There Is News At Every Corner
CONTRACT BRIDGE
A GRAND SLAM
BYLINE: By Steve Becker
Let’s say you’re declarer in seven hearts and West leads the king of clubs. You ruff and see that you’re sure to make the contract unless the missing diamonds are divided 4-0.
Even in that case, the grand slam can be made by playing the diamonds correctly. Thus, if West has the J-9-6-4, you can first cash the king and later finesse dummy’s ten to nullify his diamonds. If East has the J-9-6-4, you can start the suit by playing dummy’s ace first and subsequently pick up the suit without loss regardless of how East defends.
Your only problem, therefore, is to try to discover which defender, if either, might have all four missing diamonds. This is not a difficult task if you go about it the right way.
You draw three rounds of trump, noting that West started with three of them. You next play the ace of spades, to which both opponents follow suit, and at this point the remainder of the play becomes crystal clear.
West surely must have had at least six clubs for his four-club bid, and since he’s already shown up with three hearts and a spade, he cannot possibly hold four diamonds. So, if either opponent has four diamonds, it must be East.
Accordingly, you lead a low diamond to dummy’s ace at trick six. After West shows out, you continue with the ten. When East covers with the jack, you win with the king, cross to dummy’s carefully preserved queen of spades and then lead another diamond, this time finessing against East’s nine, to bring home the grand slam.
Note that if you had started the diamond suit by first playing the king from your hand, the grand slam would have gone down the drain. .
NOW HERE'S A TIP
BYLINE: By JoAnn Derson
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* To ripen a green tomato, wrap it in a sheet of newspaper or place it in a paper bag. It can then be left on the counter for several days to ripen.
* “To keep those ice crystals from forming on the top of your quart of ice cream, just cut a square of plastic wrap and push it down onto the surface of the ice cream each time you scoop a bowlful out. It peels off easily when you’re ready for another helping, but there’s no ice! Works for me!” — T.D. in Nebraska
* White vinegar will clean off fruit or food coloring stains on your hands — or most other places too!
* F.J. of Texas writes: “Keep a fresh roll of unscented toilet tissue in the kitchen to clean up on the stove and countertop. It cleans up good because of its absorbency, and it saves money on expensive paper towels.”
* “If you add a teaspoon of sugar to your biscuit mix or to the dough for rolls, it will help them brown well and they will come out of the oven with golden tops.” — Jan R. of Michigan
* You can get five or six more uses out of a pump-top lotion bottle if you cut off the top to access the lotion inside that doesn’t come out of the pump once the level is too low. You’d be surprised how much is still in there!
Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN
They gave Trump the center, and he took it
FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257
THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN #12345_20250127
FOR RELEASE JANUARY 27, 2025
BYLINE: By Rich Lowry
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They gave Trump the center, and he took it
Donald Trump stood at the center of American politics — in both senses –when he was inaugurated in the U.S. Capitol on Monday afternoon.
Pretty much everything of import in national affairs will revolve around Trump for the foreseeable future, and he’s managed, in many respects, to occupy the political and cultural center.
Trump’s critics have long insisted that he be shunned and not “normalized.” Did someone tell Carrie Underwood, who performed “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration (spontaneously going a cappella when there was a snafu with the accompanying music)? Or the richest, most successful entrepreneurs in the country, who were on prominent display? Or, for the matter, did someone tell the Village People?
If someone had predicted that the group formed to appeal to gay disco fans in 1977 would, in the year of our lord 2025, be performing at a pre-inaugural rally for a Republican president-elect considered a troglodyte culture warrior by his enemies, he’d have been justifiably mocked and dismissed.
As it turns out, disco was never dead; it was just waiting for Trump to revive it (actually, disco-inspired music was already on the upswing before Trump came up with his trendy YMCA dance).
How did a Democratic Party that has long prided itself on its hipness and future-oriented attitude lose a coolness fight to Donald J. Trump?
Well, for one thing, the party’s primary voters renominated an octogenarian who couldn’t identify or align himself with a cultural trend if he were gently directed to it by a bevy of solicitous aides. He was then swapped out for his unimpressive vice president, who was the beneficiary of a manufactured campaign to make her fun and interesting that collapsed of its own weight by November.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris had to sit awkwardly and listen in the Capitol as Trump excoriated their governing record. The harshness of his critique has led some observers to deride his inaugural address as American Carnage 2.0, a reference to the famous phrase from his first inaugural. If Trump was unsparing in his description of the status quo, though, he was soaring in his promises of “a thrilling new era of national success.”
He talked of bringing a “revolution of common sense,” positioning that wouldn’t be so easily available to him if the other side hadn’t ceded so much ground.
Trump’s urgency about securing the border wouldn’t have nearly the same political salience if Biden hadn’t been so heedless about a record-breaking influx of illegal immigrants.
Trump wouldn’t get to speak of defeating “record inflation” if there hadn’t been record inflation in the first place.
Trump’s decision to make it official government policy to only recognize two genders would be irrelevant if the Democrats hadn’t hitched themselves to gender insanity.
Trump’s call for ending the efforts to insinuate race and gender into all aspects of American life would be meaningless if DEI hadn’t become Democratic gospel.
The Democrats appeared to believe that it didn’t matter how out of touch and radical they’d become, so long as they were running against a Donald Trump who could be ruled out of bounds. But if the public concluded that Trump made more sense than his adversaries, a campaign to render him ipso facto unacceptable was going to fail.
This is not to say that Trump is an anodyne centrist. His zeal for tariffs and apparent determination to retake the Panama Canal are hardly consensus positions, and he didn’t mention his imminent Jan. 6 pardons in his address. No matter how much momentum Trump has now, controversies will pile up and events will take a hand. The current goodwill could prove quite transitory.
Still, it was Trump who was the focus of all the attention on Monday, Trump who is setting the agenda and Trump who can plausibly define himself as closer to the middle than his opponents — and they brought it on themselves.
Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.
(c) 2025 by King Features Synd., Inc.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) All that flattery and fawning shouldn’t affect any decision you have to make. Keep your focus on the facts and ignore all the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about a “favor” that you’re being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation, which you would check out first, of course.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A somewhat-unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters that you might have had to let slide.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Travel is favored this week, whether you’ll be globe-trotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by the person who wants to be your traveling companion.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references you can check out before you make any decisions.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Getting a boost in your self-esteem is one benefit that comes with a job well-done. There are other plusses as well, including being noticed by all the right people. Good luck!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Getting a project started can often be difficult, but the good news is that you won’t want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A lot of work-related issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along. Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) What might appear to be a very much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all. Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.
BORN THIS WEEK: You exercise your strong leadership qualities well, which is why people believe in you and feel reassured by you.
HOLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD
BYLINE: By Tony Rizzo
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
PHOTO CAPTION: Director Luca Guadagnino (“Queer” and “After the Hunt”)
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HOLLYWOOD — All eyes are on the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni lawsuits! Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends with Us,” then accused him of mounting a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation. He filed a $250 million suit against the New York Times for running Lively’s complaint against him. He also accuses her of a smear campaign. The “he said, she said” campaign drove the $25 million film to a $351 million gross in the box office.
Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds skipped the Golden Globes because they were unhappy that neither of them were nominated. She has since moved on to the sequel to her 2018 black-comedy/crime film “A Simple Favor,” which is being directed by Paul Feig for Amazon MGM Studios. It co-stars Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells and Allison Janney.
Meanwhile, Reynolds recently wrapped the live-action animated comedy “Animal Friends” in April 2024, as well as the action-adventure film “Mayday” with Kenneth Branagh and Maria Bakalova, which wrapped in May 2024. How will this infighting affect their future images?
***
People are still talking about Demi Moore’s wonderful speech at the Golden Globes after she won for “The Substance.” I met Demi in 1982 when she was Jackie Templeton on “General Hospital” before she starred in “Blame It on Rio” (1984), “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985), “About Last Night” (1986), and her superstar-maker “Ghost” (1990).
During her speech for “The Substance” (which cost $17.5 million and grossed $76.5 million), she said “I’ve been doing this a long time — over 45 years. This is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor.” Next, she’ll star in the sci-fi comedy “I Love Boosters” with “Password” host Keke Palmer and Will Poulter.
***
Sebastian Stan was another Globe winner for “A Different Man” (which he also produced), but the film only grossed $1.3 million. He fared better with “The Apprentice” (yes, as TV host Donald Trump), which cost $16 million and grossed $17.3 million because distributors were afraid to incur Trump’s wrath! In fact, 83% of the 238 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes were favorable.
His next film should fare even better. It’s the Marvel superhero film “Thunderbolts*” with Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell (Kurt Russell’s son), David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It’s due on May 2.
***
Imagine when I met George Clooney on the set of “The Facts of Life” in 1985 and talked him into an at-home photo shoot for TV Radio Mirror Magazine (because he was handsome, a nice guy, and had “TV star” written all over him). I never envisioned that he’d become the superstar icon he is today. His next film is the Netflix coming-of-age comedy “Jay Kelly” with Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher and Greta Gerwig.
Who better to help “Jay Kelly” come of age than Clooney, who had four young girls teach him “The Facts Of Life”?
Raise a Glass to Southern Hospitality - A New Cocktail Book Celebrates the Art of Mixing Drinks with a Southern Flai
Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate with the ultimate guide to Southern-inspired cocktails and entertaining! COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE: Pours, Drinks, Sips, and Bites by renowned chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan, brings together approximately 90 recipes for classic cocktails, innovative flavor-profile drinks, and a bonus chapter packed with delectable nibbles to pair with your beverages. The book is a toast to the unmatched charm of Southern hospitality, where no drink is ever served without a perfectly paired treat.
COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE offers a wide variety of recipes to suit all tastes for any occasion. Whether hosting a lively celebration, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or relaxing on the porch with friends, COCKTAILS, SOUTHERN STYLE provide the perfect drink to elevate the moment. Categories include:
Celebration Cocktails: Perfect for toasts and festivities.
Brunch Favorites: Start your day with a Southern twist.
Afternoon Porch Sippers: Relax with refreshing classics.
Five O’Clock Somewhere: Timeless drinks with modern updates.
Spritzes, Smashes, and Farts: Vibrant and effervescent creations.
Shandies and Beer Cocktails: Unique spins on familiar favorites.
Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Fun, flavorful options for everyone.
Some of the drinks found in the book include:
Swamp Water
Tennessee Iced Tea
Southern Belle Martini
Ginger Shandy
Mississippi Bourbon Punch
In addition to delightful drinks, Smith-Sullivan includes recipes for infused vodkas, simple syrups, and an in-depth look at the structure of a cocktail, complete with techniques and equipment tips to elevate your bartending skills.
But no Southern soiree is complete without snacks! The bonus chapter features mouthwatering recipes for Mini Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese and Tomato Sliders, Sausage Roll Poppers, and Crab Hush Puppies—ensuring your guests have plenty of delicious bites to accompany their drinks.
But no Southern soiree is complete without snacks! The bonus chapter features mouthwatering recipes for Mini Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese and Tomato Sliders, Sausage Roll Poppers, and Crab Hush Puppies—ensuring your guests have plenty of delicious bites to accompany their drinks.
“This book isn’t just a collection of cocktail recipes; it’s a celebration of Southern culture and hospitality,” says Smith-Sullivan. “Every drink and dish are crafted to bring people together, spark joy, and create unforgettable moments.”
BELINDA SMITH-SULLIVAN is a chef, food writer, spice blends entrepreneur, and a commercially rated pilot. She has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and writes a monthly column for South Carolina Living magazine. She also is featured on South Carolina Living’s website with monthly how-to videos. Smith-Sullivan is an active member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, International Association of Culinary Professionals, American Culinary Federation, and Les Dames d’Escoffier. She lives in Winston-Salem, NC.
Try this delicious sip of Southern hospitality.
CIDER SIDECAR
This recipe takes the traditional sidecar combination of cognac, Cointreau, and lemon and adds one of the South’s favorite nonalcoholic beverages to the mix. Apple cider just turned into a grown-up treat.
SERVES 1
2 ounces fresh apple cider
2 ounces cognac
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon twists, for rimming and garnish
Granulated sugar, for rimming
Apple wheels (optional)
GLASS: champagne coupe
Pour the cider, cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice into a shaker, and top with ice.
Shake until very chilled. Rub the rim of the glass with a piece of lemon zest, then dip the rim of the glass into the sugar.
Strain the cocktail into the coupe and garnish with lemon twist and apple wheels (if using).
Recipe and photo may be reprinted with the following credit:
Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from Cocktails, Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Gibbs Smith March 2025
About FoodTrients
About FoodTrients
FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger.
About Grace O
Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life; The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-award-winning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.
For more information and recipes visit www.FoodTrients.com.