Today's Feature

Christmas at Stone’s Throw.

Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre is proud to announce that they will be performing the Musical Version of Robert Fulghum’s UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS. Performances will be at Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 796 South Stone Lane, Carthage, MO on December 3-7 and 12-14, 2008. Wednesday through Saturday 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. Lunch at 1:00 and the show at 2:00. Price is $20.00 for adults and $19.00 for Seniors over 55. Youth under 16 is $17.00 and children under 5 are free.

Reservations can be made by calling Betty Bell at 417-358-7268 or the theatre at 417-358-9665 or on line at bbell23@ecarthage.com. Make reservations early as seats are going fast.

Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas consists of 21 stories about the trials, tribulations and joys associated with Christmas. It is a refreshing alternative to A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker and is a wonderful sequel to the stage version of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten written by the same author, Robert Fulgrum.

Doug Dickey, Becki Gooch and Chris Layton from our "Kindergarten" cast have returned and are joined by Judy Boyd, last year’s Sally Award winner for Best Actress, with a newcomer to our stage, William Welsh, rounding out this fantastic cast.

The script is created and adapted by Ernest Zulia and David Caldwell. Music, lyrics, musical arrangements and orchestration by David Caldwell. Developed by Mill Mountain Theatre, Roanoke, Virginia, Jere Hodgin, Producing Artistic Director; Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, Michael Barnard, Producing Artistic Director, initiated by Michael Mitchell, former Artistic Director and Denise Ford, former managing Director. Additional funding assistance is provided by Missouri Arts Council and Schmidt and Associates.

Mornin'
I’ve gotta friend (that lives outa town) I was talkin’ to the other day and I realized he’s startin’ to show his age some. Unfortunately he’s younger than I am. In all likelihood, he noticed the same thing about me.

I can remember my mom mentionin’ the same type a thing about folks she was acquainted with when I was a kid. At that time my reaction was the ‘60’s version of "duh." It’s not near as funny anymore.

I suppose the good news is that a lot more of us are showin’ our age, so we don’t dwell on it that much.

As a kid becomin’ mature meant gettin’ a driver’s license. I’m beginnin’ to think now that becomin’ mature may eventually mean not bein’ able to keep a drivers license. I guess as long as the eyes and reflexes hang on, I’ll keep on truckin’.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Dear Tom and Ray:

I’m interested in purchasing a new, 2006 Dodge Sprinter with a 2.7-liter diesel engine. It has 75 miles on it, and has been on a dealer lot, unsold, for two years. The dealer offers a full three-year/36,000-mile warranty, and it is fully loaded with everything I need. I use an electric wheelchair and need an "accessible" vehicle. I have always used Ford \ vans. However, the Sprinter will cost less, give me double the mileage and is just a cool vehicle. Oh, it also can use biodiesel, according to the dealer. Should I buy a vehicle that’s been sitting on a dealer’s lot for two years? I love it; I just need an objective opinion. - Katie

TOM: We’ll give you two objective opinions, Katie. I say, go for it.

RAY: Me too.

TOM: I wonder why it’s been sitting there for two years. Is it Day-Glo orange or something? In any case, you should be able to get a great price on it, and the only parts that really degrade while sitting on the lot are those made of rubber.

RAY: Right. Ozone in the air breaks down rubber over time. So, things like the weather stripping around the doors may last, say, eight years instead of 10. The only rubber parts that are worth worrying about now are the tires and belts.

TOM: Other than that and some faded paint (which might be a blessing if it’s Day-Glo orange), it should be good as new.

RAY: It’s a nice vehicle. It has several advantages over standard Ford and Chevy vans. It has a five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which get very good mileage, and with its raised roof, there’s room to stand up inside it - which is probably great for anyone helping you with your wheelchair.

TOM: So, ask for a new set of tires and a change of belts. He might throw those in, just to get this eyesore off his lot after two years. And you’ll have a great vehicle.