Page 22 - The Jewish Voice - October '22

Page 22, The Jewish Voice

arts & entertainment

Book Review reason I can’t explain, was told that the next day Panbanisha (one of the bonobos)

Ape House that new book stirred said to one of the scientists, “Where’s Sara? Build her nest.
in me the memory When’s she coming back?”
By Nils A. Shapiro of a novel that I read After having had such an experience, it is no wonder that
My plan was to review and loved many years Gruen next used it to full advantage in writing the novel Ape
a different book for this ago. So, I researched House. This is the story of an animal behavioral research
month’s column, but an the computer files scientist, Isabel Duncan, who has been working with a
odd experience changed my of my 150-plus past group of bonobos using the ASL communication. Living
selection. I had just ordered Book Reviews— under the auspices of a U.S. university under excellent,
online a newly published which are arranged positive and thoroughly humane conditions, the bonobos
book on a subject of great chronologically, not by are extremely happy and well cared for, yet a small band
interest to me, a work of book title—and finally, of well-intentioned—but misguided—protesters continue
nonfiction that I am very after more than an hour, to march outside the laboratory walls.
anxious to read and bring came upon the one for The capability of bonobos to utilize sign language,
to your attention, but which which I was searching. according to Gruen, is reflected throughout the book, as
will not be delivered to me for a week or longer. For some The following appeared when, for example, Bonzi—the female head of the bonobo
in this column 11 years matriarchal society—is asking for coffee with a lot of sugar.
ago. I commend this book to you again, wholeheartedly. She signs: “Want candy coffee. Isabel go. Hurry gimme.”
Lifestyles from page 20 You will understand how it relates to the new book that I It may be difficult for some readers to accept, but this is,
am awaiting when I review that one in a future column. according to Gruen, fact in the science of research with this
accounts, worth about 20 percent of all 401(k) assets, ***** species of great apes.
according to an estimate by Capitalize, a financial services The common wisdom used to be that chimpanzees were The important characters in the story include a reporter,
company that helps individuals roll over retirement plan the animal world’s closest relatives to humans. That is no John Thigpen, who is fascinated by the bonobos, thinks
assets into new accounts. It’s possible that employers can longer the case. We now know that another species of great highly of the project, is fully supportive of it and, truth be
even move small, old accounts out of their 401(k) plans apes—bonobos, which are native to the Congo—share told, is kind of fascinated by the research scientist, Isabel,
and into an IRA on behalf of their former employees, a remarkable 98.7 percent of the human DNA. Though herself, which serves to hint at a romantic subplot, although
thus increasing the chances that savers will lose track of similar in size to chimpanzees, they differ somewhat in their he is happily married.
their money. By consolidating your retirement plans with physical features. Most importantly, bonobos in research Suddenly, the laboratory is bombed, Isabel is seriously
one provider, you can ensure you don’t lose track of your studies have learned to understand the meanings of as many injured and the bonobos escape into neighboring trees.
hard-earned money. as 3,000 English words, and have actually been taught to Unlike chimpanzees, which have a violent streak when they
• Ability to follow a unified strategy – With multiple communicate with humans in full two-way conversation reach maturity—making them dangerous to keep as pets,
retirement accounts, and different investment portfolios, using the same sign language —American Sign Language as many families have learned to their dismay—bonobos
you might find it difficult to maintain a unified financial (ASL)—that deaf humans use to communicate! experience the same shock, fear and confusion that humans
strategy that’s appropriate for your goals and risk Sara Gruen, author of Ape House, first heard about would feel when their world is torn asunder.
tolerance. But once you’ve consolidated accounts with bonobos in an email from her mother soon after completing What happens next—who committed this horrific act;
a single provider, you’ll find it easier to manage your her major bestselling book, Water for Elephants, (which the way in which the bonobos become pawns in a greedy
investment mix and to rebalance your portfolio as needed. was made into a hit motion picture), and decided to attempt to garner national TV ratings; Isabel’s frantic efforts
The need to rebalance may become more important as you learn more about these fascinating animals. When she to rescue her apes from a dangerous and life-threatening
near retirement because you may want to shift some of contacted the leading research institute, the Great Ape condition, and the role of the reporter in trying to help her—
your assets into investments that aren’t as susceptible to Trust, she was told that she would first have to do some form the threads of this story that is beautifully written and
swings in the financial markets. studying about linguistics in Toronto, and then—believe very suspenseful. I was hooked from the very beginning.
• Possible improvement in investment options – Often, it or not, but true— she would have to get permission And when you get to almost the last page, a box of facial
401(k)s may have limited investment selection, so from the bonobos themselves in order to be able to visit tissues will come in very handy. By then, those bonobos
consolidating accounts with a full-service firm may allow them! After completing her homework, she put together will have won a very special place in your heart, and you
for a wider array of products and strategies. This broader a backpack that contained such goodies as bouncy balls, will be aching for them to be reunited with Isabel.
exposure can potentially help you improve your overall fleece blankets, M&M’s, xylophones, Mr. Potato Head Does all turn out well in the end or not? I would sign
retirement income strategies. toys, etc., and asked the people at the Great Ape Trust to language the answer to you, but I don’t know how. Perhaps I
• Greater ease in calculating RMDs – Once you turn inform the bonobos that she had some “surprises” for them. am not as intelligent as a bonobo. You will have to read the
72, you will need to start taking withdrawals — called As Gruen relates it, the response she got was that “not only book to find out. If Gruen had an unforgettable experience
required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your were they letting me come in, they were insisting…. The actually meeting the bonobos, I am one reviewer who has
traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. If you experience was astonishing—to this day I cannot think about had an unforgettable experience reading her book.
don’t take out at least the minimal amount, which is based it without getting goose bumps. You cannot have a two-way After all, 11 years later another completely different
on your age and account balance, you could face a penalty. conversation with a great ape, or even just look one straight book reminded me how much I loved it.
If you have several accounts, with different providers, in the eye, close up, without coming away changed…. I
it could be cumbersome and difficult to calculate your
RMDs — it will be much easier with all accounts under
one roof.
So, if you do have multiple retirement accounts, give
some thought to consolidating them. The consolidation
process is not difficult, and the end result may save you
time and hassles, while also helping you manage your
retirement income more effectively.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by
your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward
Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in
all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and
Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency
of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of
New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency
of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors
cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your
qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748‑7600, Sally Sima Stahl, AAMS,
1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.

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