Today's Feature

Houdini at Powers Museum.

Powers Museum will present a free program on March 29th at 1:30 p.m. in the museum, 1617 W. Oak Street. Dave Dickerson of Aldrich, MO will portray Harry Houdini in this first installment of "Prelude to Chautauqua." Additionally a brief presentation will be held about early 20th century entertainment in the American heartland as well as the exhibit opening for "Entertaining Carthage Through the Years."

Other programs in the "Prelude to Chautauqua" include the portrayal of Minnie Pearl at the Carthage Public Library, scheduled for April 12. The museum may be called at 358-2667 for further information.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER 2008 SCHOLARSHIP
News Release

The Carver Birthplace District Association, in conjunction with the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, is pleased to announce the seventh annual George Washington Carver Scholarship. The scholarship is a one-time award in the amount of $500 for the 2008/2009 academic year. It will be awarded to a local graduating high school senior, or local home school student receiving a GED certificate.

Criteria for determining the award recipient will include academic achievement, community involvement and need. Students should plan to attend Iowa State University, Tuskegee University, Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, or an accredited college within a 75 mile radius of Diamond, Missouri, site of the George Washington Carver National Monument. Chosen area of study must include one of the following: Science, Art, Agriculture, Music, Education, or Bible.

Scholarship applications may be obtained from the Visitor Center at George Washington Carver National Monument located at 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, Missouri, or from local high school guidance counselors. Applications must be submitted to the Carver Birthplace District Association, 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840 by Friday, April 4, 2008.

Native son of Missouri, George Washington Carver triumphed over many obstacles to receive a Masters Degree in Agriculture from Iowa Agricultural College. As an educator at the Tuskegee Institute he encouraged his students to "…strive for your highest goal." The Carver Birthplace District Association is a non-profit organization established to assist in advancing the historical, scientific, educational and interpretive programs of George Washington Carver National Monument.

For more information, contact Carver Birthplace District Association Executive Director Paxton Williams at 417-325-4151 between 9:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

Mornin’

I’ve noticed lately that they’ve started puttin’ more gadgets on what used to be a perfectly good, functional household fixture. The couch.

I figure a couch has a primary and a secondary function. First it’s made ta lay on when you’re watchin’ football. Second it comes in handy when you’ve got company.

They started out by puttin’ a recliner in couches. I can understand that, although as usual, you start loosin’ some of the benefits of a recliner. Ya can’t swivel. Most of ‘em in couches don’t rock either.

Now I’ve noticed they are puttin’ little storage units between the dual recliners. If they’re gonna do this, lets build a super-couch. We need a small refrigerator, a microwave, a port-a-pottie, voice activated remote control and a basket for Spot ta sleep.

This is some fact, but mostly,
Just Jake Talkin’.

"If you make your own whipped cream, try using honey instead of sugar. I find that it has a sweeter flavor and it also stays firm longer than regular sugar. I especially like it on tarts." -- C.A. in Louisiana

Here are two uses for dental floss in the kitchen: 1) Use it to truss a turkey or chicken; it’s strong and doesn’t burn -- just remember to use non-waxed and non-flavored. 2) You can also use it to slice delicate desserts, like cheesecakes, or even brownies. It leaves a nice, straight line with no dragged bits.

"If your child really dislikes taking medicines -- especially a young child who does not like liquid medicines -- try letting him or her have an ice pop first. Give the child the ice pop, and when he or she is about halfway through, the child’s tongue will be numb enough that the medicine won’t really taste as bad. Make sure the child knows he or she has to take the medicine, but that it will taste better after having the ice pop." -- T.Y. in South Carolina

If you are concerned about wearing out your sheets evenly, try this old trick: Attach a safety pin to side of the sheet that’s at the foot of the bed. Before you remove the sheet for washing, switch the pin to the opposite side of the sheet (the head of the bed). Launder as normal, then when you make the bed, arrange it so that the pin is at the foot of the bed, as it was before the switch." -- I.L. in New York

To sprinkle sugar on cookies or other baked goods evenly, use a salt shaker. Be sure to mark it "Sugar."