Among Other Things: Brain Drain Game By Paul Fugleberg

My mother used to tell me "Never assume anything." Of course, some things are so obvious, that you can't go wrong. Then George and Helen emailed this test to me. A passing grade is only four correct answers.

Let's see how you do with it:

1. How long did the Hundred Years' War last?

2. What country makes Panama hats?

3. From what animal do we get catgut?

4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

5. What is a camel's hair brush made of?

6. The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?

7. What was King George VI's first name?

8. What color is a purple finch?

9. Where are Chinese gooseberries from?

10. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?

All done? Answers are at bottom. See if you got the four correct answers to earn a passing grade.

Go see "Gypsy"

Trying to keep tabs on 35 actors at one time in the John Dowdall Theatre has to be like trying to fit 43 NASCAR race cars on a quarter-mile track.

But the Port Polson Players know how to do it, although on opening night of "Gypsy" there were a few snags. Scenery changes took a little longer than usual, but Karen Lewing said they were ironed out for the next performance.

The scenery props were really unusual. As the kids did a patriotic number, a huge Eagle head appeared in the background, then some pop-up wings. Really clever. Another outstanding prop was a skyline scene of New York City.

And the costume changes were numerous and fast. Kind of like pit stops at those NASCAR races. And the colors were brilliant on the kids' outfits.

Oh, and the play. Cathy Gillhouse did a superb job of irritating folks in her role as the pushy, virtually non-stop talking mother. That really had to be a tough role to play. And her singing, as usual, was top notch.

And Neal Lewing? I still can't figure out how Hollywood or Broadway missed him. No matter what role he fills — music, dramatic, comedy, or combination of all — it's an award winning professional performance.

Claudia Hewston, Christa Salomon, Kelsie Salomon … Can't list 'em all, not enough space. Suffice it to say, the entire cast, orchestra, all "done good" and were full of fun and energy. "Gypsy" finishes its run this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoon. It's a good start for the Players' 31st season here.

Brain Drain answers

1. 116 years

2. Ecuador

3. Sheep and horses

4. November

5. Squirrel fur

6. Dogs (huh?)

7. Albert

8. Crimson

9. New Zealand

10. Orange, of course

What? You failed? Me, too.