TidbitsSalina_Issue67forweb

as Day is ary 29th

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November 28, 2012

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Issue 67

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TIDBITS® TAKES A RIDE ON THE INTERSTATE

by Janet Spencer The Interstate Highway system is the longest engineered structure ever built. There are some 43,000 miles of interstate highways in the U.S.

1911 S. Ohio (Just S. of Cloud St) WE ARE INSURANCE. WE ARE FARMERS. Expanded Hours-Expanded Choices Expanded Client Support Expanded Business Coverage

built as a result of the largest public works project ever undertaken by humankind. Join Tidbits as we take a ride down the highway!

• In 1903 it took a doctor from Vermont and his mechanic 63 days to drive from San Francisco to New York in their two-cylinder Winston. (At the time, the same trip by railroad took about four

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days.) Six years later it took 21-year-old Alice Huyler Ramsey and her three girlfriends 41 days to do the same trip in their Maxwell, as a publicity

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stunt. Around the turn of the century, roads were nothing more than dirt tracks. When it rained or snowed, they became mud tracks. There was no organized system of roads connecting places.

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America needed better roads.

•

In 1919 young Lieutenant Colonel Dwight

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Eisenhower joined the military's very first transcontinental trip. A three-mile long caravan of vehicles carrying 260 enlisted men, 35 officers, and a 15-piece band set off from the White House in Washington, D.C. for San Francisco, 3,251 miles away. It took them 62 grueling days to cross

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the country. They averaged five miles per hour on roads that ranged from fair to horrible. turn the page for more!

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Page 2

Tidbits® of Salina INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS (continued): • During World War II, Eisenhower toured Germany after V-E day, driving on the marvelously efficient Autobahn highway system that the German war machine built. He noted that although the railroads could be taken out with a single well-placed bomb, the Autobahns were far more difficult to destroy, even if they were pocked with bomb craters.

Good highways, he concluded, were essential for national defense. It was a lesson he never forgot.

• On June 29, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act. The interstate system was born. To help fund the project, the bill increased the federal tax on gas by a penny per gallon. The project was to build 41,000 miles of divided limited-access highways including 16,000

1. ENTERTAINERS: Which actor’s birth name was Ramon Estevez?

2. MUSIC: What was the name of Smokey Robinson’s group?

3. INVENTIONS: Who is credited with inventing bifocal lenses?

4. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is manifested in peniaphobia?

5. LITERATURE: In which of Shakespeare’s plays does the character Shylock appear?

6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: During which war did Harry Truman fire Gen. Douglas MacArthur?

7. HISTORY: When did Australia become a commonwealth nation, largely gaining independence from Britain?

8. ANATOMY: About how long are the intestines in an adult male?

9. FAMOUS QUOTES: What American psychologist/philosopher once once said: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”?

10. MEASUREMENTS: Which month is named for the Roman festival of ritual purification?

interchanges and 55,000 bridges and overpasses.

The average distance between exits was three miles.

• Deciding on a color for interstate signs was not an easy matter. Bertram Tallamy, the federal highway administrator, insisted on blue signs with white lettering, but a committee with the American Association of State Highway Officials wanted green signs with white letters. To settle the issue, the Bureau of Public Roads built a special threemile test road in Maryland and hired hundreds of drivers to travel it at 65 m.p.h. On the way they passed three test signs in blue, green, and black.

At the end of the road they were to vote on their favorite color. Green got 58 percent of the vote; blue 27 percent; and black got just 15 percent of the votes. Tallamy reluctantly conceded, and all highway signs are now green. Only later was it revealed that he suffered from color blindness. To him, the green signs appeared to be pale yellow.

•

Interstate highways running north and south

are assigned odd numbers starting on the west coast and moving east, with Interstate 5 following

Family-Style Macaroni and Cheese

the Pacific coast and Interstate 95 following the

We even tucked in some vegetables for good measure -- a sneaky way to get them past little mac-and-cheese fans!

Atlantic coast. Routes going across the country east and west have even numbers starting with Interstate 10 in the south and moving up to I-94 in the north. Primary interstate highways use either a

PHOTO: Tara Summers Q: I am a big fan of “Sons of Anarchy,” and I was wondering who the pretty blonde is? She was on a couple of episodes and played Karen. I know I’ve seen her on something else prior to this. -- Geri R., via e-mail A: Tara Summers, who turns 33 in December, plays Dr. Karen Dunhill on FX’s rough-and-tumble, motorcycle-filled crime drama. Tara is a TV and film vet who’s been in lots of series and feature film, including “Alfie,” “Boston Legal,” “Dirt,” “Factory Girl,” “Damages” and “Ringer.” You can see her this winter in the feature film “Hitchcock,” which stars Anthony Hopkins (as Alfred Hitchcock) and Helen Mirren (as his wife, Alma Reville), with Tara playing Rita Riggs.

Tara told me what it was like working with the two legendary actors: “Helen Mirren ... it’s really like her movie. She’s extraordinary. It focuses on the love story between Hitch-

cock and his wife, and how she was the silent partner in the operation. His wife had a lot more to do with it than we will ever know. And Anthony Hopkins is one of my heroes, and he was so generous and so kind. He’s always in a good mood, and just so amazing to work with and to watch.” *** Q: My friend told me that the CW is remaking “Sex and the City.” Is that true? If so, why? It was great as it was on HBO. -- Penny W., Seattle A: The CW is not remaking the hit HBO series, which starred Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. Rather, they bought the rights to the prequel, “The Carrie Diaries,” based on the book written by “Sex” author Candace Bushnell. “The Carrie Diaries” -- set in the 1980s -- chronicles Carrie Bradshaw’s (played by AnnaSophia Robb) coming-of-age as she navigates her senior year of high school and discovers the glittering lights of Manhattan, and lots of shoes. “The Carrie Diaries” premieres on the CW on Monday, Jan. 14, at 8/7c, followed by “90210,” which moves to 9/8c. *** Q: I was a big fan of “The Cosby Show,” and I wondered whatever happened to the actor who played Rudy’s friend, Stanley, on the show. -- Justin W., via e-mail A: Merlin Santana, who went on to play Ohagi on “Moesha” and Romeo on “The Steve Harvey Show,” died on 2002 at the age of 26. Tragically, he was falsely accused of attempted rape of 15-year-old Monique King, so her boyfriend, Brandon Bynes, shot Merlin six times, killing him.

Brandon received three consecutive life sentences plus 70 years in prison, while Monique received eight years in juvenile custody. *** Q: When will “Cougar Town” be back? -- Jennifer T., Tampa A: TBS has announced that “Cougar Town” will return for a 15-episode fourth season beginning Tuesday, Jan. 8. So raise a glass (of red wine, of course) to the return of your favorite cul-de-sac gang, as they begin a new era on a new network. I can’t wait!

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

1 package (16 ounce) fusilli or rotini pasta Salt 2 tablespoons margarine or butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1 pinch nutmeg 4 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) milk 1 package (8 ounces) pasteurized process cheese spread, cut up 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups) 1 package (10 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables 1. In large saucepot, prepare pasta in boiling salted water as label directs. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt margarine or butter over medium heat. With wire whisk, stir in flour, pepper, nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until sauce boils and thickens slightly. Boil 1 minute. Stir in cheese spread, Parmesan and 1 cup Cheddar just until cheeses melt.

Remove saucepan from heat.

3. Place frozen vegetables in colander; drain pasta over vegetables. Return pasta mixture to saucepot. Stir in cheese sauce.

Transfer pasta mixture to 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly, and top is lightly browned. Makes 8 servings.

Each serving: About 520 calories, 21g total fat (12g saturated), 52mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 58g total carbs, 3g dietary fiber, 25g protein.

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

Page 3

For Advertising Call (785) 404-1000 HIGHWAYS (continued): one-digit or a two-digit number. Auxiliary interstate highways that link up with the primary highways all have three digits, composed of the number of the interstate 'parent' highway, plus a multiple of the number 100. Generally, three-digit interstates that both start and end at a primary interstate, such as a beltway, will all begin with an even number, such as I-418. Auxiliary interstates which dangle without ending at another interstate will usually begin with an odd number. Three-digit highway numbers are unique within a state, but can be duplicated across the country. For instance, there are seven different highways called I-295 ranging from Maine to Florida.

• Kansas was the first state to begin constructing their

interstate

highway.

Eight

days

after

Eisenhower was re-elected in 1956, the nation's first stretch of Interstate opened near Topeka, only 70 miles from Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene.

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That prompted work in states all over the nation, and construction proceeded at the average rate of 1,000 miles per year. Suddenly a big conveyor belt was moving: the more highways there were, the more cars traveled; the more cars traveled, the more gas they used and the more gas tax they paid; the more taxes paid, the more money for new highways; the more highways built, the more cars traveled.

• The arrival of interstate highways often had detrimental effects on surrounding communities

Information in the Tidbits® Paper is gathered from sources considered to be reliable but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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which continue today. Highways made it easier for people who work in the cities to live in the suburbs, so those who could afford to move did so, leaving

By Samantha Mazzotta

behind only those who couldn't afford to move, generally minorities. The businesses followed, finding better locations where they catered to wealthy suburbanites instead of poor city dwellers.

The result was the constant and continuing erosion of the tax base in cities. Slums spread. Another effect was that interstate interchanges attracted businesses that catered to highway travelers: gas stations, motels, restaurants, malls. As more and more businesses relocated to the highways, fewer and fewer people shopped in downtown districts, which often became derelict. In most cities around the world, real estate close to the city center is the most valuable property. In the U.S., the opposite is often true.

“Puppyhood” J. Nichole Smith (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, $29.95)

Here’s How to Store Tools for Winter

Q: What’s linseed oil, and how do I use it on my gardening tools? Can I use it to lubricate the metal parts of my lawnmower? -- Jerry in Canton, Ohio A: Linseed oil is a natural oil made from flaxseed that has long been used as a wood preservative and protectant (along with other uses such as an additive to paint). While other treatments are available to protect your garden and lawn tools’ wooden handles, it’s good to know about this treatment and how you should use it.

First and foremost, know that there are two types of linseed oil for DIY applications: raw and boiled. Raw linseed oil has been pressed from the flax seeds and left untreated -- not heated or had any chemicals added to it. Boiled linseed oil has either been heat-treated (not boiled, despite its name) or had chemicals added to it for specific reasons.

Raw linseed oil is very slow drying (we’re talking weeks or months here) and can stay tacky for a long time. That makes it great for certain applications where slow drying is preferable.

“Underwater Dogs” Seth Casteel (Little, Brown and Co., $19.99) Reviewed by Ealish Waddell With their goofy grins and tails that never stop wagging, dogs can be pretty darn photogenic. But two recent photographic collections go above and beyond the obvious with their pooch portraits.

It’d be hard to publish a book of puppy pictures that isn’t automatically adorable. But two unusual factors set J. Nichole Smith’s charming new coffee-table tome “Puppyhood” above the pack.

First, each pup is captured at about 6 weeks of age, a particularly enchanting time when they are just starting to navigate the world and develop the personalities of the dogs they will one day become.

And second, in a genius move, each is presented at actual size.

A basset hound just fits the oversized page, while a Great Dane rolls right off the edges, and a sleepy Pomeranian tucks into a nice little ball in just one corner. It’s amazing how diverse the canine species can be on the outside while at the same time having so much in common.

One of these shared characteristics is knowing how to play -dogs of any age excel at having a good time, and “Underwater Dogs” presents several of them doing just that. Using underwater cameras and lightning-fast shutter speeds, photographer Seth Casteel has captured some innovative portraits of swimming dogs from a perspective we humans rarely get to see.

The impressive results, replete with flapping jowls, bulging eyes and billowing fur, can be either hilarious or terrifying, often both at the same time. Are these fascinating apparitions some cryptozoological curiosity unknown to science? No, they really are the canines we know and love, having a great time with utter abandon as only dogs can. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHOTO: Bette Midler HOLLYWOOD -- Now that “The Twilight Saga” is over, Robert Pattinson can take that long-awaited rest, right? Wrong! He’s lined up four films, back to back. He first heads to Australia to film “The Rover” with “Mildred Pierce” Emmy-winner Guy Pearce. Then he’ll be directed by Werner Herzog and co-star with Naomi Watts in “Queen of the Desert,” shooting late this fall. When Pattinson agreed to play Eric Maddox, who wrote the book “Mission: Blacklist” about the capture of Saddam Hussein, he spent a lot of time with Maddox, focusing on the book and the man he’ll be playing. Last, as a change of pace, Rob will literally hook up with Carey Mulligan in “Hold on to Me,” which promises Rob will be shirtless much of the time. That should give him and Kristen Stewart a chance to miss each other. *** “The Divine Miss M,” aka Bette Midler, hits your local theaters on Christmas

For tool handles, that’s not preferable (or enjoyable).

Boiled linseed oil dries faster, but keep in mind that most brands are treated with certain chemicals to get it to do so. If you’re determined to use an “all-natural” product to treat wood handles, be aware of this when purchasing this type of linseed oil.

An important caveat when using linseed oil, either raw or boiled, is that it is considered a fire hazard. Because oxidation is what causes the oil to dry, in certain circumstances -- like piling together a bunch of linseed oil-soaked rags -- the oil can ignite.

Don’t put oil-soaked cloth through the washer and dryer cycle at all: hand-wash them with soap and water and hang them up to dry, and don’t discard several rags at once.

To treat wooden handles, apply a single very light coat of boiled linseed oil. Don’t apply linseed oil to the metal parts. To protect those, you can apply a light coat of all-purpose oil. For metal parts that contact the wooden handles, use a protectant that won’t damage wood. If your hardware store doesn’t have a product for this, look for a woodworking store in your area or online.

Store your wooden-handled tools in a dry location, protected from sunlight and temperature extremes. Don’t pile them together. Ideally, hang them up on a pegboard or place on a shelf side by side so that each tool gets even airflow and moisture doesn’t build up between them.

HOME TIP: Sharpen tool blades and treat with a protectant prior to storing, so they’ll be ready to use immediately when spring comes around.

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.

Day, co-starring with Billy Crystal in “Parental Guidance.” She recently told the L.A. Times, “I was glad ‘Parental Guidance’ was a studio picture. A lot of stuff I get offered is made for like 15 cents and two nickels.” Which translates to: She’d like to work more in films, but isn’t offered films she wants to make.

Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei and Tom Everett Scott co-star. Midler and Crystal have to take care of their three grandchildren, and that’s when the fun starts. *** Ryan Gosling follows the $75 million “Gangster Squad” (out in January), starring Josh Brolin, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte and Emma Stone, with the $3.5 million low-budget film “Only God Forgives,” opposite Kristen Scott Thomas.

In preparation to play an Englishman living in Bangkok, Gosling had daily two-to-three-hour sessions in Muay Thai combat training. The film was written and will be directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, who directed “Drive,” for which he was named Best Director at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Kristen Scott Thomas plays “a merciless and terrifying mafia godmother.” Refn would’ve made this film in 2009, but Gosling asked him to direct “Drive” instead. Obviously, to invest so much time studying the combat sport Mauy Thai for such a low-budget picture proves money isn’t what ‘Drive’(s) him! *** BITS & PIECES: In September, filming began on “The Hangover III.” In addition to Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifanakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong and Heather Graham returning, “Bridesmaids” and “Mike and Molly” star Melissa McCarthy has been added.

Anderson Cooper’s talk show has been canceled, while Disney may be planning to bring back “Boy Meets World” as a sequel series with Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel.

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

® of ® Salina Tidbits Tidbits of Salina

Page 4

other foods too. Gatorade keeps him hydrated, but he can stay hydrated with water. Dehydration is a proven cause of kidney stones.

I welcome other readers’ opinions on this issue.

The booklet on sodium, potassium and chloride -- electrolytes -- explains the role of these minerals on health. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -- No. 202W, 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. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Does it hurt you to exercise if you have a cold? I do it all the time, and I can’t see that it makes anything worse. I’ve been told not to do so. -- B.R. ANSWER: If you’re coughing, sneezing or have a dripping nose, others are not going to appreciate exercising along with you.

A general rule says if your symptoms are above the neck, it’s OK to exercise. Such symptoms would be a stuffy or runny nose, a scratchy throat and an occasional sneeze.

If you have an elevated temperature, achy muscles or a persistent cough, don’t exercise. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Since I was a young child, I was told not to use public restrooms because I could catch something. What are the chances of catching a disease from them? -- F.N. ANSWER: Yours is a fear shared by many. If public restrooms were a source of infections, they would be closed. They’re not. As far as sexually transmitted diseases go, I have never seen any information that implicates them in passing such infections to others.

SALINA SENIOR CENTER LUNCH MENU * Lunches served on Weekdays from 11:15 am to 1 p.m. * All ages welcome * For information or Carry-Out Meals, call the Senior Center

Wednesday, November 28 Red Hat Ladies. Lasagna, Italian Blend Vegetables, Peaches, Chili Thursday, November 29 Cornucopia WOW. Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Corn, Pumpkin Roll, Wheat Dinner Roll Friday, November 30 Philly Cheese Steak or Tatar Tot Casserole, Broccoli, Bread Pudding, Wheat Bun/ Wheat Bread, Chili Monday, December 3 Ham and Beans, Carrots, Apple Pie, Cornbread, Cheeseburger Soup Tuesday, December 4 Chicken Parmesan or Baked Potato Bar, Italian Blend Vegetables, Fruit Cocktail, Garlic Bread/Wheat Bread

.

More and More Children Getting Kidney Stones DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My very healthy, active, 6-year-old grandson was just diagnosed as having kidney stones. His pediatrician said it is mostly genetic, but no one else in the family has had kidney stones. A friend told us she heard that stones could be caused by drinking Gatorade. My grandson has drunk a lot of Gatorade. He does not eat processed meat, nor does he have much salt in his diet. From the Internet, I came up with the enclosed article, which linked Gatorade to kidney stones. I feel that someone needs to inform parents that too much Gatorade in children can adversely affect health. -- G.S. ANSWER: An increase in children having kidney stones has been noticed.

Some authorities have speculated that the increase in stones might be linked to children’s greater intake of salty foods like potato chips, french fries and other heavily salted snacks. The sodium in salt leads to a rise in the amount of calcium lost in the urine, and, therefore, an increase in kidney-stone production.

Eight ounces of Gatorade has 110 mg of sodium. New guidelines for daily sodium intake is 1,500 mg. To reach that limit by drinking Gatorade, one would have to drink 13 8-ounce cans or 9 12-ounce cans. Blaming the surge in the number of children on Gatorade seems iffy to me.

Your grandson would be better off substituting some of his consumption of Gatorade with water. He needs to cut back on his consumption of salt from

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Collecting by Larry Cox is brought to you by HIGHWAYS (continued):

Forgotten Forgotten Treasures Treasures

• The highway system was supposed to be done in a

We have new hours for Spring and Summer!

THURS. 10-6, FRI. 10-7 SAT. 9-7 & SUN. 1-6

mere thirteen years. Instead, it took forty years. $25 billion in federal funds were designated to pay for the project; it ended up costing $560 billion.

800 N. 9th Salina, KS 67401

California Faience Bowl

WheelFaience bowl from a Q: I recently received aSpinning California

relative who told me it was from the 1920s. I can't Q: Ianything have my mother’s Shaker spinning wheel in find about the company in that anywas of appraised my 1980 for $600.

It wasCan identified mademe? in an--upstate Shaker comreference books. you as help Laura, Earth City, Mo. munity in New York, probably during the mid-1800s. How can I find A:someone California Faience wasand, a brand started in to appraise it again perhaps,that find was a worthy home for about 1920 by--William Bragdon this fine wheel?

Nancylee,V.Oxford, Conn. and Chauncy R. Thomas their tile in Berkeley, Calif.

A: What aatgracious thingshop to consider doing. Since your Pieces spinning of their are generally marked "California wheelpottery likely originated in New York, contact the New York State Faience" with a die stamp and are quite collectible.

Museum. Ask to speak to the curator and tell him or her about your Typical prices are ashtray with stylized dog design in wheel and ask if they would be interested in accepting it and, if so, orange matt, $225; and burgundy gloss bowl, $250. could they provide you with an appraisal for your personal records. *** address andof phone number are 222 coffee Madison cups Ave., Albany, Q:The I have a set Elsie and Elmer that NY 12230, and 518-474-5877. were given away as premiums by the Borden *** Company.

They are mint. -- Milton, Albuquerque, N.M. Q: Could you please tell me how much a green lattice top, satin-glass A:fruit Elsie was during the 1930s a mascot bowl andintroduced two candleholders are worth?

-- Dixie, as Albuquerque, for the Borden Company. In 1940 she "married" N.M. Elmer, began promoting glue.

A: Yourwho question is much like me tryingBorden's to put together a jigsaw puzTogether they had Beulah.

Elmer and Elsie zle with more than half the pieces missing. I recommendappeared you show on dozens of products, including, of course, your your bowl and candleholders to dealers in your area. If that doesn’t coffee cups. I suspect your set of four are worth in work for to you,$20 begin researching glass and glass patterns. In addition the $12 range. to Internet sources, there are dozens of excellent books that you *** finda helpful.

Q:should I have set of cuff links that originally belonged to *** a riverboat captain who worked on the Ohio and Q: I have a graduation certificate theleather Locker Method of Muscular Mississippi Rivers. The set isfrom in a case stamped "Currier & Business Ives by Writing Squire" and are quite elaborate.

Do Movement Easy Method from 1920.

It is beautiful, you of more what they might be worth? andhave I wouldany loveidea to know about it. -Mary, Kissimmee, Fla.-Michael, Beach, Fla. A: I couldOrmond find no record of the company that issued your certificate.

A:Most Eugene Klompus an expert and collector. certificates from thisisperiod often sell for less than $25.His A docucontact information is P.O. Box 5970, Vernon Hills, NJ ment involving a historical person would, of course, be worth much 60061; genek@justcufflinks.com; and more. www.justcufflinks.com. *** *** I purchased a Star watch Wars puzzle a flea market"I.W. for $25.

It is the Q:Q:I have a pocket thatatis marked Co., “Aboard the Millennium 1,000 pieces andand is complete.

Springfield, ILL." TheFalcon,” watchhas is quite heavy Good deala or badto deal?

-- Rob,the Albuquerque, requires key engage spring. N.M. What can you A: me Bad deal.

According to the “Official Price Guide to Star Wars tell about it? -- Dean, Brutus, Mich.

A:Memorabilia” The Illinois Company inthan 1872 byWatch Jeremy Beckett, your was puzzlefounded is worth less $10. inI Springfield, Ill.serious In 1928, the company waswith Beckett’s checked with two collectors, and they agreed purchased appraisal. by the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pa. To determine the value of your timepiece, you should show it to a competent Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box jeweler.

536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsfor-

cox@aol.com. to in thecare large volume of Features mail he receives, Mr. Cox Write to LarryDue Cox of King Weekly is unableP.O. to personally answer Orlando, all reader questions.

Do not sendor any Service, Box 536475, FL 32853-6475, materials requiring return mail. send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol.com.

Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally reader (c) 2012 Kinganswer Featuresall Synd., Inc. questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail. Questions of general interest will be incorporated into his column whenever possible. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Wednesday, November 28: Prescription Drug Plan: 8:30a.m. – 3 p.m. Individual sessions on a walk-in basis with SHICK counselors, Salina Senior Center. Open Computer Lab: 9 a.m.-4p.m., Salina Senior Center. RSVP Sewing Ladies: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Salina Senior Center. Senior Fitness Class with instructor Marian Frank: 10 a.m., Salina Senior Center fitness room. $8/month for three class sessions per week. Computer “Guided Learning Session” provided by Maurice Kerr of The Computer Helper: 11a.m.–1 p.m., Salina Senior Center Computer Lab. Red Hat Society lunch: noon, Salina Senior Center dining room. Texas Hold ’em: 1 p.m., Salina Senior Center dining room.

Thursday, November 29 Prescription Drug Plan: 8:30a.m. – 3 p.m. Individual sessions on a walk-in basis with SHICK counselors, Salina Senior Center. Open Computer Lab: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Salina Senior Center. Bingo: 9:30 a.m. in the Salina Senior Center. Writing class: 10 a.m., Salina Senior Center. Strong People Exercise Class with instructor Leah Robinson, 10:30–11:15 a.m., Salina Senior Center. This class will meet through December 13, and is for beginners as well as seasoned exercisers. Sign up through Central Kansas Extension District Office at 309-5850, $10 per person, weights are provided. Computer “Guided Learning Session” provided by Maurice Kerr of The Computer Helper: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Salina Senior Center Computer Lab. Card Game: “Hand and Foot,” 1 p.m., Senior Center dining room. Salina Twirlers Square Dance Club, dance lessons, 7-10 p.m., $4 a person each time, contact Jim or Sue Dellere, phone number 825-0702 for more information.

Friday, November 30 Open Computer Lab: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Salina Senior Center.

Free Fun Bingo: 9:30 a.m., Salina Senior Center, sponsored by Innovative Senior Care Home Health. Senior Fitness Class with instructor Marian Frank: 10 a.m., Salina Senior Center fitness room. $8/month for three class sessions per week.

Computer “Guided Learning Session” provided by Maurice Kerr of The Computer Helper: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Salina Senior Center Computer Lab. Cards: Pitch, Pinochle and Joker Board (marbles), 1 p.m., Salina Senior Center dining room.

Monday, December 3 Painting classes with Barb Culley: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6:45 p.m., Salina Senior Center. $10 fee. Open Computer Lab: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Salina Senior Center. Senior Fitness Class with instructor Marian Frank: 10 a.m., Salina Senior Center fitness room. $8/month for three class sessions per week. Singing: Sing with the RSVP Mixed Chorus, 10:30 a.m. in the Senior Center. Computer “Guided Learning Session” provided by Maurice Kerr of The Computer Helper: 11 a.m. – 1p.m., Salina Senior Center Computer Lab. NOW OPEN Beginners Pinochle: 1 p.m., Salina Senior Center. Come learn and play.

Tuesday, December 4 Painting classes with Barb Culley: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., Salina Senior Center. $10 fee. Open Computer Lab: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Salina Senior Center.

Bingo: 9:30 a.m., Salina Senior Center.

Deli & Bakery Free Oxygen–Saturation Readings provided by Angels Care Home Health: 11 a.m., 157 N. 7th, Salina, KS first Tuesday of each month, Salina Senior Center. This is a non-invasive procedure Hungry? Try the 1/2 lb buffalo burger! that takes just a few seconds. Computer “Guided Learning Session” provided Deli Sandwiches, Cheese Helper: Steaks,11a.m.

Gourmet Hamburgers,

by Maurice Kerr of The Computer – 1p.m., Salina Senior Center Fresh Bread, Rolls,Leah Etc.Robinson, Computer Lab.Baked Strong PeopleCheesecake, Exercise ClassCinnamon with instructor PUT YOUR SANDWICH CLAMPS TO GOOD USE! 10:30–11:15 a.m., Salina Senior Center. This class will meet through December 13, and is for beginnersALSO as wellDAILY as seasoned exercisers. Sign up through Central Kansas SPECIALS OFFERED Extension District Office atDine 309-5850, $10 perOut person, weights are provided.

In or Carry  Cards: Dominoes, Pinochle and Joker Board (marbles), 1 p.m., Salina Senior (785) 404-6058 Center dining room.

KANZA YAN Z A!

Mon thru Sat, 7 AM to 3 PM

•

To construct the interstate highway system,

enough concrete was poured to make a sidewalk extending from Earth to a point five times the distance to the moon. Enough earth was moved to cover the state of Connecticut knee deep in dirt.

• The Century Freeway in L.A. was opened in 1993, completing one of the final sections of interstate. By that time, over 90 percent of American households

continued on pg. 9

Page 5

ForSenior Advertising Call (785) 404-1000 Living Supplement

Delay Claiming Social Security If you take your Social Security benefits early, you’ll be reducing by a significant margin the total amount you could receive.

--The BMO Retirement Institute has produced a report, “Retirees Not Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits,” that outlines some of the facts: --For 60 percent of seniors, Social Security will provide the majority of income they’ll have during retirement.

--If you take your benefits early, you’ll receive a reduced amount each month. For example, if you claim at age 62, you might receive $1,500. Wait until age 66 and that amount becomes $2,000. At age 70, it would calculate as $2,640.

--If you claim early, that lesser amount stays with you for the rest of your life. (There is a 12-month period when you can pay back all the money you’ve received and start collecting again later, at a higher rate. But if you don’t act within that window of time, you can’t change your mind.)

--If you’re married and die first, your spouse will receive a lesser amount each month if you’ve claimed early.

While you’re living, your spouse will receive up to 50 percent of the benefit, which will be smaller because you’ve claimed early.

--When it comes to asking for advice before collecting Social Security, 62 percent of seniors haven’t done that.

--While it’s possible to receive Social Security at age 62, the qualifying age for Medicare is still age 65. You could be stuck trying to pay for expensive health insurance with a reduced Social Security check.

Before you apply for Social Security, get advice. Call and ask that the numbers be run for you showing how much you’ll receive at age 62 as opposed to later. You’ll be surprised at the difference.

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Independent Retirement Living One and Two Bedroom Appartments Daily Security Checks

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Meals, Housekeeping and Linen Service Recreation and Transportation

626 S. 3rd (785) 825-8183 McCall Manor is locally owned and operated since 1986 Ann McCall, Owner/Director www.mccall-windsor.com Stop by for a tour and & ask about our move-in special!

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@ gmail.com.

1. Is the book of Ephesians in the Old or New Testament or neither?

2. Lazarus had two sisters, one named Mary, and the other being whom? Martha, Miriam, Margaret, Mildred 3. Which disciple did Jesus call Cephas, which is Aramaic for “rock”?

Peter, Paul, Thomas, Judas 4. From 2 Kings 14, who built Elath and restored it to Judah?

Solomon, Nimrod, Azariah, Hiel 5. Which tribe of Israel was set apart to serve in the Holy Temple? Dan, Gad, Levi, Simeon 6. Of these, which is a Greek version of the Old Testament?

Ararat, Septuagint, Canon, Henryk

1. Who first released “I’ll Never Find Another You,” and when?

2. What is the song “Lady D’Arbanville” about?

3. Why did the members of The Police all bleach their hair blond in 1978?

4. Who wrote “Goodbye to Romance,” and what is it about?

5. Name the song that includes these lyrics: “He saw a sign for a stock car race. A thousand dollar prize it read.”

Page 6

Why I Can’t Shoot the Jump Shot I can’t shoot a jump shot because of mint chocolate-chip ice cream.

This is all because my basketball-clinic coach -- an otherwise good man -- had minty breath. And not the “curiously strong” or Lifesavers “Pep-o-Mint” variety of minty breath ... his was minty in the way that broadcast a love for mint chocolate-chip ice cream.

Anecdotally speaking, mint chocolate chip as an ice-cream flavor has fallen out of favor.

It was pretty big in the ‘70s, though. Presented as a cardboard block in your grocer’s freezer, mint chocolate-chip ice cream held the distinction of possessing a particular color of green not found in nature ... a pretty neat trick.

(Also, the chips weren’t really chocolate ... they were something like carob-flavored

Tidbits® of Salina

palm oil or caramel-colored yak fat.)

To the point, when I was supposed to be listening to my coach -- a saint of a guy blessed with patience unlike any other -- I couldn’t concentrate because when he tried to instruct me, as soon as he got near my grill with the basketball, the minty aroma was just too distracting for my attention deficit.

I was reminded of this particular shortcoming of mine the other night as I shared an early evening snack with Jay McMillen.

McMillen was the Maryland Terrapins’ power forward in the late ‘60s, a very good player who left the school as the second all-time scorer with 1,300 points. Years later, his brother Tom would play for the Terps, and their record combined adds up to the most points by a brotherly tandem in ACC history.

Tom went on to various Sports Illustrated covers, became a Rhodes Scholar and later in life he served as a congressman for a district gerrymandered out of existence in Maryland. Today, Jay is a doctor in Missouri and he is still married to Gail, the pretty Terrapin cheerleader and former homecoming queen.

Now, I promised that most of what we said was off the record, but I can’t resist giving up a few details: Jay and Gail are in the market for a new home and may become

neighbors of mine. They want to cut down on space ... their kids are all grown and they’re eager to lose even more baggage. Gail points out the fact that they will have to get rid of some memorabilia.

I scoff at that notion and share a story about a sled that was discarded by elders in my family years ago. When it snowed during a holiday, the absence of the sled led to great consternation ... if only out of nostalgia.

“Don’t get rid of the basketball stuff,” I tell her. “Pass it down to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

She nodded in agreement, but had to laugh a bit.

“You have to see the cover (of the media guide) ... those shorts ... and that jump shot!

They don’t shoot like that anymore.”

Yeah, well ... at least he had one. In today’s game a good jump shot is as rare as mint chocolate-chip ice cream. Either way, I’ve got neither to speak for.

Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter who lives in Kansas City. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 7

For Advertising Call (785) 404-1000

Vet-Friendly Schools G.I. Jobs magazine has released its annual survey and has rated 1,739 schools as being veteran-friendly. The Military Friendly Schools list ranks the top 15 percent of more than 11,000 schools in the country, including universities, colleges and trade schools.

It looked at value, flexibility, academic accreditation, percentage of students who are veterans, graduation rates, military-spouse policies, tuition discounts and support services for veterans.

To view the list, go online to the database at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com.

The matchmaker program is very well done. Pick a degree program, and a list of possibilities opens on the right. Break it down by location and you have a choice between virtual only (online) or campus schools. For a campus location, you can select either a region of the country or an individual state.

Click on Flexibility, and use the slide bars to indicate how important it is to have weekend classes, evening classes or online classes. Use the slide bar to indicate sources of funding.

When it comes to Areas of Study, here is where the astonishing breadth of the offerings comes into play. Click on your chosen field, and the program immediately sorts all your school options.

Once all your choices are made, look for the red thumbs-up icon, which indicates schools in the top 15 percent category. Click on each school name for particulars and the ratings in the criteria. Be sure to look at Academics, Review and Profile.

If you want to alter your choices, flip back through the categories and make changes to the information. The program responds instantly, showing you the options. If you want to save your information, register on the site.

I’m not usually a fan of online databases, but this one is outstanding. If school is in your future, use this program to sort through your options.

Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Don’t throw away that damaged garden hose.

Here are three great ideas: 1) Use as a weatherstrip along the bottom of your garage door. 2) Use sections to protect the blades on your ice skates. 3) Use as a safety edge on your saws in the shop. Cut to fit, and slip it over the blade.

“If a small screw keeps coming loose on something, remove it, paint it with clear nail polish and quickly rescrew it. This often does the trick. Makes it more grippy.” -- I.W. in Minnesota Doggie has a greasy coat, but it’s too cold for a bath? Liberally sprinkle your pup with baking soda or cornstarch. Rub into coat and brush out.

“Those soft cardboard sleeves that light bulbs come in are really great for mailing photos. If you fold them flat, you can slip your pics inside, and it will go right into an envelope. They’ll be nice and protected.” -- D.L. in Georgia “If your curling broom is losing its spring, try trimming the bristles a little bit. This worked for me.” -- R.D. in Canada (Tipsters: Curling is an ice sport.)

Defog your mirror with shaving cream. Smear it over the entire surface, and then wipe away with a clean towel. Keep cleaning until clear. It works for at least two weeks -- NO FOG! Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’ve let yourself be distracted from what’s really important. But love finally gets your attention this week.

However, it comes with a challenge that could create a problem.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Be careful not to bully others into following your lead. Best advice: Persuade, don’t push, and you’ll get the cooperation you need to move forward with your plans.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Resist the urge to gloat now that you’ve proved your detractors wrong. Instead, charm them back into your circle. Remember: A former foe can become your best ally.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might want to claim all the credit for making this holiday season special. But is it worth producing a lot of hurt feelings by rejecting offers of help? Think about it.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Ignore a co-worker’s questionable behavior. Instead, put your energy into making your own project special.

Then sit back and purr over your well-deserved applause.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You might not want to accept those suggested changes in your workplace. But don’t chuck them out before you check them out. You could be happily surprised.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your holiday planning might have to take a back seat for a bit so that you can handle a problem with a friend or family member. Your schedule resumes by the 8th.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Relationships in general benefit during the early part of the week, including in the workplace.

Also expect some overdue changes in a personal situation.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) “Prudence” should be your watchword this week. Best not to be too open about some of the things that are currently happening in your life.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Money is on your mind, so you’d best mind how you’re spending it. Take another look at that holiday budget and see where you can make adjustments.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Resolving to revive an old friendship could open some old wounds. Are you sure you want to risk that? Think this through before making a commitment.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your need to know more about a new friend could lead to some startling revelations. Best advice: Keep an open mind about what you learn until all the facts are in.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your loyalty to friends makes you a very special person to those whose lives you’ve touched. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 8

Tidbits® of Salina

TOP OF THE CHARTS as of Nov. 19, 2012

PHOTO: Rod Stewart Top 10 Pop Singles This Week Last Week 1. Maroon 5 No. 1 “One More Night” 2. PSY No. 2 “Gangnam Style” 3. fun. No. 3 “Some Nights” 4. Rihanna No. 5 “Diamonds” 5. Taylor Swift No. 11 “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” 6. Ke$ha No. 4 “Die Young” 7. Bruno Mars No. 7 “Locked Out of Heaven” 8. Justin Bieber feat. Big Sean No. 6 “As Long As You Love Me” 9. Alex Clare No. 8 “Too Close” 10. Ne-Yo No. 9 “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” Top 10 Albums 1. Taylor Swift No. 1 “Red” 2. Meek Mill new entry “Dreams and Nightmares” 3. Rod Stewart new entry “Merry Christmas, Baby” 4. Jason Aldean No. 3 “Night Train” 5. Kendrick Lamar No. 2 “good kid, m.A.A.d city” 6. Toby Keith new entry “Hope on the Rock” 7. Mumford & Sons No. 4 “Babel” 8. Neil Young & Crazy Horse new entry “Psychedelic Pill” 9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra new entry “Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night)” 10. Little Big Town No. 11 “Tornado” Top 10 Hot Country Singles 1. Taylor Swift No. 1 “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” 2. Florida Georgia Line No. 3 “Cruise” 3. Carrie Underwood No. 2 “Blown Away” 4. Hunter Hayes No. 6 “Wanted” 5. Lee Brice No. 26 “Hard to Love” 6. Luke Bryan No. 5 “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” 7. Miranda Lambert No. 8 “Fastest Girl In Town” 8. Jake Owen No. 7 “The One That Got Away” 9. The Band Perry new entry “Better Dig Two” 10. Jason Aldean No. 10 “Take a Little Ride”

EDITOR’S NOTE: DVDs reviewed in this column will be available in stores the week of Dec. 3, 2012.

PHOTO: Christian Bale in “The Dark Knight Rises” PICKS OF THE WEEK “The Dark Knight Rises” (PG-13) -- The Dark Knight trilogy comes to a climactic conclusion as Batman (Christian Bale) must come out of hiding to save civilization from a new foe.

Eight years after Batman took the blame for

the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, crime is down and things are quiet. A muscle-bound chap named Bane (Tom Hardy) causes enough trouble to bring the Bat out of the shadows by amassing an army in the city’s sewers.

This is the big, loud, dark conclusion the trilogy deserves. Christopher Nolan takes the themes inherent in the previous Dark Knight movies and pushes them as far as they can go. Besides Bane, there are some shiny new features in this installment; Anne Hathaway dons the skin-tight black suit of Catwoman, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays John Blake, a young cop.

“Hope Springs” (PG-13) -- You’ll get a lot of laughs, sighs and uncomfortable moments from this drama/rom-com about the intimacy issues of an older married couple. Kay (Meryl Streep) wishes her husband, Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones on an extra dosage of cranky pills), would be attracted to her. Kay gets Arnold to come with her to a couples retreat with a therapist (Steve Carell).

The trailer suggests it’s all fun and games, but these are serious discussions about things that come and go over a long marriage. Even with the laughs, the overall movie experience is an awkward one as the film tries to stay light while digging into marital issues.

“The Odd Life of Timothy Green” (PG) -- A young married couple unable to have their own child adopts the first mud-covered boy who shows up at their doorstep. Really, all they had to do was write down everything

they would have wanted in a child, bury it in a box and wait for the spirits of PG-rated movies to grant them the perfect boy. Magic is fun and all, and Disney has made heaps of money and emotional capital by selling wishes-come-true fantasy, but Timothy Green is just sappy and boring.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild” (PG-13) -- This live-action adventure shows the complexity of the real world as it is to a 6-year-old who has to fill in the gaps with imagination. Hushpuppy is a little girl who lives in the bayou with her father and a band of likeminded people who like swamps better than cities. When a severe storm pounds on the coast, Hushpuppy’s world is plunged into danger and the unknown. This is a unique and memorable experience. The story is imaginative, but the world is still real enough to reach out and touch. The film is cast with all nonprofessional actors, contributing to the emotional authenticity at the movie’s heart.

TV RELEASES “Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Season Two” (Blu-ray) “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: Season One” “The Simpsons: Season 15” “Eastbound & Down: The Complete Third Season” “Mannix: The Final Season” (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 9

For Advertising Call (785) 404-1000 HIGHWAYS (continued from pg.4): owned at least one vehicle.

• Although it composes only 1.2 percent of the nation's roadways, the interstate system carries nearly 23 percent of the traffic.

OVERCOMING THE ODDS: CHARLES STRATTON • When Charles Stratton was born in Connecticut in 1838, he weighed a healthy nine pounds, eight ounces. However, his parents soon noted that he wasn’t growing like other children. A malfunctioning pituitary gland slowed his growth, so at age four, he was only 25 inches long. He never grew much beyond that height. At the age of five

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he weighed exactly as much as he had at the age of 15 months. He was perfectly normal except for

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his size. He was not misshapen or ugly, but instead

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was perfectly proportioned, very attractive, and extremely intelligent. At the age of five Charles was first introduced to Phineas T. Barnum, and Barnum knew his fortune was made.

•

Charles' name was changed to General Tom

Thumb, and he was billed as being 11 years old and

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8-foot giants, Tom Thumb became the darling of the world. 15,000 people a day flocked to see him, each paying a quarter entrance fee.

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• World tours were extremely successful. On a trip to England Barnum very much wanted the publicity that would result from an audience with the Queen.

But the Queen was in mourning and refused to see any visitors. So Barnum merely announced that he was leaving England and traveling to France in order to introduce Tom Thumb to the King of France. A fierce social rivalry existed between

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the Queen of England and the King of France. As Barnum expected, an invitation to visit the Queen was not long in coming.

• Once when Tom Thumb was robbed, Barnum himself spread the rumor that Tom had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom. The public furor increased interest all over Europe.

• Tom Thumb had a delightful sense of humor and impeccable manners. He had a gift for

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Page 10

Tidbits® of Salina CHARLES STRATTON (continued): improvisation while on the stage. His specialty was imitating Napoleon Bonaparte, an act that won him world-wide renown. After traveling the world with Barnum, he returned to his hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he had a home built to scale, with furniture and furnishings constructed in exactly the correct proportions.

• When Barnum hired a 32-inch-tall female performer named Lavinia Warren Bump, Tom Thumb instantly fell in love, and the two were married. Their wedding was featured in every newspaper and magazine in the nation. The newlyweds toured the world together, performing in nearly 600 cities around the globe. By the time they returned to Connecticut, they had performed in front of more people than any other person in history – a record they held until the invention of the television. They were also rich beyond their wildest dreams. When Barnum went bankrupt after investing unwisely, it was Tom Thumb’s earning power that put him back on his feet.

• When Charles Stratton died of a stroke at the age of 45, he stood 3 feet, four inches tall and weighed just 71 pounds. More than 10,000 mourners attended his funeral, and newspapers around the world carried news of his death and descriptions of the funeral service. His wife lived to the age of 77, and is buried beside him in Connecticut.

M IS FOR MOSQUITO "Mosca" is Spanish for fly, and "ito" means small: mosquito. They live at altitudes up to 8,000 feet in the Himalayas and below sea level in California’s Death Valley. They live in the jungle and the tundra.

Approximately ten trillion mosquitoes invade the U.S. every summer. That's about 41,000 mosquitoes per person.

At certain places in the Canadian Arctic, huge swarms can bite an unprotected human up to 9,000 times per minute. A person in this situation could lose half their blood volume in two hours.

Mosquitoes even draw blood from freshly dead animals. Scientists estimate there are around 2500 different species of mosquito, although only 130 live in North America. Of those, only two kinds regularly snack on a human beings- and it is only the females who bite.

Money-Saving Travel Tips The high cost of travel threatens to keep many people home over the holidays, but it’s possible to save money if you know some of the tricks. Go Banking Rates (GoBankingRates.com) has created a list of ways to cut the costs of travel.

--Avoid the peak travel days -- the days immediately before and after a holiday. Be flexible in your departure and return dates.

--Plan your holiday trip for the “dead weeks” in December, when there is less business travel.

--Choose to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday, as most people prefer to fly on days around the weekend.

--Go by rail. Check Amtrak’s rates. You’re sure to save considerable money over the cost of a plane ticket, although your travel time will be longer.

--If traveling with a number of people, don’t book the tickets all in one group. If there aren’t enough seats together, and some are in a higher price range, your whole group will be charged the higher price.

--Don’t click that “buy” button too early or too late.

Months in advance is too early, and last minute typically costs extra.

--For last-minute air travel, when the rates are generally the highest, check online late at night.

That’s when fare sales are first posted. Staying up late with multiple browser screens open can save you big money. (Remember to keep refreshing the page so the newest information comes up.)

--When you get to your destination, stay with friends or family, even if it’s only one night with the person who picks you up at the airport. The longer the stay, the more you save on lodging and meals.

--No friends or family at your destination? Join that intrepid group of millions of domestic and international travelers who couch surf. Sign up at www.couchsurfing.org for hook-ups with people who live in your destination city. Not only do you get a place to sleep, but in many cases you’ll make a new friend who’ll give you the guided tour of the area and show you places you might not have seen as a mere tourist. Search National Geographic, Forbes and The New Yorker online to see what they have to say about this new means of affordable lodging.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

For Advertising Call (785) 404-1000

Page 11

TOP VIDEO, DVD as of Nov. 19, 2012 Top 10 Video Rentals 1. Titanic (PG-13) Leonardo DiCaprio 2. The Avengers (2012) (PG-13) Robert Downey Jr. 3. The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13) Andrew Garfield 4. Snow White and the Huntsman (PG-13) Kristen Stewart 5. Dark Shadows (PG-13) Johnny Depp 6. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) animated 7. The Five-Year Engagement (R) Jason Segel 8. The Cabin in the Woods (R) Kristen Connelly 9. Prometheus (R) Noomi Rapace 10. What to Expect When You’re Expecting (PG-13) Cameron Diaz Top 10 DVD Sales 1. Secret of the Wings (G) (Disney) 2. Magic Mike (R) (Warner Bros.)

3. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG) (Paramount) 4. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (R) (20th Century Fox) 5. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness (PG-13) (Lionsgate) 6. The Avengers (2012) (PG-13) (Disney) 7. Prometheus (R) (20th Century Fox) 8. Tyler Perry’s I Don’t Want to Do Wrong (NR) (Lionsgate) 9. Dark Shadows (PG-13) (Warner Bros.)

10. That’s My Boy (R) (Sony)

1. Who was the first player to hit two homers in a game twice in the same World Series?

2. How many times have the Minnesota Twins gone to the World Series?

3. Which Division I college football team holds the record for most yards rushing per carry for a season?

4. Who was the last NBA player before Minnesota’s Kevin Love in 2010-11 to average more than 20 points and 15 rebounds per game for a season?

5. Name the goaltender who stopped Wayne Gretzky’s 51-game streak of scoring at least one point in the 1983-84 NHL season.

6. How many World Cups in men’s soccer have been won by the host country?

7. Who took part in the only heavyweight boxing title fight held in Maine?

It was revered civil-rights leader Mohandas Gandhi who made the following sage observation: “Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.”

If you’re afraid of rats and mice, you might not want to read the following tidbit: Those who study such things say that 60 percent of all the mammals on earth are rodents.

Athletes playing baseball on steroids have frequently been in the news in recent years, but drugs are nothing new in America’s national sport. During the late 1960s and throughout almost all of the ‘70s, Dock Ellis was a valued pitcher who played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates. On June 12, 1970, Ellis took LSD, under the mistaken belief that it was an off day for his team. By the time he realized that the Pirates were scheduled to play against the San Diego Padres

that evening, it was too late. The drug proved to have no ill effect on Ellis; in fact, he pitched a no-hitter. When he recounted the event to a reporter 12 years later, he said he remembered only bits and pieces of the game, though he felt euphoric. Many years later, after being treated for addiction, Ellis became a coordinator for an antidrug program in California.

It’s been reported that Albert Einstein did not like to wear socks.

George W. Church, the founder of Church’s Fried Chicken, didn’t actually enter the restaurant business until after he retired. In his first career, Church ran a chicken hatchery and sold incubators.

Historians say that Russia’s Peter the Great was nearly 7 feet tall. *** Thought for the Day: “Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then.”

-- Katharine Hepburn (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

On Dec. 4, 1872, a British ship spots the Mary Celeste, a 100-foot American brig, sailing erratically but at full sail near the Azores Islands with not a soul on board. The last entry in the captain’s log was dated 11 days earlier, showing that the Mary Celeste had been drifting since then with no one at the wheel. The fate of the crew remains a mystery to this day.

On Dec. 6, 1884, in Washington, D.C., workers place a 9-inch aluminum pyramid atop a tower of white marble, completing construction of a monument to the city’s namesake and the nation’s first president, George Washington.

On Dec. 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing an end to the era of national prohibition of alcohol in America. Utah became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, achieving the requisite threefourths majority of states’ approval.

On Dec. 3, 1947, Marlon Brando’s famous cry of “STELLA!” first booms across a Broadway stage, electrifying the audience at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre during the first-ever performance of Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

On Dec. 9, 1950, Harry Gold -- who had confessed to serving as a courier of top-secret information on the atomic bomb -- is sentenced to 30 years in jail for his crime. Gold implicated his brother-in-law and sister, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were later convicted and executed for espionage.

On Dec. 5, 1964, the first Medal of Honor awarded for action in Vietnam is presented to Army Special Forces Capt. Roger Donlon of New York for his heroic action at Nam Dong.

Donlon was shot in the stomach during an attack by hordes of Viet Cong. He stuffed a handkerchief into the wound, cinched up his belt and kept fighting.

On Dec. 8, 1982, “Sophie's Choice,” starring actress Meryl Streep as a Holocaust survivor, opens in theaters. The "choice" in the film's title refers to a terrible decision Streep's character is forced to make, about which of her two children will live or die while in a concentration camp. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tidbits® of Salina

Flashback Answers Answers 1. The Seekers, with their U.K. version in 1965. Two years later, Sonny James took it to the top of the U.S. country charts.

2. Cat Stevens wrote the song about his girlfriend, Patti D’Arbanville, when she left for a one-month modeling job. The lyrics indicate that she is dead. Patti was understandably upset and ended the relationship.

3. For the money. They’d been offered a gig doing a television commercial for chewing gum with the requirement that their hair be blond.

4. Ozzy Osbourne wrote it in 1980 after a contentious breakup with Black Sabbath, saying goodbye with the lines, “broken wings can’t hold me down, I’m free again.”

5. “Tell Laura I Love Her,” by Ray Peterson in 1960. This teen-angst hit has all the requirements: boy, girl, car, death, tragedy.

1. Willie Mays Aikens of the Kansas City Royals in 1980.

2. Three -- they lost in 1965 and won in 1987 and 1991.

3. Army averaged 7.6 yards per carry in 1945.

4. Philadelphia’s Moses Malone, in the 1982-83 season.

5. Markus Mattsson of the Los Angeles Kings.

6. Six out of 19, with the last being France in 1998.

7. Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston in 1965.

Trivia Quiz Answers 1. Martin Sheen 2. The Miracles 3. Ben Franklin 4. A fear of poverty 5. “The Merchant of Venice” 6. Korean 7. 1901 8. About 28 feet 9. William James 10. February (Februa)

Bible Quiz

ANSWERS: 1) New; 2) Martha; 3) Peter; 4) Azariah; 5) Levi; 6) Septuagint Wilson Casey’s “2013 Golf Trivia” daily box calendar is available in stores and online at rsvp.com