Today's Feature

"A Christmas Story".

Stone’s Throw Theatre to Present a Christmas Classic.

One of America’s favorite Christmas classics Jean Shepherd’s "A Christmas Story" will be presented at Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre.

Performances will be Dec. 6th - 9th and 13th -16th 2007. Thursdays through Saturdays doors will open at 6:00 P.M. Dinner at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30. On Sundays the doors open at 12:30 P.M. and Lunch at 1:00 and the show at 2:00. Price is $20.00 for adults, $19.00 for Seniors, under 16 $17.00, and children under 5 free. Reservations can be made by calling Betty Bell at 417-358-7268 or the theatre at 417-358-9665 or online at bbell23@ecarthage.com or stonesthrowdinnertheatre.org.

"A Christmas Story" is humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest during the 1940’s. Nine year old Ralphie is on his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. He plots to try to convince his mom, his teacher, and even Santa himself he should have that BB gun. Unfortunately he is continually shot down by that dreaded phrase "you’ll shot your eye out".

Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre is proud to announce that they will be performing Jean Shepherd’s "A Christmas Story" adapted by Philip Grecian, produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. It is also funded in part by Missouri Arts Council and Schmidt and Assoc.

Talent from around Carthage, Carl Junction, Joplin, Neosho, and Webb City have come together to perform this extremely funny, wildly popular show. The Cast includes Doug Dickie, Kevin Provins, Elisia Conrardy, Luke Mouton, Veronikka Kew, Denise Moore, Broderick Coursey, Dakota Thomas, Morgan Sneed, Tessa Foti, Joshua Step, Tom Brown, Harry Weissenberger, Kristofer Provins, Deborah Stevens, and Kathryn Eutsler.

Most all of us have heard a train whistle in the background, or a dog barkin’ off in the distance (or under our window.) Where I grew up, even in town you could hear coyotes at night if you were outdoors.

It always seems like grandparent’s house has sounds ya never hear anywhere else. Clocks tickin’, heaters roarin’, doors creakin’, even the sounds in the kitchen sound different.

The strangest sound, to me, is when ya swear ya heard the front door close after you’re in bed. Then ya lay there waitin’ ta hear someone walkin’ round the house, but nothin’. I always figured whoever it was just looked in and figured there wasn’t anything worth takin’ so they just left.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

• "Since it’s the season to be planting bulbs for spring flowers, I have this unique method for knowing exactly where I’ve planted -- no stakes needed. Spray the spot with orange fluorescent spray paint (like the highway workers and plumbers use). It doesn’t wash away in wet weather and will keep you from digging there or planting something on top in the spring." -- W.V.R. in Oregon

• "We have a cookie-making party every year, and we serve a nice lunch before launching into the cookies. This year, we decided to be very festive and used cookie cutters for napkin rings. They were raved about!" -- B.L. in New Jersey

• Here’s a wonderful tip received via e-mail: If you have a panic button for your car alarm, keep your keys by the bedside. If you experience a problem during the night, trip the panic alarm. Let your trusted neighbors know about your intention, and they will be able to assist you.

• We’ve received much mail regarding the reuse of plastic water bottles. Readers who are for it cite the convenience and the environmental impact when plastic is not recycled or reused. Readers who are against it comment on the risk of bacteria buildup. The bottom line is this: Treat a bottle as you would any other cup; wash between uses with hot, soapy water, and allow the bottle to air-dry. Be sure to recycle when finished.

• "After sprucing up the house for visitors this season, I have found a great second use for a coffee-can lid. Use it to catch paint drips when you are painting a ceiling or the underside of anything. Just cut a slit in the lid and slip it over the brush handle. That way, the paint drips on the saucer, and saves you a sleeve." -- O.J. in North Carolina