Q: What is the name of the actor who played Cloud Dancing in the TV show “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”? Also, I would like to know more about him. Is he Native American? If so, what tribe? Has he appeared in any other movies? — B.M., Myrtle Creek, Ore.
A: “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” ran from 1993 to 1998. Larry Sellers played the role of Cloud Dancing in 77 of the 149 episodes.
He was born in Pawhuska, Okla., in October 1949; he is of Osage, Cherokee and Lakota heritage. After serving in the Navy, Sellers graduated from Arizona State University and taught American Indian history for seven years. Later, he took on the challenge of becoming a professional stuntman and tried his hand at stand-up comedy. In addition to his successful role as Cloud Dancing, he has had roles on “The Sopranos,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Walker, Texas Ranger”; he has starred in the movies “Wayne’s World 2” and “Crazy Horse.” He is also involved in charitable work.
Did you know? Although Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are not members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., a recording of the comedy duo’s “Who’s on First” routine is featured prominently in the adjoining museum.
Q: I was in grammar school when my parents and I visited Scotland, the home of my grandparents. I have a vague recollection of riding a unique elevator. The elevator was composed of small compartments that never stopped. You stepped into an empty compartment and stepped off when you got to your floor. I mostly forgot all of this until I was watching an old movie and saw the elevator. What are they called? — S.F.L., Norfolk, Calif.
A: The paternoster lift is indeed a unique elevator. The machines were first built in 1884 and are designed to hold two passengers. They were popular in the early 1900s in Europe. The name “paternoster” means “Our Father,” the first two words of the Lord’s Prayer in Latin. Historians say the name was first applied because the device resembled a rosary — the elevator is also the loop with the lift boxes resembling beads.
Q: There is a place — I think in the South — where you dig for diamonds and get to keep what you find. Is it worthwhile? — M.Y.L., New Paltz, N.Y.
A: The place is Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Ark. The facility is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It costs $7 for adults.
Before venturing out into the 37-acre field to search for diamonds, you have the opportunity to learn about diamonds and, most importantly, what to look for. In 2011, 106,000 visitors found 560 diamonds, but only 30 were larger than one carat in weight. So, if you mean financially worthwhile, maybe not. If you mean worthwhile in the sense of doing something entirely unique, absolutely! Since the Crater of Diamonds State Park opened to the public in 1972, nearly 30,000 diamonds have been found. The largest diamond found at the park weighed 16.37 carats.
Q: You recently did a piece on shopping carts that ran in my local newspaper. How much does it cost to buy one of these carts? Are there several manufacturers that make them? — R.P.
A: There are many manufacturers. I checked with several. Each manufacturer has different shopping carts with different prices. If you were to purchase a full-size cart, expect to pay $100 to $200.
Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.