1. Yes, the Ridgid Tool company used to spell itself without the “d.”

2. Out of my own poor addled head–this is not from a reader–I have

recalled a Muggeridge quote that I think may be original with him. (If not,

I’d like to know.) Of David Frost, Mugg said: “When he first appeared, I

expected that he would soon sink without trace. Instead, he has risen

without trace.” That is very good.

3. Solution to brainteaser : A.D.

272,402,434.

4. Rain story: “The Long Rain.” in the book (and also the movie) The Illustrated Man.

5. The Dean Martin / Kim Novak movie was Billy Wilder’s Kiss Me, Stupid

(1964).