 1967. It features a map of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia stitched in the design. This jacket is now more than 40 years old, and I need to know if it is worth keeping. -- Katherine, Aurora, Colo.A: Your jacket is probably worth in the $50 to $100 range, depending on condition and desirability.***Q: I have a baseball bat that is marked “Hillerick & Bradsby, Made in USA, Louisville, KY.” It is a “Johnny Bench” bat, approved by the Little League. What is it worth? -- Albert, Evansville, Wyo.A: Your bat is worth in the $10 to $25 range.

Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (continued):• The title “Lord” can be used if a gentleman is a baron, viscount, earl, marquis, bishop, a dignitary of the Church of England or a member of Great Britain’s Houseof Lords.AnagaisaTurkishLord.•ThecuckoopintisaEuropeanplantwithbright red poisonous berries and is often referred to as the “Lords-and-Ladies.”Ingesting the berries can result in swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, burning pain and an upset stomach. •The1993Arizonahalf-marathonhadaninteresting entrant, Elizabeth Ursic, whochose to tap-dance the 13.1-mile distance.• In 1931, a couple set out to winChicago’s Merry Garden Ballroom dance marathon. They danced over 214 days, with rest periods beginning at 20 minutes perhour,decreasingtozerominutesperhour. They were not allowed to close their eyes for more than 15 seconds. Their record-setting endurance was rewarded witha$2,000prize.• A California cow named simply“Number 289” is the leader in lifetime milk production, with more than 54,070 gallons of milk to her credit. That’s enough to fill more than eight 60-foot tanker trucks. She averaged about 7 gallons a day, compared to about 4.4 gallons for a normal cow. Number 289 lived to be 19 years old, about four times longer than the average Holstein. •ThankstoL.O.Colvin,wehavethemilkingmachine. Back in 1860, he introduced the first suction-type contraption. A sign seen in recent years on the back of a milk truck read: “Modern Milking Machine Company …AllThatWeAreWeOwetoUdders.”•“Swan”isthe1,471stmostpopularlastnameintheUnitedStates,whichcomputesto about 20,000 people.

1. LITERATURE: Ollivanders is the name of a shop promi-nently featured in which series of novels?2. PSYCHOLOGY: What unnatural fear is represented in disorder oneirophobia?3. MOVIES: Which Alfred Hitchcock movie features a main character who is confined to a wheelchair?4. MUSIC: Which rock-and-roll group had a hit with the song “Got to Get You into My Life”?5. TELEVISION: What is the setting for the TV soap “An-other World”? 6. ANCIENT WORLD: Who was one of the chief founders of the philosophy of Cynicism? 7. POETRY: Who wrote the words, “God’s in his heaven/ All’s right with the world”?8. ART: For what type of work was the 16th-century artist Titian best known?9. MYTHOLOGY: Who is the Greek goddess of love?10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the deepest lake in the world?

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (continued):• Swans live on every continentexcept Africa and Antarctica. The sounds they make vary from whistles to hisses to trumpet-like noises. Beware of the female swan; she will attack anything that presents a danger to her eggs, including dogs, foxes and people. • The stars Deneb and Albirco markthe head and tail of the swan in the constellation Cygnus. According to mythology, Cygnus was a friend of the son of Apollo, the sun god. When the son fell into the river, Cygnus dove into the water time after time in an attempt to rescue his friend, but to no avail. They myth says Cygnus was turned into a swan by Zeus in order to allow him to dive deeper. The English language uses the word “cygnet” for a baby swan. • Although the lifespan of the domesticgoose averages 25 years, making it the longest-lived bird, George the Goose of Thornton, England, lived to be nearly 50 years old. Speckle the Goose of Goshen, Ohio, is noted for laying the world’s heaviest egg. It was 24 ounces, twice as weighty as the average goose egg. • Inorder for it tobemade into jewelry,other metals must be added to gold, creating an “alloy.” If your ring is 18-karat gold, it is 18 parts pure gold and six parts other metals. •Nevadaisthe leadinggold-miningstatein America, producing 79 percent of the nation’s supply. South Africa leads the world. It takes more than two tons of South African rock to yield less than one ounce of gold. • It’sbelievedthat thecallingbird in thesong is actually the mockingbird, a bird with the ability to imitate the sounds of other birds. One such bird was heard to imitate the songs of 32 different birds during a 10-minute period.

HOLLYWOOD -- Remember “The Addams Family,” the creepy, kooky sitcom that ran for 64 episodes in the mid-1960s, starring John Astin and Carolyn Jones as Gomez and Morticia Addams? It was revived for two films with Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston in the star-ring roles in ‘91 and ‘93. With Raul Julia’s death, a ‘98 film reboot starred Tim Curry as Gomez and Daryl Hannah as Morticia. That year, ABC Family revived the series, again with John Astin as Gomez, which ran 65 episodes. This summer I saw “The Addams Family” (the musical) on Broadway with Brooke Shields and Roger Rees (of “Cheers”) as Morticia and Gomez. Now Tim Burton plans to write, produce and possibly direct a stop-action animated film of “The Addams Family” along the lines of his “Nightmare Before Xmas” film.Another spooky sitcom, “The Munsters,” also debuted 1966 and ran for 70 episodes, with Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster and Yvonne De Carlo as his wife, Lily. In l981, NBC made “The Munster’s Revenge” with the same cast. In ‘88, “The Munsters Today” brought back the series for 72 shows. In ‘95 Edward Hermann and Ve-ronica Hamel took over in “Here Come the Munsters.” The following year, Fox TV gave us “The Munster’s Scary Little Christmas.” Now that “Once Upon a Time” and “Grimm” are grabbing viewer attention, NBC has given “Pushing Daisies” creator Bryan Fuller the green

light to develop a one-hour drama series about the Munsters. So, if you’re too young to have seen “The Addams Family,” “The Munsters” or even “Mr. Ed” -- it looks like you’ll be seeing them again ... and again ... and again!***While the three leads of “Twilight Saga” -- Robert Pat-tinson, Kristin Stewart and Taylor Lautner -- haven’t been able to equal their success in anything else, fel-low castmember Jackson Rathbone seems to be forg-ing ahead with several impressive projects. His band 100 Monkeys had three CDs in 2009, and a new CD, “Liquid 200,” came out in June. He’s got two films now shooting -- “Truckstop” and “Live at the Foxes Den” -- and two films in the can -- “Cowgirls ‘n’ Angels” and “Zombie Hamlet” with Shelley Long and John Amos. And, of course, “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2.” We’ll be seeing a lot of Rathbone in the coming year.***David Yates, director of five Harry Potter films, includ-ing the final two, plans to direct a big-screen version of the BBC series “Dr. Who.” Yates says it will not be related to the current “Dr. Who” starring Matt Smith. He doesn’t have a story or script yet, but is definitely set to make it. Sounds kind of like the old Abbott and Costello routine: Dr. Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know Who’s on third!

Send letters to Tony Rizzo’s Hollywood, 8306 Wilshire Blvd., No. 362, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

“Crude Awakening: Money, Mavericks and Mayhem in Alas-ka”by Amanda Coyne and Tony Hopfinger(Nation Books, $26.99)Reviewed by Larry Cox

In the WPA Guide to Alaska published in 1939, its editor states that the best way to know Alaska is to spend a lifetime there. After reading “Crude Awakening,” there’s the feeling that not even a lifetime would be adequate to understand the remote region with its fragmented history, shady deal-ings and corrupted political and business leaders. There’s a Wild West mentality that puts Alaska’s rich natural resources up for grabs.Amanda Coyne and Tony Hopfinger, two seasoned Alaskan reporters based in Anchorage, document the epic tale of America’s final frontier, including its soaring hopes, fading dreams, drying oil fields, threatened ecology and an uncer-tain future. It’s a story with a cast of bigger-than-life characters, such as “Uncle Ted” Stevens, the late U.S. senator who for more than 40 years was the state’s most powerful politician -- until he was brought down by scandal. Stevens rubbed el-bows with oil tycoon Bill Allen, who arrived in Alaska with a grade-school education but eventually became one of the country’s wealthiest lobbyists. He, too, was the target of a government corruption investigation.The narrative by Coyne and Hopfinger make it clear that in Alaska, everything -- and I do mean everything -- is connect-ed and corrupted in one way or another. Examples include Bami Tyree, a Wasilla beauty with a crack problem who was sexually involved with Bill Allen; and Frank Murkowski, who also was involved in dealings with Allen and who appointed his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to serve out his term in the U.S. senate after he was elected governor. This triggered a feud between the Murkowski family and Sarah Palin.Palin, according to the authors, is a political opportunist with Alaska-bred hubris, charisma and, more importantly, an incredible sense of timing. Out of the ashes of cronyism and corruption, Palin was born.

TOP TEN MOVIES

1. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1 (PG-13) Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson

2. The Muppets (PG) Jason Segel, Amy Adams3. Happy Feet Two (PG) animated

4. Arthur Christmas (PG) animated5. Hugo (PG) Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace

Moretz6. Jack and Jill (PG) Adam Sandler, Katie Hol-

mes7. Immortals (R) Henry Cavill, Luke Evans

8. Puss in Boots (PG) animated9. Tower Heist (PG-13) Ben Stiller, Eddie Mur-

phy10. The Descendants (R) George Clooney,

Shailene Woodley

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Gout vs. Pseudogout: What’s the Difference?

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have faux gout. At least that’s what I’ve been told I have. It’s in my left foot. I understand it’s not caused by uric acid but by calcium. Can you tell me more about it and what can be done for it? -- C.B.

ANSWER: Faux (French for “false”) gout -- or pseudogout, as it is more commonly called -- is like gout in many respects, but the differences between the two are significant.In gout, uric acid crystals infiltrate joints and inflame them. In pseudogout, the crystals making their way into and around joints are calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate, CPPD. Just as uric acid crystals do, CPPD crystals inflame

the joint and cause great pain. That’s not true of everyone who has these crystals. Some never experience a minute of pain.The joints most affected in pseudogout are the knees and the wrists. Shoulders, ankles, elbows and hands also might be targets.Who told you that you have this condition? A doctor requires X-ray examination of the affected joint before declaring that a person has pseudogout. Stronger evidence of the diagnosis is obtained by drawing fluid from the joint and examining it microscopically. The distinctive crystals of CPPD can be seen -- proof positive.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- Aleve, Motrin, Advil and many others -- usually can control this illness and the pain it causes. If they don’t, an injection of cortisone into the joint will. For recurrent attacks, colchicine -- the same drug used for gout -- works for pseudogout, too.The pamphlet on gout and pseudogout explains both illnesses and their treatments. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue -- No. 302W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.***

“It’s dirty work, but someone has to do it!” That has been my catchy refrain the past few months while partnering with Scrubbing Bubbles to reveal its fascinating Dirty Work Index data on women’s attitudes and feelings on cleaning their homes. Did you know that 51 percent of women actu-ally avoid going into someone else’s bathroom? I also was surprised to learn that three out of four women say that the cleanliness of their homes speaks volumes about them personally, and 83 percent are prompted to clean if they’re hosting a party or guests in their home. That can put a lot of pressure on one person, especially this time of year!Now that we’re in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, with guests coming and going in our homes, here are some practical and easy cleaning strategies for busy families: 1. Start with the front door. To keep dirt and grime out of the house before it gets tracked in, remind kids to leave their boots, shoes, and wet and muddy winter gear at the entryway. When guests pop by, I like to add a bit of humor and suggest that they do the “Cha, Cha, Cha” on the entry mat when they arrive. After a few steps, wiggles and laughs, their shoes are clean before they step inside.2. Think of cleaning as exercise. It can be hard to get everything you want done during these busy days, so make cleaning do double duty when you can’t squeeze in time at the gym. An active 30 minutes of cleaning can get the blood pumping and heart racing. Add music to the mix, and it will be done before you know it.3. Get kids to help. You don’t have to do all the tasks alone, especially kid-friendly jobs like shaking rugs, taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom mirrors.4. Clear the clutter. Just before guests arrive at a dinner party, wash and put away mixing bowls and utensils, and be sure the counters are sparkling clean. A clutter-free kitchen makes you feel organized and relaxed.5. Save the night with candlelight. Perfection isn’t everything. If you throw a last-minute get-together, don’t worry about dusting every corner. Simply dim lamps and light candles. There is something about candlelight that makes everything glow.6. Holiday helpers ring in the new year.When packing holiday decorations in boxes until next year, make it a family affair. Laugh together, tell stories and share cups of cocoa while you get another cleanup job done!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (continued):•Canyou identify the famous familywholived at 1313 Mockingbird Lane? It wastelevision’s Herman Munster family — Herman,Lily,GrandpaandEddie.• A hen begins laying eggs when she isabout 20 weeks old. If a farmer uses artificial lighting, the hen will begin laying at a younger age. If she is exposed to about 15 hours of light per day, she will lay more eggs. The average hen lays about 250 eggs in a year. • A member of the pigeon family, aturtledove is noted for its purring coo. It differs from the mourning dove, although the two are often mistaken. Don’t look for turtledoves in America, as they live mainly in Europe, Asia and Africa. •TheTurtledoveFolkClubof Coatesville,Pennsylvania,isanorganizationformusiclovers, specifically those who want to preserve and promote folk music and dance.• Apartridgeismostgenerallyknownasa quail or a bobwhite. There are about 150 varieties of partridges. Some parts of America refer to a partridge as a ruffed grouse. If you plan to keep a partridge as a pet, have plenty of grains, plant shoots and insects on hand. A typical bobwhite might consume as many 15,000 weed seeds a day, a tremendous help to farmers. •If someoneoffersyouaComice,Seckel,Winter Nelis, Kieffer, Leconte, Anjou,Bosc or Garber, he is offering you an item obtained from a pear tree. Over 800,000 tons of pears are produced annually in the UnitedStates,withthestateof Washingtonleading the nation in fresh pear production. The average American eats about 3.1 pounds of fresh pears a year.

OVERCOMING THE ODDS:SCOTTSMILEYFrom despair to hope to victory, Scott Smiley has met overwhelming challenges head-on and triumphed. Check out the

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By Samantha Mazzotta

Q: I’d like to hire a contractor to take care of shov-eling snow from my walkways and driveway after a snowstorm, as I’m getting too old to do it myself. What are standard rates for snow-clearing service, and how can I be sure to get a reputable contrac-tor? -- Jesse H., Foxboro, Mass.

A: Rates for snow-clearing service can vary widely depending on which region of the country you live in, the frequency and depth of each snowfall, and the exact type of service you’re contracting for. In the Northeast, there are a great number of inde-pendent contractors willing to take on this service for you. Some depend on it for extra income, at-taching a plow to their four-wheel-drive vehicle, while others, such as landscapers, offer it as part of a year-round yard service.Try to get a word-of-mouth recommendation from neighbors, friends or family first. You’ll want to

know some specific service details: Is the contractor licensed and insured to cover potential damage to your property? Do they charge for snow removal per storm, or do they have a monthly rate? At what snow depth do they begin charging an additional fee? (It’s not uncommon to increase the rate for storms that drop more than 14 inches.)And what exact services will they provide: just the driveway and the walk to the door, or all of your home’s outside walkways? Do they include applica-tion of snowmelt or salt/sand as part of the service? (They should.) Do they offer additional services, like clearing snow off of the roof, and how much do they charge for those? Do you have to contract with them for the entire winter (often December to April in your region)? Under what conditions can you cancel a contract (such as failure to complete snow removal within a specified time period following a storm)?Compare the estimates from at least three or more potential contractors. It’s particularly important to review them with a trusted family member or friend who can help you decide which contractor to hire.

HOME TIP: Bright orange markers called snow stakes should be placed along the edges of your drive-way, either by the contractor or you, to mark them for snowplows, preventing damage to curbing and lawns.

Send your questions or tips to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

story of this inspiring individual, an injured soldier who credits his faith,family and friends with his remarkable recoveryfromdevastatinginjuries.• Life looked very promising forScott Smiley back in 2003. He had recently graduated fromWest Point andmarriedhis high school sweetheart. Following his completion of Ranger school, he was deployed to Iraq in October of 2004. •InAprilof 2005,asalieutenantinchargeof a combat team platoon, Smiley’s life changed forever. He and his men approached a car with a nervous driver, who immediately raised his hands in the air. Smiley ordered the man to get out of the car, but seconds later, the driver set off a bomb. Shards of shrapnel sliced through Smiley’s eyes, shredding the optic nerves and penetrating his brain. • Smileywas put on an emergencyairlift and transported to Washington, D.C.’s Walter Reed Hospital, where he remained unconscious for two weeks. During that time an ophthalmologist worked for eight hours on his right eye, attemptingtosaveitssight.Unfortunately,when Smiley woke up, he was informed that he was partially paralyzed andpermanently blind.•Smileyadmitshis“spiritwascrushed”and that he felt he had no reason to live or any purpose in life. He was advised to take medical retirement. Instead, he made the courageous choice to fight his way back, firmly believing there was a place for him in the military. He took advantage of the Army’s new willingness to allow certain seriouslyinjuredsoldierstoremainintheservice.

It was megaloma-niacal French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte who made the follow-ing sage observation: “Four hostile news-papers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.”

Orchids are lovely � owers, and many people dedicate years to growing them and � nding rare specimens. If you’re like most peo-

by Samantha Weaver

ple, though, you prob-ably don’t realize that the word orchid comes from the Greek word “orchis,” which means “testicle.”

Records show that the town of Helena, Mon-tana, had more million-aires per capita than any other city in the world -- way back in 1888.

In the early 1970s, a British plumber named John Hancock replaced an antique toilet in the home of John Lennon, then kept the old toilet for the rest of his life. In 2010, a� er Hancock’s

death, his heirs put it up for auction. Even the auction house was sur-prised when the former Beatle’s throne fetched a whopping $14,740.

When you’re in an unpopulated area and gaze up at the night sky, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the profusion of stars. But what’s truly overwhelm-ing is this: All the stars that are visible from Earth represent only 0.000000000000001 percent of all the stars in the known universe.

You may not be aware

of this, but there is a new fad that is catching on among some groups across the country: tall biking. Hobbyists construct bicycles with normal-sized front and rear wheels, but with frames and seats that extend anywhere from 6 to 10 feet o� the ground. Some riders actually use these bikes to joust, using lances made out of PVC pipe and foam rubber. It’s unclear, however, exactly how the riders mount their steeds.***� ought for the Day: “If you wish to be loved, show more of your faults than your virtues.” -- Ed-ward Bulwer-Lytton

Bring On the Snowplow

Tidbits® of Salina Page 6SMILEY(continued):• After numerous surgeries and monthsof exhausting physical therapy, including re-learning how to walk, Scott Smiley returned to active duty. • Smiley was accepted into DukeUniversity’s business school, where heearned a master’s degree in Business Administration. Soon he was teaching leadershipclassestoWestPointcadets.• Smiley’s list of accomplishments andadventures has continued to grow since his injury. He has been skydiving, gonesnow skiing and surfed solo in Hawaii. Although he had never mountain climbed before Iraq, he reached the summit of Mount Rainier with a group of climbers in 2007. With two hiking poles, he was able to keep his balance, listening for the footsteps of the person in front of him.Smileywastherecipientof anESPY(ExcellenceinSportsPerformanceYearly)award in 2008. With the help of an Army buddy, he participated in theWest Pointtriathlon. He has also been awarded the Army’s MacArthur Leadership Award,given to those officers who demonstrate “duty, honor, and country,” as well as the honor of being named the Army Times’ 2007 Soldier of the Year.• In 2010, Smiley was appointedcommander of the U.S. Army WarriorTransitionUnit,becomingonlythesecondwounded officer to assume such a position and the first blind active-duty officer. His responsibilities include overseeing the recovery and rehabilitation of about 200 armed forces members at the Army Medical Center atWest Point. Hoping toinspire others, he has recently released hisautobiography“HopeUnseen.”Buthisgreatest accomplishment remains being a father to his two young sons. • “We all have tough times. It’s aboutunderstanding them and moving forward.” – Scott Smiley

Fine-Tune Finances Before Year’s End

The quiet week at the end of the year is a good time to review finances and make any needed changes before the New Year.Tax deductions: The trick is to balance payroll de-ductions with the taxes you’ll owe in April so that you come out with nothing due and no refund. If too much money is taken out, you’re essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. In-stead make the changes to your W-9 form and put that extra money from each paycheck into a savings account.The biggest event that should make you review your deductions is buying a house. You’ll get a mortgage interest statement (Form 1098) for the interest you paid, which can become a deduc-tion on the Schedule A of your tax forms if you itemize. (You’ll also be able to claim the property taxes you’ve paid.) If you can, make a 13th mortgage payment in December to add to the amount of the mort-gage interest. Better savings interest rate: If your emergency

fund is safely in place, likely in a savings account, considering putting further savings into a CD or money market account. You’ll get a bit more in-terest, and the money is still easily accessible in case of an emergency.Health Savings Account: If have a high deduct-ible on your medical insurance, investigate put-ting money into a Health Savings Account. The money you put into an HSA is tax-preferred, which means that it’s not taxable when earned. Balances roll over from year to year, and the only stipulation is that it be used to pay medical ex-penses. “High deductible” is defined as $1,200 for yourself or $2,400 for family coverage for 2011. Go online to irs.gov and look for IRS Publi-cation 969 for more details about how much you can contribute.If you’re self-employed, stock up on the consum-ables you normally use. Those become a busi-ness expense that you can deduct. If you’ll likely need a new computer soon, or telephones, con-sider buying those before the end of the year. If you’ve planned to make charitable donations, do it now. It’s a deduction on the Schedule A if you itemize.Invest in an early copy of the 2011 tax software and run the numbers. This will help you fine tune your year-end strategy.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot person-ally answer reader questions, but will incorpo-rate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Ser-vice, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

Page 7For Advertising Call (785) 404-1000

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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: This weekend I took my dog “Marty,” a dachshund-beagle mix, out to some property, where she sniffed and sniffed and dug and sniffed and sniffed. I think she had her nose buried in the rocky soil for so long that she gave herself a rather large (maybe the size of a nickel) blister on her upper lip. It’s not puffy -- just a raw patch under her nose, and she licks at it. I saw something saying that canola oil or olive oil might help chapped lips, but this seems like a larger area. Any tips? -- Matt P., via email

DEAR MATT: First, I have to caution that it’s always wise to consult your dog’s vet. With that out of the way, I’d say the best thing to do would be to treat the raw patch like you would a blister or a raw patch on your own nose. Keep the area clean, rub a bit of Neosporin over it two or three times daily and watch it closely.Marty probably will lick off the antibiotic ointment within a minute or two of application, but in such

small quantities it isn’t a problem to ingest. A Band-Aid probably will cause more discomfort and trouble than it prevents. You also can ask your vet for topical medicine to reduce any discomfort and thereby reduce her licking of the area so it can heal faster. If it is indeed just a raw patch caused by friction, the area should heal up within a few days. But do keep a close eye on it: If the patch looks like its getting infected or otherwise changes for the worse, take Marty to the vet right away.

Send your question or tip to ask@pawscorner.com, or write to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. For more pet care-related advice and information, visit www.pawscorner.com.

YOUR BUSINESS HEREfor more information call (785) 404-1000

On Dec. 23, 1888, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, suffering from severe depression, cuts off the lower part of his left ear with a razor while staying in Arles, France. He later documented the event in a painting titled “Self-Portrait With Bandaged Ear.” During his lifetime, van Gogh sold only one painting.

On Dec. 22, 1900, the first car to be produced under the “Mercedes” name is delivered to its buyer, Emil Jellinek, an Austrian car racer and auto dealer to the rich and famous. In exchange for buying 36 of the cars, the auto company agreed to name its new ma-chine after Jellinek’s 11-year-old daughter, Mercedes.

On Dec. 24, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touches a button and lights the first national Christmas tree to grace the White House grounds. The tree was the first to be decorated with electric lights -- a strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs.

On Dec. 20, 1957, rock ‘n’ roll star Elvis Presley re-ceives his draft notice for the United States Army. He served in Company D, 32nd Tank Battalion, 3rd Armor Corps in Friedberg, Germany, where he attained the rank of sergeant.

On Dec. 25, 1962, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a film based on the 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Harper Lee, opens in theaters. The Great Depression-era story of racial injustice and the loss of childhood innocence is told from the perspective of a young Alabama girl named Scout Finch.

On Dec. 21, 1975, in Vienna, Austria, Carlos the Jack-al leads a raid on a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), killing three people and taking 63 hostage. Carlos managed to evade international authorities until 1994, when French agents captured him hiding in the Sudan.

On Dec. 19, 1986, Michael Sergio, who parachuted into Game Six of the 1986 World Series at New YorkÕs Shea Stadium, is fined $500 and sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Sergio had landed on the infield with a “LetÕs Go Mets” banner in the first inning of the sixth game between the Mets and the Boston Red Sox.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. Who was the last pitcher before Seattle’s Felix Hernandez in 2010 to have at least 30 quality starts in a season?2. In the decade of the 1950s, a future Hall of Fame pitcher had the most losses during the 10-year span. Name the pitcher.3. Name the last defensive lineman to

be a Heisman Trophy finalist before Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh in 2009.4. When was the last time the Hawks played in the NBA Finals? 5. Twice in the 1980s, the NHL had Stanley Cup Finals featuring two Canadian teams. Name the teams and the years.6. Cadel Evans won the Tour de France cycling race in 2011 at the age of 34. Who is the oldest winner of the event?7. In 2011, Rory McIlroy set a record for lowest four-round score at golf’s U.S. Open with a 268. Name two of the four to hold the old record of 272.

TOP OF THE CHARTS as of Dec. 5, 2011

Top 10 Video Rentals1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (PG-

13) Daniel Radcliffe2. The Change-Up (R) Ryan Reynolds

3. Captain America: The First Avenger (PG-13) Chris Evans

4. Crazy, Stupid, Love (PG-13) Steve Carrell5. Water for Elephants (PG-13) Reese Witherspoon

6. Cars 2 (G) animated7. Larry Crowne (PG-13) Tom Hanks

8. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13) Johnny Depp

9. Horrible Bosses (R) Jennifer Aniston10. Bad Teacher (R) Cameron Diaz

Top 10 DVD Sales1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (PG-

13) (Warner)2. Cars 2 (G) (Buena Vista)

3. The Lion King (G) (Buena Vista)4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

(Buena Vista)5. The Change-Up (R) (Universal)

6. Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury/Book of Dragons (NR) (Paramount)

7. Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13) (Summit Entertain-ment)

Outing a Sore Spot for Nosey Dog By Sam Mazzotta

Answers1. Arizona’s Randy Johnson had 30 quality starts in 2002.2. Philadelphia’s Robin Roberts had 149 losses (and 199 wins) for the decade.3. Warren Sapp of the University of Miami, Fla., in 1994.4. It was 1961, when they were the St. Louis Hawks.5. Montreal and Calgary, in 1986 and 1989.6. Firmin Lambot was 36 when he won it in 1922.7. Jack Nicklaus (1980), Lee Janzen (‘93), Tiger Woods (2000) and Jim Furyk (‘03).

Page 8 Tidbits® of Salina

If you want to place an ad in Tidbits,please contact Jim Brown at

(785) 404 -1000or e-mail at

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Answers1. The “Harry Pot-ter” books2. Fear of dreams3. “Rear Window”4. The Beatles5. Bay City6. Diogenes7. Robert Browning8. Painting 9. Aphrodite 10. Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia

Trivia Quiz

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