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“Adults ask questions as a child does. When you stop wondering, you might as well put your rocker on the front porch and call it a day.” —Johnny Carson.

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— MY TWO CENTS WORTH —

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.

Trick-or-Treaters are coming to a neighborhood near you this week, although they’ve already visited some communities. 

Baby Ruth, Clark Bars, Hershey Bars, Milky Way, and Butterfingers were among the most popular candies distributed to trick-or-treaters in the 1950s era. Neighbors also handed out small toys, homemade goodies, gum, and wax lips and teeth. 

When it comes to candy today, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups rank as the most popular candy in 14 states. The next five popular candies are M&M’s, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, Snickers, and Skittles. The list was compiled from DoorDash receipts last October when consumers were stocking up for the holiday.

Pennsylvania gives out the most Halloween candy. Here are the top candy-giving states. 

— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) Laura Bullion followed in her father's footsteps and became an outlaw, but did him one better when she rode with a couple of infamous gangs of the Old West. "ROSE OF THE WILD BUNCH."

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(2) All you wanted to know about firearms in the Old West. Fiction versus fact and myth versus reality. 

— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) It’s pretty much a given that it’s healthful to stroke animals, particularly dogs. We seem to chill out more. But here’s what happens when we touch grass, leaves, and bark.  

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(4) “What do you get if all the vehicles in the U.S. are painted white?” Answer, “A white car-nation.” Jokes aside, researchers say the color of your car affects its resale value. Find out which colors sell best.

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(5) Few words start with “Gh.” So, why does the word ghost have an “h” in it?

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(6) Playwright William Shakespeare was known for inventing new words and phrases. Ten of them have become part of the popular lexicon.

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(7) Before the pandemic, the Las Vegas Valley featured more than 70 casino buffets. Only 13 survived. I’m not a big fan of buffets, although I do visit a breakfast buffet on rare occasions. Writer Janna Karel hadn’t dined at a Las Vegas buffet since 1997, but decided to eat at every buffet on the Las Vegas strip in one week. Here’s her story.  

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(8) Illustrator Drew Struzan has passed away at the age of 78. In the last half-century, Struzan created some of the most iconic movie posters—including Star Wars, E.T., Back to the Future, and Indiana Jones. Despite all of today’s digital capabilities, Struzan painted by hand. 

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“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all." —Henry David Thoreau

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