Altoona Mirror from Altoona, Pennsylvania • Page 36

Page 08 Altuona Mirror, Monday, December 8, 1986 ACROSS 1 Ask questions 5 Choreogra pner DeMille 10 Tanned 12 Abuse (comp. 13 less difficult 14 Balance unsteadily 15 On the briny 16 Uneven 18 Shooting match (Fr.) 19 Customer 20 Cut down (a tree) 24 Handle (Fr) 25 Halos 26 Tristan's beloved 29 Quartz 30 Railway car 31 Snoozing 32 Pertaining to the moon 33 In proper manner 34 And others (2 wds.) 35 Boundary Answer to Previous Puzzle Headless rooster receives attention 3 Freshwater porpoise 4 Last letter 5 Beverages 6 Joyously 7 Cashew, e.g. 8 Language suffix 9 Indian unit of weight 10 Place to sit 11 Bureau 12 Believe not 17 female ruff 19 Below 21 American Indian 22 Fasten 23 Jump 24 Treated chemically 25 Bride's passageway 26 Small island 27 Soot 28 Mrs. Charles Chaplin 29 Stroll 33 Hors d'oeuvre mixture 35 Wife of a lord 36 Musk cat 37 Concerning 38 40 TV program 41 Constellation 42 Time zone labbr.) 43 Grande 44 Actress Balin 46 Astronaut's ferry DEAR READERS: A Michigan reader asked me to prove that he was neither nuts nor the world's biggest storyteller when he recounted the story about a decapitated rooster that lived several days with his head chopped off. (He had read about it in Life magazine in the early '50s.) "Please help.

My reputation is riding on this," he pleaded. "Maybe one of your readers remember it and can back me up." replied: "Life magazine ceased publication in 1972, but if anyone out (here can provide me with any information on the decapitated roo- ser. it will be something to crow about." Well, came the dawn and with it a letter. Federal Express, from Life magazine's top brass informing me that Life had, indeed, died as a weekly in 1972. but continued to publish special reports twice a year.

Then, in 1978. Life resumed publication as a monthly magazine, and celebrated its 50th anniversary on Nov. 15. Readers informed me that the rooster story had appeared in the Oct. 22, 1945.

issue of Life. I received over 100 photocopies of the article and six originals. There were pictures showing "Mike," the Abigail VanBuren Dear Abby headless rooster strutting around, hale and hearty. According to Life: "Ever since Sept. 10 (1945).

a Wyandotle rooster named Mike has been living a normal chicken's life though he has no head. He walks, flaps his wings, preens his feathers, and when he hears other roosters crow, even answers with a few croaky gurgles. "Mike lost his head in the usual rooster way: Mrs. L.A. Olsen.

wife of a farmer in Fruita, 200 miles west of Denver, decided to have a chicken dinner. Mr. Olsen took Mike to the chopping block and axed off his head. Thereupon Mike got up and soon began to strut about. After decapitation, many chickens run around frantically before dying.

Mike, however, kept going as it nothing had happened. "What Mr. Olsen's ax had done was to clip off most of the skull but leave intact one ear, the jugular vein and the base of the brain, which controls motor function. Still thriving and gaining weight. Mike has been on exhibition in Salt Lake City at 25 cents admission.

His owners have put a $10,000 price tag on him." Other photographs showed Mike being fed with milk and water from an eyedropper through is esophagus, which had not closed over. Mike was also fed a few small grains of corn, which he had no trouble digesting. Now. fest you think Mike was the only bird who lost his head and refused to die, readers sent me photocopies of several pages of a book titled "Believe It or Nnt." by Robert W. Ripley (published by Simon and Schuster in 1931).

It seems that as far back as 1904. a black Minorca chicken in Sault Ste. Marie. was beheaded, but walked around headless for 17 days. Other chickens made headlines when they lived headless for days, weeks and months in Coal City.

Fresno. Middleport, Ohio; Mobile. and Walnut Grove. Mo. Many readers wrote to say they had paid to see a headless chicken (or maybe it was a rooster) on exhibition in Long Beach.

San Diego and Florida. Another reader sent an undated column titled "The Ginger Jar," By Mrs. R.V. Jared from the Double-R Hatcheries. Olney, 111.

The entire column was devoted to yet another tale of a headless rooster in Woodstock. Conn. This one lived for only 2 days because no one could figure a way to feed it. Mrs. Jarcd wrote: "But even immortal roosters have their weaknesses at least this one did.

He thumbed his nose (or rather his beak) at the ax; a little thing like -being minus a head didn't disturb him: but when it came to eating that was something else. It was like Hie poet put it: 'Men (and roosters) may live without poetry, music or art. They can live without conscience and live without heart. 'They can live without love, what is passion but pining? 'But where is me one who can live without 1 Universal Syndicate Cher played Laverne role in TV skit Dear Debra When Sonny and Cher were on TV together Cher played in a little skit dressed in a tiger outfit and wearing ball earrings. She also chewed gum and wore big glasses.

She was always talking about her friend Laverne. What was Cher's name in the skit? We have been trying to think of it for a couple of months but can't. J.G!, Mt. Carmel, Pa. There's some Cher confusion going on here.

In a laundromat sketch, Cher played a housewife named Laverne who chatted with her friend Olivia, played by Teri Garr. In another popular segment, Cher played a sexy waitress named Rosa in Sonny's pizza parlor. Are you confusing the two segments? Dear Debra I am -currently working on a term paper on the old West. One of the series I am attempting to research is "The Virginian" (now on the USA Network Debra Ketz Entertainment on Sunday nights). I am having difficulty finding material on the series and on its star.

James Drury. Can you help me? G.S., Jensen Beach, Fla. "The Virginian," first of all. was bused on the novel of the same name by Owen Wister (there were three feature films made of it, as well). The TV series was the first 90- minute western; it ran from Sept.

HI. 19(12 to Sept. 8,1971. It took place in the 1890s in Wyoming, where the character of the Virginian (no other name) tried to maintain law and order. During the last season of the show, it was retitled "The Men from Shiloh," referring to the Shiloh Ranch, where much of the action took place.

Lee J. Cobb played Judge Henry Garth, Doug McClure played Trampas and James Drury played the title character. Drury, who was born in 1934 in New York City, was educated at New York University. He had begun acting on 'he stage at the tender age of 8. He went into films in the 1950s, some of which include "Blackboard Jungle," "Love Me Tender" and "Bernardine." Dear Debra I've asked every- one 1 can think of and no one can remember who played "My Friend They say the memory is the first to go.

You'll make several people happy if you have our answer. J-M. and friends, Portage. Mich. Well, you just didn't ask the right people! Here's your answer: Marie Wilson played Irma Peterson in "My Friend Irma." which ran on CBS from 1952-54, after being on radio since 1947.

Other cast members who co-starred opposite Marie Wilson's dumb blonde character of Irma were Cathy Lewis as Jane Stacy. Gloria Gordon as Mrs. O'Reilly and Sid Tomack as Al. Mary Shipp played Kay Foster and Hal March played Joe Vance. There were some bigger names, too: Margaret Dumont as Mrs.

Rhinelander and John Carradine as Mr. Corday. Newspaper Enterprise Association WORD Unusual Fruits SLEUTH TSEKIWIFRUI ITIK A 0 L(R A M) I OPUEOQU I AAVAUGW QOJQVALQWIQSBI i UTUQMOQMWI KORLF EAJANUR I AMFUAAR TWLGIJKGENMRBMU UIANJUJLNIGSUOU JNCPJLONKAKOHI 1 UEJUANMEDLMPRUT JUJUBPKUMQUARTG Saturday unlisted clue MONOALE nhsifXl him DON QUARREL ABOUT IT Sapota Medlar Longan Sour sop Duince Mangrove Kumqual Muskmelon -'apaw Loquat Guava llama frui! Mango 1986 King f-'eaiures Inc. 128 (Answer on next page) Yesteryear 50 YEARS AGO Dec. 8, 1936 Twelve people, including a former Swedish prime minister, were killed in a London plane crash.

The Knights of Columbus building on 12th Avenue was moderately damaged by fire. The new Altoona High School Senior Girls' Acapella Choir performed for the Altoona Kiwanis Club. 25 YEARS AGO Dec. 8, 1961 President Kennedy, speaking to the "National Convention of Young Democrats" in Palrn Beach. urged less "slogans" and more "hard work." The slate of Pennsylvania will conduct a fallout shelter survey, to be completed next year.

10 YEARS AGO Dec. 8, 1976 Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is in Belgium for his last talks with Western leaders before he leaves office. Joseph R. Fiore was honored at a retirement dinner after 44 years with Rea, Hates, Large Suckling architectural firm. Meditation Hebrews 10:14 Because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

By sinning we lose the joy of fellowship with the Lord. By living in close relationship with Christ, our joy is complete. Billboard's Top 20 pop singles 1. The Way II Is Bruce Hornsby The Ranso 2. Walk Like An Egyptian Bangles Hip To Be Square Huey Lewis The News 4.

The Next Time I Fall Peter Cetera With Amv Grant 5. Everybody Ilavr Fun Tonight WanR (hung 6. You Give Love A Bad Name Pretenders Bon Jovi 7. To Be A Lover Billy Idol 8. Notorious Duran Duran 9.

Shake You Down Gregory Abbott 10. Stand By Me Ben E. King 11. Love Will Conquer All Lionel Richie 12. Word Up Cameo 13.

Don't Get Me Wrong The 14. C'est La Vie Robbie Nevil 15. War Bruce Springsteen The Street Band 16. Human The Human League 17. Control Janet Jackson 18.

Is This Love Survivor 19. You Know I Love You, Don't You? Howard Jones 20. Land Of Confusion Genesis Herniated disc explanation DEAR DR. GOTT I had a lumbar myelogram, and the diagnosis was a combination of "disc hernia- tion and ligamentous hypertrophy, with poor filling of the S-2 root sleeve, right side." Could you explain what this means? DEAR READER 1 think this means that the doughnut-shaped structure (disc) that separates the second and third sacral spinal bones (low in your back) has herniated (shifted position) and may now be pressing on the second sacral nerve as it exits from the spinal cord. The root sleeve is a short cuff that envelops each nerve that passes from the spine.

If the disc protrudes and kinks a sleeve, the nerve covering will not fill with material that is injected during a myelogram. Hence, the doctor will conclude that the disc has slipped to one side and is causing pressure on a nerve; this may give you pain in one leg. I am not sure how to interpret the comment on "ligamentous this would seem to indicate that one of the supporting spinal ligaments has swollen or grown. In any case, it seems clear that you have a problem with a herniated disc. Surgery to remove or correct it may be your best option.

Sterilizing dental equipment DEAR DR. GOTT The AIDs virus has been found in saliva. What precautions do dentists lake to sterilize their equipment between patients? I'm especially curious about the little suction hose that's used to remove excess saliva. DEAR READER Although the AIDS virus has been found in saliva, there are no documented cases of AIDS infection being spread by mouth contact. Most dentists sterilize their instruments by steam or chemical means.

I suggest that you ask your dentist what method he or she uses. Consult doctor for bad taste DEAR DR. GOTT: For the past few months, many foods and drinks have tasted moldy or fungusy to me. Now things are beginning to smell that way, too. Is this an allergy or a sign of a disease? I am 33 and more than 100 pounds overweight.

DEAR READER: You might have an allergy or a fungus infection in your throat or sinuses. See an ear, nose and throat specialist. Newspaper Enterprise Association Astrograph Tuesday, Dec. 9 YOUR BIRTHDAY Prospects for your earning abilities look encouraging for the year ahead. Be wary, however, of making a vocational change until you've examined all of its ramifications.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Enjoy yourself with friends today, but try not to waste your hard- earned money on frivolous pursuits. Get value from what you spend. CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19) Don't take on more than you can comfortably manage today. If you begin things you don't finish, these projects are apt to be shelved for a long time. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.

19) In order to be successful today, you must maintain a positive outlook. Don't let doubts cause you to worry about things that may never happen. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) In case you go shopping today, be careful not to buy merchandise you have no specific purpose for. Expensive items you may never use will have a strong appeal.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) In crucial career situations today, you might have a manner that you hope will impress associaties, even though you'll know your actions don't show your best side. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Guard against temptations today to discuss a confidential matter with one who is not involved. Indiscreet conservations will turn your secrets into common knowledge. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Don't treat a friend indifferently today because you are envious of his or her achievements. Jealous motives mustn't discolor your behavior.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) If you fail to take a firm position today, you will confuse and annoy your companions today. Strive to be decisive, not wishy- washy. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) If you have to work with unfamiliar tools or materials today, first seek instructions from experts before attempting to use them. VIRGO (Aug.

23-Sept. 22) Today you might have to associate with someone you know from past experience is deceitful. Keep your guard up during this encounter. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.

23) Be mindful of promises you made to your mate, so that you don't forget to fulfill them today. Oversights on your behalf wilf be construed as thoughtlessness. SCORPIO 24-Nov. 22) Unless you nave something complimentary to say about co-workers you'd be wise to say nothing at all. Your comments will be resented.

The Astrograph is for entertainment only. Such predictions have no reliable basis In scientific fact. Newspaper Enterprise Association ROCKERS-RECLINERS' CHAIRS 29 1 UP OPEN SUN. 12-5 DINING ROOMS LIVING ROOM SUITES Table, 4 Chairs China. 7-Piece 889 ft UP Old Route 22, 1 mile West of Duncansville Intersection 695-7681 OPEN 10-9, Sat.

10-5, Sun. 12-5 DESKS Kneehole, Roll Top Secretary Large Selection All Sizes 189..