By Jake McMahon, Lexington Herald-Leader

In a small building tucked in a quiet Fort Mitchell neighborhood, more than 1,200 retirees have found a home.

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But they aren’t people — at least, not when they’re not on stage. They are dummies and dolls that serve as the largest collection of ventriloquism memorabilia in the world.

The Vent Haven museum in Northern Kentucky claims to be the only ventriloquism museum in the world. Open since 1973, it has grown from 500 dummies in founder William Shakespeare Berger’s collection to its current size of 1,242 dummies.

The museum was in Berger’s house until three years ago, when the collection was moved to a neighboring building. Lisa Sweasy, curator of the Vent Haven Museum, described the collection as the “Mecca of ventriloquism.”

“Every ventriloquist, whether they’re a hobbyist, amateur, paraprofessional or professional, has been here. This is their home,” Sweasy said. “There are lots of puppetry museums, but for ventriloquists, this is that narrow slice of the puppetry community where we focus strictly on ventriloquism.”

Sweasy said a common reason people visit the museum is the scare factor. She said guests are often made uneasy by the dolls’ uncanny valley effect — a phenomenon where objects become repulsive as they approach realistic, human-like features.

Lisa Sweasy, the museum curator, explains that the head is the main part off a doll during a tour on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Vent Haven Museum in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. (Christian Kantosky/Lexington Herald-Leader/TNS)

“When a face is static, like it is here, you perceive that you’re being stared at when you’re not,” Sweasy said.

That unease tends to dissipate, though, after the first exhibit, when the “brain becomes saturated of the normalcy of what you’re seeing,” Sweasy said.

The collection at Vent Haven stretches from the Civil War era to modern-day ventriloquism. Dummies used by popular modern ventriloquists like Jeff Dunham and Darci Lynne sit alongside dolls voiced by classic artists like Edgar Bergen and Paul Winchell.

Some of the older dummies in the museum, mostly in the vaudevillian era section spanning from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, portray racist stereotypes, which Sweasy said was common for ventriloquism acts of the time. Sweasy said ventriloquists often emphasized the stereotypes to showcase their “vocal gymnastics.”

The dolls take up spots in the exhibit and are viewable to guests in the museum. Sweasy said it was important for Vent Haven not to hide the history.

A wall of ventriloquial figures during a tour on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Vent Haven Museum in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. (Christian Kantosky/Lexington Herald-Leader/TNS)

“Most museum guidelines are to tell the truth about the pieces and tell them within context,” Sweasy said. “Hiding it is worse.”

Sweasy said the museum draws people of all ages, and sees people visiting the museum for many reasons. Some groups come with no knowledge of ventriloquism, and some come to reminisce on memories of watching popular ventriloquists of the past.

Along with the collection, Vent Haven hosts the annual VentCon, the International ventriloquism convention, and the Vent Haven 5k “Dummy Run.” Both events have already been held this year.

Sweasy said Vent Haven is a must see attraction because of its “uniqueness.”

“I think a lot of people like one-off attractions. You can go to an art museum in any city that you visit,” she said. “There are places in our country that are just these great little niche museums … I think we’re in that crowd.”

If you go

Vent Haven Museum

Where: 33 West Maple Ave, Fort Mitchell, KY, 41011

When: May-September, tours by appointment only

Online: https://www.venthaven.org/

©2025 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By SETH BORENSTEIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Global warming in the United States is amping up the country’s sweet tooth, a new study found.

When the temperature rises, Americans — especially those with less money and education — drink lots more sugary beverages and a bit more frozen desserts. That amounts to more than 100 million pounds of added sugar consumed in the nation a year, compared to 15 years earlier, according to a team of researchers in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

When temperatures go between 54 and 86 degrees, the amount of sugar the average American consumes goes up by about 0.4 grams per degree Fahrenheit per day, based on researchers tracking of weather conditions and consumers’ purchases. At 54 degrees, the amount of added sugar for the average American is a little more than 2 grams. At 86 degrees, it’s more than 15 grams.

Beyond that, appetites lessen and added sugar falls off, according to the study in Monday’s Nature Climate Change.

“Climate change is shaping what you eat and how you eat and that might have a bad effect on your health,” said study co-author Duo Chan, a climate scientist at the University of Southampton.

“People tend to take in more sweetened beverages as the temperature is getting higher and higher,” Chan said. “Obviously under a warming climate that would cause you to drink more or take in more sugar. And that is going to be a severe problem when it comes to health.”

A little added sugar every day adds up

The daily difference from higher temperatures doesn’t amount to even a single candy bar for the average person. But it adds up over time and has a big effect, said University of California San Francisco endocrinology professor Dr. Robert Lustig, a specialist in pediatrics and obesity who wasn’t part of the study.

Lustig wrote in an email that among poorer Americans, just one added can of sugary soft drink per day increases diabetes risk by 29% — and temperature-related thirst plays a big part in America’s obesity epidemic.

The United States’ average annual temperature has gone up about 2.2 degrees since 1895, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To chart the impact on sugar consumption, researchers compared it to the American Heart Association recommendations: limiting daily intake to 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women.

The team then compared wind, precipitation and humidity records to the detailed purchase records of 40,000 to 60,000 American households from 2004 to 2019, not using any data after the pandemic hit. Then they looked at the nutritional information of the items bought. That allowed them to eliminate other factors to make a causal link and come up with a calculation for how much extra sugar is consumed per person per degree, said lead author Pan He, an environmental scientist at Cardiff University.

Researcher He said she started thinking about the study when she noticed that people in the U.S. tend to grab sugary soda when they are thirsty: “From a perspective of nutrition science or environmental science, that could be a problem,” she said.

Sugar consumption can vary with gender, income and education

The researchers found that men consumed more sugary soft drinks, and that the amount of added sugar consumed during hot weather was several times higher for low- and very low-income families than for the wealthiest, the study found.

NEW YORK CITY – JULY 25: A man buys cold drinks at a deli on a day where the heat index is expected to top 100 degrees on July 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Much of the East Coast is experiencing days of relentless heat in what is turning out to be another summer of record-breaking temperatures across America. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

People who work outside drank more sugary drinks than those who work inside, and the same went for families where the head of the household was less educated. White people have the highest added sugar effect, while Asians showed no significant change in added sugar in the heat.

Lustig said sugary drinks are marketed and priced in a way to attract the poor, and in many disadvantaged communities the water tastes funny because of chemicals in them. Poor people are also less likely to have air conditioning and are more likely to work outside and need more hydration, Lustig and He said.

“It should concern us that the rate of the impact is larger in households where people make less money or are less educated,” said Dr. Courtney Howard, vice chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “These groups tend to have lower baseline health status, so this is an area where climate-related changes appear to magnify existing health inequalities.”

Howard, an emergency room physician, was not part of the study.

The amount of sugar consumed is likely to soar in the future with more warming, Chan said.

But University of Washington health and climate scientist Kristie Ebi, who wasn’t part of the research, said as temperatures increase with human-caused climate change “there will be other issues of more importance than a small increase in sugary beverages.”

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

By Linda Gassenheimer, Tribune News Service

Savor the flavors of France with this classic Chicken Chasseur, also known as poulet chasseur. This French dish is celebrated for its rich and aromatic sauce, made from a blend of mushrooms, shallots, tomatoes, and a splash of wine.

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While there are many variations, this particular version is simple and can be prepared at home in just minutes. The recipe features shallots, a type of onion prized for their subtle sweetness and mild flavor, which perfectly complement the savory elements of the sauce.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Sliced onion can be used instead of shallots.

If you prefer not to use wine, add 1/2 cup broth instead of 1/4 cup.

1 tablespoon tomato paste is needed, freeze extra tomato paste for another time.

COUNTDOWN:

Prepare all ingredients.

Start chicken.

While chicken cooks, microwave the rice.

Complete the chicken recipe.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 2 shallots, 1 container sliced button mushrooms, 1 bottle white wine, 1 container fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth, 1 small can tomato paste, 1 bunch fresh parsley, 1 package microwaveable brown rice.

Staples: olive oil, flour, salt and black peppercorns.

Chicken Chasseur (Chicken with Mushrooms and Wine)

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use

3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 1/4-1/2 inch thick

1 cup sliced shallots

1 cup sliced button mushrooms

1/2 tablespoon flour

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 package microwaveable brown rice to make 1 1/2-cups cooked rice

Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown 3 minutes. Add the shallots and continue to cook 2 minutes stirring as the cook. Turn chicken over and add the mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Divide the chicken in half and remove the chicken to two dinner plates. A meat thermometer should read 160 degrees. Cook a minute longer if needed. Add the flour to the skillet and mix with the vegetables until dissolved, for a few seconds. Add the wine. Cook 1 minute. Add broth and tomato paste. Stir all of the ingredients together and cook 1 to 2 minutes until sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. While sauce cooks, add the rice to the microwave and cook following package timing. Measure 1 1/2 cups and save any remaining rice for another meal. Divide in half and add to the plates with the chicken. When the sauce is ready, spoon it over the chicken and sprinkle parsley on top.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 561 calories (30 percent from fat), 18.6 g fat (2.7 g saturated, 8.8 g monounsaturated), 156 mg cholesterol, 40.4 g protein, 50.7 g carbohydrates, 3.3 g fiber, 181 mg sodium.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

By Rachel Christian, Bankrate.com

If you’re serious about financial security in retirement, you can’t rely on Social Security alone.

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For most people, those checks cover only a fraction of their living expenses. According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for retired workers as of July 2025 was about $2,000 a month. That barely covers rent in many cities, let alone food, health care and everything else you’ll need over decades in retirement.

The pension era is also over for most workers. Outside of government jobs, pensions have largely disappeared as companies shifted the onus of saving for retirement to employees via 401(k)s and IRAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 15% of private industry (non-government) workers had access to a pension in 2023. So for most Americans, their retirement income largely depends on how well they save, invest and structure their own portfolio.

That means you’ll likely need to piece together multiple sources if you want to create lifetime income — money you can rely on every month, no matter how long you live.

“Combining a variety of income streams with differing levels of growth potential, flexibility and guarantees will provide a solid balance for most retirees,” says Stephen Kates, CFP and financial analyst for Bankrate.

Here are five ways to get on the path to lifetime income so you can sustain cash flow for the long haul.

1. Buy a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA)

A single-premium immediate annuity, or SPIA, is the most straightforward version of an annuity. You give an insurance company a lump sum — say $100,000 — and in return, the insurer guarantees you a fixed monthly check for the rest of your life. Payments usually begin within one year of signing the annuity contract.

What sets SPIAs apart is their simplicity. Unlike variable annuities, which tie payouts to the performance of mutual fund–like subaccounts, or indexed annuities, which use formulas linked to stock market indexes, SPIAs aren’t linked to the market.

Instead, the insurer calculates your payment based on age, interest rates and life expectancy. Once the contract is signed, you know exactly what you’ll receive each month. That predictability makes them function almost like a self-funded pension.

They also stand out on fees. With SPIAs, you won’t see itemized costs eating into your payments each month. Instead, the insurance company builds its margin into the payout up front. That’s a noteworthy departure from other annuities, especially variable annuities with income riders, which can carry annual fees of 2 or 3%.

The trade-off is that once you commit, the money is locked up. You can’t dip back into the lump sum for emergencies. That’s why some financial advisors use SPIAs to cover a client’s fixed monthly needs, like housing and utilities, while using withdrawals from retirement plans and other income for other expenses.

“If your existing guaranteed income (like Social Security) doesn’t cover all necessary expenses, an annuity can help fill the gap,” says Kates.

2. Consider a longevity annuity

A longevity annuity is designed for the later years of retirement. Instead of paying right away, payouts start at age 75, 80 or even 85, helping protect you from outliving your savings.

A longevity annuity is simply a type of deferred income annuity. You pay the insurer a lump sum now, and they promise fixed monthly checks in the future. Because the insurer invests your money longer, the funds have room to grow into bigger payouts. The longer you defer, the less you need to invest up front to secure meaningful lifetime income.

One popular version is the Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract, or QLAC. You fund a QLAC using money from a traditional IRA or 401(k), and you can delay required minimum distributions (RMDs) on the money used to fund it.

Normally, the IRS forces you to begin RMDs at age 73, even if you don’t need the cash. With a QLAC, you can shield up to $210,000 in 2025 from those withdrawals, cutting your taxable income in your 70s while setting yourself up with guaranteed income later. However, payments from a QLAC must begin no later than age 85.

Like SPIAs, longevity annuities are simple and straightforward compared to many other annuity products. You don’t have to wade through participation rates, index crediting formulas or optional riders with extra charges. Costs aren’t broken out in an annual fee statement, but like SPIAs, they’re built into the calculation of your future payments.

The trade-off, of course, is you might not live long enough to reach the payout age. And if you die before payments begin, the insurer keeps the money unless you’ve purchased a special rider at an added cost.

However, for those who expect to live longer than average, longevity annuities can deliver peace of mind at a relatively low cost.

3. Create a bond ladder

If you want income without locking money away in an annuity, a bond ladder is a helpful tool.

A bond ladder is a strategy in which you buy a series of bonds that mature at different times — such as one-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year Treasury bonds. As each bond matures, you collect the principal and can either reinvest the money or spend it.

The benefit of this setup is steady, predictable cash flow and reduced interest rate risk. Instead of putting everything into one long-term bond (and getting stuck with a low rate), you spread out maturities. That way, when rates rise, you can reinvest in new bonds with higher yields.

But building a bond ladder on your own can be confusing.

“DIY investors who are familiar with building CD ladders at their local bank may find bonds to be a more complex undertaking,” says Kates.

You’ll need to select the right mix of maturities, know how to buy Treasurys or corporate bonds, and manage rollover decisions. That’s why Kates says bringing in a financial advisor to structure and monitor the ladder can be a prudent move.

“Otherwise, sticking with CDs or bond ETFs may be a better option,” he says.

4. Invest in dividend stocks

Dividend-paying stocks are another vehicle retirees use to generate income. Shares of these companies regularly return a portion of profits to shareholders, often quarterly. For example, household names like Coca-Cola (KO) or Procter & Gamble (PG) have a long history of paying reliable dividends.

The advantage is twofold: You get regular cash flow and the potential for your stock value to increase over time.

But here’s the trade-off and the risk: Dividends aren’t guaranteed. Companies can slash or eliminate payouts at any time and for any reason.

Despite the risk, retirees often use dividend stocks to supplement their income. Purchasing a dividend stock ETF, which spreads your money across multiple companies and sectors, can help lower the risk of relying too heavily on one company’s payout. Some investors also focus on what are known as Dividend Aristocrats, or companies that have paid and raised their dividends for at least 25 straight years.

5. Own a rental property

Real estate is another classic income source for retirees. A rental property can provide monthly cash flow while also appreciating in value over time. In retirement, that steady income can feel like a second paycheck.

Of course, being a landlord isn’t for everyone. Dealing with repairs, tenant headaches and vacancies can be stressful. Property managers can take some of that hassle off your plate, but they also eat into profits. And unlike an annuity, rental income isn’t guaranteed — tenants might move out and unexpected costs can pile up.

Still, real estate is a tangible asset, which gives it a unique edge. Unlike other investments, property is something you can live in, pass down or sell if needed.

Bottom line

Everyone loves the idea of lifetime income, but it doesn’t happen on its own. You need a plan that blends different sources. Annuities are the only tool aside from Social Security that can guarantee income, making them an important consideration. But beyond that, bond ladders, dividend stocks and real estate can all play supporting roles. A good financial advisor can help you sort through these options, weigh the trade-offs and build a strategy that fits your needs.

Key takeaways

Social Security likely won’t cover all of your expenses in retirement, and the prevalence of pensions is dwindling. This leaves those planning for retirement to piece together how they will create lifetime income for themselves during their golden years.
Annuities are the only product that can provide guaranteed lifetime income, but other tools — like bonds, dividend stocks and real estate — can add stability and flexibility.
There’s no universal formula for creating lifetime income. The right approach depends on your risk tolerance, resources and retirement goals.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.