Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 19, 1995 TAG: 9509190046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
C.J., Roanoke
A: Rain - or the lack of it - probably is a factor in the water's cloudiness. Algae grow better in these conditions.
The state Department of Environmental Quality says there's no hint of pollution in the river.
Dissolved oxygen and pH levels in the water indicate its quality is OK, and the test results are similar to other years.
Fish experts say dry, sunny summers let algae grow really well. Lower water levels and lots of sunshine make these underwater organisms flower.
Murky conditions have been observed in other streams this year.
It's mostly an educated guess by experienced fishermen, but plants growing in the water probably account for the murkiness.
This doesn't necessarily hurt the fishing, though, especially with artificial lures. Low visibility makes it harder for fish to distinguish the lure from a live snack, biologists said.
Obscure Oz actor
Q: In the movie ``Wizard of Oz,'' who is the character Nikko, played by Pat Walshe? This character does not appear in the book.
L.V., Roanoke
A: Nikko was the leader of the flying monkeys who carried Dorothy and Toto off to the witch's castle, says the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences library.
He's never called by name in the movie, although the wicked witch addresses him as "you fool." Nikko's only audible line is a growl when Dorothy tries to grab the basket holding Toto.
Walshe's credit in the movie is third from the end.
A larger role for Nikko may have been intended in the script, but many scenes from that part of the movie were snipped out.
That editing accounts for one of the movie's bloopers, in which the witch promises to "send a friend with a stinger" to help the monkeys capture Dorothy.
The stinger never shows up; it referred to a swarm of bees that, in one of the Oz books, attacked Dorothy and her friends. The scene was cut. It was too frightening for children in 1939, the editors decided.|
Gil Thorp's new look
Q: What's happened to Gil Thorp on the comics page? He just doesn't look the same.
J.V., Vinton
A: Gil's creator, Jack Berrill, has short-term health problems.
Berrill's syndicate, Tribune Media Services, reports that Gil is being drawn by Frank Bolle, Berrill's neighbor and fellow cartoonist in Connecticut. Bolle is best known for his own comic strip, ``Winnie Winkle.''
Berrill continues to write ``Gil Thorp'' and oversee creative and production matters. The artwork partnership is temporary and normal in cases of illness, a syndicate spokesman said.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB