A rainbow disconnection
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A: The life of Rollen Stewart (born in 1945) is a bizarre story at best. In the late 1970s, he became a born-again Christian; in 1980, he set out traveling the country displaying the religious signs. Over time, he became known as ‘Rockin’ Rollen’ and ‘Rainbow Man.’
In 1984, Stewart met Margaret Hockridge, a born-again grade-school teacher. The two traveled the country together, attending sporting events and displaying their signs. Less than a year later, they were married. As the decade came to an end, Stewart started to become violent. His wife left him and filed for divorce. Stewart embarked on a campaign of setting off stink bombs in churches and in Christian bookstores.
In 1992, he attempted to kidnap two men in a hotel that was next to the Los Angeles International Airport. A maid escaped and locked herself in the bathroom. He was arrested and stood trial, using the event to promote his belief the end of the world was near. When the trial ended, the judge sentenced Rainbow Man to life in prison.
By the way, John 3:16 reads, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’
Q: I’m confused. Who portrayed Frankenstein in the movie? I thought it was Boris Karloff. ‘ J.G.B., Newton, Mass.
A: In the 1931 movie classic titled ‘Frankenstein,’ Dr. Henry Frankenstein was the name of the scientist, played by Colin Clive. Boris Karloff played the unnamed monster.
Q: My daughter isn’t old enough to read, but she enjoys being read to, especially the books by Beatrix Potter. Was Beatrix Potter a real name or a pseudonym? ‘ L.K.H., Grand Island, Neb.
A: Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) is the real name of the English-born children’s-book author and illustrator. Her best-known character is Peter Rabbit.
Q: Who said, ‘Greed is good. Greed is right’? Possibly the line was from a movie, I’m not sure. ‘ V.C.L., Ithaca, N.Y.
A: ‘Greed, for the lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.’ Materialistic stockbroker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) spoke the line in the film ‘Wall Street’ (1987).
Q: When was Little League Baseball founded? What does Williamsport, Pa., have to do with the league? ‘ B.R., Wichita, Kan.
A: In 1939, Carl E. Stotz, a resident of Williamsport, organized Little League Baseball. The original team sponsors were Lycoming Dairy, Lundy Lumber and Jumbo Pretzel. Williamsport is home to the annual Little League World Series, of course, as well as to the Little League Museum and the Hall of Excellence.
Q: I have a super-trivia question for you. In the late 1950s into the early 1960s, there was a TV Western called ‘Bat Masterson,’ starring Gene Barry. What was the name of his horse? ‘ A.R., Fleetwood, Pa.
A: Stardust.
Q: William Henry Harrison was the first president to die in office. Who was the first first lady to die while her husband served in office? ‘ K.E.W., Burlington, Vt.
A: On April 4, 1841, one month after taking office, the ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison, died. Taking his place was vice president John Tyler. His wife, Letitia Christian Tyler, was a near invalid from a stroke at the time of the inauguration.
During the next 17 months, she appeared only once in public, at the wedding of her daughter Elizabeth. She died on Sept. 10, 1842, at the age of 51. She was the first wife of a president to die while he served in office.
Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at gclothier@readingeagle.com or c/o United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016