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Show page A6 Davis County Dipper - Tut?sj Every new year offers ail a blank computer screen So I'm sitting here at years end, looking at a nearly blank computer screen and wishing it n would suddenly fill with words, when this old guy walks in Not "old" like those vinyl record albums in the attic. Old like Bob Dole Serious old well-chose- youve read my work, in which case I understand "I dont care what you write, he says "It's that screen I'm worried about. "But it's blank " ..." "And isn't that the most heauti-tu- l thing you've ever seen0" This is getting pretty strange even for me. So ask him "Who are you?" You don't recognize me, do 1 take a good, you Come on close look have to admit that there is something about him that seems familiar, from the deep creases on his forehead to the mud caked on his slippers I just cant place him. "See these lines on my forehead" he asks. "They're worry wrinkles I got this one worrying about starving people in Africa, this one worrying about terrorism and this one worrying about airline safety. Then there's these tattoos on my arm Got them from 1 "Don't do that'" the Old Guy exclaims "Don't do what?" I ask, startled "That'" he says, pointing to the lone word I had typed on the computer monitor 1 assume my elderly guest is computer illiterate and thinks that am working some kind of magic on the screen (fat chance of that happening, right0). So I try to explain it in basic terms It all started back in the 1400s with a man named Gutenberg Perhaps 1 you knew him." There's no need for conde- scension, young man, the Old Guy says testily. Eve been dealing with computers and word processors my whole life Im a child of the 90s Yeah, right, I think, the 1890s give or take a century. "Then why were you trying to stop me from writing0" I ask. Unless Rodman Did he give you the one on your cheek, too0" "That isnt a tattoo, its tobacco juice Blasted Alomar kid thought I was an umpire It all starts to make sense: the Atlanta Olympic cap, the "ID-- 4 and those cute little Toy rt Story slippers hes wearing. I even recognize the thick mud on his slippers even though its been a couple of months since Election Day "Youre 1996, aren't you0" I ask. In the flesh, now, anyway. For he says. That explains his appearance. But it doesnt explain his obsession with my monitor. Its just that empty screens remind me of the good old day January 1, 1996, he says. "My whole life was ahead of me. I was an unwritten story, a blank page, an empty computer screen pick your favorite metaphor. I was unknown and exciting and filled with potential. "But now my story is written and Im outta here. I dont mind, it goes with the territoreally ry. But whenever I see a blank screen I get a little crazy because I dont think people realize what a precious gift they receive every New Year. Its another blank screen. Another empty page. Another unwritten story. January and is a chance to begin again to do better. "But sooner or later weve got to start writing on that screen, I remind him. And eventually, were all going to make some mistakes. I know, he says. And thats OK as long as we learn from our mistakes and take advantage of the New Years promise for growth through change and improvement. Otherwise, well keep writing the same story each year. And if you ask me, thats a waste of clean paper. He starts to leave, but first he reaches out and deletes the word on my monitor. Or, he adds before hurrying away, a good, blank computer screen. The Happiest Millionaire ' show opens at Hale Center Hale Center Theatre announces the opening of its 1997 season with OPERA STAR FEATURED: Utah Opera 'Oar the Royal Opera House of Berlin when she si in Utah Historical QuaMerly with 12 ' Historical Society's photo v L fmira jnH a j ' , Lucy Gates is srnwn as Carmen She sang in Europe at five year contract in 1909 She is featured in an article Oom a spc ial (an ly co'lection in the Utah State Utah singer became leading opera star in Europe in 1909 "In the tall of 1908 one nl the foremost agents in I mope arranged lot I lie to tiv tor an opening tor puma coloratura at the Royal Opera House ol Bulm The audition was suieesstul and in April 1909 she sent hu patents the news that she had signed a live-yea- r contract writes Catherine Johnson in the cm rent issue ot I iuh Histm i, ul Quartet l Hie attic le is ilhistrat ed with 12 photographs min a 1 I special tamilv collection m the I tah State Historical Societv s photo archives As the daughtci ol a willed slum, Susa f min. mother Gates I against anxiety ucy developed het tulciu a backdrop ot parental Lucv contmuullv tried to her parents while she reassure was stinking that die in I umpt no desire to become a public singer To give a lew concci's betore was married wac all the ambition I have ever had Lucy (tales went on. though to sing leading soprano mlcs IM tR ol Berlin an J Royal Opera Hou-.eCassel and the ( Imago Opera and had I s to recording Columbia Records success The vu'h ussassira lion ol Archduke lerdmand in lime 1914 and the beginning ot koild ii I eltcctivclv ended her opciatic career m I In urope she and he i bmthei Cecil (tates iounded the ucv (tales Opera ( onipanv that gave perloi m tines dm me 'eveial Masons hi the Mountain est 191s be titled Hi wen a widovvei with two children who later became an DS postle He supported her musical career and ucv comm ueil to sing in the I S and Canada where sin captured the hearts ol audiences When her In 19 19 lie V 111 I 1 operatic ind conceit career Waned I lie taught music 111 I ih lent her St ppnrt to the tah Svmphonv in its curls davs and r'omotcd and ciicoura,.ed talented 'nine musicians I he diamatic slur ot I my s p- to international stardom on tin .vorld s operatic stages is onlv one ol the compelling aecounts in the I at 99b issue ol ( 'iuh His mu ui Quui its published in December aiiJ avail ible at the 1. I a I State Historical Societv Book A (ult Shop for S4 St) I In 920 dtarv ol I )uk h iiTimi most likely will bring audiences out of their warm homes on cold grant fanny Mulder opens the issue and reminds us that even in the age ol ocean liners and automobiles the task of immigrating was never easy Worries over money, health, language, and Tanner Holmes tontrihutmy Writer I I ocul FARMINGTON armington residents and inderson Lumber Company aie tc amine up to help the ity build an historic park at 400 West Street in 1 armington "After three years of planning residents hope the ark can be completed Sesquicentennial tah and Farmington in 1997 to celebrate the 150-:a- r anniversary ot the settlement ol which was also settled in 1847." ud David A Barney, Clark lane Historical reservation Association chairman The Clark Lane istoncal Preservation Association, a non profit, organization helped create Davis County's first stone district, and will now help the citv build the irk, An architectural plan for the park and 21 foot gae-- i was prepared by Brent Morris Associates and 'proved by the Farmington City Planning immission last year. The park is located within the iundanes of the historic district An historical monu-en- t which honors Farmington's early pioneers, is rated in the area trail syctem and "The park is a part of a countv-wid- e : gazebo would be used by many people after walk-- e or riding from the nearest parking area," said January nights They seem to give glorious, needed laughter after the sometimes stress-fille- d holidays. It occurred that after the avalanche of money spent on parties and gift giving, all of us might like to be The Happiest Millionaire. This delightful 1956 Broadway play was made into a movie musical for Disney a raises bedlam, and teaches his venture onto stage, roam around, be carried out, and not scare the audience to death. Enter Rory Scanion, a mechanical arts specialist from BYU. He designed amazingly real looking costumes with mechanics for maneuvering about on the floor. An eccentric Philadelphia millionaire in the early 1900s is bored with anything or anyone less than extraordinary. He raises alligators. boyfriend who keeps father off balance. Director is David Nieman who recently directed Beau Jest for the 1996 season. He was a professional actordirector in the L.A. area for over 20 years. Debbie Zeis is production assistant; Deanne DeWitt, lenges. Two live alligators must daughter, Cordelia, to box. What a knockout she is. Eyebrows are raised at the impropriety of her fathers tutelage. He uses his and his daughter s sparing techniques to ward off any suitors. Enter Cordelias more wealthy resident costumer; Dan Morgan, light design, and Mike Williams, sound design. employment plagued the Mulders, and the sadness of leaving loved ones and familiar homes far behind was no more easily abated in the 20th century than in the 19th lanny's lascinating account was prepared for publication by William Mulder, emeritus profes- sor ol English. Cniversity of I tah Other articles in the fall issue treat the explosive 1950s question ol I te tribal membership as the federal government sought political termination for the Utes and the leading role played by Charles W Penrose in the quest for Utah statehood Rounding out the issue are rev lews of a number of recently published works in Utah and western history ( lah Historical Quarterly is lust one ot many benefits of in the Utah State Historical Society Anyone is eli0 for gible to oin Call additional information mem-bcrsh- ip CLASSIFIED AD 533-350- Farmington, Anderson Lumber jo build a new historical park Susan Kyle Crichtons The Happiest Millionaire. The most important decision the ownersproducers make is the selection of the season. They have found that hilarious, zany plays with catchy titles are what few years later Both were inspired by the book My Philadelphia Father, by Cordelia Drexel Biddle The story is probably autobiographical since Cordelia Biddle is also the plays leading lady. Each show presents its chal- Barney "A water fountain next to the monument and the gazebo will encourage people to use the trails. Because of the size of the gazebo, it could also be used as a stage tor bands or other entertainment in the park oeal residents have raised S1.000 in donations so far Anderson Lumber Company has agreed to donate MO worth ol building materials for each $10 Anderson umber gilt certilicate purchased by participants. Even apartment dwellers need light bulbs or other items supplied by Anderson Lumber Each $10 gift certificate purchased will help Farmington reach the goal of $3,500 needed to build the gazebo. After obtaining the proper building permits and 1 DURING JANUARY 1997 ONLY BUY ONE CLASSIFIED AD FOR THE CLIPPER AND CLIPPER EXTRA L approvals, the Clark Lane Historical Preservation Association will organize an to construct the gazebo After the gazebo has been built, it will be donated to Farmington City for all Farmington residents to enjoy. Those interested in participating can purchase gift certificates by mailing a check made out to the Clark Lane Historical Preservation Association, P.O. Box 917, Farmington. UT 84025 or by stopping by the Farmington City Offices at 130 N. Main Street. Orders must be in $10 increments. If ordering by mail, gift certificates will be sent to purchasers as quickly as possible f or more information contact Bamey at bam-rais-m- 451-064- DURING THE WEEKS OF JANUARY 1997 AND DURING THE SAME WEEK WE WILL GIVE YOU A SECOND 1 5 WORD CLASSIFIED AD ABSOLUTELY FREE! DROP BY THE CLIPPER OFFICE TODAY 1370 S. 500 W. BOUNTIFUL |