Ruby-red recovery poses wizard-worthy questions

In the national news recently was a report that Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers used in the 1939 production of “The Wizard of Oz” (which were purloined 13 years ago) had been recovered by the FBI. The slippers had been insured for $1 million, and presumably I would think that amount was paid out to whoever owned the policy. The report, although not particularly earth-shaking, did make me wonder: What happens now?

Does the insurance company now own the recovered slippers? It paid for them. Or do they go back to whoever had them insured? And if they go back to the insured party, does he or she have to give back the million bucks? Were income taxes paid on that million? And if so, and the policy-holder has to give the million back, do they also get their taxes back from IRS?

I think I know the answer to that LAST part. Also, shouldn’t the FBI have more important tasks on its agenda than tracking down stolen shoes?

Hmmm ... It’s a most complicated world we live in here.

Speaking of “The Wizard of Oz,” the late Meinhardt Raabe, the 3-foot, 6-inch tall coroner in the movie who announced the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, used to make occasional appearances in Ocala. He lived in Penney Farms in Clay County, not far from here. He was the last of the Munchkins who had a speaking line in the movie (“As coroner, I must aver I thoroughly examined her. And she's not only merely dead, she's really, most sincerely dead!”). Raabe died in 2010 in Orange Park, a Jacksonville suburb, at the age of 94.

A LITTLE NIGHTFIRE: Electronics buffs throughout Beautiful Marion County most likely know all about NightFire Electronics, a local firm that produces electronic kits and gadgets that are distributed all across the country and labeled “Proudly made in Ocala, Florida.” The company recently moved into larger quarters and “Augie” Acosta gave me a quick tour. He pointed out coffee mugs he can make that are decorated with art provided by the customer. For $10 each, that sounds like quite a bargain to me. Anything you can print off your computer into a jpeg file can be permanently printed on the mug.

With Christmas coming, it just might make a most unique gift. Photos, ham radio call signs, slogans — just about anything — can be used if you can make a jpeg from the design. NightFire is at 636 NW 27th Ave., Ocala. The phone number is 300-3548 (which doesn’t look like a REAL phone number to me, but trust me, it DOES work!), and the business is open Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you go, tell ‘em Emory sent you!

HARDEE’S: Ocala’s Kay McCullough wrote: “Even though I am a fast-food aficionado, I am particular about where I eat. I highly recommend the ‘new’ Hardees on Northwest Pine Avenue in Ocala. The interior is clean and comfortable; the food is delicious (that chicken sandwich and those onion rings!); and the coupons are a plus. They were in one of the newspapers I picked up in our travels! Tell Wanda, Herschel or Edison that Mrs. Kay sent ya!”

Kay, there used to be a Hardee's just down the street from the Star-Banner’s office on Southwest 19th Avenue Road. It was a favorite of mine. VERY clean, good food, good prices and friendly, helpful staff!

STUFF TO DO!: Ocala’s Judith Miley wrote: “Such a full month in Beautiful Ocala, especially at Tuscawilla Park, which has become an attractive near-downtown destination with its lake, playground, sports venues and Reilly Arts Center. Your readers may want to attend two special events there Sept. 28-29. On that Friday, from 9 to 3, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27 will have a yard sale in front of the Legion Building located on the southeast corner of the park. The next day, registration begins at 8 a.m. for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk To End Alzheimer’s disease. Last year dozens of teams and hundreds of individuals participated in this awareness/fundraising event, choosing from short or longer walks around the lake.”

SATURDAY SALE: On Top of the World’s Pat MacMurray wrote: “The Friends of Freedom Public Library will be holding another Special Saturday Sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the library. Popular author's books will be 75 cents or three for $2. Media Items including CDs, DVDs and other items will be various prices and jigsaw puzzles will be 50 cents and up. We hope to see lots of people there. Remember, all proceeds go to support Freedom Public Library!”

Please send your comments to slyguy73@gmail.com and include your FULL name and town. This column appears each Thursday and Saturday on page 1B and on-line at ocala.com.