"The stories about snakes in recent columns brought back a memory of my grammar school days," says Tony Falterman, of Napoleonville:
"I caught a garter snake, put it in a glass jar with holes in the cover for air, and brought it to school.
"My teacher asked that I demonstrate how I handle snakes, and show the class my prowess with slithering reptiles.
"I opened the jar, took out the snake, and it avenged its capture by biting and holding on to my finger!
"I then demonstrated how holding the snake by its tail and popping it like a whip would euthanize it!
"I put it back in the jar and deposited it in the garbage can near my teacher’s desk.
"I definitely was not going to be a threat to Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter) or Troy Landry (Swamp People) in my later years."
Evil weevil
"After the Friday mention of the Fighting Mosquitos as a possible scary team nickname," says Patsye Peebles, "I have to affirm that the mascot of my alma mater, Arkansas A&M (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) is quite scary.
"Those of us growing up among cotton fields can testify that 'Boll Weevils' were a much feared adversary. I really have nothing to say about the rival Fighting Okra (of Delta State in Mississippi) except they did not strike fear in our hearts."
Texas etiquetteÂ
Algie Petrere, of Central (a Texan), says, "You never ask anyone if they're from Texas. If they are, they'll tell you. If they're not, you don't want to embarrass them by asking."
Oh baby!
Our series on the old New Orleans Pelicans baseball team got this submission from Shooter Mullins, of Baton Rouge:Â
"In 1950, pitcher Paul Pettit came to the Pelicans as the first 'bonus baby,' having been paid $100,000 to sign by the Pittsburgh Pirates — an unheard of amount.
"He went on to a two-year MLB career with Pittsburgh —and won just one game."
Special People Dept.
Lena Marcello Rome, of Donaldsonville, celebrates her 93rd birthday Tuesday, April 30.
It's magic!
Ward Oliver offers this groaner:Â
"Louisian's Friday's crime blotter, states that a gentleman turned himself into the Central Police Department. Quite a feat, I'd say."
Life imitates movies
Perry Snyder, of Baton Rouge, says, "A best guess is that those like myself who got a driver's license in 1958 have driven well over half a million miles and read at least one bumper sticker per mile.
"Most are eminently forgettable. Some offensive. But every now and then one spots a classic as I did today on Interstate 12.
"It was on a Jeep bearing Georgia plates. It read 'Paddle Faster, Boys, I Hear Banjo Music.'
"Maybe the driver sought deliverance from Baton Rouge traffic."
Write Smiley at smiley@theadvocate.com. He can also be reached by mail at P.O. Box 2304, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.
