Today's Feature

Library Addition Open.

The new addition to the Carthage Public Library opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week.

The addition features two stories, the second of which has large picture windows overlooking the North, East and West sides. The stairway to the second level is constructed of original Carthage marble, donated by UMB Bank in Carthage. There are computer labs on each level. The upper level has 6 computers for internet use and two electronic filing computers, which act as electronic card catalogues. The downstairs has two computers for internet use for children, and two electronic filing computers.

Minor construction and finishing work was still being done on the addition on Tuesday, reportedly due to delays in the arrival of construction materials.

At this time the original Carnegie library structure is closed for renovations and all operations are being conducted from the new facility. Library Director Jennifer Seaton said that the renovations will be made with an effort to keep the original structure in the style of 1905, which is when it was constructed.

The drive through book drop is another new feature of the addition, and is located on the North side of the building.

One day I was cruisin’ on a four lane when my front tire went flat. I didn’t dare touch the front brake. I figured I’d just let it coast down. Problem bein’ when a tire on a cycle goes flat, it tries to wobble on one side of the rim. When ya try to steer to stay on the road, it flops over to the other side. That was the only time I actually thought of jumpin’ off a machine movin’ forty miles an hour.

I finally saw an open field with no barbed wire, let the bike go off in the ditch and hung on. Softer landin’ I figured.

I eventually got it stopped, unhurt. I didn’t tell the folks for several years. There’s some things parents don’t want to hear.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Click & Clack Talk Cars
By Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I’ve always owned an "old lady" car (i.e. Pontiac Bonneville, Oldsmobile 88, Buick LeSabre). But I recently bought a 2007 Toyota Highlander. While I love the vehicle, I’m concerned about how easily SUVs "tip" over. I know there’s a higher percentage of these vehicles that end up in the "turtle on its back" position. My husband assures me that my driving skills will not tip it over; it’s just the idiots who think they can do anything because they have an SUV. Am I worrying for nothing, or do I have to learn to drive all over again and not take corners like I did in my old-lady cars? - Thanks. - Cheryl

RAY: I don’t think you have to worry, Cheryl. But I think Toyota might be concerned that its Highlander is winning the "old lady" market!

TOM: First of all, your Highlander is not a traditional SUV. It’s what is often called a "crossover." Not to be confused with my brother, who is often called a "cross-dresser."

RAY: The term "crossover" usually refers to a vehicle that looks like an SUV and has many of the advantages of an SUV, but is actually built on the underpinnings of a car. In the Highlander’s case, it’s based on the chassis of the Toyota Camry.

TOM: That means its center of gravity is lower to the ground, it handles better, and it’s less likely to flip over. Think of it more like a station wagon. Could you flip it over? I’m sure, given enough effort, you could. But that’s true of almost any vehicle.

RAY: But your Highlander is much closer to the old-lady cars than to traditional SUVs. So, drive reasonably - which I’m sure you do, Cheryl - and you’ll be fine.

RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive

Where Will Junior Land? Bet on Black

Q: Greg, if I remember correctly, you predicted that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would sign a contract and stay with Dale Earnhardt Inc., and that you felt that would be the best thing to happen. You were wrong and he’s leaving DEI, so what do you think will happen now? You’ve usually been right in your predictions, so I’d like to know. -- Claudia H., North Carolina

A: Claudia, let the bidding begin! I indeed did think he would stay with DEI, but as you see, I was wrong.

Junior will be the most sought-after NASCAR Nextel Cup driver of all-time, and my gut tells me he’ll end up where everyone wants him to. This means he’ll be driving the black No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevy his dad made famous. This "prediction" is an easy one, as just about everyone is hoping it happens.

However, a few things "hit me" when the "amicable" DEI/Junior split came.

Specifically, Childress Racing’s Kevin Harvick is now running for Royal Dutch Petroleum as his major sponsor (Shell gasoline, Pennzoil lubricants), while his former major sponsor, GM Goodwrench, is "in the background" as an associate sponsor in 2007 with Richard Childress Racing. Is this by design?

We’re talking history here, and it all lies in that black No. 3 sitting in Childress’ shop right now. Junior has the right genes and will have first "dibs" for sure, and that’s the way it should be.