Out of the Box

News Spotting
By Lois Laine

We Want, We Desire, to Aspire
Graduation day is upon us, and the Mammoth Lakes Daily would like to send out a big congratulations to all the Mammoth Lakes High School and Mammoth Charter School graduates. It's one heck of an accomplishment to complete four years of high school, and for many of you--you already have one foot into an institution of higher learning. Bravo! Whatever you do in life, do it passionately. Be successful for yourself, even if you've been paid to do well in school in the past, this next time do it for Number One-yourself. And, for all of you heading away from home for the first time-it's a big adventure. Don't hesitate to jump into your new surroundings, and live like there is no tomorrow. Don't die wondering--that's Lois' motto.

Tell Us Scott "What Happened"
Well, Scott McClellan's "tell all" about the Bush Administration, "What Happened," is lighting up the world tonight. McClellan, a George W. Bush man from the get-go, came from Texas with the President, and as the White House's chief spokesman-- Press Secretary--Scott sure shook the big tree. McClellan was both the President's mouthpiece and a liaison to the public--via the press. He was an insider and knew about some of the most intimate details about Bush and his policies, and now it appears that Scott has let some nasty cats out of the bag. First, McClellan has stated that Bush manipulated the country into getting into Iraq and then there is Valerie Plame, and the CIA leak about the undercover agent's identity. Second, Scott pulls the rug out from under the President when he discusses the Weapons of Mass Destruction (supposed to be in Iraq), which never existed, and although McClellan was a disgruntled employee, he was a part of some very classified beta. According to McClellan, Americans had the wool pulled over their eyes.... It's scary to think that we have lost 4,300 plus American lives in an "avoidable war." Did Bush really get us into Iraq so he could be remembered for being a hero--spreading freedom-- in the Middle East? Did Bush abuse or over massage his executive powers? I guess, only time or history will tell. However, it's not good when a man who has been your right hand for years turns out to slap you with it at the end of your term as the leader of the free world....

Things That Date You
Okay, now for a little levity. See if you know the answers to some of these little questions. If you don't, it's alright, the answers are at the bottom of News Spotting.
1. Who said, "Romper, stomper, bomper boolu"? Hint: She had a big wand, and funky shoes.
2. Who sang, "Put another candle on the birthday cake, the birthday cake, the birthday caaake. Put another candle on the birthday cake, you're another year old today"?
3. Who had a talking Grandfather clock?
4. Who talked to Wilbur? Hint: Four legs.
5. Who brought the mail to the Adams Family every day?
6. Who wore a small cap with a whirligig on top, and talked to a large goofy dinosaur?
7. Who were the hosts of Laugh In?
8. What do you do with a box of Cracker Jacks, aside from eat them?

Wave to Your Neighbors Instead of Flippin' 'Em Off
It seem odds to be writing this, but I guess it needs to be said. We really must learn to be more polite to each other. I grow weary of seeing people flipping the bird. In fact, my typical response to someone throwing me the bird is, "Hey, is that your IQ or the number of friends you have?" There are some people in Town who seem perpetually flipped off, and they risk being permanently stuck with their middle finger, straight up. The appropriate gesture for a neighbor or visitor is to wave--like a Rose Parade princess. Smile. And, then, wave some more. We can all use more practice being caught in an act of friendly greeting. Who knows, maybe we'll start a new trend or something. "Mammoth, Home of the Wave."

Drop a Line In--It's Free
We love it when the state gives us something free, and Saturday, June 7 is free fishing day all over the state. Yep, we get to drop a line in, from dawn to dusk, for free--no license necessary. We can thank the state's Department of Fish and Game for the day, and the other free fishing day in September.

Catch YARTS, See Yosemite for Dirt Cheap
If you've been putting off a trip to Yosemite, due to the hassles of gas prices and navigating the crowds, now is the time to discover the YARTS bus trip (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System). Beginning Friday, June 6, the YARTS bus will make weekend trips to Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining. After June, the busses run during the week. The YARTS' busses are an economical way to tour Yosemite, and if you're going from the Eastern Sierra to the western side of the Sierra, you can carry your bike too. The Ferguson Slide on Highway 140 makes it impossible (due to the length of the busses with a bike rake) for YARTS to take bikes on the route from the western side to Yosemite. Juanita, at the YARTS' office, says things are getting busy in Yosemite, including bus trips. I've taken a trip or two on YARTS and it's nice to sit back and let someone else show you the splendor of the park. It's really going to be a boost to your wallet this season, especially when gas prices start costing you a $100 for a fill up. Visit www.YARTS.com for maps, bus stops, schedules, and tickets. "YARTS runs are subject to space-available and board on a first-come, first-served basis." You can also call 1-877-989-2787 (toll free) for fare and schedule information.

Answers to "Things That Date You"
1. Hobo Kelly
2. Sheriff John
3. Captain Kangeroo
4. Mr. Ed
5. The hand in the box--Thing
6. Beanie and Cecil
7. Dan Rowan and Dick Martin
8. The prize