Not Just for Kids
The How-To Cowboy™ Presents Another Secret, Magic How-To Fun Trick
How to Always Win at Checkers
Before you begin a game of checkers, you must first view the checkerboard NOT as a jumble of light and dark squares, but as eight vertical columns criss-crossed by eight horizontal rows. Focus on the columns — at the right time — and you’ll always win at checkers.
1) Pick a partner (the chump).
2) Begin the game as you always do. Play smart.
3) After you and the chump lose three checkers each, think columns.
4) Before you make a move, note the number of TOTAL checkers (yours and the chump’s) in each column.
5) You want to keep an odd number of TOTAL checkers (1, 3, 5) in each column if possible, never an even number (2, 4, 6). Remember to count your checkers and the chump’s checkers.
6) So, whenever possible, move your checker from an even-checkered column to an even-checkered column, leaving behind an odd numbered column. And creating a new odd-numbered one. Oh joy!
9) Continue to play smart. Never move your piece into a triple jump just to make an odd column.
10) The odd-column trick gives you (and not the chump) the edge: the last move, the winning move.
Use this tip, and you’ll always win at checkers.
Another tip:
It always helps to choose a dumb partner.
The How-To Ranch Hand Challenge:
Send a unique How-To trick with step-by-step instructions to:
IM Press • Box 5346 8 • Takoma Park, MD 20913
If accepted, you’ll see your trick published in this space, and receive a LITTLE NED STORIES book and a $10 check.
Visit The How-To Cowboy™, aka Edward Allan Faine at his website: www.takoma.com/ned/home.htm.
Kids’ Calendar
Friday, February 20
Winter is Still Here
Read stories about the many things to do in winter; then make a winter craft. 10am @ Barnes & Noble, Harbour Center, Solomon’s Island Rd., Annapolis. free: 410-573-1115.
Happy Birthday, Elmo!
Ages 2-5–Celebrate Elmo’s birthday Sesame Street-style with songs, games and crafts. Bring your favorite Sesame Street characters. 10:30am @ Southern Community Center, Appeal Ln. (off Rt. 765), Lusby. $4; rsvp: 410/586-1101.
Saturday, February 21
Earn Baybysitting Certification
Learn all about babysitting or helping with your baby brother or sister, from dealing with problems to letting people know you’re a professional babysitter. Certificate w/class. 8:30am-noon @ YWCA, 1517 Ritchie Hwy., Arnold. $35 w/member discounts; rsvp: 410-626-7800.
Become a Nature Detective
Ages 8-10–Look for clues that animals leave behind and learn to spot what’s been creeping around your house. Learn by taking a detective hike, watching a radio-telemetry demonstration and making track molds. 2pm @ Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32, Laurel. free; Rsvp: 301/497-5887 • www.patuxent.fws.gov.
Meet Pork Chop, Polka Dot, and Horatio
Angela Ford, author of A Collection of Children’s Stories, reads from her stories about two dogs in love, a bell that won’t ring and more. Copies on sale. 9am-1pm @ Calvert Country Market, Prince Frederick Shopping Center, Prince Frederick. free: 410-414-9669 • www.calvercounty.com.
Sunday, February 22
Paint an Animal
Ages 8 and over paint farm-animal displays with Ranger Brian. Then stand behind your favorite, pop your head in and have your picture taken. Dress for painting. 1pm @ Kinder Farm Park, Kinder Farm Park Rd., Millersville. free; rsvp: 410/222-6115 • www.kinderfarmpark.org.
Monday, February 23
2004 Art Contest Deadline
Can you draw the orchestra’s most excellent adventure? Use your imagination and imagine where they could go, draw a picture of it and submit it to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Artwork must be on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. The artist’s name, age and phone number must appear on the back. Mail or drop off Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Art Contest, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 21401: 410-269-1132.
Tuesday, February 24
Mice are Nice
Read about a messy mouse who leaves his midnight snack all over the kitchen in Mouse Mess. 10am @ Barnes & Noble, Harbour Center, Solomon’s Island Rd., Annapolis. free: 410-573-1115.
Discover the Forest
Ages 5-7–Discover the world of trees by exploring the forest. Learn who lives there and how they survive. 1pm @ Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32, Laurel. free; Rsvp: 301/497-5887 • www.patuxent.fws.gov.
Wednesday, February 25
Squirrelly Behavior
Ages 3-6–Did you know that little varmint in your backyard can fall 100 feet without hurting itself? Learn all about squirrels during a hike. Make a special craft afterwards. 11am @ Lake Waterford Park, 830 Pasadena Rd., Pasadena. $2; rsvp: 410-222-6248.
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