St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 36

ad: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1990 BEST SELLERS THEATER ARTHUR BERTELSON An Evening Of Pure Poetry Conflicting Events: Christmas And Quake The week's best-selling books, as compiled by Pub-lisher's Weekly: HARDCOVER FICTION 1. "The Plains of Passage," Jean Auel 2YThe Witching Hour," Anne Rice 3. "Longshot," Dick Francis 4. "Lady Boss," Jackie Collins 5.

"Four Past Midnight," Ste- phen King 6. "Memories of Midnight," Sidney Sheldon By Joe Pollack Of the Post-Dispatch Staff READING the works of Dylan Thomas is a delightful experience; hearing them read is a memorable one. The Welsh genius wrote poetry and prose that carry a special ring and rhythm, bursting like a great holiday fruitcake with passion, wit, exciting descriptions, the persistence of memory. All those wonderful qualities came bounding back through "A Child's Christmas in Wales and More Tales," read by Darryl Maximilian Robinson and four other actors in a production that opened last weekend and will continue Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at The Utiopian Loft Theatre, 3524 Washington Avenue.

The players of Excaliber Productions, as Robinson calls the company, almost outnumbered the patrons on Saturday night, and until 8:05 p.m., while Walter Arley Roberts was playing classical cello in what might have been termed an overture, I was facing the unique prospect of being the entire audience, all by myself. It's a charming evening of readings, with all the players showing the proper respect for Thomas' words by making every one clear and understandable. Robinson is director and narrator, joined by Philip Dennis, Christian Kohn, Suzzette Sutton and Roberts, who doubles as an actor. Each did a solo reading, and the company worked together on "Quite Early One Morning" and "A Story (A Day's Outing)," which was the highlight. Robinson, a Chicago-based actor who has worked with the Theatre Project Company here, read the classic "Child's Christmas" in splendid style, and brought forth all the humor in "The Song of the Mischievous Dog," a poem written by Thomas when he was 11 years old.

A shortcoming is that Robinson shows too many acting mannerisms that detract from the words he is reading. He was superior, however, as the narrator and boy in A Story," which Thomas describes as having occurred "when I was so high and much nicer." It's a funny, rousing tale of an annual outing by a group of Welsh friends whose aim is to drink the entire stock of every pub in the area. The supporting players added the other characters with considerable charm. "Quite Early One Morning," a description of his hometown as its people begin a wintry day, also received a lovely reading by the group. Sutton showed all the proper passion in "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," and Kohn impressed with "Gaspar, Melchior, Balthasar." Thomas' work proves the beauty and power of English, and it's a pleasure to hear it so nicely treated.

4 -'8. "Buffalo Girls," Larry MARTHA CARR 0 Chores Help Children Learn A HASTY GLANCE at the calendar assures me that 28 days remain before Christmas descends on us. The same peek discloses that we have only six days before the earth's plates that lie beneath New Madrid will rise up and grind Missouri exceeding fine. How do we reconcile these two events? Rush out and buy presents for everyone on the shopping list and store them in the basement where they will moulder in the ruins of what was once our home? Wait until that fateful day has come and gone (that's Quake Day) to launch your spending spree, smug in the knowledge that you WILL be around to chant your noels? The matter presents no problems for Lucy. When the first of the avalanche of catalogs battered our door on the day after Labor Day, she was ready, and ever since UPS has made almost daily stops to disgorge the stuff she has ordered.

The pool table in the basement is all but covered with things for granddaughters and all the lesser lights of the family. On the other hand, I am of the Ed McMahon school, which maintains that the most propitious time for Christmas shopping is the eve of the big day. The stores will have already prepared for their BIG SALES by marking down their banditti prices. And the stock will have been well picked over, reducing the bewildering choices you will have to make. Then, too, I am seduced by the promise on the front of the mail order catalogs that delivery is guaranteed if your order is received before Dec.

14. Incidentally, the stack of catalogs now towers over four feet, including at least 10 from Harry and David, a like number from L.L. Bean and scores from places I've never heard of. Their common denominator is a price list aimed at the Donald Trumps and Leona Helmsleys. (It chills my frugal heart to imagine that in the Q-Day rubble will be a box of fruit from Harry and David with each pear carrying a price tag of three bucks.) The semi-concatenation of threatened natural disaster, an unusual autumn and a festival of Christendom has produced for us some strange mixtures.

Lucy has taken to interspersing her supplementary Christmas shopping with purchases intended to augment what she calls the survival kit. The latest addition was a gallon jug of distilled water to forestall a death of thirst if we should survive the ground tremors. Last Christmas, her heart's desire was a propane gas-fired smoker-cooker. For 11 months, it slumbered in the shed, still in its unopened carton. From one of her expeditions she came home with a container of propane.

To me, orders were issued that the moment had come to get the thing in operation. No sweat according to the manual. "Easy to assemble, requiring only a screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver and a pair of pliers." It took only a day and a half, frayed patience and three or four wounds. So far, we have smoked three turkey breasts and a small ham. A mild and moist fall has produced a bumper crop of leaves, and leaves in Lucy's book are an insidious foe to be disposed of pronto.

I am presented with an electric leaf eater with the same lying legend on its container "Easy to assemble." Another day and a half shot, more wounds and' even greater strain on my forbearance. In exchange, I have become acquainted but hardly familiar with such exotica as Tinneman clips and Venturi nuts, neither of which is edible. It has been a year of anomalies, and if we manage to survive the quake, it will, I assume, continue to be such. The Christmas cactus in the greenhouse has been in bloom for weeks. The azaleas, recalcitrant in spring, put forth occasional blossoms, as do the clematis in the back yard.

Assuming that we come through the quake unscathed and I don't for a moment believe there will be one -ir we can anticipate the finest compost ever, courtesy of the leaf eater, the choicest of smoked meats and just in the normal course of things a very merry Christmas. In the event that things don't work out as expected, it won't be New Madrid's fault. 9. "Rabbit at Rest," John Updike 10. "The Burden of Proof," Scott Turow HARDCOVER NON-FICTION "fl.

"Civil War: An Illustrated History," Geoffrey Ward et al, 2. "By Way of Deception," Victor Ostrovsky 3. "Millie's Book, As Dictated to Barbara Bush," Mildred Kerr Bush 4. "Get to the Heart: My Sto- i ry," Barbara Mandrell with George Vecsey 5. "Homecoming," John Bradshaw 6.

"A Life on the Road," Charles Kuralt 7. "You Just Don't Under stand: Women Men in Conversation," Deborah Tannen 8. "Dr. Dean Ornish's Pro-gram for Reversing Heart Disease," Dean Ornish 9. "Fleetwood," Mick wood and Steve Davis 10.

"Wealth Without Risk," Charles Givens MASS-MARKET PAPERBACKS 1. "Dawn," V.C. Andrews i 2. "Daddy," Danielle Steel 3. "Reasonable Doubt," Phil-ip Friedman 4.

"The Dark Half," Stephen King 5. "The Captive," Victoria Holt 6. "Sorceress of Darshiva," David Eddings 7. "The Minotaur," Stephen Coonts 8. "Postcards From the Edge," Carrie Fisher 9.

"Oldest Living Confederate "Widow Tells All," Allan Gurganus 10. "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," Robert Fulghum TRADE PAPERBACKS 1. "The 'Late Niqht with David Dear Martha Carr: I have two granddaughters, ages 5 and 7, who have grown up without a mother. My son loves them very much, but he is not teaching them any of the home skills they should probably be able to do by now. Inasmuch as I had only sons, I am wondering what little girls are supposed to know at that age.

Whatever they could do, they would undoubtedly be a big help for their daddy. I keep them two days a week, and I thought that if I got them started, my son could keep them going. Any suggestions would be very welcome. R.S. It seems to me that all children, boys and girls, should learn home skills, and helping grandparents and parents with daily tasks is a good way to learn.

When you have your grandchildren with you, teach them "how that you can subsequently turn into their responsibilities, to be done whenever they come over. Helping you with whatever you are doing is an excellent way of sharing and learning. Such things as setting the table (learning what is needed and where it goes on the table); unloading unbreakables (pots, pans, silverware, plastic dishes) from the dishwasher or drying them, then putting them away; matching their own socks and folding their own underwear; folding washcloths and small towels; fetching things you need (like thread, eyeglasses, a pen or pencil); even raking or sweeping the front walk. And if you are in a cleaning mood, little people can bend more easily than we can, and ages 4 and 5 are wonders at chair rungs and table legs and feet, especially if you are doing the tops at the same time. One thing I learned with our children is that if you share a task, you get better cooperation and a better learning experience than if you give the kids a task and tell them to do it.

Sharing is fun, and things learned through sharing seem to stick better in their memories, with less arttago-nism toward work in general. Friend Find: I am looking for Melba Junge (her maiden name). She was my bridesmaid on Feb. 10, 1944. We worked at Curtiss-Wright at the time.

She lived in Illinois. ERMA BETTLACH 7405 Dianthan Lane St. Louis, Mo. 63116 Phone: 353-6954 I'm looking for Susan Jacovitch, who used to live in Sunset Hills in the 1950s. She had three kids and worked in the kitchen of one of the county schools at that time.

MIMI UTRECH We are looking for two friends, Mary and Jim Vanda-ment, who lived in St. Louis in the middle '40s. Then, they moved to San Pedro, her hometown. Jim had a brother, Frank, and several sisters. We would like to hear from or about them.

DOLORES MUSGROVE Phone: 947-4443 Dear Martha: We are looking for a Grandparents Anonymous group. Can you help? K.A-N. We have Grandparents of Divorce, Grandparents and Children, Grandparents Rights and Parents Anonymous, but no Grandparents Anonymous, per se. Can any readers help? DR. PAUL DONOHUE SYDNEY OMARR Fibrositis Linked To Sleep Loss Libra: Romance Ousts Anger Dear Dr.

Donohue: I am a female in my mid-40s. Whenever I rise from a lying-down position I am so stiff and sore I can hardly move. My joints seem to be affected. My hips are especially sore. My internist X-rayed me and ruled out arthritis.

He asked me about my sleeping patterns, which are terrible, and told me I had fibrositis. This seems to be some kind of muscle fatigue. Can you tell me more about it? Fibrositis is a common condition affecting more than 6 million people in the United States. The more descriptive name for it, since it does affect muscles, is fibromyalgia, for the myalgia part refers to muscles. Soreness of joints is actually soreness of joint muscles.

Those of the hips, neck and shoulders are most often involved. An essential part of what has come to be known as the fibromyalgia syndrome is fatigue, and that occurs as a result of abnormal sleep. Another tip-off to fibromyalgia is the existence of certain trigger points on theljody. These lie over affected muscles, and if you press on them pain occurs. Doctors know these trigger points and use them to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment is twofold, involving both drugs and physical therapy. Often antidepressant drugs help restore normal sleep patterns, relieving the fatigue. While it might sound ridiculous given the muscle pain, exercise does help. A careful program of exercise combined with restoration of sleep relieves the pain over the long haul. An aerobics class would be a good way of getting the kind of formal and continuing exercise preferred for this.

Fibromyalgia affects women between 25 and 40 usually, although it can occur in adults of any age. Dear Dr. Donohue: Whenever I have a blood test, it is difficult for the technician to find a good vein. I am always told I have thin veins. Is this something to be concerned about? Many people have this problem.

It is not a sign of illness. It makes blood drawing a bit more difficult and is perhaps a bit more painful, but those are the only consequences. NOTE: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment, not guidance. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Escape route is defined. Perhaps you have put up with your last argument in connection with partner, mate.

Focus on family, business and career, ability to map program. Scorpio represented. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You're able to thank those who helped two weeks ago. Friend made a slip, judgment was off, financial loss embarrassing. Change of scene beneficial.

Virgo plays outstanding role. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Focus on explanation, expositions, chance to "even out" decision relating to money. Family member acquiesces to decision involving luxury item, durable goods, art object. Libra plays role. CANCER (June 21-July 22): What appeared to be lost will rebound in your favor.

Focus on dissemination of information, backstage view, secret meeting involving politics or charitable enterprise. Virgo figures prominently. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Resentment is obvious. You knocked their hats off and still you are expected to play secondary role.

Focus on responsibility, deadline, organization. Love relationship intense, also complicated. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Long-range prospects clarified.

Controversy exists concerning ownership, mineral rights. Lead rather than follow assume leadership. Fences are mended you're no longer vulnerable. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.

22): Accent originality, creativity, ability to imprint your own method, style. Within three days outburst of temper forgotten romance replaces anger. Leo helps in obtaining goal. Fresh start shown. SCORPIO (Oct.

23-Nov. 21): Demand "road map." Means refuse to be victim of wild goose chase. Focus on. variety, speculation, boredom with routine. Accent teaching, learning, development of intuitive powers.

Cancer native featured. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It is said you'll travel at drop of hat hat drops. Life subject to dramatic change.

What was lost will be recovered by tonight. You asked for more space, your living quarters will expand. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Two people, opposites, play significant roles today.

Express interest in variety, exploration, durability of property. Legal offer valid but premature. Scorpio native proves loyalty beyond doubt. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.

18): What had been held back will be released, including funds. Accent also on romance, creativity, "stolen moments." You might be humming refrain, "Everything is going my way!" Pisces plays role. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Check Aquarius message. There will be more music in your life financial picture bright.

Major domestic adjustment is required. You'll have more money along with added responsibility. IF NOV. 27 is your birthday: You are concerned with those less fortunate, are better at helping others than yourself. Aries, Libra persons are drawn to you.

You have knack for getting to heart of matters, for relating truth. During February, you will resolve to get rid of burden which you should not have carried in first place. You'll be away from home in December you'll finally agree to start charging for your services. Surprise is planned for you in February. Welcome your 1991! For extended horoscopes, call (900) 370-2622.

Calls cost $1 per minute. UC7UC7I II IOI I UWIUI I up Ten Lists," David Letterman 2. "The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes," Bill Watterson 3. "Codependent No More," Melody Beattie 4. "The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer," Jennifer Lynch 5.

"Liar's Poker," Michael Lewis 6. "The T-Factor Fat Gram i Counter," compiled by Jamie Pope-Cordle and Martin Katahn 7. "7 Habits of Highly Effec-; tive People," Stephen Covey IB. "The Old Farmer's Alma-nac 1991," Robert Thomas ,9. "Weiner Dog Art: A Far Side Collection," Gary Larson 10.

"From Beirut to Jerusalem," Thomas Friedman SUPER HANDYMAN Neediest cnnDear Al: A frozen cola exploded, spattering my kitchen ceiling. When I try to remove it, the ceiling's texture flakes off. It's the sprayed-on kind. What can I do? You might try misting the spots with a sprayer with laundry bleach to fade the spots out. Da tA nrntatl nntrthinr Itn.

Case 20 Is it possible for a young mother and her four children to live in a 10-year-old sub-compact car? Yes, but with great difficulty, as Ms. and her four children have found out. Because of housing restrictions, this family cannot live with friends and relatives, although they do provide bathing and laundry facilities. Another friend supplies a mailing address. Two of Ms.

D's children have tremendous physical problems. Lisa, 7, is retarded. Michelle, 9, was born with only one kidney and is constantly sick. Their father, a chronic drug user, is of no help. A gift of $150 would help Ms.

find a proper apartment and make her children's holiday happier. it sx auic iu jiuicui 0111111115 uii- From page three The injury has caused her to lose her job. Having no place else to go, Ms. and her three children moved in with Ms. Z's mother.

She and the children are sleeping on the floor because there is no room elsewhere. After the fire, Ms. had to reapply for food stamps and did not receive any for the month of October. Ms. is looking for an apartment.

In the meantime, she is paying what she can out of the $350 she collects each month to her mother as rent. A gift of $150 would help buy furniture, clothing and some toys for the children. It's hip, it's happening, and it's all about the St. Louis teen scene. It's the Post's new High School page! Every Thursday in Metro Post, the High School page covers different issues that affect area teens, from coping with peer pressure to finding financial aid for college.

You'll also find school notes from around the metro area, and a different high school is spotlighted each week! Stay on top of high school news every Thursday in Metro Post. For home delivery of the Post-Dispatch, call 622-7111 or 1-800-365-0820. With the Post's new High School Page -qerneatn tne area mat mignt oe damaged by the bleach. If you wanted to go. ahead and clean though the ceiling materi- aj.will flake off, there is a spe-.

'rial repair compound called ceiling repair com-pound" that you can use to repair the area. The only kind I've in a retail store is made by Behr, but there may be others on the market. It's easy to use and makes invisible repairs to that type ceiling. Dear Al: For repairing grouted joints, you should try my method. I use an empty squeeze bottle from the kitchen.

Put the grout inside and squeeze it into the joint. It's clean and professional looking. i WORD WATCHER By Morton S. Freeman If you had to state in a simple sentence the important guidelines to good writing, what would you say? I would rely on tradition and say that one's writing should be governed by unity, emphasis, clarity and variety. ST.

LOUIS POST-DISPATCH.