The rich things in life: A good book, a frothy Orange Julius!

THE NOSHIN' CHRONICLES -- My mention last week that I was currently reading the biography of writer Ray Bradbury triggered a memory for Hayward librarian Jody Snyder.

"A girlfriend of mine in library school did her master's thesis on Mr. Bradbury," Jody recalls, "and contacted him for information.

"He supplied it gladly, and said he would like to meet with her and see the thesis when it was done.

"My friend was thrilled to death -- but, being a starving student (two years in grad school and no job), she really didn't have the funds. Between her family, friends and fellow students, trying to make her dream come true, she managed to scrape up enough money for a new outfit, a plane ticket to L.A. and a rental car, so she could go. The plans were made with Bradbury, who mentioned that he would take her to lunch.

"She was overjoyed, and dreamed of going to the Brown Derby or perhaps even Spago.

"Imagine how she felt, after all that expense, when she finally met him and they proceeded to the world-famous author's favorite restaurant -- Orange Julius!

"I guess the habits of a young and starving author never die."

(Neither do the habits of an old and starving newspaper columnist. I'll take a trip to my favorite Mexican restaurant over a trip to Spagos any day.)

STANDING DONATION -- Did you know that America didn't have a national anthem until just 75 years ago?

It was on this date, in fact, in 1931, that "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially designated by act of Congress -- and approved by President Hoover -- to be "the national anthem of the United States of America." Before that, I have no idea what they played at the Olympics when an American won a medal.

All of this, however, gives me the chance to pass along a story, sent by a reader, about a preacher who took the pulpit and announced "The church is badly in need of repairs, and I would ask anyone willing to contribute to a church building fund to please stand."

At which point the church organist began playing "The Star- Spangled Banner."

WEEKLY WIT-WRENCHER -- Most poker players may know that the one- eyed Jacks in a deck of cards are the Jacks of Hearts and Spades, but it's estimated that only one person in 20 can identify:

1. the one-eyed King;

2. the King without a mustache; and

3. the clean-shaven Jack.

Are you one of the rare birds who can identify all three without peeking at a deck? (answers below)

THE QUOTE RACK -- "It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards."

-- Lewis Carroll

WIT-WRENCHER REVISITED -- 1. Diamonds; 2. Hearts; 3. Clubs.

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